Here are 2 famous actors from South Korea died in 2001:
Kim Gi-Ju (December 23, 1940 North Gyeongsang Province-October 25, 2001) also known as Ki-ju Kim, Gimgiju, Kim Ki-ju, Kim Kiju, Gam Kei Chu, Chi Chu Chin, Kim Kee-Joo or Kee Joo Kim was a South Korean actor.
Kim Gi-Ju began his acting career in 1960s and appeared in over 250 movies and TV dramas throughout his career. He was known for his versatile acting skills and played various roles including villains, comedic characters, and action heroes. Some of his notable works include "The Housemaid" (1960), "Goryeojang" (1977), "The General's Son" (1990), "A Petal" (1996), and "The Quiet Family" (1998). In recognition of his contributions to the Korean film industry, Kim Gi-Ju was awarded the Order of Cultural Merit by the South Korean government in 1997. He passed away in 2001 due to liver cancer at the age of 60.
Kim Gi-Ju was born in Uljin-gun in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. He grew up in poverty and initially worked at a factory before pursuing acting. He started his acting career with a minor role in the 1960 film "The Twilight Train". He gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s as a character actor, often playing supporting roles. He became widely recognized for his acting skills after playing a villainous character in the 1987 film "The Age of Success".
Apart from acting in films and TV dramas, Kim Gi-Ju also participated in stage plays, including a production of Shakespeare's "Hamlet" in 1977. He was also a regular cast member of the TV comedy show "Gag Concert" in the 1990s.
Kim Gi-Ju was credited for helping to usher in a new era of Korean cinema during the 1960s and 1970s. His contributions to the film industry were acknowledged posthumously when he was awarded a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2002 Korean Film Awards.
Kim Gi-Ju was married to Baek Un-ok, a fellow actress who he met on the set of the 1963 film "A Buddha". They had three children together.
Kim Gi-Ju was not only an accomplished actor but also a devoted family man. He often spoke about how important his family was to him and how much he cherished spending time with them. Despite his busy schedule, he made sure to prioritize his family and was known for being a loving and devoted husband and father. In addition to his acting career, Kim Gi-Ju was also a talented musician and singer. He released several albums and even performed live on various occasions. His musical talents were also showcased in some of his films where he sang and played instruments. Kim Gi-Ju's legacy lives on in the Korean film industry, where he is remembered as one of the most versatile and talented actors of his generation. He is also remembered for his kindness and generosity towards his colleagues, fans, and family.
Towards the latter part of his career, Kim Gi-Ju often took on more challenging and complex roles, showcasing his range as an actor. He received critical acclaim for his performance in the 1996 film "A Petal", where he played a father struggling to cope with the loss of his daughter during the Gwangju Uprising in 1980. The film won several awards, including the Golden Leopard at the Locarno International Film Festival. Kim Gi-Ju continued to act until the end of his life and appeared in his last film, "The Last Witness", in 2001, just before his passing.
Kim Gi-Ju was also known for his charitable work and often donated his time and resources to help those in need. He was particularly passionate about helping children in poverty and frequently hosted charity events to raise awareness and funds for organizations supporting underprivileged youth. In addition to his posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award, Kim Gi-Ju was also honored in 2018 with a commemorative postage stamp featuring his image, further cementing his legacy as a beloved figure in Korean culture.
Goh Seol-Bong (April 10, 1913 Seoul-September 16, 2001 Seoul) otherwise known as Ko Sul-Bong, Ko Seol-bong, Ko Seolbong or Sul-Bong Ko was a South Korean actor. He had three children, Goh Tae-il, Goh Tae-cheon and Goh Tae-woong.
Goh Seol-Bong started his acting career in 1934 when he appeared in the film "Arirang." He was one of the top actors of his time, and appeared in more than 200 films throughout his career, which lasted over six decades. He was known for his versatility, and was equally comfortable with both comic and serious roles.
Some of Goh Seol-Bong's most famous films include "Piagol" (1955), "Madame Freedom" (1956), and "The Aimless Bullet" (1961), all of which are considered classics of Korean cinema. He won numerous awards for his performances, including the Best Actor award at the Korean Film Awards in 1976.
In addition to his career in film, Goh Seol-Bong was also active on stage and television. He was one of the founding members of the National Theater Company of Korea, and appeared in many stage productions throughout his career.
Goh Seol-Bong passed away in 2001 at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest actors in Korean cinema history.
Despite his success, Goh Seol-Bong faced many challenges throughout his life due to the political and social upheavals in Korea. During the Japanese occupation of Korea, he was forced to change his name to a Japanese-sounding name to continue working in the film industry. Later, during the Korean War, he was conscripted into the army and served as a medic.
Despite these challenges, Goh Seol-Bong remained dedicated to his craft and continued to act well into his 80s. He was known for his humility and kindness, and was respected by his colleagues and fans alike.
In recognition of his contributions to Korean cinema, Goh Seol-Bong was posthumously awarded the Order of Cultural Merit, one of the highest honors given to individual artists and scholars in South Korea.
In addition to his successful acting career, Goh Seol-Bong was also a prominent figure in the Korean film industry. He served as the chairperson of the Korean Film Producers' Association, as well as the president of the Korean Film Actors' Association. Goh was also instrumental in developing the Korean film industry, and was involved in the establishment of the Korean Film Council, which aimed to promote and support Korean cinema both domestically and internationally.
Outside of his professional life, Goh Seol-Bong was a devoted family man. He was married to his wife, Lim Kyung-hee, for over 60 years, and had a close relationship with his children and grandchildren. His legacy has not only impacted the film industry, but has also inspired many aspiring actors to pursue their dreams.
Today, Goh Seol-Bong is remembered as one of the greatest actors in Korean cinema history, and his contributions to the industry continue to be celebrated. His dedication to his craft and his commitment to promoting Korean cinema have made a lasting impact on the film industry, and his performances continue to inspire new generations of actors and film enthusiasts.
In addition to his successful career in film and theater, Goh Seol-Bong was also known for his charitable endeavors. He was a regular donor to various charities, including organizations that supported children and those suffering from poverty and illness. Goh Seol-Bong's philanthropy was rooted in his personal experiences growing up in poverty and witnessing the struggles of others. He often spoke about how he believed that it was his duty to give back to his community and help those in need.
Furthermore, Goh Seol-Bong was a supporter of democracy and social justice. He was an active participant in the democracy movement in South Korea and was arrested multiple times for his activism. He was a personal friend of President Kim Dae-jung, who was himself a prominent democracy activist and later went on to become the President of South Korea.
Finally, Goh Seol-Bong was also an accomplished writer. He wrote several books on his experiences in the film industry, as well as his political and social beliefs. His books were widely read and helped to shed light on the struggles faced by actors in the early days of Korean cinema.
Overall, Goh Seol-Bong's life and legacy continue to inspire people around the world. He was not only a talented actor, but also a committed philanthropist, activist, and writer who dedicated his life to making the world a better place. His contributions to Korean cinema and society as a whole will continue to be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.