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| ▲ Veteran actress Kim Ji-mi (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, Dec. 10 (Yonhap) -- Veteran actress Kim Ji-mi, one of the most prolific stars in the country's film history, has died in the United States, film industry sources said Wednesday. She was 85.
Born in 1940 in Daedeok, South Chungcheong Province, Kim 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 through 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, Kim captivated audiences with her magnetic presence. Her turn as a mysterious woman entangled in a series of murders in "Fire Butterfly" (1965) by Jo Hae-won remains one of her signature performances, showcasing her femme fatale appeal.
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| ▲ Veteran actress Kim Ji-mi (Yonhap) |
Her life was as much in the public eye as her films, with her high-profile marriages and divorces with director Hong Seong-ki, movie star Choi Mu-ryong, and singer Na Hoon-a making headlines. At the height of her fame, she was often likened to Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor for her glamour and star power.
Kim gained critical acclaim for working with Korea's leading filmmakers, such as Kim Soo-yong and Im Kwon-taek.
Her performances earned her multiple awards, including Best Actress honors at the Panama International Film Festival and Daejong Film Awards, one of South Korea's top film awards, for her role in director Kim Soo-yong's "The Earth" (1974).
She later collected two additional Best Actress honors at the same local film awards for her leading roles in 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 the son she was long separated from during the division of the Korean Peninsula is often regarded as one of the finest performances of her career.
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| ▲ Veteran actress Kim Ji-mi (L) (Yonhap) |
She also contributed to the film industry beyond her on-screen work, which spanned more than 700 films, founding the production company Jimi Film and serving as a member of the Korean Film Council.
During an Open Talk event at the Busan International Film Festival in 2019, she reflected on her life and career, saying, "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 said it will host a film industry funeral in her honor.
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| ▲ Veteran actor Kim Ji-mi (Yonhap) |
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