Shin Seong-il was a Korean actor (1937-2018). Born in occupied Korea, as Kang Shin-yeong, he attended Geonguk University, majoring in Korean Literature. He made his film debut in director Shin Sang-ok's Romance Papa in 1960 and appeared in more than 500 movies. He won several awards for best actor or best supporting actor for films such as Private Tutor (1963) and Moonlight Hunter (1987). In 1979, he became the chairman of the Korean Actors League and held the position for several consecutive terms. After a long career as an actor and having directed and even produced, Shin Sung-il retired from the film industry in favour of pursuing a career in politics. He was elected to the National Assembly.