In memoriam: Kim Ji-mee, prolific icon of Korean cinema

Actor Kim Ji-mee delivers her acceptance speech after receiving an achievement award at the Beautiful Artist Awards ceremony, organized by the Shin Young-kyun Arts and Culture Foundation, in Seoul, Nov. 6, 2019. Newsis

Actor Kim Ji-mee, who passed away on Dec. 7 in the United States at the age of 85, was a towering figure who defined the blossoming golden age of Korean cinema.

Confirmed by the Federation of Korean Filmmakers on Wednesday, her passing marks a profound loss for the nation's cultural landscape as she was a cinematic pioneer, a producer and a cultural icon whose career spanned over five decades and an estimated 700 films.

Actor Kim Ji-mee, right, appears with An Seok-jin in her debut film “The Twilight Train” (1957). Courtesy of Korean Film Archive

Born in 1940, she made her debut in 1957 in director Kim Ki-young’s “The Twilight Train” and quickly established herself as the face of modern Korean womanhood on screen.

Unlike other actors of her era, Kim brought both style and strong feelings to her roles, often playing characters that required her to be both delicate and tough.

Her early filmography, which includes films like “The Star in My Heart” (1958), “Three O’clock P.M. in a Rainy Day” (1959) and “Lady Jang” (1961) defined the style and tone of the 1960s film scene.

Actor Kim Ji-mee, left, in 1974 film “The Earth” / Courtesy of Korean Film Archive

Kim’s choice to feature in demanding, high-quality films gave her many awards and firmly established her status as a highly respected actor.

With her performance in the 1974 epic drama “The Earth,” Kim secured the Best Actor award at the local Grand Bell Awards, and further highlighted her global appeal by winning the Best Actress award at the Panama International Film Festival.

She consistently worked with Korea's most important directors, notably producing several masterpieces with Im Kwon-taek — who later won the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival for “Chihwaseon” in 2002 — including “Gilsotteum” (1985), a powerful examination of postwar separation for which she won another Best Actress award at the Grand Bell Awards.

Actor Kim Ji-mee in 1972 film “Life Is On The Lonely Road” / Courtesy of Korean Film Archive

Kim didn't just act. She extended her influence beyond performance as she founded her own film production company in 1985. Through her company, she produced and starred in acclaimed films like Im's "Ticket" (1986), proving her sharp business sense and vision.

She also took on key leadership roles, heading major film industry associations and contributing as a council member for the Korean Film Council. For her efforts, which helped create the modern structure of Korean cinema, she received the Eungwan Order of Cultural Merit, the second-highest grade, in 2016.

Fans pay their respects at a memorial space at Seoul Film Center in Seoul, Thursday, honoring actor Kim Ji-mee who passed away on Dec. 7. Yonhap