Veteran actress Kim Ji-mee (born Kim Myeong-ja) has died at age 85. According to the Korean Film Council, the icon—often called the “Korean Elizabeth Taylor”—passed away in Los Angeles on Dec. 7 at 4:30 a.m. (Korean time); the reported cause of death was hypovolemic shock related to long-standing health issues.
- Age: 85
- Cause: Hypovolemic shock (reported; related to hypotension and prior health struggles)
- Location: Los Angeles, United States
- Career span: 1950s–1980s; appeared in 700+ works
- Industry role: Actress, producer (founder of JM Film), former Korea Film Council member
The Korean Film Council confirmed her death and said cremation in the U.S. has been completed. With funeral proceedings concluding on Dec. 12, the council said it will not hold a separate industry funeral but instead plans to establish a dedicated memorial space to honor her life and work.
The Legacy
Kim Ji-mee rose from being scouted at 17 to become one of South Korea’s most celebrated screen stars. She helped define the golden age of Korean cinema with a string of landmark performances and leadership roles behind the scenes.
- Star in My Heart (1958) — Her breakout film that cemented her stardom early in her career.
- Jang Hui-bin — One of several major period hits that showcased her range and screen presence.
- Gilso-deulm (directed by Im Kwon-taek) — A critically lauded performance in a film about separated families; earned major award recognition.
Across more than 700 film and television works from the 1950s through the 1980s, Kim earned multiple Best Actress honors at the Grand Bell Awards and international attention, including recognition at the Panama International Film Festival. She also collaborated with legendary directors such as Kim Ki-young, Kim Soo-yong and Im Kwon-taek.
Beyond acting, Kim founded JM Film in 1985 and served as a member of the Korea Film Council and chairman of the Film Actors’ Association — roles that expanded her influence as a producer and industry leader.
Social Proof & Tributes
The Korean Film Council issued a formal statement expressing deep condolences and confirming the cremation has been completed. News of her passing provoked an immediate outpouring of grief and memories across social media and Korean news outlets, with fans and film historians sharing clips, photos and personal recollections of her most iconic roles.
Industry groups and colleagues highlighted her contribution to Korean cinema as both a defining on-screen presence and a mentor to younger artists. Plans for a memorial space intend to give the public and the film community a place to pay respects.
Kim Ji-mee’s life and career remain a touchstone for South Korea’s film history: a luminous screen presence, award-winning performances and decades of service to the industry she helped shape.
For now, tributes are gathering online and retrospectives of her films are expected to follow as the nation and international fans remember her work.
Image Referance: https://www.chosun.com/english/kpop-culture-en/2025/12/10/VEN4QY3GV5B7RL4NO47VCUIED4/