South Korean Actor-Singer Han Cheongrim Dies at 37 After Colon Cancer Battle

Han Cheongrim, a Korean actor and singer known for his roles in the 2004 drama I’m Sorry, I Love You and the 2010 series Smile, Mom, died on July 19, 2023, at the age of 37. The 37‑year‑old, who had been diagnosed with colon cancer, passed away in Seoul after a prolonged illness.

Cheongrim was born Han Cheongrim on February 6, 1986, in Seoul. He studied Korean dance at the Korea National University of Arts, a university that trains performers across music, drama, and visual arts. He entered the entertainment industry in 2004 with a supporting role in I’m Sorry, I Love You, a KBS drama that aired in 2004. Over the next few years he appeared in the dramas Dream and Smile, Mom, gaining recognition for his stage presence and vocal ability.

In 2009, Cheongrim expanded into music, releasing the EP Step. The project was followed by a single titled “Show Up,” which showcased his pop‑dance style. His height, stage charisma, and versatility earned him the nickname “Second Bi,” a reference to the popular Korean actress Bae Yong‑jun.

After the 2010 broadcast of Smile, Mom and appearances on variety shows, Cheongrim stepped away from the public eye. By 2020, a video posted on a bike‑related YouTube channel revealed that he had been working as a sales representative for a motorcycle company. The clip showed him in a showroom, discussing motorcycle features with customers. The same source noted that he was married as of August 2021.

Cheongrim’s health struggles came to light in 2023. According to reports from Korean media outlets, he was diagnosed with colon cancer and fought the disease for several months. He died on July 19, 2023, in Seoul. The death was confirmed by his family and reported by several Korean news agencies.

His passing has prompted reflection within the Korean entertainment community. Cheongrim’s career spanned acting, singing, and later a career outside the industry. His early work contributed to the popularity of Korean dramas in the mid‑2000s, while his music projects added to the era’s pop‑dance catalog. His transition to a sales role illustrates the diverse paths that performers may take after leaving the spotlight.

The entertainment industry has noted the loss of a talent who bridged stage and screen. Cheongrim’s death also highlights the prevalence of colorectal cancer in South Korea, a disease that has seen rising incidence rates in recent years.

As of the latest reports, Cheongrim’s family has not announced any public memorial plans. The Korean National University of Arts has issued a brief statement expressing condolences to his family. No further details about his estate or post‑humous releases have been released.

The industry will remember Cheongrim for his early contributions to Korean television and music, and for the quiet life he led after leaving the public eye. His death underscores the importance of health awareness for performers and the broader public.