Russian news channels were first to circulate rumours of the death early on December 11, which have been confirmed in Korea by members of Kim Ki-duk's family, according to the Yonhap news agency.
The 59-year-old director was known for his visually impressive arthouse movies which won prizes at the Berlin and Venice film festivals but he had latterly been involved in a lengthy court case centering on allegations of on-set sexual abuse, which he denied.
He was reported to be due to meet with film industry friends in Latvia and to be looking for a house in the upscale Jūrmala resort.
LSM has asked the Korean embassy in Rīga to officially confirm the death.
