Veteran actress Kim Hye-ja, 85, and singer Shim Soo-bong, 71, have each returned to the stage looking well, putting recent health rumors to rest.
According to Newsen, Kim attended the opening ceremony of the 31st Busan International Film Festival on October 6, walking the red carpet in a hanbok with the team of her film “Still Radiant,” which was officially invited to the festival’s Korean Cinema Today – Panorama section. During the event she coughed repeatedly and needed support while moving, prompting concern online given her age.
Her representatives responded on October 7, saying there was no problem at all and that she only had a bit of a cold, adding that she would carry out all scheduled events as planned. The following day, she appeared on an outdoor stage looking relatively healthy, washing away fans’ concerns.
Shim faced similar rumors after a September 20 performance at the Jinan Plateau Trot Festival in North Jeolla Province, where online videos showed her entering with an unsteady gait while being supported by staff.
That appearance had also drawn criticism after Shim publicly scolded singer Kim Da-hyun, who had performed earlier. She later issued an official apology, admitting her remarks were a slip of the tongue.
Rather than slowing down, Shim has kept her nationwide “The Shim Soo-bong SHOW” tour going. She appeared on EBS’s “Space Gonggam” on October 7 playing guitar and drums, and is scheduled to perform in Wonju, Gangwon Province on October 31.
