Pari Kim announced her mother Esme Kim has died after a cancer battle, sharing a deeply personal tribute on Instagram.
A wave of sadness has swept through Love on the Spectrum fandom after Pari Kim announced the death of her mother, Esme Kim, following a cancer battle.
The 24-year-old shared the news via Instagram on Wednesday. writing about grief that doesn’t just hurt. but changes how everything feels day to day.. In her tribute. Pari described an inner tug-of-war between the part of herself that is “sad” and lonely. and the part that tries to stay strong and forward-moving. even when the loss is overwhelming.
Her message leaned heavily on train imagery, something fans know is especially meaningful to her.. Pari reflected that “not every train track is a smooth ride. ” explaining that sometimes life gets rough and you rely on “other trains” to help carry you through.. She also said it can feel unbearable when the “guardian locomotive reaches the end of the line. ” yet insisting she has to keep going even without her.
According to the report, Esme Kim was 61 and had stage 4 breast cancer. While Pari’s post focused on emotion and resilience, the underlying details make the timing especially difficult for her and her family, marking yet another painful chapter in a period already filled with loss.
Pari’s family has been through more than one tragedy.. She previously lost her father to suicide in 2020, which she noted makes this moment even harder.. In an Instagram Story. she urged others to appreciate the love they still have. writing that time is precious and that she never expected to lose both parents at such a young age.
In the comments, Pari also encouraged support with an added “f**k cancer” button, asking fans to show they stand with that sentiment. Thousands of people responded, turning the post into both a mourning space and a public statement against the disease that took her mother.
When Pari joined Love on the Spectrum last year for season 3. she was accompanied by her mother and her sister. Teal.. That context has made the news hit even closer for viewers who remember seeing Esme’s presence during the show. and who have now watched Pari share how deeply important that bond remains even after it’s gone.
Support has poured in from within her TV family and beyond.. Pari’s Love on the Spectrum friends left messages including Madison Marilla. who wrote that Esme fought very hard and that the LOTS community would always be there; Abbey Romeo. who offered a heartfelt hug and shared her sympathy; and Dani Bowman. who said she’s always there.
The outpouring also included messages from Tyler White, who said they are praying for Pari, and from Pari’s ex, Tina Zhu Xi Caruso, who told her she was thinking of her and that many people love her.
Fans watching this tribute have pointed to how perfectly the train analogies fit with Pari’s longtime connection to trains and her affection for the color purple.. In a moment defined by grief. those familiar themes have become a language for love. memory. and movement forward—however difficult it is.
Misryoum
Pari Kim Love on the Spectrum Esme Kim cancer battle Instagram tribute grief stage 4 breast cancer