Yoon Bok-hee, a legendary figure in Korean entertainment, recently opened up about her tragic family history during her childhood.
On the October 2nd episode of MBN's 'Kim Joo-ha's Day & Night,' the 23rd episode celebrated Yoon Bok-hee's 75th debut anniversary, unveiling her storied career and poignant family background.
Yoon Bok-hee, known for her timeless fashion sense, was the first to popularize the mini skirt trend in 1960s Korea. She humorously recounted an incident where a man, mesmerized by her mini skirt, fell into a manhole, drawing laughter from the audience.
As a pioneering musical actress, Yoon Bok-hee made her debut at the age of five in her father's musical 'Christmas Gift.' Inspired by the applause she received, she chose a life on stage. She shared a harrowing experience from her role in the children's musical 'Peter Pan,' where she fell from the stage and suffered a spinal injury. Despite being warned by doctors of potential paralysis, she refused treatment due to fears of addiction to medication.
Yoon Bok-hee revealed the heartbreaking past of her father being hospitalized due to opium addiction, and her mother passing away from a heart attack when she was just seven years old while trying to earn money for his hospital bills. Her father also passed away when she was nine, leaving a profound impact on her.
Before the likes of 'K-pop' and 'BTS,' Yoon Bok-hee was an original Hallyu star, gaining fame by impersonating famous singers like Louis Armstrong for the U.S. military in Korea. Armstrong himself invited her to perform a duet at the Walkerhill Hotel's opening in 1963, leading to an offer for a U.S. debut contract. However, before heading to America, Yoon Bok-hee organized a performance tour in the Philippines, only to be stranded there with three dancers when a manager absconded with their funds.
By Taeyuna, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr