Late actor Kim Su-mi's legacy lives on, bringing hope to 4 children in crisis

The legacy of actor Kim Su-mi, who died in 2024, is bringing hope to children from families in crisis.

Good Neighbors, a child-rights NGO, said Tuesday that over the past year it had selected four children from at-risk families in South Korea to receive scholarship support, using royalties from a book compiled from Kim's personal diaries. The book is titled "I Petition Against Everything That Is Killing Me."

Kim's family donated the full royalties from the book to Good Neighbors in October last year, in a decision meant to honor the late actor's lifelong commitment to caring for struggling neighbors and children as if they were her own.

One child, who had been on the verge of abandoning her dreams due to mounting medical and caregiving costs caused by a family member's illness, was able to focus on preparing for higher education after receiving stable support.

Another child, who dreamed of becoming a competitive swimmer, received funding for training fees and specialized equipment, and recently won a bronze medal at a regional competition.

"I gained the courage and hope to overcome a difficult time and move forward," one of the recipients said, according to Good Neighbors. "I want to become someone who shares what I have received with others."