SEOUL, South Korea – Veteran voice actress Kang Hee-sun, renowned for her portrayal of Shin-chan’s mother, Misae Nohara (Bong Mi-seon in the Korean dub), in the popular animation series Crayon Shin-chan for 26 years, has stepped down from the role. Her departure, announced by Korean animation channel Tooniverse on August 1st, is attributed to personal health circumstances, specifically an ongoing battle with colon and liver cancer.
A Beloved Voice’s Enduring Legacy
Kang Hee-sun, 64, has been the iconic voice of Misae Nohara since Crayon Shin-chan first aired as a TV animation on SBS in 1999, breathing life into the character with her uniquely bright and cheerful voice. Over her 26-year tenure, she also voiced other characters, including Maeng-gu (Sang-kyu). Her consistent presence was a key factor in the show’s popularity, establishing her voice in the memories of countless viewers for over two decades.
The Announcement and Fan Reaction
Tooniverse made the announcement regarding the voice actor change on its official social media, stating that due to “personal circumstances” for Kang Hee-sun, the role of Bong Mi-seon would be taken over by So-yeon, and Maeng-gu by Jeong Yu-jeong. The news sparked significant fan reaction, with many expressing gratitude for her long-standing contribution and sending wishes for her swift recovery.
Kang Hee-sun’s Health Battle and Dedication
The veteran voice actress has been openly battling colon cancer that metastasized to her liver, a struggle she first revealed in 2023. During a television appearance, she disclosed that she had undergone 47 rounds of chemotherapy and three surgeries, which included the removal of 65% of her liver.
Despite her arduous treatment, Kang Hee-sun displayed remarkable dedication to her craft. She continued her voice acting activities, sometimes even recording in unusual circumstances, such as in the subway or rushing back to the studio directly after chemotherapy sessions. She recounted times when her voice would only return the week after chemotherapy, making scheduling challenging.
Request for Change and Producer’s Support
Kang Hee-sun revealed that after her last surgery, she personally requested a voice actor change from the Crayon Shin-chan production team, feeling she could no longer continue. However, the producers showed immense support by offering to delay the schedule to accommodate her. She expressed that her love for being a voice actor and for the character of Misae Nohara was a significant source of strength and support during her illness.
A Career Beyond Shin-chan
Kang Hee-sun’s extensive career in voice acting spans over three decades, with her debut occurring in 1979. She is well-known for her versatile voice, having lent it to a wide array of characters in animations and foreign films, often voicing sensual adult women and dignified female bosses. Notably, she was also the voice behind Sharon Stone in many of her dubbed works, creating a surprising contrast with her role as Shin-chan’s mother for many listeners. Beyond entertainment, her voice is also familiar to many Koreans as the announcer for subway final destinations.
Her departure marks the end of an era for Crayon Shin-chan fans, who will undoubtedly miss her iconic portrayal of Misae Nohara.
