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Actor · South Korea

Kang Soo Yeon

강수연

18 Aug 1966
Born
7 May 2022
Died · age 55
2019 to 2022
Years active
1
Screen credits

Kang Soo Yeon started as a child actress in the 1970s and became the first Korean to win Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival for The Surrogate Woman (1987). She continued acting and served as a festival juror until her death in 2022.

Biography

Kang Soo Yeon was a celebrated South Korean actress whose influence spanned across multiple decades in the Korean film industry. Born on August 18, 1966, in Seoul, South Korea, Kang embarked on her acting career as a child actress in the 1970s. She quickly gained recognition for her natural acting style and depth of expression. Her breakout role came in 1987 with the film "The Surrogate Woman," for which she won the Best Actress award at the Venice Film Festival. This accolade marked her as the first Korean to win at this prestigious event, setting the stage for a groundbreaking career that would pave the way for future Korean actors on the international stage.

Throughout the late 20th century, Kang starred in a myriad of films that showcased her versatile acting skills. She was known for her roles in films like "Come Come Come Upward" and "All That Falls Has Wings," where she portrayed complex characters with emotional depth. Her performances won her numerous awards. Kang's ability to bring authenticity and poignancy to her roles made her a beloved figure among audiences and critics alike.

Kang also made significant contributions to the film industry as a juror at various international film festivals. Her involvement in the film community extended beyond acting, as she took on roles that influenced the direction and scope of film festivals in Asia. In the 2000s, despite taking a brief hiatus from acting, Kang returned to the screen with renewed vigor, participating in films and TV dramas that resonated with both old and new generations of viewers.

Kang Soo Yeon's life and career were tragically cut short when she passed away on May 7, 2022, due to complications from a cerebral hemorrhage. Her death marked the end of an era for Korean cinema. Kang's legacy, however, continues to inspire aspiring actors and filmmakers.

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Profile data

Identity
Stage name
Kang Soo Yeon
Native name
강수연
Gender
Female
Born and physical
Date of birth
18 August 1966
Date of death
7 May 2022
Age
55
Zodiac
Leo
Chinese zodiac
Horse
Data and sourcing
Portrait source
TMDB API
Rights holder
TMDB / respective copyright holder
Usage basis
Editorial use via TMDB API, non-commercial reference
Metadata source
TMDB, Wikipedia, and other sources cited in the record
Last updated
29 September 2026
Editor
Claude (AI content review)
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Frequently worked with

Counted from shared credits across the database, most shared titles first.

The photo is shown through the TMDB API and is used only to identify the person. Personal details come from public sources named on this page. Private life appears only where the person or their agency has said it publicly, with the date. Last updated 29 September 2026.