Veteran actress Kim Ji-mi, one of South Korea's most prolific film stars, has died in the United States at the age of 85. She debuted in 1957 and appeared in over 700 films throughout her career. The Federation of Korean Filmmakers will host a film industry funeral in her honor.
Kim Ji-mi was born in 1940 in Daedeok, South Chungcheong Province. She made her screen debut in director Kim Ki-young's 1957 film "The Twilight Train" and rose to overnight fame a year later with "The Star in My Heart" by Hong Seong-ki.
She became one of the most recognizable faces of Korean cinema in the 1960s, starring in hits such as "Three O'clock P.M. on a Rainy Day" (1959) and "Lady Jang" (1961). Praised for her urban elegance and modern image, she captivated audiences with her magnetic presence. Her role as a mysterious woman entangled in murders in Jo Hae-won's "Fire Butterfly" (1965) remains a signature performance, highlighting her femme fatale appeal.
Her personal life drew as much attention as her films, with high-profile marriages and divorces to director Hong Seong-ki, actor Choi Mu-ryong, and singer Na Hoon-a making headlines. At the peak of her fame, she was often compared to Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor for her glamour and star power.
Kim earned critical acclaim collaborating with leading filmmakers like Kim Soo-yong and Im Kwon-taek. She won multiple awards, including Best Actress at the Panama International Film Festival and Daejong Film Awards for her role in Kim Soo-yong's "The Earth" (1974). She received two more Daejong Best Actress honors for Kim Ki-young's "Promises" (1975) and Im Kwon-taek's "Gilsotteum" (1985). Her portrayal in the latter of a middle-aged woman searching for her son separated during the Korean Peninsula's division is widely regarded as one of her finest performances.
Appearing in more than 700 films, she contributed to the industry by founding Jimi Film and serving on the Korean Film Council. At the 2019 Busan International Film Festival Open Talk, she reflected, "As an actress and as a person, I feel I'm nearing the final station of my journey. I would be grateful if you could keep me forever in your hearts."
The Federation of Korean Filmmakers announced it will host a film industry funeral in her honor.
