Korean War Veteran Kang Gye-yeol Dies at 102

Kang Gye-yeol, the protagonist of the film 'My Love, Don't Cross the River,' has passed away at the age of 102.

Director Jin Mo-young announced the news of Grandma Kang's passing on her personal social media, recalling that when they exchanged farewells on March 31st, she clearly remembered them and offered words of encouragement. Director Jin shared, "Even though she was fading, she clearly remembered us and offered greetings and blessings. 'Live well together.'"

Director Jin continued, "On the day I first met her on September 9, 2012, she was like a young girl, and that girl has now crossed the river at the age of 100." He left a final farewell, "To be with Grandpa Jo Byeong-man, whom she loved. Goodbye, Grandma."

The documentary film 'My Love, Don't Cross the River,' released in 2014, depicted the late-life love of 89-year-old Kang Gye-yeol and 98-year-old Jo Byeong-man, and achieved box office success by attracting 4.8 million viewers, which was unusual for an independent film. The movie told the story of the couple who had previously appeared in the KBS Human Theater episode 'The White-Haired Lovers' in 2011.

Grandpa Jo Byeong-man passed away in 2013, during the filming of the movie.