Renowned veteran actor Namkoong Won, also known as Hong Gyeong Il, aged 90, passed away on February 5. Medical reports indicate he succumbed at 4 PM at Seoul Asan Hospital.
Active during the 1960s and 1970s in the Korean film industry, Namkoong Won garnered the nickname “Gregory Peck of Korea” for his uncanny resemblance to the legendary American actor. He graced notable works like ‘If That Night Comes Again’ (1958), ‘The Red Muffler’ (1964), and ‘The Court-Martial’ (1968).
Born in 1934 in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province, Namkoong Won initially pursued studies in chemical engineering at Hanyang University, intending for a career as a professor or diplomat in the United States. However, his path took a turn when his mother’s cancer diagnosis led him to enter the film industry to raise funds for her treatment.
Namkoong Won is also recognized as the father of former lawmaker Hong Jeong-wook. The late actor generously supported all three of his children’s overseas studies in the United States, financing their expenses through his diverse endeavors.
In 2016, Namkoong Won was bestowed with the Eungwan Order of Cultural Merit, South Korea’s second-highest cultural decoration. This prestigious award honored his significant contribution to the nation’s cultural development, highlighting his enduring legacy beyond his cinematic accomplishments.
Namkoong’s legacy lives on through his family, comprising his wife, a son, and two daughters. Notably, he is the father of Hong Jung Wook, an ex-lawmaker and the founder and chairman of Organica, a prominent plant-based food producer. This lineage continues to wield influence, shaping Korean society.
