Renowned veteran actor Namkoong Won, also known as Hong Gyeong Il (age 90), passed away on February 5. According to medical reports, he passed away at 4 PM at Seoul Asan Hospital.

Active during the 1960s and 1970s in the Korean film industry, Namkoong Won earned the moniker "Gregory Peck of Korea" due to his striking resemblance to the legendary American actor. He played roles in notable works such as 'If That Night Comes Again' (1958), 'The Red Muffler' (1964), and 'The Court-Martial' (1968).

Born in 1934 in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province, he initially pursued studies in chemical engineering at Hanyang University with plans for a career as a professor or diplomat in the United States. However, his trajectory shifted when his mother's cancer diagnosis prompted him to enter the film industry to raise funds for her treatment.

He is also known as the father of former lawmaker Hong Jeong-wook. The late actor supported all three of his children's overseas studies in the United States, covering the expenses through his various activities.