There is a name that continues to tug at the heartstrings, even as time passes.

It belongs to actor Kim Joo-hyuk, who, despite being in the spotlight, always exuded a genuine warmth.

Although it has been some time since he left us, the works he created remain vividly etched in people's memories.

Kim Joo-hyuk was born as the son of the late Kim Moo-sung, a prominent figure in the Korean acting scene.

While it seemed natural for him to follow in his father's footsteps, the journey was not easy due to his father's strong opposition. Nevertheless, he did not give up on his passion for acting and gradually built his foundation at the theater company Expression and Imagination after graduating from Dongguk University's Department of Theater and Film in 1997.

He officially began his acting career in 1998 as part of SBS's 8th talent recruitment program. Over time, he gained recognition from his father for his acting skills, and the scene of the two of them shooting a car commercial together left a deep impression on many. However, it remains a bittersweet fact that this was their first and last collaboration.

Kim Joo-hyuk was an actor who defied easy categorization.

He effortlessly transitioned between melodrama, action, comedy, and thriller, and he also blended seamlessly into variety shows.

In the film "The Map Against the World," he broke away from his existing image by portraying a character that showcased both strong masculinity and delicate emotions.

In the movie "Confidential Assignment," he presented a completely different side as the ruthless villain Cha Ki-seong, leaving a strong impression on the audience.

Above all, many people fondly remember him as the warm-hearted older brother from the variety show "1 Night 2 Days." His clumsy yet caring demeanor deepened the audience's affection for him as a person.

October 30, 2017, brings to mind a day when time seemed to stand still.

His sudden passing was shocking and hard to believe. On the afternoon of October 30, 2017, a traffic accident occurred near Yeongdong-daero in Gangnam, Seoul, and he passed away about two hours after the accident at the age of 45.

Just days before, he had been smiling and sharing his thoughts at an awards ceremony, making it difficult for many to accept the reality of his death. The news was so impactful that it paralyzed portal sites and news outlets, and the entire society was engulfed in shock and sorrow, a memory that remains vivid.

I still ponder why I miss him so much.

Kim Joo-hyuk was not just a glamorous star; he was a reliable actor and a friendly older brother figure.

His performances were always genuine, and his human charm naturally shone through even off-screen. From the calm love in the film "My Wife Got Married" to the crazed persona in "The Drug King," and his bright smile in "1 Night 2 Days," we continue to encounter him through his diverse roles.

The actor Kim Joo-hyuk, who made us laugh and cry with his wonderful performances, may no longer be with us, but the works and memories he left behind will not easily fade away. Today, I particularly miss his sincere voice.