It has been 16 years since the passing of actress Jang Jin Young, who died of stomach cancer on September 1, 2009, at the age of 37.
Born on June 14, 1972, Jang first came into the public eye as the 1992 Miss Korea Chungnam beauty pageant finalist. She made her acting debut in the 1997 drama 'My Inner Angel' and quickly rose to prominence.
She gained attention with Kim Jee Woon’s 2000 film 'The Foul King', and went on to deliver award-winning performances, winning Best Actress at the Blue Dragon Film Awards for 'Sorum' (2001) and 'Singles' (2003). She further built her career through films such as 'Scent of Love', 'Over the Rainbow', and 'Between Love and Goodbye'. Her final work was the 2007 drama 'Lobbyist'.
In September 2008, Jang was diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer. Despite her illness, her love story touched many: in August 2009, she married longtime partner Kim Young Kyun in Las Vegas. Just three days after registering their marriage in Korea, she tragically passed away.
Her husband later published a memoir titled 'Her Last Gift', honoring her memory, while her father established a scholarship foundation to support underprivileged students in her name.
Today, September 1, marks the 16th anniversary of her passing, as fans and loved ones remember the actress often described as radiant and graceful “like a chrysanthemum blossom.”
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