For many fans of South Korean entertainment, the sight of actor Koo Sung-hwan and his beloved dog Kkotbuni brought warmth and joy to their screens. On February 21, 2026, Koo Sung-hwan announced through his social media that Kkotbuni, his cherished canine companion, had passed away on February 14. The announcement, though expected by some who followed their journey closely, sent ripples of sadness through the community that had come to adore their bond.
According to multiple outlets, including Newsis and Donga.com, Koo’s message was raw and heartfelt. He confessed, “I don’t know how many times I wrote and erased this post. Even as I write this, I don’t want to accept it, and I can’t believe it.” The pain in his words was palpable. Kkotbuni, whom he described as “my daughter, my little sister, my soulmate,” had crossed the rainbow bridge—a phrase often used in Korea to describe the passing of a pet.
Koo’s grief was laced with gratitude and regret. He thanked everyone who had shown Kkotbuni love, writing, “Kkotbuni received so much love in this life. I really wanted to say thank you for all the love you gave her.” Yet, he couldn’t help but wish for more time. “If I had known she would leave like this, I would have fed her more delicious food and taken her on more walks. Only regrets remain.” His words echoed across social media, resonating with pet owners and fans alike.
Kkotbuni wasn’t just a pet in the background of Koo’s life. She was a star in her own right. Their everyday moments together were broadcast to the nation through the popular MBC variety show I Live Alone. As reported by Hankook Ilbo and News1, viewers fell in love with the gentle, affectionate dog who brought out a softer side of the actor. Their on-screen chemistry was so endearing that Kkotbuni even inspired her own emoticons and became a model for various advertisements, including chicken and shampoo products, according to HuffPost Korea.
Their story, however, began far from the limelight. Koo once shared on tvN’s You Quiz on the Block that he met Kkotbuni under unexpected circumstances—a friend, unable to keep the puppy due to allergies, needed someone to care for her. Koo, who wasn’t planning to adopt a dog, found himself volunteering after a night out. He woke up the next morning to find the two-month-old puppy sleeping at his feet, and from that moment, they were inseparable. “Even now, I remember it so clearly. She would follow me everywhere,” he recalled. “That night, she crawled into my blanket, and I could hear her breathing close to my heart. I couldn’t imagine her going anywhere else. Since then, we’ve lived happily together. She’s my lucky charm.”
Over the years, Kkotbuni became a fixture in Koo’s life and work. She appeared with him on I Live Alone starting in May 2024, and the pair’s candid, loving interactions quickly became a fan favorite. Their everyday routines—walks in the park, quiet evenings at home—offered a relatable glimpse into the life of a celebrity off the clock. Koo continued to share episodes featuring Kkotbuni, and their bond was celebrated both on and off the screen. The dog’s popularity soared, and as Hankook Ilbo noted, Koo even mentioned her during his acceptance speech at the 2025 MBC Entertainment Awards, saying, “To the one waiting for me at home, (Kkot)Buni, you make me happy these days.”
As news of Kkotbuni’s passing spread, condolences poured in from across the entertainment world and among fans. Fellow celebrities who had crossed paths with the pair on I Live Alone expressed their sorrow online. Actor Lee Jang-woo left a simple, tearful emoji, while others like Lee Joo-seung and producer Code Kunst wrote messages such as, “Rest comfortably, my little friend,” and “I love you, Kkotbuni.” The outpouring of love and sympathy was a testament to the impact Kkotbuni had made—not just as a pet, but as a symbol of comfort and companionship in the often hectic world of show business.
Koo’s message to his late companion was one of deep affection and longing. “You were so kind and affectionate, Kkotbuni. Thank you, I’m sorry, and I love you so, so much. Let’s meet again someday. Eat lots of delicious food and play happily with friends where you are. I really, really love you.” He closed his post by thanking everyone who had loved and cared for Kkotbuni, promising, “I will recover and return in good health.”
The story of Koo Sung-hwan and Kkotbuni is more than just a tale of a man and his dog. It’s a reflection of the profound connections people form with their pets, and how those relationships can touch countless others. Koo often spoke about the comfort and stability Kkotbuni brought to his life. “Just by existing, she gave me so much peace,” he once said. He admitted that he worried about how he would cope in a world without her, a sentiment many pet owners understand all too well.
Kkotbuni’s legacy lives on—not only in memories and broadcasts but in the lessons of love, gratitude, and cherishing every moment. As Koo reflected, “If I could talk to her, I’d ask if she was truly happy. I’d want to hear that she enjoyed our travels together and that she was glad to have met me instead of someone else. I hope she’d say she wanted to live a beautiful, fairy-tale life with me.”
For now, Koo Sung-hwan is taking time to grieve and heal, surrounded by a community that shares in his loss. Fans and friends alike remember Kkotbuni as more than a television fixture—they remember her as a source of joy, a gentle spirit, and a reminder to treasure the ones we love, human or otherwise.