Im Kwon-taek (born December 8, 1934) is one of South Korea's most renowned film directors. In an active and prolific career, his films have won many domestic and international film festival awards as well as considerable box-office success, and helped bring international attention to the Korean film industry. As of spring 2015, he has directed 102 films.

Early life

Im Kwon-taek was born in

Jangseong Jangseong County (''Jangseong-gun'') is a county in South Jeolla Province, South Korea. Jangseong is in the southern region of the Korean peninsula and Gwangju and Naju is the nearest city from Jangseong. In South Jeolla, it near the northern bor ...

Jeollanam-do South Jeolla Province (; ''Jeollanam-do''; ), also known as Jeonnam, is a province of South Korea. South Jeolla has a population of 1,902,324 (2014) and has a geographic area of located in the Honam region at the southwestern tip of the Korean ...

and grew up in

Gwangju Gwangju () is South Korea's sixth-largest metropolis. It is a designated metropolitan city under the direct control of the central government's Home Minister. The city was also the capital of South Jeolla Province until the provincial office ...

. After the

Korean War , date = {{Ubl, 25 June 1950 – 27 July 1953 (''de facto'')({{Age in years, months, weeks and days, month1=6, day1=25, year1=1950, month2=7, day2=27, year2=1953), 25 June 1950 – present (''de jure'')({{Age in years, months, weeks a ...

, he moved to

Busan Busan (), officially known as is South Korea's most populous city after Seoul, with a population of over 3.4 million inhabitants. Formerly romanized as Pusan, it is the economic, cultural and educational center of southeastern South Korea, w ...

in search of work. He then moved to

Seoul Seoul (; ; ), officially known as the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea.Before 1972, Seoul was the ''de jure'' capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) as stated iArticle 103 ...

in 1956, where

Jeong Chang-hwa Chang-Wha Chung (born November 1, 1928) is a South Korean film director, producer and screenwriter. Chung made his directorial debut with ''The Final Temptation'' (1953) and gained attention only when he released ''A Sunny Field'' in 1960. Dur ...

, director of ''

Five Fingers of Death ''King Boxer'' (, lit. "Number One Fist in the World"), also known as ''Five Fingers of Death'', is a 1972 Hong Kong martial arts film directed by Jeong Chang-hwa () and starring Lo Lieh. It was produced by Shaw Brothers (HK) Ltd. (Chinese: 邵 ...

'' (1972), offered him room and board for work as a production assistant. Jeong recommended him for directing in

1961 Events January * January 3 ** United States President Dwight D. Eisenhower announces that the United States has severed diplomatic and consular relations with Cuba ( Cuba–United States relations are restored in 2015). ** Aero Flight 311 ...

Career

Im's directorial premiere was with the 1962 film, '' Farewell to the Duman River'' (''Dumanganga jal itgeola''). Before 1980 he was known primarily as a commercial filmmaker who could efficiently direct as many as eight genre pictures a year, helping to fulfill the quota for domestic pictures set by the governmen

His desire to make more artistically satisfying films began to show itself with his 1978 in film, 1978 film ''Jokbo'' (''Genealogy'' or ''The Family Tree''), but the turning point of his career came with the

1981 Events January * January 1 ** Greece enters the European Economic Community, predecessor of the European Union. ** Palau becomes a self-governing territory. * January 10 – Salvadoran Civil War: The FMLN launches its first major offensiv ...

film ''

Mandala A mandala ( sa, मण्डल, maṇḍala, circle, ) is a geometric configuration of symbols. In various spiritual traditions, mandalas may be employed for focusing attention of practitioners and adepts, as a spiritual guidance tool, for e ...

''. From this point his films have been regarded as

art-house cinema An art film (or arthouse film) is typically an independent film, aimed at a niche market rather than a mass market audience. It is "intended to be a serious, artistic work, often experimental and not designed for mass appeal", "made primarily f ...

, and have been regularly shown at international film festivals, and have won numerous awards. Im has continued to explore themes from Korea's past while also focusing on the Korean cultural identity in modern times. Among Im's most notable recent films are ''

Sopyonje ''Seopyeonje'' ( Hanja: 西便制) is a 1993 South Korean musical drama film directed by Im Kwon-taek, based on the novel of the same name by Yi Chong-jun. It tells the story of a family of traditional Korean pansori singers trying to make a living ...

'' (1993) and '' Chunhyang'' (2000), both of which concentrate on the traditional Korean musical art of

pansori ' () is a Korean genre of musical storytelling performed by a singer and a drummer. The term ''pansori'' is derived from the Korean words ''pan'' (Hangul: 판) and ''sori'' (Hangul: 소리), the latter of which means "sound." However, ''pan ...

. The latter film was also based on a traditional Korean legend. Apart from being a critical success, ''Sopyonje'' was also a success at the box office, becoming the first domestic film to draw over a million viewers in

alone. '' Chihwaseon'' (2002) was also a critical success, earning him Korea's first Best Director award at the

Cannes Film Festival The Cannes Festival (; french: link=no, Festival de Cannes), until 2003 called the International Film Festival (') and known in English as the Cannes Film Festival, is an annual film festival held in Cannes, France, which previews new films o ...

. Im Kwon-taek was awarded an

Honorary Golden Bear The Honorary Golden Bear (german: Goldener Ehrenbar) is the Berlin International Film Festival The Berlin International Film Festival (german: Internationale Filmfestspiele Berlin), usually called the Berlinale (), is a major international fil ...

award at the

Berlin Film Festival The Berlin International Film Festival (german: Internationale Filmfestspiele Berlin), usually called the Berlinale (), is a major international film festival held annually in Berlin, Germany. Founded in 1951 and originally run in June, the festi ...

in 2005. Im Kwon-taek's status, brought on by the critical success of his films, overlapped with a period of the film movement called "New Korean Cinema" or "Korean New Wave". Along with other directors, such as

Park Gwang-su Park Kwang-su (born January 22, 1955) is a South Korean filmmaker. He was born in Sokcho, Gangwon Province and grew up in Busan. Park joined the Yallasung Film Group as a student of Fine Arts at Seoul National University. Upon graduation, he fo ...

and

Jang Sun-woo Jang Sun-woo (born 20 March 1952) is a South Korean film director. Life Jang attended Seoul National University and received a bachelor's degree in anthropology. Before his directorial debut, Jang made a name for himself by writing film crit ...

, Im is recognized as one of the founding figures of the movement, which gained international critical recognition and acclaim for Korean Cinema. In April 2007, Im released his 100th film ''

Beyond the Years ''Beyond the Years'' () is a 2007 South Korean drama film. Celebrating director Im Kwon-taek's 100th film, it is based on the short fiction "The Wanderer of Seonhak-dong" by Lee Cheong-jun, and was presented at the 2007 Toronto International Fil ...

'', an informal sequel to ''Sopyonje''. In November 2007 the French government announced that it would make Im a knight of the

French Legion of Honor The National Order of the Legion of Honour (french: Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur), formerly the Royal Order of the Legion of Honour ('), is the highest French order of merit, both military and civil. Established in 1802 by Napoleon ...

. In 2013, a museum dedicated to Im opened in Busan, on the Dongseo University Centum City Campus. A documentary on Im, ''

Cloud, Encore ''Cloud, Encore'' () is a 2018 South Korean documentary film directed by Jung Sung-il. Shot in 2012 while Korean filmmaker Im Kwon-taek began filming his 102nd feature ''Revivre'' (2014), it reveals the secrets of the movie master from beginning to ...

'' (2018) by well-known film critic-turned-director

Jung Sung-il Jung Sung-il (October 21, 1969) is a South Korean retired competitive figure skater. He is the 1991 Winter Universiade silver medalist. He placed as high as sixth at the World Junior Championships (1988) and 14th at the World Championships ...

, will made its world premiere at the 23rd Busan International Film Festival in 2018.

Personal life

He married the actress Chae Ryeong ( ko), who appeared in several of his films. Their two sons Im Dong-joon and Im Dong-jae (the latter uses the

stage name A stage name is a pseudonym used by performers and entertainers—such as actors, comedians, singers, and musicians. Such professional aliases are adopted for a wide variety of reasons and they may be similar, or nearly identical, to an individu ...

Kwon Hyun-sang Im Dong-jae (born July 2, 1981), better known professionally as Kwon Hyun-sang, is a South Korean actor. Career Kwon Hyun-Sang made his acting debut in the 2008 horror movie ''Death Bell'', which was followed by supporting roles in several film ...

) are also active in the film industry.

Filmography

Accolades

Asian Film Awards Asian may refer to: * Items from or related to the continent of Asia: ** Asian people, people in or descending from Asia ** Asian culture, the culture of the people from Asia ** Asian cuisine, food based on the style of food of the people from Asi ...

: **Lifetime Achievement Award *

Asia Pacific Film Festival The Asia-Pacific Film Festival (abbreviated APFF) is an annual film festival hosted by the Federation of Motion Picture Producers in Asia-Pacific. The festival was first held in Tokyo, Japan, in 1954. History The festival was first held in Toky ...

**Special Jury Award ''Chunhyang'' (2000) **Best Director and Best Film ''Sibaji'' (1987) *

Berlin International Film Festival The Berlin International Film Festival (german: Internationale Filmfestspiele Berlin), usually called the Berlinale (), is a major international film festival held annually in Berlin, Germany. Founded in 1951 and originally run in June, the festi ...

Golden Bear The Golden Bear (german: Goldener Bär) is the highest prize awarded for the best film at the Berlin International Film Festival. The bear is the heraldic animal of Berlin, featured on both the coat of arms and flag of Berlin. History The winn ...

: ''

Gilsoddeum ''Gilsoddeum'' is a 1986 South Korean drama film directed by Im Kwon-taek. It was entered into the 36th Berlin International Film Festival. Plot In 1983 KBS launched a campaign to reunite families torn apart in the Korean War three decades ear ...

'' (nominated) (

1986 The year 1986 was designated as the International Year of Peace by the United Nations. Events January * January 1 ** Aruba gains increased autonomy from the Netherlands by separating from the Netherlands Antilles. **Spain and Portugal ente ...

) **Golden Bear: ''

The Taebaek Mountains ''The Taebaek Mountains'' () is a 1994 South Korean film directed by Im Kwon-taek. Plot The film originates from the great river story ''Taebaegsanmaek'' consisting of 10 volumes written by Cho Jeong-rae. The story describes generational conflict ...

'' (nominated) (

1995 File:1995 Events Collage V2.png, From left, clockwise: O.J. Simpson is O. J. Simpson murder case, acquitted of the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman from the 1994, year prior in "The Trial of the Century" in the United States; The ...

) **

(2005) *

Best Director Best Director is the name of an award which is presented by various film, television and theatre organizations, festivals, and people's awards. It may refer to: Film awards * AACTA Award for Best Direction * Academy Award for Best Director * BA ...

''Chihwaseon'' (2002) *

Grand Bell Awards The Grand Bell Awards (), also known as the Daejong Film Awards, is an awards ceremony presented annually by The Motion Pictures Association of Korea for excellence in film in South Korea. The Grand Bell Awards retains prestige as the oldest co ...

(Korea), Best Director **''Testimony'' (''Jungon'') (1974) **''Jokbo'' (Genealogy/Family Tree) (1979) **''Mandala'' (1981) **''Ticket'' (1986) **''Yeonsan ilgi'' (''Diary of King Yonsan'') (1988) *Hankuk Play and Film Arts Awards (Korea), Best Director **''Wangshibri'' (''A Byegone Romance'') (1976) **''Nakdongkaneun heureuneunga'' (''Commando on the Nakdong River'') (1976) **''Angae maeul'' (''Village in the Mist'') (1983)

Hawaii International Film Festival The Hawai'i International Film Festival (HIFF) is an annual film festival held in the United States state of Hawaii. HIFF has a focus on Asian-Pacific cinema, education, and the work of new and emerging filmmakers. HIFF’s primary festival is ...

**Best Feature Film ''Chunhyang'' (2000) *

International Film Festival of India The International Film Festival of India (IFFI), founded in 1952, is one of the most significant film festivals in Asia. Held annually, currently in the state of Goa, on the western coast of the country, the festival aims at providing a common pla ...

**Lifetime Achievement Award * Korean Film Critics Awards, Best Director **''Gilsoddeum'' (''Gilsodom'') (1986) **''Ticket'' (1986) * 16th Moscow International Film Festival **Golden St. George: '' Come Come Come Upward'' (1989) (nominated) *

Busan International Film Festival The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF, previously Pusan International Film Festival, PIFF), held annually in Haeundae-gu, Busan (''also'' Pusan), South Korea, is one of the most significant film festivals in Asia. The first festi ...

**Netpac Award ''Chunhyang'' (2000) **The Asian Filmmaker of the Year (2021) *

San Francisco International Film Festival The San Francisco International Film Festival (abbreviated as SFIFF), organized by the San Francisco Film Society, is held each spring for two weeks, presenting around 200 films from over 50 countries. The festival highlights current trends in in ...

**Akira Kurosawa Award (1998) *

Shanghai International Film Festival The Shanghai International Film Festival (, French: ''Festival international du film de Shanghai''), abbreviated SIFF, is one of the largest film festivals in East Asia. "China's biggest film festival" according to the Hollywood Reporter. Nex ...

** Golden Goblet - Best Director ''Seopyeonje'' (1993) *

Singapore International Film Festival The Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) ( Chinese: 新加坡国际电影节) is the longest-running film festival in Singapore. Founded in 1987, the festival has a focus on showcasing international films and providing a global platform fo ...

**2001 Silver Screen Award - Best Asian Director ''Chunhyang'' (2000) **2014 Silver Screen Award - Honorary Award

Notes

External links and references

*
Page about the Korean New Wave at asianinfo.org
* *

a
asianfilms.org
* *, p. 342-343.
Naver Cast - Im Kwon-taek

Doosan Encyclopedia - Im Kwon-taek
{{DEFAULTSORT:Im, Kwon-taek 1936 births Chevaliers of the Légion d'honneur Living people South Korean film directors People from Jangseong County Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Director winners Fellini Gold Medalists Honorary Golden Bear recipients Recipients of the Ho-Am Prize in the Arts Best Director Paeksang Arts Award (film) winners