The near-death of an actress on set almost ended director Kim Ki-duk's career four years ago, but after making "Pieta," which took best picture at this year's Venice film festival, he is now one of South Korea's most feted authors.<br/> <br />The actress was playing a character who hanged herself in the movie, but things went wrong when she fainted during filming with the noose around her neck.<br/> <br />Kim cut the rope down himself and said the experience unsettled him so much it changed his views on mortality.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: Kim Ki-duk, director, saying (Korean):<br/> <br />"For the past two to three years, I believed there was no value in my life anymore and did not make any movies. I hated everything. Then I thought life was way too long."<br/> <br />The director was born in 1960 but only got as far as middle school, when he began working in South Korean factories.<br/> <br />He went on to pursue an art career in Paris.<br/> <br />Since returning to his native South Korea, Kim has been on the fringe of the arts scene, and often describes himself as an outsider.<br/> <br />Becoming a distinguished writer and film maker means Kim's star is rising, but he says the spotlight is not something he seeks.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: Kim Ki-duk, director, saying (Korean):<br/> <br />"Well, I think it's something I should reflect on if many think I've become popular or audience-friendly. I'm not saying they are wrong, but I feel I still have cruel scenes and something gruesome (in my films). In that sense, I need to think more to see if I'm really changed."<br/> <br />Whether he's changed or not, Kim will have to learn to adjust from a small niche fanbase to international fame.
