Chun Bae Kim

Kim Soo-hyun, born Kim Soon-ok in 1943, is a highly influential South Korean screenwriter and novelist. After graduating from Korea University and winning an MBC radio drama competition, she began her television career in 1972 under the pen name Kim Soo-hyun. Over several decades, she became one of Korea's most recognized screenwriters, responsible for numerous highly-rated dramas that often explored the complexities of Korean family life, the clash between traditional and modern values, and women's struggles within societal constraints. Her work frequently tackled controversial social issues, sometimes sparking public debate. Kim is known for her direct and demanding personality on set, insisting on precise delivery of her dialogue. She has also expressed strong opinions on the quality of television content and the responsibilities of writers. Her contributions have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Eungwan Order of Cultural Merit.

Kim Soo-hyun's writing consistently delves into the dynamics of Korean family life, examining the friction between established traditions and emerging societal changes. A recurring theme is the challenges faced by women as they navigate or resist cultural pressures in both domestic and professional spheres. Her dramas often target mature audiences and are noted for bringing less-discussed social issues to the forefront, which has occasionally led to controversy. For instance, her 2007 drama 'For My Husband's Woman' explored adultery with a focus on humanizing all characters involved, reflecting societal shifts. In 'Mom's Dead Upset' (2008), she presented a narrative of a middle-aged housewife seeking personal independence, aiming to offer a 'sabbatical year' for mothers and challenge stereotypes. Her 2010 drama 'Life Is Beautiful' was groundbreaking for featuring an openly gay couple, an effort to combat prejudice and destigmatize homosexuality in a conservative society.

Kim Soo-hyun is characterized by her intense dedication to her craft, famously advising that successful writing stems from the heart rather than the intellect. She views her characters as extensions of herself, deeply immersing herself in their lives to create authentic portrayals. Her approach demands actors deliver dialogue precisely as written, emphasizing her distinct, fast-paced style and forbidding ad-libbing. This meticulousness, coupled with her outspoken nature, has earned her a formidable reputation in the industry, sometimes described as 'Godzilla' on set due to her exacting standards. Despite facing criticism for perceived repetition in later works or heavy-handed dialogue, her professional ethic is widely respected, demonstrated by her consistent on-time script submissions and her ability to write even while recovering from health issues, such as breast cancer surgery.

Throughout her career, Kim Soo-hyun has penned some of the most watched television dramas in South Korea, including 'What is Love' (1992), 'Men of the Bath House' (1996), and 'Trap of Youth' (1999). Her 1987 drama 'Love and Ambition' was so popular that it reportedly caused streets to fall silent during its broadcast. Her later works continued to garner significant attention and accolades. 'For My Husband's Woman' (2007) was the second highest-rated Korean drama of its year. 'Mom's Dead Upset' (2008) achieved record-breaking ratings, and 'Life Is Beautiful' (2010) was notable for its portrayal of a gay couple and its subsequent extension due to viewer support. 'Childless Comfort' (2012) set a record as the highest-rated Korean cable drama at the time. Kim has been honored with awards such as the Seoul Drama Festival's Korea's Leading Writer in 2008 and the Eungwan Order of Cultural Merit in 2012.

“If I chose between one of the two women and called it a victory, the script would have become didactic and banal. Each of the two take up 50 percent of my heart equally.”

“I wanted to give a sabbatical year to all mothers.”

“I approached the issue of homosexuality as though it could have happened to my son.”

“The prize which is not given to the right one is just trash.”

“I was shocked when director Im returned the script to me. It was not edited but completely rewritten.”