South Korean actress Im Soo Hyang made a heartfelt tribute to late co-star Lee Ji Han, who was among the more than 150 casualties in the Itaewon Halloween stampede.
Ji Han was supposed to have his TV debut in upcoming drama Kkokdu’s Gye Jeol (The Season of Kkokdu) as Jung Yi Deun, the ex-boyfriend of Soo Hyang’s character.
The filming of the drama, which also stars Kim Hyung Jun, was put on hold following the tragic news.
On Tuesday, Soo Hyang took to Instagram stories to mourn the passing of the 24-year-old actor.
“Ji Han, you have to be happy in a better place,” Soo Hyan began her letter, as translated by Korean media outlet Soompi.
The actress said she was supposed to film with Ji Han on Monday, October 31, but ended up gathering at his wake.
“No one could say anything for a long time, and we just sat in a daze. I felt so cold, sad, and miserable after you were taken away so soon as you were just starting because I knew so well how hard you worked and how you wanted to do a good job.”
Soo Hyang also related how Ji Han’s parents recounted when the actor bragged about being praised by the actress for doing a good job at their shoot.
“…I think I cried for a long while because I was sorry that I didn’t take care of you more and that it was a shame that I didn’t say one more nice thing or words of encouragement,” wrote Soo Hyang.
“I am so hurt to let my colleague go first. The team and I will all work even harder for your share while thinking of you so that you can be proud from that place, and I hope you will be at peace now,” she continued while offering her condolences to other victims of the Itaewon tragedy.
Soo Hyang is known for her roles in My ID is Gangnam Beauty and When I Was The Prettiest, among others. Ji Han, meanwhile, was a contestant in the second season of survival reality show Produce 101 before he appeared in the 2019 web drama Today Was Another Nam Hyun Day.
