‘Elizabeth Taylor of Korea’ Who Led Korean Cinema, Kim Ji-mee, Passes Away in the United States

[Financial News] Veteran actress Kim Ji-mee (born Myungja Kim), who played a pivotal role in the golden age of Korean cinema, has passed away at the age of 85.

According to the film industry on the 10th, Kim Ji-mee recently passed away in the United States after her health deteriorated due to weakened physical condition from shingles.

Born in 1940 in Daedeok-gun, Chungnam Province, Kim Ji-mee made her debut in 1957 as a high school student in the film Twilight Train, directed by Kim Ki-young. She appeared in over 700 Korean films, including notable works such as Gilsotteum by director Im Kwon-taek and The Earth by director Kim Soo-yong. Throughout her illustrious career, she received numerous accolades, including Best Actress at the International Film Festival of Panama and the Grand Bell Awards.
Renowned for her striking beauty, she was dubbed the 'Elizabeth Taylor of Korea' and led the Korean film industry as its top star throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

Beyond acting, she established the production company Jimi Film and served as a member of the Korean Film Council (KOFIC), contributing greatly to the advancement of Korean cinema. In 2010, she was inducted into the Film Hall of Fame under the title of 'Glamorous Actress.'

The Korea Actors Association, together with the Federation of Korean Filmmakers, is preparing a film industry funeral under the association’s direction.

y27k@fnnews.com Seo Yoon-kyung Reporter