A Star Bids Farewell
It’s a sad day here in Seoul as we talk about the passing of a truly iconic figure in Korean theater, actress Yoon Seok-hwa. She passed away on December 19, 2025, at the age of 69, after a brave fight against a brain tumor. Ms. Yoon was a first-generation theater star here and was beloved for her incredible talent and passion for the stage. She was diagnosed in 2022, shortly after her performance in ‘Hamlet,’ and had been undergoing treatment since.
A Final Curtain Call in Daehak-ro
To honor her memory, a special public farewell ceremony, called a ‘Noje’ (노제), is being held today, December 21st, in Daehak-ro. If you’ve never heard of Daehak-ro, think of it as Korea’s Broadway—it’s the heart and soul of the theater scene in Seoul. The ceremony is taking place at the Hanye Theater, which is a place that was deeply personal to her. She actually ran it herself for nearly two decades when it was called ‘Jeongmiso,’ staging many experimental plays. It’s a fitting location for her colleagues, junior actors, and fans to say their last goodbyes right in the neighborhood she dedicated her life to.
What is a ‘Noje’?
A ‘Noje’ is a public funeral rite that takes place on the street or in a meaningful public place during the procession to the burial site. It’s a way for the community to mourn and pay tribute to someone who has passed away. For an artist like Yoon Seok-hwa, holding it in Daehak-ro is the most meaningful tribute possible. The ceremony is being organized by the Korea Theater Artists Welfare Foundation, where she once served as chairperson. It’s expected to be a simple and modest event, with eulogies and tribute songs from younger musical actors who she directed and inspired.
An Unforgettable Legacy
Yoon Seok-hwa’s career started way back in 1975, and she quickly became a leading actress through the 70s, 80s, and 90s with famous plays like ‘Agnes of God’. She wasn’t just an actress; she was a director and a mentor who poured her heart into fostering the arts. Beyond the stage, she was known for her charity work, supporting adoption agencies and single mothers. Her passion was so strong that even after her diagnosis, she said she wanted to live as herself, even if just for a day, choosing natural therapies over harsh chemotherapy. The Korean theater world has truly lost a giant, but her incredible spirit and legacy will definitely live on.
