Hong Young-hee

Early life and education Hong was born in Kaesong in 1955. She grew up in Unheung-gun, Ryanggang Province, where she graduated from Unheung Middle School in 1971.

Career Breakthrough: The Flower Girl (1972) Hong Young-hee's rise from a provincial transport worker to the most recognizable face in North Korea began in 1972. The film's release in China turned Hong into a superstar there, where she was affectionately called the "National Sister".

Diplomatic and senior years As the primary "cultural ambassador" for North Korean film, Hong represented the nation during rare periods of thaw. Hong remains a respected figure in North Korean arts.

Late career In the 21st century, Hong transitioned into a mentor role.

Filmography Film Year Title Role 1972 The Flower Girl Gkop-bun 1978 What happened in the First Armed Ranks Hong-yu 1980 The Fourteenth Winter Yoo Seol-gyeong 1982 We met again at Mt. Myohyang Jung-ah 1983 The Story of a Superintendent Shim Hye-young 1985 Silver Hairpin Su-hyang 1989 The Person Who Remains in the Heart Jung Nam-hye 1989 The Virgin Driver Yoon-hwa 1992 Nation and Destiny Yong-hui 1996 The Path of Virtue Bong-sook 1998 Party Membership Car Ra Hyeon-sim 2000 The Son is Back Homeroom teacher 2003 Grandfather's Notes Song Young-gwan's wife 2004 Today's 10 Party Members Mrs. Lim 2009 Baekdu's Bot Tree Instructor 2010 Snow Scene Gyeong-ok 2011 The 9th Regiment Yeon-hee

Awards and recognition Due to her status as a top cultural figure, Hong has been involved in several major political events: In 1980, she awarded the title of People's Actor following the success of The Fourteenth Winter. In 1980–1981, she served as a delegate to the 6th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea and the 7th Congress of the Socialist Patriotic Youth Alliance. In 1990, she represented the North Korean film industry at the North-South Film Festival, where she was interviewed by the South Korean broadcaster KBS. In 2013, she became the first actor to receive the Kim Jong-il Award.

Cultural and political significance From 1992 to 2009, Hong's likeness as the character Gkop-bun was featured on the 1-won banknote of the North Korean won. She is one of the few real individuals to appear on the nation's currency.

In 1990, she traveled to New York City for the "South-North Cinema Festival," a rare instance of a North Korean star interacting with Western and South Korean media. In 2009, she was chosen to present flowers to Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao during his visit to Pyongyang.