The tragic news of actor Park Dong-bin's passing has been reported, leaving many saddened by the story of his late-born daughter and his deep affection for her.
According to the Pyeongtaek Police Station, a friend discovered Park's body at a restaurant in Jangandong, Pyeongtaek City, around 4:25 PM on the 29th and reported it to the police.
No criminal activity is suspected, and no notes or clues were found to determine the circumstances. The restaurant was reportedly being prepared by the deceased for an opening next month.
Park Dong-bin married fellow actress Lee Sang-yi in February 2020 and welcomed a daughter through IVF in 2023 at the age of 53. He appeared on Channel A's 'Oh Eun-young's Golden Counseling Center' in 2024, sharing his concerns as a father who had a child later in life.
Park expressed, "I'm happy to have a child, but I think about numbers these days. When my daughter goes to middle school, I'll be 66." He continued, "I took my daughter to a cultural center, and the next week, my wife was told, 'Ji-yoo came with her grandfather last week.' I've always been confident, but I worry about hurting my daughter later."
Park's daughter, who was slow to start walking, was diagnosed with a complex congenital heart defect at seven months of pregnancy. Park revealed, "Our child was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a condition where the left ventricle and aorta do not form properly, leading to death without heart transplant or staged surgeries. We chose staged surgeries, and she has completed three so far."
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is a congenital heart disease where the aortic valve, left ventricle, and aorta are underdeveloped. Park shared, "She's growing well now, but it's a condition with many issues, so we can't be at ease," and tears welled up in his eyes during the broadcast.
The sudden news is even more heartbreaking given the precious time the late actor cherished with his daughter. His story has prompted an outpouring of condolences from the public and colleagues.
Park Dong-bin debuted in 1996, appearing in films like 'Shiri,' 'Taegukgi,' and 'My Man's Romance.' He also showcased his unique acting style and friendly image in dramas such as 'The Age of Wild Men,' 'Immortal Admiral Yi Sun-sin,' 'Dae Jo Yeong,' 'Sungkyunkwan Scandal,' 'The Great Wives,' 'Surviving as a Celebrity Manager,' 'Brave Young Soo-jung,' and 'The Woman Who Swallowed the Sun.'
Park left a lasting impression as Park Do-jun in the 2012 MBC morning drama 'I Think I Loved You,' earning the nickname 'Juice Man' for a scene where he spits out juice in shock upon learning a secret about his daughter's birth. He later performed similar scenes in 'All About My Mom,' 'The Great Wives,' and 'The Woman Who Swallowed the Sun.'
The late actor's funeral is being held at the Gyeonggi Anseong Citizen's Funeral Hall. The funeral procession will take place on May 1st at 8:30 AM, and the burial will be at Wuseong Park Cemetery.
Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr