Here are 4 famous actors from South Korea died in 2004:
Masami Shimojô (August 26, 1915 Busan-July 25, 2004 Tokyo) a.k.a. Shimojô Masami or Masami Shimojo was a South Korean actor. He had one child, Atomu Shimojō.
Masami Shimojô was born in Busan, which was then part of the Japanese empire. He later moved to Japan and became a renowned stage and film actor. Shimojô made his acting debut in 1934, and went on to appear in over 200 films and numerous plays over the course of his career. He was known for his powerful performances, and was often referred to as the "King of Tragedy" in Japanese cinema. Shimojô was also a member of the Japan Art Academy. In addition to his acting career, he served as a professor at Nihon University's College of Art. Shimojô passed away in 2004 at the age of 88.
Throughout his illustrious career, Masami Shimojô won numerous awards including the prestigious Best Actor award at the Blue Ribbon Awards, for his role in the film "The Gate of Youth". Some of his other notable films include "The Ballad of Narayama", "The Three Treasures", "The Human Condition", and "Mikio Naruse's Wife". Shimojô's influence on Japanese cinema continues to be felt to this day; many modern actors cite him as an inspiration and his work is still studied by aspiring actors. Despite spending the majority of his life in Japan, Shimojô never forgot his Korean heritage and was known for his activism and philanthropy in support of Korean communities both in Japan and South Korea.
Shimojô's dedication to his craft was renowned, and he was known to rehearse tirelessly for his roles. He also placed a strong emphasis on realism in his performances, and would often draw from his own personal experiences to better capture the emotions and motivations of his characters. Outside of his acting and teaching careers, Shimojô was also a prolific writer and published several books throughout his lifetime. These included collections of essays on acting and theater as well as autobiographical works. In recognition of his many contributions to Japanese culture, Shimojô was posthumously awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, one of Japan's highest honors. Despite passing away over a decade ago, his legacy continues to be celebrated and his work remains an enduring example of the power and impact of the performing arts.
In addition to his successful career in film and stage, Masami Shimojô was also a talented singer and performed in many musical productions throughout his life. He was particularly known for his performances in traditional Japanese kabuki theater, and his skill as an actor was often compared to that of kabuki legends like Danjuro Ichikawa and Kikugoro Onoe. Shimojô was also deeply committed to his social and political beliefs, and was a vocal advocate for peace and human rights. He was involved in anti-nuclear campaigns and was a supporter of various progressive political parties in Japan. Despite facing discrimination and prejudice as a Korean Japanese citizen, he remained dedicated to fighting for the rights of minorities and marginalized communities. Shimojô was widely respected in Japan and beyond for his integrity, wisdom, and talent, and his contributions to art and society continue to inspire generations of artists and activists.
Kim Il-woo (May 24, 1953 Seoul-June 13, 2004 Seoul) a.k.a. Il-woo Kim or Kim Ilwoo was a South Korean actor.
He started his acting career in the late 1970s and appeared in numerous television dramas and films throughout his career. Kim Il-woo was known for his versatile acting skills, and he was often cast in roles that required him to play complex and challenging characters.
Some of his notable works include the television dramas "Three Families Under One Roof" and "The Moon of Seoul," as well as the films "Sopyonje" and "A Petal." He won several awards for his performances, including the Best Supporting Actor award at the 1998 KBS Drama Awards.
Aside from his acting career, Kim Il-woo was also involved in various charitable activities. He was known for his kind and generous nature, and many of his colleagues remembered him as a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Kim Il-woo's passion for acting started at a young age, and he pursued theater studies at Dongguk University. After graduation, he began his career on stage before transitioning to television drama and film.
In addition to his acting career in South Korea, Kim Il-woo gained international recognition for his role in the 1993 film "Sopyonje," which was directed by Im Kwon-taek. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and received critical acclaim for its portrayal of traditional Korean music and culture.
Kim Il-woo also worked as a voice actor, lending his voice to various characters in animated films and television shows. He was also a popular radio host and served as an honorary ambassador for the Korean National Red Cross.
Kim Il-woo's sudden death in 2004 shocked the entertainment industry and his fans. He passed away at the age of 51 due to a ruptured aneurysm. He is remembered as one of the most talented actors of his generation and a kind-hearted individual who made a significant impact on the entertainment industry.
Kim Il-woo was also well-known for his dedication to his craft and his willingness to take on challenging roles. He was known to immerse himself completely in his characters and often went to great lengths to ensure that he portrayed them accurately.In addition to his successful acting career, Kim Il-woo was also interested in photography and often took pictures of his fellow actors and colleagues. He was known for his love of nature and enjoyed spending time in the countryside.Kim Il-woo was married and had one child. After his passing, his colleagues and fans established a scholarship in his name at Dongguk University to support aspiring actors. He is remembered as a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and a talented actor whose legacy continues to inspire future generations.
Throughout his illustrious career, Kim Il-woo received numerous accolades for his acting. In addition to the Best Supporting Actor award at the 1998 KBS Drama Awards, he won the Best Actor award at the 1983 MBC Drama Awards for his performance in "Breaking the Wall." He also earned critical acclaim for his role in the film "A Petal," which premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 1996.Kim Il-woo's impact on the entertainment industry was not limited to his acting skills. He was also a dedicated mentor and teacher, and many of his students credit him with helping them to develop their own talents and careers in acting.Kim Il-woo's legacy continues to live on, inspiring future generations of actors and filmmakers in South Korea and beyond. His commitment to his craft, his kindness, and his generosity will always be remembered by those who knew him.
Kim Soon-Cheol (May 6, 1937 Korea-February 24, 2004) also known as Sun-cheol Kim was a South Korean actor.
He began his acting career in the 1960s and went on to appear in over 100 films and television dramas throughout his career. Some of his most notable performances include his roles in the films "Im Kkeok Jung" (1973), "The Three-Day Reign" (1977), and "The General's Son" (1990).
In addition to his successful acting career, Kim was also a highly respected theater actor and director. He was awarded the prestigious KBS Best Actor Award in 1978 for his outstanding performance in the drama "A House with a Deep Courtyard".
Kim also worked as a professor at Dong-a University in Busan, where he taught acting and theater studies. He was known for his passion for teaching and mentoring young actors and was highly regarded by his colleagues and students.
Kim passed away on February 24, 2004, at the age of 66, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most talented actors of his generation in South Korea.
Throughout his career, Kim Soon-Cheol also ventured into producing and directing, showcasing his versatility in the entertainment industry. He produced and directed the film "Wife" in 1985, which won the Grand Bell Award for Best Film. Kim was also an active member of the Korean Actors' Association, serving as its president from 1993 to 1995. His dedication to the acting and entertainment industry earned him numerous accolades, including the Order of Cultural Merit from the South Korean government in 2003. Kim's contribution to the growth of Korean cinema and theater remains influential to this day, and his legacy continues to inspire aspiring actors and theater practitioners.
Kim Soon-Cheol was born on May 6, 1937, in what is now North Korea. He graduated from the Department of Theater and Film at Dongguk University in Seoul, where he started his acting career. He made his screen debut in 1962 and quickly gained popularity for his outstanding performances on both the big and small screens. Kim was known for his versatility and ability to portray different characters with ease, from period dramas to modern-day comedies.
Aside from his work in entertainment, Kim was also a social activist involved in various humanitarian causes. He was a founding member of the Korean Peace Movement, advocating for peaceful reunification of North and South Korea. He was also a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF and served as the president of the International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People.
Kim Soon-Cheol's impact on Korean culture and entertainment is undeniable. He is remembered as a pioneer in Korean theater and film, a respected educator, and a passionate social activist. His legacy is still celebrated today, with the Dong-a University's Kim Sun-cheol Memorial Hall established in his honor.
In addition to his contributions to the entertainment industry and his activism, Kim Soon-Cheol was also an accomplished writer. He authored several plays and books, including "Theater is Life, Life is Theater" and "Theater is a Weapon." He believed in the power of theater to educate and inspire audiences, and his writings reflect his passion for the art form. His work continues to be studied and appreciated by scholars of Korean theater and literature.
Despite his success and acclaim, Kim remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his career. He was known for his professionalism and work ethic, and his colleagues and students described him as a mentor and friend. His influence on generations of actors and theater practitioners in South Korea is immeasurable, and his legacy continues to inspire artists around the world.
Dokgo Seong (April 29, 1929 Gangneung-April 10, 2004 Hannam-dong) also known as Ko-seong Dok, Dok Go-sung, Dokgo Sung or Jeon Won-yun was a South Korean actor. He had one child, Yeong-jae Dokgo.
Dokgo Seong began his acting career in the 1950s and went on to become one of the most prominent actors in South Korea. He appeared in over 200 films and dramas, playing a variety of roles ranging from leading man to villain. Some of his most notable works include the films "Madame Freedom" (1956), "The Flower in Hell" (1958), and "The General's Mustache" (1968), as well as the TV dramas "Country Diaries" (1982) and "The Brothers' River" (1990). Dokgo Seong was also a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to numerous animated films and television shows. In addition to his acting career, he was a respected theater director and helped establish the Mokhwa Theatre Company in 1968. Dokgo Seong passed away in 2004 at the age of 74.
During his career, Dokgo Seong was recognized for his contributions to the arts and received numerous awards, including the Best Actor award at the 6th Grand Bell Awards in 1961 for his role in the film "The General's Son." In 1994, he was also awarded the prestigious Order of Cultural Merit for his contributions to Korean culture.
Aside from his acting and theater career, Dokgo Seong was also an advocate for social justice and was known for his activism. He participated in the Gwangju Uprising in 1980 and later served as the Secretary-General of the National Coalition for a Democratic Constitution.
Dokgo Seong's legacy continues to inspire many in the South Korean entertainment industry, and he is remembered as a legendary actor and cultural icon.
Dokgo Seong was born in Gangneung, Gangwon Province and was the eldest son in his family. He had a passion for acting since he was young and moved to Seoul to pursue his dreams. Before he began his acting career, he worked as a street vendor and also served in the Korean War as a radio operator. After the war, he began his acting career, starting from small roles in films and steadily working up to leading roles.
Dokgo Seong was known for his versatility as an actor, playing a wide range of characters in his career. He also worked with many famous directors such as Shin Sang-ok, who directed "The General's Mustache."
In addition to his contributions to the arts and activism, Dokgo Seong was also a dedicated family man. He was married to actress Kim Young-hee and had one son, Yeong-jae Dokgo, who is also an actor.
After his passing, Dokgo Seong was honored with a posthumous lifetime achievement award at the 25th Korean Association of Film Critics Awards in 2004. The Dokgo Seong Memorial Museum was also established in Gangneung in his honor, showcasing his life and contributions to the arts.
Furthermore, Dokgo Seong was not only a talented actor, director, and activist, but he also had a love for literature. He was an avid reader and enjoyed writing poetry in his free time. In fact, he published a book of his own poetry titled "Embrace the Wind" in 1986. He also translated and adapted literary works for the stage, including plays by Samuel Beckett and Eugene Ionesco. Dokgo Seong's artistic and intellectual pursuits made him a well-rounded figure in Korean culture, and he inspired many young artists and thinkers with his work. His impact on Korean entertainment and society continues to be felt, and he remains an important cultural figure in the country's history.