Actor Kim found dead in apparent suicide

By Lee Hyo-won

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Actor Kim Chu-ryeon was found dead Tuesday morning in what appears to have been a suicide according to police. He was 64.

The veteran movie star was found hanging in his home in Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province. His body was found by a deacon of the church Kim had attended, identified as a 50-year-old Kang.

A note was found in his room, saying, "It was difficult to handle the loneliness and hardship. I feel sorry for my fans and family".

Kang told the police about receiving a letter from Kim. "I received a letter from Kim in the morning. It was strangely morbid so I went to his house but he was already dead".

Police believe Kim died around 11 p.m. Monday.

The late actor had been living alone for the past three months and was suffering from depression, police say.

A graduate of Hanyang Universitiy, Kim made a promising debut in the 1974 film "Living in a Cell". His role won him a Best Newcomer Award at the Baeksang Arts Awards.

He appeared in some 50 films such as "Unfortunate Woman" and "Lovers in the Rain", and reached the peak of his career in the 1977 "Winter Woman" opposite screen star Chang Mi-hee.

He also released an album in 2003 and performed as a singer.