Veteran voice actor Hee-sun Kang, renowned for her portrayal of Shin-chan’s mother (known as Misae Nohara in the Korean dub, or Miss Bong/Bong Mi-seon) and the character Mang-gu in the popular animated series Crayon Shin-chan, has officially stepped down from her roles after 26 years. The announcement, made by Korean animation channel Tooniverse on August 1st, cited “personal circumstances” for her departure, which industry sources and previous public disclosures have linked to her ongoing battle with colon cancer.
A Legacy of 26 Years: Shin-chan’s Mother
Kang Hee-sun has been the beloved voice behind Shin-chan’s mother since the Korean dub of Crayon Shin-chan first aired on SBS in 1999. Her distinctive and cheerful voice brought the character to life, making her an integral part of countless viewers’ childhood memories for over two decades. Fans first noticed her absence when her name was omitted from the cast list for “Crayon Shin-chan 25,” released on July 25th, sparking widespread speculation before Tooniverse’s official confirmation.
Health Battle Leads to Difficult Decision
While Tooniverse initially stated “personal circumstances,” it has been widely reported that Kang’s departure is directly related to her health. The voice actor openly discussed her fight against colon cancer, which had metastasized to her liver, during an appearance on tvN’s “You Quiz on the Block” last year. She revealed that she had undergone an arduous 47 rounds of chemotherapy and experienced the cancer spreading to her liver, resulting in approximately 17 lesions.
Kang shared the immense challenges of continuing her demanding voice acting work amidst intensive treatment. She explained that chemotherapy often left her voice compromised for a week after discharge, forcing her to record during the following week when her voice returned. Despite her dedication, even recording in hospital rooms or resuming work after surgery, the toll on her health eventually led her to request a change of voice actor from the production team. She expressed her profound love for her profession and the character, stating that her work was a source of support during her illness.
New Voices for Iconic Roles
In light of Kang Hee-sun’s departure, Tooniverse has announced the new voice actors who will take over the iconic roles. So-yeon will now voice Shin-chan’s mother, while Jung Yu-jung will assume the role of Mang-gu. The network has asked fans to extend their interest and support to the newly cast performers.
The news has been met with an outpouring of gratitude and support from fans, who have shared messages online thanking Kang Hee-sun for her long-standing contribution and wishing her a swift recovery. Her legacy as the voice of Shin-chan’s mother will undoubtedly remain a cherished part of the series’ history.
