Kim Hak
Actor
About Kim Hak
Kim Hak was a South Korean actor who appeared during the golden era of Korean cinema in the late 1950s. His only known film credit is 'The Flower in Hell' (1958), directed by the renowned Shin Sang-ok, which is now considered a classic of Korean cinema. The film was notable for its bold themes and artistic merit during a time when Korean cinema was experiencing a creative renaissance following the Korean War. Unfortunately, like many actors from this period of Korean film history, detailed records about Kim Hak's life and career are scarce, with his filmography limited to this single appearance. His role, while not the lead, contributed to this significant work in Korean cinematic history that has been preserved and studied by film scholars.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'The Flower in Hell' (1958), a classic of Korean cinema
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Kim Hak's contribution to Korean cinema, while limited to a single known film, is part of the broader tapestry of Korea's golden age of cinema in the late 1950s. 'The Flower in Hell' is considered a significant work that helped establish the artistic credibility of Korean cinema during a period of cultural rebuilding. The film, and by extension its cast including Kim Hak, represents an important chapter in Korean film history when directors like Shin Sang-ok were pushing artistic boundaries.
Lasting Legacy
Kim Hak's legacy is preserved through his participation in 'The Flower in Hell,' which remains an important film in Korean cinema history. While his individual contribution may be small, he is part of the collective effort that created one of the most significant Korean films of the 1950s. The film continues to be studied and referenced by film scholars interested in the development of Korean cinema.
Who They Inspired
Due to the limited documentation of Kim Hak's career and the brevity of his known filmography, there is little evidence of direct influence on other actors or filmmakers. However, his participation in a seminal work of Korean cinema means he contributed to the artistic foundation that would influence future generations of Korean filmmakers.
Off Screen
Very little is documented about Kim Hak's personal life, which is common for many supporting actors from early Korean cinema. Records from this era were often not preserved systematically, particularly for actors who had brief careers or played supporting roles.
Did You Know?
- 'The Flower in Hell' was directed by Shin Sang-ok, one of Korea's most famous and controversial directors
- The film was made during what is considered the golden age of Korean cinema (1955-1972)
- Many Korean films from this era were lost due to poor preservation and the political turmoil of the time
- Kim Hak's filmography appears to consist of only this one known film
- The film's Korean title is 'Jiok-kkot' (지옥꽃)
- The film was controversial for its time due to its depiction of urban poverty and moral ambiguity
- Shin Sang-ok would later become famous for being kidnapped by North Korea with his wife to make films
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Kim Hak?
Kim Hak was a South Korean actor from the late 1950s who is known for appearing in the classic Korean film 'The Flower in Hell' (1958). His career appears to have been brief, with this being his only documented film role.
What film is Kim Hak best known for?
Kim Hak is known exclusively for his role in 'The Flower in Hell' (1958), a significant Korean film directed by Shin Sang-ok that is now considered a classic of Korean cinema.
When was Kim Hak active in films?
Based on available records, Kim Hak was active only in 1958, appearing in 'The Flower in Hell' during what is considered the golden age of Korean cinema.
What was 'The Flower in Hell' about?
'The Flower in Hell' was a groundbreaking Korean film that dealt with themes of urban poverty, romance, and moral ambiguity in post-war Korea. It was directed by the renowned Shin Sang-ok and is now considered an important work in Korean film history.
Why is there so little information about Kim Hak?
Limited information about Kim Hak is common for many Korean actors from this era, as systematic record-keeping was challenging during the post-war period and many film archives were lost or destroyed over time. Supporting actors, in particular, often left minimal documentary traces.
Films
1 film
