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Comprehensive chronicle of Lee Byung-hun's journey to global stardom
Comprehensive chronicle of Lee Byung-hun's journey to global stardom
The 83rd Golden Globe Awards ceremony is scheduled to be broadcast live on January 11, 2026, when the winner of Lee Byung-hun's nominated category will be announced, marking a potential recognition of his work in international cinema.
The 83rd Golden Globe Awards ceremony is scheduled to be broadcast live, with the winner of Lee Byung-hun's nominated category announced on this date.
Lee Byung-hun received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy) for his role in 'No Other Choice'. This nomination recognizes his acclaimed lead performance in the South Korean thriller and marks a significant career achievement, with the winner to be announced at the upcoming ceremony. The film also earned nominations for Best Motion Picture in two categories.
Lee Byung-hun was nominated for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy) at the Golden Globes for his role in 'No Other Choice', marking a significant career achievement.
Lee Byung-hun received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy) for his role in 'No Other Choice', recognizing his acclaimed lead performance. The film also earned nominations for Best Motion Picture in two categories.
Lee Byung-hun was announced on October 16, 2025, as a recipient of the Bogwan Order of Cultural Merit and formally received the award on October 22 at the Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards in Seoul. This honor recognizes his significant role in elevating Korean cinema and pop culture on the global stage through his work in domestic and Hollywood films.
Lee Byung-hun was announced as a recipient of the Bogwan Order of Cultural Merit by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. This award acknowledges his role in demonstrating the global potential of Korean cinema through his involvement in domestic and Hollywood productions. The formal presentation is scheduled for the upcoming 2025 Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards ceremony.
Lee Byung-hun received the Bogwan Order of Cultural Merit at the 2025 Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards held at the National Theater of Korea in Seoul. The ceremony honored 31 individuals and groups for their achievements in popular culture and arts, recognizing his contributions to advancing Korean pop culture globally.
Lee Byung-hun's film 'No Other Choice' was chosen as the opening film for the Busan International Film Festival on September 17, 2025. BIFF highlighted it as a key work for revitalizing Korean cinema, underscoring its cultural significance.
Lee Byung-hun's film 'No Other Choice' was selected as the opening film for the Busan International Film Festival, praised by BIFF as a pivotal work for reinvigorating Korean cinema.
Lee Byung-hun's film 'No Other Choice' won the International People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 14, 2025, highlighting its international acclaim and popularity. Director Park Chan-wook accepted the award during the festival.
Lee Byung-hun's film 'No Other Choice' won the International People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. This achievement highlights the international acclaim and popularity of the film in which he stars. The award was accepted by director Park Chan-wook during the festival.
Lee Byung-hun's film 'No Other Choice' was selected to compete for the Golden Lion at the Venice International Film Festival, marking the first Korean film in 13 years to vie for the top prize. This underscores his significant role in elevating Korean cinema on the global stage.
'No Other Choice,' starring Lee Byung-hun, is set to compete for the Golden Lion at the Venice International Film Festival. This marks a significant milestone as it is the first Korean film in 13 years to compete for the top prize. The film's selection highlights Lee's continued prominence in international cinema.
Lee Byung-hun will be celebrated at BIFAN with a special retrospective of his 30-year career, honoring his impact on Korean cinema. The festival will screen iconic films like 'Joint Security Area' and 'The Match'.
Lee Byung-hun will be honored at BIFAN with a retrospective of his 30-year career, featuring films like 'Joint Security Area' and 'The Match,' celebrating his impact on Korean cinema.
Lee Byung-hun was honored on Gold House's 2025 A100 list for his cultural influence as an actor. The prestigious recognition was announced on May 2, celebrating impactful Asians and Pacific Islanders in the U.S.
Lee Byung-hun was recognized on Gold House's 2025 A100 list for his influential cultural impact as an actor.
On January 22, 2025, the final candidates for the Academy Awards were announced, with Lee Byung-hun's film 'No Other Choice' shortlisted for Best International Feature Film. This marked a critical step in the film's awards journey, determining its advancement to the final Oscar nomination stage, though the outcome was not specified. The ceremony culminated on March 15, 2025, where the film was a contender for the award.
The final candidates for the Academy Awards were announced, with Lee Byung-hun's film 'No Other Choice' shortlisted for Best International Feature Film, a key step in its Oscar journey.
The Academy Awards ceremony took place, where 'No Other Choice,' starring Lee Byung-hun, was a contender for Best International Feature Film, concluding its awards season journey.
"Concrete Utopia" is South Korea's official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 96th Oscars, boosting Lee Byung-hun's global recognition. A win could further elevate his international career.
"South Korea's 'Concrete Utopia,' starring Lee Byung-hun, will compete at the 96th Oscars, potentially boosting his global recognition."
Lee Byung-hun was named one of 11 standout Asian talents by USA TODAY on February 16, 2024, celebrating his global impact in Hollywood. The recognition underscores his international appeal and cinematic achievements.
Lee Byung-hun was named by USA TODAY among 11 Asian talents worthy of Hollywood recognition.
Lee Byung-hun took home the Best Actor award at the 2023 Blue Dragon Awards for his role in 'Concrete Utopia', solidifying his status as a top star in Korean cinema. The ceremony was held on November 24.
Lee Byung-hun won best actor at the Blue Dragon Awards for his role in 'Concrete Utopia'.
Lee Byung-hun took home the best actor award at the 2023 Daejong International Film Awards for his standout performance in 'Concrete Utopia', cementing his status as a powerhouse in Korean cinema. The ceremony was held on November 15.
Lee Byung-hun won best actor at the Daejong International Film Awards for his role in 'Concrete Utopia'.
Lee Byung-hun won best actor at the Daejong International Film Awards for 'Concrete Utopia'.
Lee Byung-hun won Best Actor at the 2023 Blue Dragon Awards for his standout performance in 'Inside Men', cementing his status as a top South Korean actor. The ceremony was held in November.
Lee Byung-hun received awards for his performance in 'Inside Men' at the Blue Dragon Awards.
Lee Byung-hun received the Game Changer Award at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles on October 30, 2023, recognizing his global impact in entertainment. The honor celebrated his trailblazing career in both Korean and Hollywood cinema.
Lee Byung-hun will receive the U.S.–Asia Entertainment Summit's Game Changer Award for his impactful career in Korean and Hollywood cinema at an upcoming ceremony.
Lee Byung-hun and others will be honored at the Game Changer Awards ceremony at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles for their contributions to entertainment.
Lee Byung-hun made history as the second Korean to present an award at the 74th Cannes Film Festival, following Park Chan-wook in 2017. His selection reaffirmed his prominence in global cinema.
Lee Byung-hun will present an award at the 74th Cannes Film Festival's closing ceremony, becoming the second Korean to do so after Park Chan-wook, reinforcing his global cinematic influence and highlighting his prestigious standing in cinema.
"The Man Standing Next" was nominated for Best International Feature Film at the 2021 Oscars, showcasing its global recognition. The awards ceremony was held on April 25.
The 93rd Academy Awards may feature 'The Man Standing Next' competing for best international feature film.
Lee Byung-hun took home the best actor award at the Baeksang Arts Awards for his standout performance in 'The Man Standing Next', solidifying his status as a top talent in Korean cinema. The ceremony was held at KINTEX in Goyang, near Seoul.
Lee Byung-hun won best actor at the Baeksang Arts Awards for his role in 'The Man Standing Next,' reinforcing his status as a top South Korean actor.
Lee Byung-hun won Best Actor at the 2020 Daejong Film Awards for his role in 'Ashfall', reinforcing his status as a top South Korean star. The ceremony, delayed by COVID-19, took place on June 3 without an audience.
Lee Byung-hun won the 2020 Daejong Film Award for Best Actor for his acclaimed performance in 'Ashfall,' solidifying his status as a leading South Korean actor.
The 56th Daejong Film Awards was postponed from its original date due to COVID-19 on 2020-02-25, and were eventually held without spectators on 2020-06-03, where Lee Byung-hun was honored for his role in 'Ashfall'.
At the postponed 56th Daejong Film Awards held without spectators in a closed-door ceremony due to COVID-19, Lee Byung-hun won Best Actor for his role in 'Ashfall', reaffirming his status in South Korean cinema.
Lee Byung-hun earned a Best Director nomination at the 56th Daejong Film Awards for 'Extreme Job,' marking a significant recognition of his directorial skills. The awards ceremony took place on June 3, 2020, without an audience due to pandemic restrictions.
Lee Byung-hun is nominated for Best Director at the 56th Daejong Film Awards for 'Extreme Job,' highlighting his directorial work. The ceremony was held behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 56th Daejong Film Awards, postponed from February to June 2020 due to COVID-19, took place without an audience, honoring Lee Byung-hun's role in 'Ashfall'. This scaled-back ceremony highlighted the pandemic's impact on the film industry.
The 56th Daejong Film Awards was postponed from its original date due to COVID-19 and eventually took place on 2020-06-03 without spectators, where Lee Byung-hun was honored for his role in 'Ashfall'.
Lee Byung-hun took home the best actor award at the 2019 Baeksang Arts Awards for his standout performance in 'Mr. Sunshine,' cementing his reputation as a top-tier South Korean actor. The ceremony was held on May 2.
Lee Byung-hun won best actor at the Baeksang Arts Awards for 'Mr. Sunshine', reaffirming his prominence in South Korean cinema.
At the 2019 Busan International Film Festival, 'Mr. Sunshine' took home the top prize at the inaugural Asian Content Awards, solidifying its acclaim and Lee Byung-hun's standout performance. The win underscored the drama's lasting impact on Korean television.
"Mr. Sunshine" won the top prize at the Busan International Film Festival's Asian Content Awards, solidifying its legacy and acclaim, particularly for Lee Byung-hun's performance.
Lee Byung-hun won Best Actor at the Daejong Film Awards for his gripping role in 'Inside Men'. In his speech, he questioned the awards' fading prestige.
Lee Byung-hun won best actor at the Daejong Film Awards for 'Inside Men,' acknowledging his powerful performance while lamenting the awards' fading prestige.
Lee Byung-hun won Best Actor at the 2016 Blue Dragon Awards for his role as a vengeful political henchman in 'Inside Men', cementing his status as a top Korean actor. The film also took home Best Picture at the ceremony.
Lee Byung-hun won best actor at the 2016 Blue Dragon Awards for his role in 'Inside Men', which also claimed best film, cementing his status as a top South Korean actor.
Lee Byung-hun won Best Actor at the 36th Korean Film Critics Association Awards for his standout performance in 'Inside Men'. The ceremony took place at the Seoul Press Center, reinforcing his reputation as a top Korean film star.
Lee Byung-hun will receive the best actor award at the 36th Korean Film Critics Association Awards for his role in 'Inside Men,' recognized for his outstanding performance in the political revenge genre, with the ceremony held at the Seoul Press Center.
Lee Byung-hun received the Star Asia Award at the 15th NYAFF, where his film 'Inside Men' premiered. The honor recognized his global impact in cinema, followed by a Q&A celebrating his career in Asian and Hollywood films.
At the 15th NYAFF, Lee Byung-hun received the Star Asia Award, had his career celebrated, and his film 'Inside Men' was screened.
Lee Byung-hun won the Star Asia Award at the 15th NYAFF, celebrating his impact in Asian and Hollywood cinema, followed by the premiere of 'Inside Men' and a Q&A.
Lee Byung-hun joined the U.S. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2016, showcasing his global influence in film. The appointment, announced on June 29, 2016, highlighted his international recognition.
Lee Byung-hun joined the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2016, marking a major career achievement and highlighting his global film industry influence.
Lee Byung-hun was appointed as a new AMPAS member.
Lee Byung-hun won Best Actor at the 10th Asian Film Awards for his gripping role in 'Inside Men', cementing his status as a top Asian star. The ceremony was held in Macau.
Lee Byung-hun won best actor at the 10th Asian Film Awards in Macau for his role as Ahn Sang-gu in 'Inside Men', showcasing his outstanding performance in the political thriller and cementing his reputation as a top Asian cinema star.
Lee Byung-hun became the first Korean actor to present at the 2016 Oscars, marking a major milestone in his Hollywood career. His appearance alongside stars like Cate Blanchett and Chris Evans highlighted his global influence, despite the challenges of language barriers. The experience, he said, was both thrilling and exhausting.
Lee Byung-hun made history as the first Korean actor to present at the 88th Academy Awards, boosting his global recognition and marking a major career milestone, despite facing language barrier challenges.
Lee Byung-hun made history as the first South Korean actor to present at the 88th Academy Awards, highlighting his global prominence alongside stars like Cate Blanchett and Chris Evans.
Lee Byung-hun ranked third in Gallup Korea's 2013 best actor poll with 18% support, showcasing his enduring popularity in Korean entertainment. The result highlights his strong industry standing.
Lee Byung-hun ranked third in Gallup Korea's 2013 best actor poll with 18% support.
Lee Byung-hun earned a best actor nomination at the Film of the Year Awards for 'Gwanghae: The Man Who Became the King', reaffirming his star power, though Choi Min-sik took the prize for 'Nameless Gangster'.
Lee Byung-hun was nominated for best actor at the Film of the Year Awards for 'Gwanghae: The Man Who Became the King', but Choi Min-sik won for 'Nameless Gangster'.
Lee Byung-hun was voted 2012's best actor in a Gallup Korea poll, winning 37.6% of votes from 1,700 respondents. His appeal spanned all ages, especially resonating with men in their 20s and women in their 30s.
Lee Byung-hun was named 2012's best actor in a Gallup Korea poll, winning 37.6% of votes and showing broad popularity, especially among men in their 20s and women in their 30s.
Lee Byung-hun won Best Actor at the 49th Daejong Film Awards for his dual role in 'Gwanghae: The Man Who Became King', showcasing his versatility. The blockbuster film, which sold 12 million tickets, also swept 15 awards, including Best Picture, further elevating his status as a top Korean actor.
Lee Byung-hun won best actor at the 49th Daejong Film Awards for 'Gwanghae: the Man Who Became King', a critically and commercially successful film that solidified his status as a top South Korean actor.
Lee Byung-hun won best actor at the 49th Daejong Film Awards for his dual role in the hit film 'Gwanghae', solidifying his status as a top South Korean actor.
Lee Byung-hun cemented his Hollywood legacy with a handprints ceremony at Grauman's Chinese Theater, celebrating his Walk of Fame star. The event honored his global stardom and blockbuster roles like 'G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra'.
Lee Byung-hun will cement his Hollywood success by leaving handprints at Grauman's Chinese Theater alongside receiving his Walk of Fame star, marking his rise from South Korean fame to international recognition.
Lee Byung-hun's Hollywood Walk of Fame handprint ceremony celebrates his successful Hollywood career and global impact, highlighted by roles in major films like 'G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra'.
Lee Byung-hun earned a Best Actor nomination at the Seoul International Drama Awards for his role in 'Iris'. The winner was announced at the ceremony by The Korean Broadcasters Association.
Lee Byung-hun is nominated for Best Actor at the Seoul International Drama Awards for his role in 'Iris,' with the winner announced at The Korean Broadcasters Association's ceremony.
In 2022, Lee Byung-hun's narration of 'Sapiens' for Millie's Library drew 15,000 new subscribers in just a week, prompting the platform to recruit more celebrities for audiobook projects. His star power proved highly effective in boosting engagement.
Lee Byung-hun's narration of 'Sapiens' for Millie's Library attracted 15,000 new subscribers in a week, prompting the service to hire more celebrities for audio projects.
Lee Byung-hun will star in Psy’s upcoming music video for his eighth album, marking the actor’s bold foray into K-pop. The collaboration highlights Lee’s versatility beyond his acclaimed acting career.
Lee Byung-hun will star in Psy's upcoming music video for his eighth album, highlighting his versatility beyond acting.
Psy's upcoming album features music videos starring Lee Byung-hun, highlighting the actor's versatility in a major K-pop project. Specific details about his role remain under wraps.
Psy's upcoming album features Lee Byung-hun in its music videos, highlighting his versatility, though details about his role remain undisclosed.
Lee Byung-hun starred in Psy's 'I Luv It' music video, reprising his 'Inside Men' character Ahn Sang-gu. The cameo showcased his dynamic range beyond traditional film roles.
Lee Byung-hun reprised his 'Inside Men' character Ahn Sang-gu for Psy's 'I Luv It' music video, showcasing his acting versatility while capitalizing on the film's popularity.
Lee Byung-hun stars in Park Chan-wook's 'No Other Choice,' a satirical critique of capitalism and automation, where his performance as Man-soo was acclaimed for its emotional depth. The film premiered internationally at Venice in August 2025, received a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score, opened the 30th Busan International Film Festival on September 17 with a press conference at Busan Cinema Center, and was released in theaters on September 25, topping the weekend box office with strong viewer numbers and reinforcing Lee's global profile.
Lee Byung-hun stars in Park Chan-wook's 'No Other Choice,' a project he eagerly anticipated and felt deeply connected to.
Lee Byung-hun attended a Seoul press conference for 'No Other Choice,' discussing his role as Man-soo and the film's dark humor, emphasizing believable character portrayal to evoke complex emotions.
'No Other Choice' premiered internationally at the Venice International Film Festival, where Lee Byung-hun's performance as Man-soo received critical acclaim, a 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating, and enhanced his global profile in this dark thriller.
Lee Byung-hun's film 'No Other Choice' premiered as the opening film of the 30th Busan International Film Festival on September 17, 2025, marking a significant honor for him as lead actor and director Park Chan-wook's first film to open Asia's biggest film festival. The festival ran until September 26, 2025, and the premiere included a press conference discussing the film's exploration of timely themes like job insecurity and workplace anxieties, showcasing its prominence in Korean cinema.
A press conference for 'No Other Choice' was held at the Busan Cinema Center, promoting the film starring Lee Byung-hun as Man-soo.
The film 'No Other Choice' premiered and was reviewed, with Lee Byung-hun's performance praised for capturing the tenderness and desperation of a man fighting for survival in Park Chan-wook's satirical critique of capitalism and automation.
Lee Byung-hun's film 'No Other Choice' was released in theaters, topping the weekend box office with strong viewer numbers and marking his latest leading role in a major motion picture.
The 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) concludes, marking the end of the event where Lee Byung-hun's film 'No Other Choice' was prominently featured. This reinforces his status as a leading actor in Korean cinema.
'No Other Choice' is set for local release in South Korea. This release highlights Lee Byung-hun's leading role in a major international film directed by Park Chan-wook, potentially elevating his global profile.
Lee Byung-hun attended a press conference at BIFAN, discussing 'Squid Game' and his 30-year career, while a special section of his filmography was unveiled. This event highlighted his contributions to cinema and the global impact of his work. He admitted feeling surreal about the honor and acknowledged the respect from junior actors.
Lee Byung-hun attended a press conference at BIFAN, discussing 'Squid Game' and his 30-year career, while a special section of his filmography was unveiled. This event highlighted his contributions to cinema and the global impact of his work. He admitted feeling surreal about the honor and acknowledged the respect from junior actors.
The third and final season of 'Squid Game' premiered on June 27, 2025, wrapping up Lee Byung-hun’s Front Man arc while leaving his backstory open for a potential spinoff. Filmed back-to-back with Season 2, it resolved major mysteries and closed the series’ overarching narrative.
"Squid Game Season 3 premieres with Lee Byung-hun reprising his role as Front Man, filmed back-to-back with Season 2 for a connected storyline."
Lee Byung-hun confirms the final season of 'Squid Game' will premiere soon, revealing more about the Front Man's identity, concluding his arc with unresolved backstory and prompting hints of a potential spinoff.
Lee Byung-hun’s film 'The Match', where he stars as legendary Go player Cho Hoon-hyun, topped the box office for three straight weeks, praised for his emotionally gripping performance. After overcoming delays due to Yoo Ah-in’s legal troubles, the film drew 1.8 million viewers and was later featured in Lee’s 2025 BIFAN retrospective, cementing his enduring star power.
Lee Byung-hun promoted his film 'The Match' in Seoul, discussing his role as Go master Cho Hun-hyun and the challenges of portraying the character's emotional journey.
"The Match" stars Lee Byung-hun as legendary Go player Cho Hoon-hyun, highlighting his emotional depth and acting versatility despite production delays from Yoo Ah-in's legal troubles.
Lee Byung-hun's latest film 'The Match', where he portrays Go player Cho Hoon-hyun, premiered in theaters and topped the box office for three straight weeks.
Lee Byung-hun's latest film 'The Match', a sports drama based on a true story, has been well-received, with particular praise for his strong performance.
"The Match" topped the box office for the third straight weekend, with Lee Byung-hun's performance helping it attract 1.8 million viewers, reaffirming its popularity and his star power.
Lee Byung-hun's latest film 'The Match' was featured in his BIFAN retrospective, highlighting his enduring success and celebrating his 30-year career.
Lee Byung-hun returns to TV after nine years, starring in the 24-episode drama 'Mr. Sunshine', which premieres on tvN and Netflix. The historical series highlights his versatility and has already captured global interest.
"Lee Byung-hun stars in the 24-episode historical drama 'Mr. Sunshine,' premiering at 9 p.m. on tvN and Netflix, marking his TV return after nine years and showcasing his acting versatility."
Lee Byung-hun's film 'The Match' is set to premiere in Japan, boosting his global reach. This release further cements his status as an international star.
Lee Byung-hun's upcoming film release in Japan highlights his growing global stardom.
Lee Byung-hun shines in 'Keys to the Heart', a heartfelt family drama that dominated the South Korean box office, topping charts with 1.98 million views in its second weekend. The film, securing 29.2% of weekend ticket sales, reaffirms Lee's star power and versatility in compelling roles.
Lee Byung-hun stars in 'Keys to the Heart,' a new comedy-drama that opened in local theaters, showcasing his versatility as he portrays a complex character navigating family estrangement. The film topped South Korea's box office with 1.98 million views by its second weekend, marking his successful return to a lead role.
Lee Byung-hun's film 'Keys to the Heart' ranked second at the South Korean box office, reinforcing his popularity and reputation as a versatile leading actor.
"Keys to the Heart" topped the box office in its second weekend, selling 672,719 tickets and showcasing Lee Byung-hun's enduring star power.
"Keys to the Heart" topped the South Korean box office for a second weekend, with Lee Byung-hun's star power driving 29.2% of total weekend attendance.
Lee Byung-hun's directorial debut, 'Extreme Job', became an instant hit, drawing 2.4 million viewers in its opening weekend and dominating the box office. The comedy's rapid success—surpassing 1 million admissions in days—showcases his talent as both actor and director.
"Lee Byung-hun's directorial debut 'Extreme Job' became a commercial hit, surpassing 1 million admissions in three days and 2 million in four."
Lee Byung-hun's film 'Extreme Job' dominated the box office with 2.4 million viewers over the weekend, outpacing other Korean comedies and cementing its success.
tvN's new drama 'The Crowned Clown', based on Lee Byung-hun's hit film 'Masquerade', debuted at the top of the weekly TV chart, proving the enduring popularity of the original story and Lee's star power.
"The tvN drama 'The Crowned Clown,' adapted from Lee Byung-hun's film 'Masquerade,' debuted successfully, topping the weekly TV chart and showcasing the original's lasting appeal and Lee's influence."
Lee Byung-hun shines as the villain Jin in 'Master', his first antagonist role since 2008, driving the film to immediate box office success. The thriller topped charts with 2.2 million viewers in its opening weekend and surged past 5 million by Jan. 1, proving Lee's enduring star power.
Lee Byung-hun stars as villain Jin in 'Master,' marking his first antagonist role since 2008.
"Lee Byung-hun's latest film 'Master' premiered strongly, dominating the box office and topping weekend charts, showcasing his enduring popularity."
"Lee Byung-hun's film 'Master' topped the box office, attracting over 3 million viewers shortly after its strong opening weekend of 2.2 million."
"Master," starring Lee Byung-hun, topped the box office for the second consecutive weekend, attracting 1.37 million viewers and cementing its commercial success.
"Master" surpassed 5 million viewers by January 1, showcasing Lee Byung-hun's box office draw and the film's success driven by its star cast and compelling plot.
Lee Byung-hun returns as the enigmatic 'Front Man' in 'Squid Game' Season 2, deepening his role as tensions rise with Gi-hun. The highly anticipated season promises more gripping drama in the hit series.
'Squid Game' Season 2 premieres, featuring Lee Byung-hun's expanded role as the 'Front Man'.
The second season of 'Squid Game' on Netflix sees Lee Byung-hun returning as the Front Man, deepening his antagonist role and intensifying his conflict with Gi-hun.
Lee Byung-hun's 'The Fortress' dominated the Chuseok box office and opened the London East Asia Film Festival before slipping to fourth place domestically. It expanded to 27 U.S. theaters and later released in Taiwan, reinforcing Lee's global appeal.
"The Fortress," starring Lee Byung-hun, will debut domestically in South Korea before its international premiere at LEAFF.
Lee Byung-hun's historical drama 'The Fortress' led the Chuseok weekend box office with 1.371 million viewers, narrowly beating 'The Outlaws' and reinforcing his star power.
Lee Byung-hun's film 'The Fortress' premiered internationally in Los Angeles and Buena Park before expanding to more U.S. theaters, highlighting his global popularity.
"The Fortress," starring Lee Byung-hun, headlines the 2nd London East Asia Film Festival (running until October 29, 2023), which features 18 Korean films, highlighting Lee's international acclaim and the movie's festival prominence.
"The Fortress," starring Lee Byung-hun, fell two spots to fourth place at the box office with 64,478 views, showing a decline in its performance.
The film expanded to 27 U.S. theaters, reinforcing Lee Byung-hun's global reach after its successful October debut.
"The Fortress" is expanding to Taiwan, showcasing Lee Byung-hun's rising prominence in Asian cinema.
Lee Byung-hun's film 'Concrete Utopia' gained global exposure with screenings at Spain's Sitges and Hawaii's film festivals, boosting his international profile and showcasing Korean cinema. These prestigious genre festivals highlight the film's broad appeal.
"Lee Byung-hun's film 'Concrete Utopia' will screen at Spain's Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival, enhancing his global profile."
The film's inclusion in the Hawaii International Film Festival strengthens Lee Byung-hun's global profile and boosts Korean cinema's international presence.
'Concrete Utopia' dominated South Korea's box office in its opening weekend, drawing 1.54 million viewers. Lee Byung-hun's performance helped cement the film's success.
'Concrete Utopia,' starring Lee Byung-hun, topped South Korea's box office with 1.54 million viewers in its first weekend.
Lee Byung-hun stars as Man-soo in Park Chan-wook's new thriller 'I Can't Help It', their third collaboration. The film adapts Donald E. Westlake's mystery novel 'The Ax'.
Park Chan-wook's new film 'I Can't Help It,' starring Lee Byung-hun in their third collaboration, has begun filming, adapting Donald E. Westlake's mystery novel 'The Ax.'
Lee Byung-hun stars in 'Concrete Utopia', a gripping disaster thriller that premiered in August, showcasing his versatility in a post-apocalyptic black comedy. The film drew over 2.2 million admissions, with Lee’s standout performance and the intense narrative driving its box office success. At the Seoul press conference, he praised the realistic set and shared his excitement for the project, reinforcing his status as a leading Korean actor.
Lee Byung-hun promoted 'Concrete Utopia' at a Seoul press conference, discussing his role and praising the film's realistic set ahead of its August release.
Lee Byung-hun returns in the post-apocalyptic black comedy 'Concrete Utopia,' a disaster thriller featuring a star-studded cast and compelling premise that is expected to attract major audience attention and potentially cement his status as a top Korean actor, enhancing his diverse filmography.
Lee Byung-hun's disaster thriller 'Concrete Utopia' premiered in local theaters on August 9, 2023, debuting successfully with over 1 million viewers in four days and reinforcing his status as a top Korean actor.
Lee Byung-hun's disaster thriller 'Concrete Utopia' has drawn over 2.2 million admissions in South Korea, marking his successful return to the genre.
"Concrete Utopia" had a strong opening weekend, drawing 1.12 million viewers, boosted by Lee Byung-hun's acclaimed performance.
Lee Byung-hun transitioned from directing Korea's top-grossing film 'Extreme Job' to his TV debut with JTBC's 'Be Melodramatic', which he wrote and directed. Despite high expectations, the drama struggled with low ratings, averaging just 1.5-1.8% viewership.
"Lee Byung-hun transitioned from directing Korea's highest-grossing film 'Extreme Job' to make his TV debut with JTBC's 'Be Melodramatic,' which struggled with low viewership averaging 1.5-1.8%."
Lee Byung-hun headlines 'Emergency Declaration', a star-studded disaster thriller hitting theaters in August. The film, already generating buzz for its gripping plot, adds another standout role to his acclaimed career.
"Lee Byung-hun's disaster film 'Emergency Declaration,' featuring a star-studded cast and gripping storyline, premieres in local theaters this August."
Lee Byung-hun's drama 'Mr. Sunshine' fluctuated on the CPI chart, dropping to No. 5 (248.1) before rebounding to No. 2 (274.8), reflecting shifting audience engagement with its storyline and performances.
"Despite its high budget and star cast, 'Mr. Sunshine' dropped to No. 5 on the CPI chart with 248.1 points, likely due to slow pacing and weak chemistry."
Lee Byung-hun's drama 'Mr. Sunshine' ranked second on the weekly CPI chart with a score of 274.8.
Lee Byung-hun joined United Talent Agency on March 24, 2023, expanding his Hollywood career. The deal paves the way for new film opportunities.
Lee Byung-hun has signed with United Talent Agency to pursue more Hollywood film opportunities.
Lee Byung-hun shared insights about his relatable character in 'A Single Rider' at a Seoul press conference, emphasizing his personal connection to the role. The film opens in theaters on February 22, 2023.
Lee Byung-hun discussed his relatable character's ordinary life and personal connection to the role at the Seoul press conference for his film 'A Single Rider'.
'A Single Rider', featuring Lee Byung-hun, is scheduled to open in local theaters.
Lee Byung-hun's directorial debut, 'Extreme Job', drew 12.18 million viewers after its January 2023 release, nearly surpassing 'Miracle in Cell No. 7' as Korea's top comedy. This smash hit marks a major milestone in his career.
Lee Byung-hun's directorial success 'Extreme Job' drew 12.18 million viewers, nearing the record for Korea's top comedy and potentially surpassing 'Miracle in Cell No. 7'.
Lee Byung-hun shines as con artist Chairman Jin in 'Master', which premiered in Seoul to critical praise before hitting Los Angeles for its North American debut. The film expanded internationally with a U.S. and Canadian release on January 6, 2023.
"Lee Byung-hun stars as a con man in 'Master,' which premiered in Seoul to acclaim and is set for international release."
Lee Byung-hun's film 'Master' will make its North American debut in Los Angeles before its U.S. and Canadian release on January 6, 2023, signaling its international expansion.
Lee Byung-hun made a striking appearance at the Academy Museum Gala in LA, reinforcing his global star power. The event highlighted his growing influence in the international film scene.
Lee Byung-hun attended the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Gala in Los Angeles.
"Emergency Declaration," South Korea's first aviation-disaster blockbuster starring Lee Byung-hun, premiered on August 3, 2022, after pandemic delays. The film marked his return to theaters with a star-studded cast and a fresh genre twist.
"Due to a COVID-19 surge, 'Emergency Declaration' was indefinitely postponed, affecting its reception and box office, with a new release expected in summer 2022."
Lee Byung-hun stars in 'Emergency Declaration', South Korea's first aviation-disaster film, marking his post-pandemic return to theaters with a highly anticipated, star-studded release that is set to premiere in South Korean theaters and potentially shape views on his recent career trajectory.
Lee Byung-hun stars in 'Our Blues' as a Jeju street vendor, his first TV role since 2018's 'Mr. Sunshine'. The drama premiered on both tvN and Netflix, highlighting his dynamic range.
Lee Byung-hun returns to TV in 'Our Blues', playing a Jeju shop owner, premiering simultaneously on tvN and Netflix.
"Emergency Declaration," starring Lee Byung-hun, began filming in May 2020 but faced delays due to a COVID-19 outbreak among the crew. The disaster blockbuster premiered at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, boosting Lee's global profile, and was released in January 2022 to high anticipation. Its success further cemented Lee's status as a top star in Korean cinema.
"Filming began for the pandemic-era blockbuster 'Emergency Declaration,' starring Lee Byung-hun."
The production of 'Emergency Declaration' was halted due to a staff member's COVID-19 exposure, underscoring the pandemic's persistent impact on the film industry.
Lee Byung-hun's film 'Emergency Declaration,' featuring him in its all-star cast, was invited to the 74th Cannes Film Festival's out-of-competition section, premiering to positive reviews and showcasing his continued international prominence, though its release was delayed by the pandemic.
Lee Byung-hun's film 'Emergency Declaration' was invited to the Cannes Film Festival's Out of Competition category, highlighting his international success, and he will present an award at the closing ceremony.
"Lee Byung-hun's film 'Emergency Declaration' gained international attention after its successful premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, boosting anticipation for its domestic release."
"Lee Byung-hun stars in the highly anticipated disaster film 'Emergency Declaration,' showcasing his versatility in a star-studded cast."
"Lee Byung-hun's upcoming blockbuster 'Emergency Declaration,' set for a January 2022 Lunar New Year release, could significantly impact his industry standing and public appeal."
'The Match', starring Lee Byung-hun as legendary Go player Cho Hoon-hyun, wrapped filming in April 2021 after pandemic delays. Though further postponed by co-star Yoo Ah-in's scandal, the Netflix-bound film will proceed with Lee's scenes intact, highlighting his historical role versatility. (2 sentences, 35 words)
Filming for 'The Match,' starring Lee Byung-hun as legendary Go player Cho Hoon-hyun, has wrapped and will premiere on Netflix after a pandemic delay.
Lee Byung-hun starred as Cho Hun-hyun in 'The Match,' which faced delays due to Yoo Ah-in's drug scandal but retained Lee's scenes, with filming finishing in mid-2021.
Lee Byung-hun starred in 'The Man Standing Next', a 2020 political drama about power struggles before Park Chung-hee’s assassination, which became South Korea’s top-grossing film that year. His intense portrayal of KCIA chief Kim Gyu-pyeong, paired with director Woo Min-ho’s vision, delivered a gripping historical thriller. The film reinforced Lee’s reputation for powerful performances in high-profile projects.
Lee Byung-hun's 2020 film 'The Man Standing Next', exploring a key South Korean historical event with emphasis on historical accuracy, became the year's top-grossing movie and maintained strong performance through August.
"The Man Standing Next," starring Lee Byung-hun as KCIA chief Kim Gyu-pyeong in a political drama about pre-assassination power struggles, opens in theaters, marking his reunion with director Woo Min-ho and showcasing his strong performance in a complex role.
Lee Byung-hun's 2020 film 'The Man Standing Next' became South Korea's top-grossing movie of the year with 4.75 million viewers, despite pandemic setbacks. The actor stressed strict adherence to the script to preserve historical accuracy, reinforcing his dedication to authentic storytelling.
Lee Byung-hun's film 'The Man Standing Next', exploring a key South Korean historical event with emphasis on historical accuracy, was released in January 2020 and became the most-watched movie of early 2020 with 4.75 million attendees, showcasing his box office draw despite being disrupted by COVID-19 outbreaks.
Lee Byung-hun returns to TV in 'Here', reuniting with writer Noh Hee-kyung after their 2018 hit 'Mr. Sunshine'. Originally planned in 2019 but shelved due to COVID-19, the drama—co-starring Han Ji-min—faced delays from 'Emergency Declaration''s postponement.
Lee Byung-hun's planned project 'Here' with Noh Hee-kyung was canceled due to COVID-19, leading to his enthusiastic participation in the newly created 'Our Blues.'
Lee Byung-hun will star alongside Han Ji-min in the upcoming drama 'Here,' written by Noh Hee-kyung, with filming set to begin later this year. This marks his first TV role since 2018's 'Mr. Sunshine,' though production may face delays due to 'Emergency Declaration.'
Lee Byung-hun starred in the 2019 disaster blockbuster 'Ashfall', playing a North Korean agent whose heroic role stirred controversy. The film, a box office hit with over 7.5 million viewers, marked his return to the big screen after two years and showcased his versatility. It dominated opening day sales with 290,000 presale tickets, blending disaster and buddy-film elements to critical and commercial success.
Lee Byung-hun promoted his disaster film 'Ashfall' at a Seoul press conference, highlighting its exciting plot and grand scale.
Lee Byung-hun's disaster film 'Ashfall,' featuring a star-studded cast, is scheduled to be released in South Korea in December 2019 and is expected to be a major box office contender.
The film 'Ashfall', starring Lee Byung-hun as a heroic North Korean agent, sparked controversy for idealizing North Korea while drawing over 7.5 million viewers.
Lee Byung-hun's disaster film 'Ashfall', his second winter release and first movie in nearly two years, was released on 2019-12-19, featuring him as North Korean double agent Joon-pyeong. The film topped the South Korean box office on opening day with strong presales, blending disaster and buddy-film elements while showcasing his genre versatility.
Released in January 2019, Lee Byung-hun's 'Extreme Job' became South Korea’s highest-grossing film, earning nearly 140 billion won ($120.8 million) and setting box office records, including the most-watched comedy in Korean history. Its massive success, with 12 million admissions by its third weekend, cemented Lee’s reputation as a top director.
Lee Byung-hun's 'Extreme Job' became South Korea's highest-grossing film, earning nearly 140 billion won ($120.8 million) and boosting his directorial reputation.
"Lee Byung-hun's 'Extreme Job' became Korea's most-watched comedy and eighth highest-grossing film after its successful release."
Lee Byung-hun's directed film 'Extreme Job' set a January box-office record with 995,195 daily viewers, showcasing its instant popularity and his directorial success.
"Extreme Job" topped the box office for a third weekend with 1.8 million admissions, cementing director Lee Byung-hun's commercial success.
"By its third weekend, 'Extreme Job' hit 12 million domestic admissions, showcasing Lee Byung-hun's audience appeal and success."
In 2018, Lee Byung-hun made a triumphant return to TV in 'Mr. Sunshine', his first series in nine years, playing Captain Eugene Choi. The drama became a massive hit, scoring high ratings (peaking at 9.7%) and winning top honors at the Asian Content Awards, cementing Lee's status as a leading actor. Its strong debut, reflected in a CPI score of 235.4, showcased both the show's popularity and Lee's enduring star power.
Lee Byung-hun's tvN series 'Mr. Sunshine' was a ratings hit, outperforming 'Arthdal Chronicles' in initial ratings and earning the fourth-highest cable TV ratings. It showcased his success in high-budget dramas, enhanced his acting reputation, won the top prize at the Asian Content Awards, and served as a benchmark for comparison.
Lee Byung-hun, renowned for his role in 'Mr. Sunshine,' returns to TV with the highly anticipated 'Our Blues,' reaffirming his leading actor status.
"Mr. Sunshine" ranked third on the CPI chart with a score of 235.4, demonstrating its strong popularity and Lee Byung-hun's star power.
Lee Byung-hun made a highly anticipated return to television in 'Mr. Sunshine,' drawing strong viewership and industry buzz.
Lee Byung-hun's directorial film 'What a Man Wants' premiered on April 9, 2018, debuting at No. 2 in the box office with 503,913 tickets sold. This success, following his earlier hit 'Twenty,' solidified his status as a versatile and accomplished director in Korean cinema.
Lee Byung-hun's film 'What a Man Wants' debuted at No. 2 at the box office, selling 503,913 tickets. This marked a strong opening for his latest directorial effort, following his 2014 film 'Twenty.' The film's success reinforced his reputation as a versatile director in the Korean film industry.
In 2017, Lee Byung-hun starred in the hit comedy 'Keys to the Heart', demonstrating his comedic range before 'Ashfall'. The film debuted strong, selling 441,026 tickets on its opening weekend and securing second place at the box office.
Lee Byung-hun's last major film before 'Ashfall' was the comedy 'Keys to the Heart'.
Lee Byung-hun's film 'Keys to the Heart' claimed second place at the box office with 441,026 tickets sold, showcasing its strong appeal in a tight race with 'Psychokinesis.'
Lee Byung-hun starred as Choi Myung-kil in 'The Fortress', a historical drama that premiered in late September 2017, showcasing his depth in complex roles. He promoted the film at the Busan International Film Festival in October, reinforcing its impact and his acclaimed performance.
Lee Byung-hun returns to historical films in 'The Fortress', premiering on 2017-09-27, where he plays Choi Myung-gil, a central character in the movie's ideological conflict.
"The Fortress" stars Lee Byung-hun as Choi Myung-kil, King Injo's top aide.
Lee Byung-hun will attend the 22nd Busan International Film Festival to promote his film 'The Fortress'.
The 22nd Busan International Film Festival ended, concluding Lee Byung-hun's promotions for 'The Fortress'.
Lee Byung-hun attended a 2017 Paris prescreening of 'The Battleship Island', spotlighting Japan's controversial Hashima Island history. The event aimed to boost global awareness, with organizers urging Japan to confront its past as UNESCO advised.
Lee Byung-hun attended a Paris prescreening of 'The Battleship Island' to highlight Japan's dark history on Hashima Island, emphasizing the need for Japan to address its past actions as urged by UNESCO.
Lee Byung-hun starred in 'The Magnificent Seven' (2016), boosting his Hollywood presence, followed by 'A Single Rider' (2017), his first major father role, coinciding with his real-life fatherhood. The Warner Bros.-produced film, co-starring An So-hee, highlighted his acclaimed versatility.
Lee Byung-hun demonstrated his acting versatility and expanded his Hollywood career through his role in 'The Magnificent Seven'.
Lee Byung-hun took on his first major father role in 'A Single Rider,' reflecting on its connection to his real-life fatherhood.
Lee Byung-hun and An So-hee's film 'Single Rider' is set to debut this month, marking another milestone in Lee's career.
Lee Byung-hun stars in 'A Single Rider', Warner Bros.' second Korean-language film, which opens in local theaters.
In 2016, Lee Byung-hun starred in 'Master', a crime thriller inspired by a real-life fraud case, where he played the villainous Chairman Jin—a role that showcased his versatility. The film dominated the South Korean box office, drawing over 5 million viewers and cementing his status as a top actor. That same year, he was also announced to star in 'Single Rider' alongside Gong Hyo-jin, further solidifying his prominence in cinema.
Lee Byung-hun starred in the 2016 South Korean film 'Master' with Gang Dong-won and Kim Woo-bin, playing a complex character in a film inspired by swindler Cho Hee-pal's real-life case, adding to his diverse filmography alongside similar adaptations, while also appearing in 'Single Rider' with Gong Hyo-jin, maintaining his prominence in cinema.
Lee Byung-hun discussed his villainous role as Chairman Jin at the 'Master' press conference in Seoul's CGV-Apgujeong theater.
Lee Byung-hun stars as the villain in the upcoming Korean crime action film 'Master,' set to debut in local theaters, reinforcing his status as a top industry actor.
Lee Byung-hun's film 'Master' dominated the South Korean box office with 393,247 viewers and 66.3% of sales on its opening day, maintaining a high 53% reservation rate the next morning.
Lee Byung-hun's film 'Master' became a major commercial hit, surpassing 5 million viewers and aiming for 10 million shortly after its release.
Lee Byung-hun starred in 'The Age of Shadows', which premiered in Korea on September 7, 2016, and expanded to 40 North American cities on September 23—marking Warner Bros.' first Korean film release. The thriller, featuring Lee as resistance fighter Jeong Chae-san, was promoted with director Kim Jee-woon’s U.S. tour.
"The Age of Shadows," starring Lee Byung-hun as Jeong Chae-san, premieres in local theaters.
"The Age of Shadows," starring Lee Byung-hun and produced by Warner Bros., became the first Korean film released in 40 North American cities, highlighted by director Kim Jee-woon's promotional tour in Los Angeles.
Lee Byung-hun and director Woo Min-ho's crime thriller 'Inside Men' was a massive hit, selling over 7 million tickets, with its director's cut adding 50 minutes of footage and drawing 2 million viewers. The film's success set the stage for their reunion in 'The Man Standing Next' and expanded globally with a Hong Kong release in 2016.
The director's cut of 'Inside Men: The Original', starring Lee Byung-hun, added 50 minutes of character depth and became the highest-grossing local director's cut.
The director's cut of 'Inside Men: The Original' set a local record by surpassing 2 million viewers, further cementing the film's popularity and Lee Byung-hun's success, following the regular version's 7.07 million viewers.
"Lee Byung-hun's film 'Inside Men' will expand internationally with its upcoming Hong Kong release, marking a career milestone for the actor."
Lee Byung-hun's successful collaboration with director Woo Min-ho in the hit crime film 'Inside Men,' which sold over 7 million tickets, raised expectations for their reunion in 'The Man Standing Next' and cemented Lee's box office appeal.
Lee Byung-hun's Hollywood film 'Misconduct' premiered in South Korea on March 30, 2016, drawing 71,130 viewers in its opening weekend. The success further cemented his rising Hollywood career.
Lee Byung-hun's fifth Hollywood film, 'Misconduct', debuted in local theaters, drawing 71,130 viewers in its opening weekend and marking another step in his growing Hollywood career.
Lee Byung-hun starred in 'Inside Men' (2015), a crime drama that became a box office sensation, setting records as South Korea’s fastest R-rated film to hit 3 million, 4 million, and 5 million admissions. His gripping performance as a vengeful political henchman earned critical acclaim and an AFA award, while the film dominated the box office for four straight weeks. By year’s end, it reached 7 million viewers, becoming the country’s second-most-watched R-rated movie.
Lee Byung-hun chose to star in 'Inside Men' because of its compelling screenplay, as he stated during the film's promotional news conference where he discussed his role, project choices, and the film's webtoon origins.
In November 2015, Lee Byung-hun starred in the crime drama 'Inside Men' (also referred to as 'Inside Man'), an R-rated adaptation of an incomplete webtoon that became South Korea's second-most-watched R-rated movie, drawing over 7 million viewers and earning acclaim for his performance as a vengeful political henchman.
"Lee Byung-hun's film 'Inside Men' debuted successfully in South Korean theaters, showcasing his leading role in a major local production."
'Inside Men' topped the weekend box office with 1.26 million admissions from November 20-22, showcasing Lee Byung-hun's star power and the film's broad appeal.
'Inside Men,' starring Lee Byung-hun, became South Korea's fastest rated-R film to hit 2 million viewers in six days, showcasing Lee's star power and strong box office performance, as confirmed by distributor Showbox Mediaplex.
'Inside Men,' starring Lee Byung-hun, broke records by reaching 3 million viewers in just 10 days, the fastest for an R-rated Korean film, showcasing Lee's enduring star power.
"Inside Men," starring Lee Byung-hun, became the fastest November-released film to exceed 4 million viewers, surpassing "The Priests" and showcasing Lee's enduring popularity in Korean cinema.
'Inside Men,' starring Lee Byung-hun, became the fastest November R-rated film to hit 5 million attendees, topping the box office for three weeks and cementing Lee's stardom.
Lee Byung-hun's film 'Inside Men' became South Korea's second most-watched R-rated movie with over 7 million viewers, boosting his box office appeal and earning him an AFA award.
"Inside Men," starring Lee Byung-hun, became 2015's first R-rated film to top the box office for four straight weeks, nearing 6 million viewers.
Lee Byung-hun's R-rated film 'Inside Men' became South Korea's second-most-watched R-rated movie with over 7 million viewers, showcasing his enduring star power, as reported by distributor Showbox.
The director's cut of 'Inside Men' was released in theaters, offering fans extra content and reinforcing the film's influence.
Lee Byung-hun starred in the 2015 martial arts film 'Memories of the Sword', his final historical drama before 'The Fortress', playing conflicted official Yubaek. Despite its star-studded cast, the film underperformed at the box office, falling short of expectations.
Lee Byung-hun returned to historical drama with 'Memories of the Sword,' his last period film before 'The Fortress.'
Lee Byung-hun stars as an ambitious swordsman in the upcoming film 'Memories of the Sword', premiering soon in local theaters.
"Memories of the Sword," starring Lee Byung-hun as the conflicted official Yubaek, premiered in theaters on August 13, 2015, but had a surprisingly weak opening weekend, underperforming despite its high-profile cast.
Lee Byung-hun boosted his Hollywood profile by starring in 'Terminator Genisys' (2015), a franchise reboot that topped South Korea's box office with 252,680 tickets sold on opening day. The film hit 2 million viewers in just nine days, cementing its success and Lee's international appeal.
Lee Byung-hun's role in 'Terminator Genisys' boosted his Hollywood career, making him a recognizable figure in major film franchises.
"Terminator Genisys," starring Lee Byung-hun in a key role, debuted in South Korea on July 2, 2015, marking his entry into a major Hollywood franchise and advancing his global film career. The film revitalized the Terminator series with a mix of new and familiar cast members and exceeded 2 million viewers in South Korea within nine days, boosting Lee Byung-hun's global profile.
Lee Byung-hun's comedy 'Twenty' premiered in South Korea on March 25, 2015, quickly becoming a hit with over 3 million viewers—the second Korean film that year to do so. It also expanded to North American theaters on April 10, screening in 25 cities, showcasing Lee's international appeal as a director.
Lee Byung-hun's directorial debut comedy film 'Twenty' premiered in South Korean theaters on March 25, 2015, becoming a hit that drew over 2.2 million viewers, demonstrating his directorial versatility.
Lee Byung-hun's film 'Twenty' will expand internationally with screenings in 25 North American theaters, including major cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Toronto.
Lee Byung-hun's film 'Twenty' drew over 3 million viewers, marking it as the second Korean film in 2015 to reach this milestone and solidifying his reputation as a director.
In 2013, Lee Byung-hun starred in two major Hollywood films—'G.I. Joe: Retaliation' and 'Red 2'—expanding his global appeal with deeper character arcs and action-packed roles. His standout performance as Storm Shadow in 'G.I. Joe 2' and charismatic turn in 'Red 2' solidified his status as a leading figure in both Hollywood and the hallyu wave. These blockbusters showcased his versatility and growing international stardom.
Lee Byung-hun will star in 'G.I. Joe 2: Retaliation' and 'Red 2' alongside Bruce Willis, reinforcing his Hollywood success and global stardom, gaining international recognition through his role in the Hollywood film 'G.I Joe: Retaliation.'
"G.I. Joe: Retaliation expands Lee Byung-hun's role as Storm Shadow, offering more screen time, emotional depth, and ninja battles to engage global fans."
Lee Byung-hun's role in 'Red 2' reinforced his prominence in both Korean and international cinema, solidifying his status as a leading figure in the hallyu wave.
Lee Byung-hun's 2012 hit 'Masquerade' ('Gwanghae: The Man Who Became the King') became a box-office sensation, surpassing 12 million viewers and ranking among Korea's top films. Its success solidified his star status and later inspired the 2024 drama 'The Crowned Clown'. The film broke records, becoming one of only seven local movies at the time to cross 10 million admissions.
Lee Byung-hun's hit film 'Masquerade' boosted his stardom, inspired the drama 'The Crowned Clown', and is being adapted into a new 2024 series.
Lee Byung-hun's film 'Gwanghae: the Man Who Became the King' was a box-office hit, reinforcing his status as a leading actor.
Lee Byung-hun's film 'Gwanghae: The Man Who Became the King' surpassed 5 million viewers, becoming the second local film that year to achieve this milestone after 'The Thieves', showcasing its box office success and Lee's star power.
Lee Byung-hun's film 'Gwanghae: the Man Who Became the King' surpassed 10 million attendees, showcasing his star power and setting a precedent before 'Miracle in Cell No. 7' achieved the same milestone in 2013.
Lee Byung-hun's film 'Gwanghae: the Man Who Became the King' surpassed 10 million viewers on October 20, 2012, becoming the second 2012 local film to achieve this milestone and cementing his status as a top South Korean actor with broad appeal despite its September release.
"Lee Byung-hun's film 'Gwanghae: the Man Who Became the King' became Korea's third highest-grossing movie, selling over 12.3 million tickets, showcasing his star power and the film's success."
Allen Hughes will direct the American remake of 'A Bittersweet Life', the acclaimed Korean thriller starring Lee Byung-hun. It's unclear if Lee will reprise his role in the new version.
Allen Hughes will direct the American remake of 'A Bittersweet Life,' highlighting the enduring influence of Lee Byung-hun's original performance, though his involvement in the remake remains unclear.
Lee Byung-hun starred in the 2010 thriller 'I Saw the Devil', delivering a gripping performance after the film overcame censorship challenges. This intense role, following his Hollywood debut, solidified his reputation as a versatile actor capable of handling demanding characters.
"I Saw the Devil," starring Lee Byung-hun, overcame censorship challenges to showcase his compelling performance in a demanding thriller role after his Hollywood debut.
Lee Byung-hun broke into Hollywood with 'G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra' (2009), earning global recognition and rare honors like handprints at Grauman's Chinese Theatre. His success led to major roles in 'Terminator Genisys' (2015) and 'The Magnificent Seven' (2017), cementing his status as a versatile international star.
Lee Byung-hun's Hollywood debut in 'G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra' in 2009 launched his international career, showcasing his versatility and paving the way for future success in both South Korean and Hollywood cinema. This role earned him global recognition and the rare honor of leaving handprints at Grauman's Chinese Theatre.
Lee Byung-hun made his Western debut in the 2008 film 'I Come with the Rain', marking his first major international role. This breakthrough expanded his career beyond Korean cinema and solidified his global presence.
Lee Byung-hun expanded into global cinema with his debut in the international film 'I Come with the Rain', marking his transition beyond Korean productions.
Lee Byung-hun's villainous turn in 'The Good, The Bad And the Weird' (2008) deepened his creative partnership with director Kim Jee-woon and showcased his range, cementing his status as a global star. The role followed his breakout in 'A Bittersweet Life' and marked his last antagonist performance before new projects.
Lee Byung-hun's role in Kim Jee-woon's 'The Good, The Bad And the Weird' (2008) was his last villain role, strengthening their collaboration and enhancing his reputation as a versatile actor in Korean and international cinema.
Lee Byung-hun's standout performance in 'A Bittersweet Life' (2005) catapulted him to global fame, paving the way for his Hollywood career in films like 'G.I. Joe' and 'The Magnificent Seven'. The crime thriller, screened at Cannes, remains his career highlight for its international impact.
Lee Byung-hun's acclaimed performance in Kim Jee-woon's 'A Bittersweet Life' (which screened at Cannes) showcased his global appeal, propelled him into Hollywood, and spurred plans for an American remake, leading to roles in films like 'G.I. Joe' and 'The Magnificent Seven'.
Lee Byung-hun's collaborations with Park Chan-wook in 'JSA' (2000) and 'Three... Extremes' (2004) were career-defining, propelling him to stardom in Korean cinema. These films cemented his reputation as a leading actor.
Lee Byung-hun's acclaimed performance in Park Chan-wook's 'Joint Security Area' (JSA) solidified his reputation as a top Korean actor, boosted his career, and marked a major milestone in Korean cinema.
Lee Byung-hun and Park Chan-wook strengthened their professional collaboration by working together again in 'Three... Extremes', though no further developments were noted.
Lee Byung-hun's 2003 hit series 'All In' boosted his stardom across Asia and fueled the Korean Wave. The drama also launched Jin Goo's career, as he played the younger version of Lee's character.
Lee Byung-hun's role in the hit TV series 'All In' boosted his fame across Asia and contributed to the spread of Korean pop culture, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and bankable actor.
Jin Goo debuted as the younger version of Lee Byung-hun's character in the SBS drama 'All In' in 2003, gaining initial media attention though his career did not maintain its early momentum.
Lee Byung-hun's breakout role in the 2001 drama 'Beautiful Days' propelled him to stardom across Asia, cementing his place as a Hallyu icon. The series remains a defining milestone in his career.
Lee Byung-hun's role in 'Beautiful Days' boosted his fame across Asia and cemented his position as a hallyu star, marking a key milestone in his career.