Park Jin-young(JYP), singer and founder of JYP Entertainment, has announced the passing of his father.
In an Instagram post shared early on January 20, Park wrote, “Just before the final live broadcast of KBS2’s 'The Ddanddara', my father passed away and went to heaven.”
He continued, “Although my work takes me all over the world, it’s remarkable that he passed away while I was filming just 10 minutes away from his hospital. Thanks to that, I was able to see him alive one last time before the recording and then see him again shortly after he passed.”
Park revealed that his father had been battling dementia for many years and had spent the last year mostly unconscious. “Our family had been preparing for this moment, but seeing him after he passed still made my heart sink to the floor,” he shared.
In a heartfelt farewell, Park described his father as more than just a parent. “I never called him ‘Father(Abeoji)’ but always ‘Daddy(Appa)’ (a warmer, endearing term), my best friend who always believed in me and cheered me on. Daddy, you’re probably reading this from heaven now. I became the person I am today because of you. Thank you, Dad. You were the best dad anyone could ever ask for. Let’s meet again and have lots of conversations.”
He concluded the post with a gentle request to friends and acquaintances, writing, “I apologize, but we plan to hold the funeral privately with only our family in attendance. Your thoughts and prayers alone would mean so much to us.”
Full Instagram Post
Just before the final live broadcast of 'The Ddanddara' today, my father went to heaven. Even though my work often takes me around the globe, it’s incredible that he passed away while I was filming just 10 minutes from his hospital. Because of that, I was able to see him alive before the recording and again shortly after he passed.
My father battled dementia for a long time, and over the past year, he spent most of his time unconscious. Our family had been mentally preparing for this, but seeing him after his passing made my heart drop completely.
Still, during the early stages of his dementia, when he became as pure as a child, he listened to us talk about Jesus and fully embraced the gospel. As Christians, our family is finding strength in knowing where he has gone and in the hope that we’ll see him again soon. Without that, this would have been far more difficult to bear.
I never called him ‘Father’ but always ‘Dad’ (a warm, familiar term). My best friend who always believed in me and supported me, Dad, you’re probably reading this from heaven now. I became the person I am today because of you. Thank you, Dad. You were the greatest dad anyone could ask for. Let’s meet again and talk a lot.”
P.S. To all my friends and acquaintances, I sincerely apologize, but we plan to hold the funeral quietly with just our family. I hope you can join us in spirit. Thank you.