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.

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.

Kim cut the rope down himself and said the experience unsettled him so much it changed his views on mortality.

SOUNDBITE: Kim Ki-duk, director, saying (Korean):

"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."

The director was born in 1960 but only got as far as middle school, when he began working in South Korean factories.

He went on to pursue an art career in Paris.

Since returning to his native South Korea, Kim has been on the fringe of the arts scene, and often describes himself as an outsider.

Becoming a distinguished writer and film maker means Kim's star is rising, but he says the spotlight is not something he seeks.

SOUNDBITE: Kim Ki-duk, director, saying (Korean):

"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."

Whether he's changed or not, Kim will have to learn to adjust from a small niche fanbase to international fame.