Remembering Park Yong-ha: K-Drama Star of 'Winter Sonata' 16 Years After His Death

Sixteen years have passed since the death of Park Yong-ha, the actor and singer who helped carry the Korean Wave across Asia in the 2000s. His memory still moves through the industry he shaped.

Park died on June 30, 2010, at his home in Gangnam district, Seoul. He was 32. The sudden news shocked the Korean entertainment industry and his fans at the time.

Park began his career in 1994 with the MBC program "Theme Theater" (Tema Geukjang). He built his name as an actor through a run of popular dramas, including "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" (Bogo Tto Bogo), "Loving You," "Winter Sonata," "On Air" and "The Slingshot" (Namja Iyagi). The breakout success of "Winter Sonata" turned him into a leading face of the Korean Wave, drawing massive followings in Japan and across Asia.

He was also active as a singer. Park released his first full-length album, "Gibyeol," in 2003. His OST work pulled in an even wider audience, including "Like the First Day" from the drama "All In," along with tracks from the soundtracks of "Loving You" and "On Air."

Park was still working when he died. Just 21 days before his death, he released his final album, "Stars." Police at the time said he had been under heavy stress, including worry over his father, who was being treated for cancer, while juggling his entertainment career and business activities.

Sixteen years on, the people closest to him continue to keep his memory alive. Actor So Ji-sub, one of his closest friends, served as chief mourner at the funeral and stayed by his side through the final farewell. Singer and actor Kim Jaejoong visits Park's grave every year. Last year, Kim shared his unchanged longing for his friend, saying, "I won't forget the warmth my older brother gave me, and I want to become someone who can pass that warmth on to more people."

Time keeps moving, but the image of Park in "Winter Sonata" and in "Like the First Day" still lives in the memories of many.