The South Korean entertainment world is grieving the loss of actress Kang Seo Ha, who passed away on Monday at the age of 31 following a prolonged battle with stomach cancer. Known for her vibrant screen presence and memorable supporting roles, Kang’s passing has left fans and colleagues heartbroken.
Kang Seo Ha passes away after battling lung cancer
The news of her demise was confirmed by a family member via social media. Her funeral will be held at Room 8 of the funeral hall in Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, Banpo-dong, with the official rites scheduled for 7:40 am on July 16. Following the cremation at Seoul Memorial Park, her remains will be taken to her hometown, Haman in South Gyeongsang Province, for the final rites.
Kang Seo Ha's sister's note
Kang Seo Ha’s sister paid tribute to her through a moving social media post, sharing a compilation video of cherished moments from the actress’s life.
“I still can’t believe it, unnie. Even while enduring such immense pain, you worried about those around you and about me. Even though you couldn’t eat for months, you insisted on paying for my meals with your own card and never let me skip a meal. My angel, who left us far too soon,” she wrote.
In another part of the note, she added, “Even as you endured everything with painkillers, you said you were grateful that it wasn’t worse, and I felt truly ashamed. My dear sister, you went through so much. I hope you are only happy and free from pain where you are now.”
About Kang Seo Ha
Born in 1994, Kang Seo Ha was a graduate of the Korea National University of Arts’ School of Drama. She made her screen debut in the music video “Getting Farther Away” by Brave Guys, a performance that won her critical praise early in her career. Her breakout role came with First Love Again, after which she became a familiar face on television through appearances in popular series such as The Flower in Prison, Assembly, Through the Waves, and Heart Surgeons.
Despite her illness, Kang Seo Ha continued working until recently. Her final project, Mangnaein (English title: In the Net), stars Park Gyu Young of Squid Game fame and Kim Seon Ho from When Life Gives You Tangerines. Co-directed by Kim Jee Woon and Park Bo Ram, the film revolves around a woman grappling with the loss of her sibling, who took their own life after falling prey to an online witch-hunt. She hires a hacker to uncover the truth.
In 2023, Kang joined Insight MCN, a company formed through the merger of Insight Entertainment and Showtime Crew, signalling a renewed chapter in her career.