2NE1’s Minzy’s Great Aunt Gong Ok Jin Passes Away

2NE1’s Minzy’s great-aunt and Korea’s legendary traditional dancer, Gong Ok Jin, passed away due to chronic illness earlier today.

In 1998, the famous folk dancer suffered from a stroke and had been fighting against the after effects of a stroke when she suffered yet another stroke in 2004. She was also involved in a car accident in 2007, which further declined her health. Born in 1931, Gong Ok Jin was highly known for her traditional singing, as well as her Korean folk dance. She created the “dance of the handicapped” and “animal imitation dance.”

Minzy has often talked about her great-aunt as both shared a passion for dancing. It’s been said that the two shared a close bond and that her Gong Ok Jin gave Minzy tips and monitored her performances.

A representative of YG Entertainment stated, “Gong Minzy heard the news of her great-aunt this morning and is on her way to Young Kwang with her parents. She’s devastated by the news.”

Meanwhile, 2NE1 made their comeback performance on SBS’s “Inkiagyo” yesterday with “I Love You.”

We send our deepest condolences to Gong Minzy and her family.