Born on July 4, 1954, in Daegu, South Korea, he transitioned from a novelist to a renowned filmmaker, acclaimed for his profound storytelling and exploration of human nature. His directorial debut, "Green Fish" (1997), was followed by notable works like "Peppermint Candy" (1999), "Oasis" (2002), and "Secret Sunshine" (2007), the latter winning the Best Actress award at Cannes. His film "Burning" (2018) received critical acclaim. Known for his deep narratives, he also served as South Korea's Minister of Culture.