The posthumous work of the late Kim Soo-mi's love and hatred, "Friendly Mom"..."Staff's unpaid wage is 400 million won."

Scene of Kim Soo-mi's performance of "My Friendly Mom" during her lifetime / ⓒYonhap News

With actor Kim Soo-mi's sudden death, interest in his last stage performance, "Friendly Mom," is increasing.

Kim Soo-mi expressed her special affection at the press call of "My Friendly Mom" held in April, saying, "My Friendly Mom is a work I want to take to my grave along with "The Country Diary." He also explained the background of the long relationship, saying, "It felt like a work sent to me by my late mother through an artist."The deceased

has been appearing in the work for 14 years, showing special affection, but it has been known since his death that he has been under extreme stress recently as he prepares to file a lawsuit over unpaid performance fees.

The work tells the story of Bong-ran, a tomboy maiden, who experiences daily conflict and joy with her daughter Mi-young as she becomes her mother over the years. Kim Soo-mi has appeared as Bong-ran for 14 years since its premiere in 2010.

Kim Soo-mi appeared as Bong-ran, the main character of "My Friendly Mom," which was performed at KEPCO Art Center until May 26. After the performance, he was hospitalized at Hanyang University Hospital in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on the 31st of the same month after being diagnosed with fatigue accumulated.

The problem arose when the production company was embroiled in a plagiarism dispute. It is suspected of using some of the contents of the play "Friendly Mom," which premiered in 2007, without permission.

Not only major performers such as Kim Soo-mi, but also staff members such as stage, sound, lighting, and props were reportedly not paid. According to the "Group of Victims of Delinquent Wages for Parents", the amount of unpaid wages alone is estimated to reach 400 million won. The representative of the production company is currently out of contact.

Chung Myung-ho, director of Morning Flower F&B, said the deceased had not been paid for his appearance since last year, and even prepared a lawsuit while he was alive.

Reporter Park Sun-young of Digital News Team