Il-rhan Kim is a South Korean film director, screenwriter and producer. He is best known for his critically acclaimed films such as The Host (2006), Memories of Murder (2003) and Thirst (2009).
Born on August 23, 1969 in Daegu, South Korea, Il-rhan Kim studied at the Korean Academy of Film Arts. After graduating in 1994, Il-rhan began his career as a film director, working in various genres such as comedy, thriller, horror, and science fiction.
His first feature film, Barking Dogs Never Bite (2000), was a box office hit in South Korea and was also screened at the Cannes Film Festival. This was followed by his second feature film, Memories of Murder (2003), which was also a commercial and critical success. The film is often cited as one of the best Korean films ever made and was even remade into a Hollywood version.
In 2006, Il-rhan released his third feature film, The Host. The film tells the story of a family living in Seoul who must deal with a monster that emerges from the Han River. The Host was a massive success, grossing over $100 million at the box office and becoming the highest-grossing Korean film of all time.
In 2009, Il-rhan released his fourth feature film, Thirst. The film follows a Catholic priest who is transformed into a vampire after a failed medical experiment. Thirst was acclaimed by critics, with many praising its unique blend of horror, comedy and romance.
Throughout his career, Il-rhan has received numerous awards and accolades, including the Grand Prize at the Busan International Film Festival, the Best Director award at the Korean Film Awards, and the Asian Film Award for Best Director.
Il-rhan is currently working on his fifth feature film, The Handmaiden, which is set to be released in 2016. In addition to his feature films, Il-rhan has also directed several short films, including The Host: Episode 0 (2007).
Il-rhan Kim is considered one of the most important directors in Korean cinema, with his films gaining international recognition and acclaim. He is known for his unique visual style, dark humor, and creative use of special effects. His films have had a profound influence on Korean cinema, and he is one of the most respected and acclaimed directors in the industry.
