Veteran Actress Kim Ji-mi Dies at 85; Film Community to Hold Memorial Service

연합뉴스 / 2025-12-10 10:53:34

▲ This Yonhap file photo shows Veteran South Korean film actress Kim Ji-mi. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Dec. 10 (Yonhap) -- Veteran South Korean film actress Kim Ji-mi, whose real name was Kim Myung-ja, has died at the age of 85, the film industry said Wednesday.

According to industry sources, Kim passed away in the United States.

Born in 1940 in what is now Daejeon, the actress made her debut in director Kim Ki-young’s 1957 film "The Twilight Train" and went on to remain active through the 1990s as one of South Korea’s most prominent screen stars.

She worked with leading filmmakers on such classics as "Land" (1974), directed by Kim Soo-yong, and "Gilsotteum" (1985), directed by Im Kwon-taek, earning multiple major awards, including best actress honors at the Panama International Film Festival and the Grand Bell Awards. She appeared in some 700 films over her career.

In recognition of her legacy as one of the most popular actresses in Korean cinema history, she was inducted into the Korean Film Hall of Fame in 2010 under the title "Brilliant Actress."

Beyond acting, Kim founded the production company Jimi Film and served as a member of the Korean Film Council, remaining actively involved in the film industry.

The Federation of Korean Film Associations said it is preparing to hold a filmmakers’ funeral in her honor.