In this edition of our Offstage series, we spotlight a rising director who steadily carved her path in the Korean film and television industry before stepping fully into the spotlight. Let’s talk about Kim Hye-Young.
Starting in the Industry
Kim Hye-Young began her career behind the scenes, first working as a scriptwriter. Among her earliest credited works are the films ‘Lover’ (2005) and ‘Le Grand Chef’ (2007), where she began building her foundation in storytelling and character development.
From 2008 to 2013, her focus remained largely in screenwriting while gradually expanding into production and direction-related roles. During this period, she contributed to several notable films, including ‘71: Into the Fire’ (2010), ‘War of the Arrows’ (2011), and ‘Very Ordinary Couple’ (2013). These projects allowed her to refine her cinematic voice while working on major commercial productions.
Transition Into Direction
Beginning in 2013, Kim Hye-Young moved further into directing roles, working as an assistant director on major titles such as ‘The Exclusive: Beat the Devil’s Tattoo’ (2015) and ‘The Battleship Island’ (2017). These large-scale productions marked an important stage in her professional development, exposing her to high-budget filmmaking and complex storytelling structures.
One of her most recognized contributions came with the 2019 hit film ‘Extreme Job’, a commercial success that further solidified her industry reputation. That same year, she expanded into television, co-directing the JTBC drama ‘Melo Is My Nature’, marking her official entry into the drama scene.
In 2022, she continued diversifying her portfolio by producing the web series ‘Unicorn’, demonstrating her ability to navigate both traditional and digital platforms.
Breakthrough Years
The year 2025 became a major turning point in her career. With the release of the film ‘IT′S OKAY!’ and the drama ‘Way Back Love’, Kim Hye-Young reached a new level of recognition. For ‘IT′S OKAY!’, she earned the prestigious Best New Director Award at the 2025 Blue Dragon Film Awards, a significant milestone that positioned her among the industry’s most promising filmmakers.
Her latest project, the Netflix production ‘Even If This Love Disappears from the World Tonight’, has attracted considerable attention since its release in December 2025, further strengthening her global presence.
Kim Hye-Young’s journey reflects steady growth, versatility, and a deep understanding of storytelling across formats. From scriptwriting to award-winning direction, she has proven herself as a creative force worth watching. As her filmography continues to expand, she remains a director to keep firmly on your radar.
