Film industry mourns iconic actor Kim Ji-mee
Veteran actress Kim Ji-mee walks the red carpet at the opening ceremony of the 24th Busan International Film Festival held at the Busan Cinema Center in Busan, Oct. 3, 2019. Yonhap
The Korean film community on Wednesday mourned the death of veteran actor Kim Ji-mee, one of the brightest stars of the nation's cinematic golden age in the 1960s, remembered by colleagues as a "once-in-a-century performer" and "heroine" of Korean cinema.
Lee Jang-ho, who directed Kim in her final starring role in "Myongja, Akiko, Sonia" (1992), described her as "a true and chosen actor."
"It is the will of God, and there's nothing we can do," Lee told Yonhap News Agency by phone. "But she was an actor who appears once in a hundred years. She was a heroine — a woman with more guts than most men."
Born in 1940 in Daedeok, South Chungcheong Province, Kim made her screen debut in director Kim Ki-young's 1957 film "The Twilight Train." Over a career spanning four decades, she appeared in more than 700 films, working with renowned directors, such as Kim Soo-yong in "The Earth" (1974) and Im Kwon-taek in "Gilsotteum" (1985).
Director Jung Ji-young, active in the 1980s, remembered Kim as one of the most iconic figures of her era.
"She enjoyed a prime every bit as glorious as Shin Sung-il's and remained at the top for a long time," Jung said. "We were personally close, though I regret we never worked together." He added, "May she rest in peace."
Director Bae Chang-ho recalled Kim's warmth and humility, despite her stardom.
"When we were filming 'Deep Blue Night' (1985) in the United States, she happened to be there and treated our crew to a meal just to encourage us," he said. "She was always polite, straightforward and down-to-earth."
Beyond acting, Kim also founded her own production company, Jimi Film, and served as chairperson of a film industry association and as a member of the Korean Film Council.
"She was Korea's diva and devoted her entire life to cinema," Bae said.
Kim Dong-ho, former executive director of the Busan International Film Festival, remembered her as a pioneer with "strong leadership and great compassion."
"She directly produced and starred in her films, leaving a tremendous impact on the industry," he said. "We often met when she came to Korea — even had lunch two years ago. It's heartbreaking."
Her death came just days after veteran actor Yoon Il-bong's death, deepening the sense of loss within the film community.
"These were the actors who built the golden age of Korean cinema," Kim Dong-ho said. "Their departures are an immense loss."