Remembering Stars Lost on January 21st

January 21st has become a somber date in the Korean entertainment industry, marking the loss of several beloved stars over the years.

- **Yuni**

Singer and actress Yuni tragically passed away on January 21, 2007, at her home in Incheon, at the young age of 26. At the time, she was preparing to release her third album but was battling severe depression. Yuni debuted in 1996 through KBS's 'Adults Don't Know' and gained fame as a child actress in dramas like 'Tears of the Dragon' and 'The King and I', as well as films such as 'Born to Kill' and 'Seventeen'. She also made her mark in the music industry, debuting in 2003 with her album 'Ga', showcasing her vibrant performances. Despite her popularity, Yuni faced relentless cyberbullying, which she openly discussed on her mini homepage. Her untimely death sparked renewed conversations about the impact of online harassment.

- **Jeon Tae-soo**

Actor Jeon Tae-soo, the younger brother of actress Ha Ji-won, passed away on January 21, 2018, at the age of 34. He had been receiving treatment for depression and was reportedly in discussions about returning to acting when he unexpectedly passed away. In February 2011, he had made headlines for assaulting a taxi driver and police while intoxicated but made a comeback after a period of reflection. Following his death, Ha Ji-won expressed her sorrow, wishing for her brother to shine brightly in the afterlife and be loved by all.

- **Nam Bo-won**

On January 21, 2020, veteran comedian Nam Bo-won (real name Kim Deok-yong), known for his impersonations, also left this world. He had been hospitalized multiple times due to health issues and succumbed to pneumonia at the age of 84. Nam began his career in 1963 after winning a comedy contest and became a household name, celebrated for his ability to mimic sounds from his experiences during the Korean War. His one-man shows, infused with his unique dialect, garnered immense popularity. He was a source of inspiration for many younger comedians and received numerous accolades throughout his career.

- **Na Cheol**

Actor Na Cheol passed away on January 21, 2023, leaving his loved ones in shock. Born in 1986, he was still young, and his sudden death due to health complications was devastating for fans. Fellow actor Kim Go-eun paid tribute to him on social media, highlighting his remarkable qualities as a person and actor. Na Cheol began his stage career in 2010 with the play 'The Diary of Anne Frank' and appeared in various short films and dramas, including 'The Good Wife', 'Vincenzo', and 'Hospital Playlist 2'. He was particularly noted for his chilling portrayal of a villain in the Wavve original series 'Weak Hero'.