Ephoenix

April 17, 2024 Actor Lee Byung-hun participates in the audio docent of "Confession to the Earth"🌎 Lee Byung-hun will participate as an audio docent in the first exhibition ‘Confession to the Earth’ at Gallery Shindang, run by Jung-gu Cultural Foundation Chungmu Art Center (CEO Se-hyun Jo). A total of 16 of the exhibited works are explained in a unique and appealing voice. ‘Confession to the Earth’ is a photo exhibition designed to sympathize with the seriousness of the global climate crisis and convey a message of empathy and hope to humanity facing environmental change through photography. Under the title ‘Confessions to the Earth’, we look back at our planet Earth, which may disappear at any moment. Five artists, including Ingmar Bjorn Nolting, Daesung Lee, Mandy Barker, Nick Brandt, and Tom Hegen, submitted works. In addition to explaining the author's series, Lee Byung-hun plans to tell stories about the environment contained within the work in an honest and profound voice. He sympathized with the planning intention and purpose of this photo exhibition and readily expressed his intention to participate. In addition to drama and film activities, he also worked as an audio art docent for 'Paradise City', narrated the KBS 'Life and Art Life of Park Seo-bo' documentary, and recording voice braille books for the visually impaired. Jo Se-hyeon, president of the Jung-gu Cultural Foundation, who chaired the organizing committee for this project, said, “We expect that more people will sympathize with the message of the work through the commentary provided by actor Lee Byung-hun.” He added, “Through this exhibition, we will raise awareness of climate change. “I hope this will be an opportunity to think once again about the importance of environmental protection,” he said. Meanwhile, "Confession to the Earth" will be displayed at the gallery shrine on the first floor of the Chungmu Art Center from the 18th to September 8th. Source: Naver

Thank you so much @Annelyse Court for the translation. 😘 I really loved his answers in this one. He was simply honest and speaking facts. I think this is the first time I’ve read him answering a question about North Korea. He may have had talked about it in the past when JSA was released, but I personally do not know much of his interviews from that era. I don’t think there was something like that even during Ashfall times. It could’ve been a tricky question considering their own history and current situations, but his answers were so in line with his craft and his profession, and remained so without making it anything political. Art really has no boundaries and I hope we get to see more of these opportunities being explored to tell their stories in the future. Lee Byung Hun ♥️ Lee Min Jung dinner time with Musician Kim Soo Chul “Movie and Music story time together with awesome couple LBH and LMJ.” Last year in September, LBH and Dir. PCW had sent video messages to musician Kim Soo-chul on the KBS program ‘Immortal Songs’, to congratulate him on his 45th debut anniversary. At that time, KSC nim had mentioned that he often meets LBH to have meals together, and that LBH is the actor he really likes the most. Seems like it’s one of those moments. Also, artist KSC has provided his music to many Korean movies in the past and he has mentioned that it’s one of the reason he is close to Dir. PCW. All this connection when The Ax news is in the air is making my brain work harder…. 😂 Photos: Kim Soo Chul Instagram That SL shirt looks like from the closet of Ahn Sang goo and it is hurting my eyes but DID HE CUT HIS HAIR? 😳 The pic was posted only hours ago, but I don’t think it was recent as even LMJ has bangs in the pic. His hair actually matches the video message he did for the musician on his 45th anniversary last year. It could’ve been a throwback pic I think.

April 8, 2024 Concrete Utopia has been nominated in 4 categories for the 60th Baeksang Arts Awards. Best Film Best Director - Uhm Tae-hwa Best Actor - Lee Byung-hun Best Suporting Actress - Kim Sun-young The award ceremony will be held on May 7, 2024, and will be broadcast live on jtbc. ALL THE BEST, CON-UZZ!!! 🫶💯🙏 Source: Baeksang IG Naver

April 8, 2024 Lee Byung-hun has been nominated in the Best Actor category for Concrete Utopia at the 60th Baeksang Arts Awards. The award ceremony will be held on May 7, 2024, and will be broadcast live on jtbc. Concrete Utopia has been nominated in 4 categories for the 60th Baeksang Arts Awards. Best Film Best Director - Uhm Tae-hwa Best Actor - Lee Byung-hun Best Suporting Actress - Kim Sun-young ALL THE BEST, CON-UZZ!!! 🫶💯🙏 Source: Baeksang IG Naver

April 2, 2024 It still feels surreal to me that yesterday’s casting news happened. Even if we’ve had a pseudo-ride of this same casting news for this movie since the fall of 2019, somehow it feels legit this time around, with both representative agencies addressing it positively. Although the main articles in naver keep revising their contents, and calling it only as PCW’s new film, majority of the media outside seemed to have come to conclusion that it is for ‘The Ax’, a remake of Costa Gavras’ french film of the same name, which Director PCW has been trying to make for many years (almost 15). It’s a film, which Dir. PCW described as his ‘Lifelong passion project.’ The synopsis reads, “Bruno loved his job as a middle manager at a paper company, but optimistically views being laid off as an opportunity. After two years of searching for a comparable position, the optimism turns into desperation. His wife, Marlene, is working two jobs, and their marriage is deteriorating as their hold on the middle class slips away. Bruno concocts a grimly audacious plan to identify and kill his fellow job applicants so that he is the only qualified person left.” In an interview with Deadline, back in 2022, Director PCW described the storyline as, “It’s a truly heartbreaking story about a middle-aged man who lost a job, and now he needs to bring bread to the table to feed his family. So, he struggles in the process of looking for a job in a specialized field, and he becomes a serial killer.” Nothing has been official yet, but there are this unsourced screenshot tweets from fellow LBH fans where Dir. PCW gave his review for the book, and expressed his thoughts in remaking the Korean version of the movie, and naming it, “Mogaji-모가지” I did some look around and it’s a very informal derogatory term used for expressing dismissal, being fired, kicked out etc, with one gesturing to slit their throat with the blade of their hand. Dir. PCW said, “its a very cruel expression both in English and Korean, but what can I say, isn’t being fired actually the most terrible thing in the world?” (KoreanLBH fans are begging to rethink the movie title.😅) The way how DIr. PCW works, I can somehow imagine how dark this movie is going to be in this thoughts alone. His choice of name for the movie, his interpretation, the literal term ‘Ax’, and the plot of protagonist being ‘axed’ from his job, and potentially applying that hand gesture of slitting one’s throat as a MO of a serial killer. 😳 Of course, this is all in my head though. But I wonder how LBH is thinking about it. Imagine being a highly sought after actor for a highly acclaimed director’s life’s passion project….the pressure and the burden must be unimaginable. Not to mention his process of getting into the skin of his character who ends up becoming a serial killer. This seems 10x more intense and challenging than what he felt when he rejected Gwanghae, and the responsibilities here is just immensely huge. I mean, LBH can pull it off for sure, if he sets his mind to it. He’s one of the few actors I think who can effortlessly pull the juxtaposition of this supposed protagonist, and is the sole reason why PCW chose him. Only time will tell what and how it will be, but my anticipation is leveling high right now.. I am really ecstatic to be very honest! I will link the past articles regarding the movie and Dir. PCW here for anyone interested. variety Deadline worldofreel

April 2, 2024 [Exclusive] Lee Byung-hun x Son Ye-jin, Park Chan-wook's first collaboration in a new movie. End-of-year filming goals Actors Lee Byung-hun and Son Ye-jin are expected to be working together for the first time in director Park Chan-wook's new film. Expectations are high both inside and outside the film industry as it is a meeting between top stars and top star directors. According to the film industry on the 2nd, Lee Byung-hun and Son Ye-jin recently received an offer from director Park Chan-wook and decided to appear in it. It's been 20 years since Lee Byung-hun reunited with director Chan-wook Park in a film. Lee Byung-hun worked with Song Kang-ho, Lee Young-ae, and Shin Ha-kyun in director Park Chan-wook's 2000 film 'JSA', and in 2004, he appeared in the Korea-China-Japan joint film 'Three, Monster' in which director Park Chan-wook participated. This is the first time Son Ye-jin appears in director Park Chan-wook's work. Son Ye-jin married Hyun Bin in March 2021 and then took a break from acting, giving birth to her son in November of that year. It has been about two years since the JTBC drama 'Introduction, Nine', which ended in March 2022, that he met the audience through his work. It is said that Lee Byung-hun and Son Ye-jin received offers to appear in director Park Chan-wook's new film last year and early this year, respectively. Director Park Chan-wook's new work is one that he has been preparing for a long time to the extent that he calls it the masterpiece of his life. However, it is said that it is still too early to announce it to the public as the copyright contract is in the final stage. Director Park Chan-wook has been working on 'The Sympathizer', a seven-part series starring Robert Downey Jr., which will be released on the US streaming service HBO Max on the 14th. Because of this, they are not yet able to concentrate on preparing a new film starring Lee Byung-hun and Son Ye-jin. It is said that director Park Chan-wook is aiming to finish the promotional activities for 'The Sympathizer', organize all new copyright work, complete pre-production work, and begin filming in the second half of this year. The meeting of Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, and director Park Chan-wook is expected to attract a lot of attention not only in Korea but also in the global film industry. This is because it is a new work by director Park Chan-wook, who has a global reputation, and the original work is also well-known overseas, especially in France. There is already a lot of interest from movie fans at home and abroad as it is expected to shed light on the social problems experienced not only in Korea but also around the world in a sharp, cruel, and beautiful way that is unique to director Park Chan-wook. Also, the acting skills of Lee Byung-hun and Son Ye-jin will be fascinating to watch, so expectations are also high. Lee Byung-hun is also scheduled to release Netflix's 'Squid Game 2', and Son Ye-jin is internationally known for 'Crash Landing on You', so the combination of the two actors alone is expected to raise curiosity and expectations. The spring breeze is blowing again in the Korean film industry as we wonder how the combination of director Park Chan-wook, Lee Byung-hun, and Son Ye-jin will be brought to life on the screen. Source: Naver

April 1, 2024 Some additional HD pics of LBH from the Masterclass event at the 22nd Florence Korea film festival Alessia Bettini, deputy mayor of Florence, delivering the scroll of Municipality of Florence (Commune di Firenze) to LBH before the masterclass event. LBH receiving one of his illustrated portrait by artist Andrea Mancini. Source: Pictures shared by official IG of Florence Korea film festival Also, pics and clips shared by fans from the event. From @leebh_0712 ❤️ In the clip, LBH is seen sharing the table with 3 directors. Kim Jee Woon, Uhm Tae Hwa and Han Jay. Towards the end, we see LMJ, baby Jun hoo with his baseball jacket, uncle Charles Pak and LBH’s manager Park Jae woo. It was such a Déjà Vu seeing Jun hoo and I only realized some time ago that it reminded me of young Dong seok in Our blues. He wore exact similar one when he was following his mother crying and the camera pans at his back. Pics shared by @milkzywayzon twitter of LBH, LMJ from the masterclass after party, along with LBH with 3 directors. ❤️ Original source: @bling_yuri on IG.

March 31, 2024 Happiest 10th Birthday to LBH & LMJ's Son-shine, Joon Hoo!!! 🎂🥳 Finally hitting that double digit, yay!! I hope everything you wish for comes in double fold as well, with blessings, joy and good health twice as more.💝~ Also, Happy 100th Day (Baeg-il) to Princess Birdie Seo yi!! 💯 ~ I hope you are always protected, loved, fortunate, blessed with a good health, and a long happy life. Shine like a star, warm like a sun and grow prettily like a flower. ♥️ ~ Her card is so pretty with shades of pink used for writing her name. Everything is pink perfect!! 💗 Pic: LMJ’s Instagram stories Caption: “Already 100 days”

March 31, 2024 Happiest 10th Birthday to LBH & LMJ's Son-shine, Joon Hoo!!! 🎂🥳 Finally hitting that double digit, yay!! I hope everything you wish for comes in double fold as well, with blessings, joy and good health twice as more.💝~ Also, Happy 100th Day (Baek-il) to Princess Birdie Seo yi!! 💯 ~ I hope you are always protected, loved, fortunate, blessed with a good health, and a long happy life. Shine like a star, warm like a sun and grow prettily like a flower. ♥️ ~ Her card is so pretty with shades of pink used for writing her name. Everything is pink perfect!! 💗 Pic: LMJ’s Instagram stories Caption: “Already 100 days”

March 30, 2024 Hunnie Couple in Florence, Italy! ♥️ LMJ went to Florence, Italy, few days ahead with her company entourage. She most likely had a photo shoot or a ad filming there. LBH joined her later for his interviews and Masterclass event at the 22nd Florence Korea Film Festival. Pic: LBH and LMJ’s IG pic: LBH and LMJ’s IG MJBH Lovestagram era! 😊

March 30, 2024 Lee Byung Hun Instagram Update: #Florence Everything about this pic is 😘🤌💕Classy perfection!! Both LBH and LMJ were doing lovestagram from Florence, and I couldn’t agree more with the caption she used for her own pic stating that she really haven’t smiled like that for a while. That applies to LBH as well….. it has been ages since we last saw this beautiful, cozy and warm smile from him in casual. The trench coat is giving such Alain Delon vibe lol. Also, Charles Pak at the front in his own world hehe. And taking pic at the similar location as her…. 😍 I am not much familiar with the korean customs but Seo Yi is 100 days old today and Jun Hoo will turn 9 tomorrow. It’s nice that they are all together as a family there to celebrate. They both look so relaxed and happy. ♥️ MJBH Lovestagram era! 🥰~

March 29, 2024 LBH at the 22nd Florence Korea Film Festival Final highlights Congratulations, Lee Byung-hun!! Honorary citizenship of Florence, and the winner of Best Actor Award at the 22nd Florence Korea Film Festival. 👏 Pic: LBH’s Instagram LBH was presented with an honorary citizenship of Florence, Italy. The award is called “Chiavi della Citta” award, which is translated as “The Key of the City.”, and was given to him as an acknowledgement for his achievements and contribution to the film industry as one of South Korea’s leading actors. 👏 Pic: LBH’s Instagram LBH greeting the audiences after the screening of his movie Masquerade. He also received Best Actor Award at the event. From the stories shared by the audience, baby Joon Hoo also attended the screening. He was enjoying and having a laugh along with the audiences. Apparently the only movie of his father's that he's watched from beginning to the end. And later watched his Appa having his precious moment on stage. I wonder how far he understands now about the profession of his parents. LBH also shared a funny anecdote during his conference interview that his son was surprised seeing him all dressed up early in the morning. He said JH asked him why he is dressed like a gentleman, haha. He must have been so used to the Joha personality of LBH at home, always in shorts and watching movies lying on the floor, lol. Since celebrities always change into their outfits at the designated location, this could be one of few times he’s seen him leave like that. Whatever it maybe, his innocent reactions and curiosity are always so adorable and he sounds like such a kind young gentleman. Also, for the fact that he has acquired his father’s dad jokes skills already. 😂 Since Joon Hoo attended the screening event of Masquerade, we need a 2024 version of this 2 year old Joon Hoo watching his father now at the age of 10. (korean age) Please, LMJ! 🙏 The 8th day of fhe FKFF24 dedicated to Actor Lee Byung-hun. Highlight video from FKFF IG: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5F5LfXC8tr/?igsh=cGE2aWtuYmcwNmhm Lastly, here are the available links to conference interview and Masterclass event. I doubt it will have English subs available because I noticed even the ones from last year hasn’t been subbed yet. Conference interview https://youtu.be/8-Ehq3ibjcM?si=qafJuUk1tyFkieTB Masterclass event https://www.youtube.com/live/1GaVCKhgtmE?si=vfWBALPPRueMmhFl

you're welcome @Annelyse Court ❤️ It's the same for me, too. I cannot help but tear up with every mention of his father and his memories with him. You can only imagine how much he misses him. 😢 I've noticed that he talks about his father whenever he reaches this new milestone in his life as an actor. Be it his hand-foot printing at the Chinese theater, his big interview for the opening of 'LBH Theater', his Stanford University conference, his big public appearance in Yoo Quiz, and now here at Florence Korea Film Festival- Masterclass event. I feel like there are many times before too.....and I am starting to believe it's his own way of paying homage to his father, and his neverending fondness for movies. By keeping him in spirits and bringing his father's memories in every place he's reached as an actor, in places where his father physically couldn't. If we think even from our own perspective, it gives the sense of feeling that his father was there with him that day, too. It's so beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. 😭 I agree with you! Everything about this event has been nothing but wonderful. Enthusiastic audiences and their loud cheers and love for him, which he mentioned took him by surprise as well. Especially with the amount of people cheering him as Dongseok and Mr. Sunshine. Gotta give kudos to his interpreter partner too, as it seem she did a fantastic job to convey his messages and jokes to the audiences in all it's essence. The fact that his son was in the audience during Masqueade screening laughing along with the audiences, and his beautiful wife supporting him there makes it all the more precious. Even LMJ seemed very pleased and I am very happy for her. I hope more of these beautiful times comes to this family in the future. And I hope you'd get to live moments like those fans one day too. For all of us, actually! 😃 because that is what we want!🤌😁~

March 28, 2024 [ENG TRANS] Masterclass with Actor Lee Byung Hun Pic: @yukki.px on IG Guys, first of all, I just want to point it out that the translations I’ve collected here are all for the answers LBH gave at the masterclass special program. Since, there was no way for me to understand the questions being asked in Italian, there are few times where I assumed what’s being asked based on his answers. So, please bear with me as there might be inaccuracies. Before they began with the masterclass program, LBH was presented with honorary citizenship of Florence, Italy. The award is called “Chiavi della Citta” award, which is translated as “The Key of the City.”, and is given to him as an acknowledgement for his achievements and contribution to the film industry as one of South Korea’s leading actors. After two accidental droppings of what looked like a medallion, handing out the certificate, and some pics, it finally started. LBH must have been super nervous at the beginning but he handled it like a master till the end. Since they began right away with the questions, LBH insisted he wanted to first convey his greetings to the audiences and introduce himself. (Our Humble gentleman!) LBH: First of all, I am very honored to be part of this special program in Florence, my favorite city in Italy. This is my 2nd time receiving an honorary citizenship actually. First was a long time ago, when I was filming a drama called ‘All In’ in Jeju island. I was wondering about the reason and it’s benefits, and was also wondering whether it will be helpful for me to get the discounts for the tickets later or something. (In Florence) I feel honored to have received this honor itself, and I feel very happy. We’ve had a close relationship with Florence film festivals for more than a decade, but I haven’t been able to attend due to the scheduling conflicts. It feels refreshing now that I am finally able to come, and I am very happy to be here. To answer your first question regarding Korean cinema in the 70s, I’d say it was not different from the sight of theater we saw in the movie, ‘Cinema Paradiso.’ These days, when you enter inside the theater, you smell all sorts of popcorns and butter, but at that time, it has a distinct smell that was a mixture of grilled squid, cigarettes, unpainted concrete walls, and children’s urine. My first experience going to the theater was when I was 6. At that time, all the elementary school students didn’t like going to the restroom while the movie was running. Since, the theater hall is sloped like a ladder, all the urine of children would stream down and collect at the front, even if they’d go to the back and do it. Personally, the smell was not weird like how you guys would perceive it to be. Perhaps the idea of theater at that time and the thrill of being there was different, so that whenever I felt the gush of smell as I went in, my heart used to beat with excitement. My father was very much a ‘Hollywood kid’. He’d know each and everything about the movies from Directors, actors, stories and such from that era. He used to sit this 6 year old on his lap who knew nothing of that world and explain everything to him. On the days of no theater, he’d explain all the soap operas and b/w movies that aired on the tv during weekends, as we sit together and watch. It is those moments with my father that is engraved in my memory. Q-//PCW- Breaking through the industry with JSA. LBH: I began my career with tv dramas, and ventured into movies. All 4 movies that I was part of didn’t do well. At that time, there was this superstition in the industry that if you fail to succeed 3 times, your career as an actor is over. However, I got the chance to do even the 5th one, and finally for the 6th one, I landed with JSA. The fact that I even got the chance to be an actor for 4-5 times itself was very interesting memory that I remember. I was serving in the military and was about to be discharged when I got the scenario from Dir. PCW. I’m not sure if it’s because I myself was in the military but, I remember reading the scenario very enthusiastically. After the movie became a hit, I received an award, and my first words were, ‘This is your box office actor, Lee Byung-hun.’ At that time, it was something I said with the rebellious heart towards people in the industry who were too concerned about audience numbers, but I remember it was passed off as a joke. To me, JSA is a very special project where I got to meet genius director like PCW. It is one of my favorite movie, and it has remained as a heavy presence in my filmography. Q: KJW- A Bittersweet life LBH: With Dir. KJW, even from my own personal point-of-view, I think we collaborated a lot, but there is not a single project with him where it was not difficult. (Slightly smiling) He is someone who has the talent of extracting all the energy out of an actor. From physical to mental energy, where after the movie was done, you can’t help but feel the need to take a break for a while. Among them, I think the most difficult one was of course ‘A Bittersweet Life.’ After all night filming, when I’d go and shower in the morning, I’d notice an actual cuts and wounds that I sustained during filming after all the make up washes off. At that time, I remember wondering, “What am I even doing here?”while staring in front of the mirror. Of course when I think about the outcome of his work, I don’t think there’s any work with him where I felt unsatisfied. I think we are very compatible together. Q: I Saw the Devil— I think he mentioned something about the filming taking a mental toll on both him and the director, but I didn’t quite grasp it. Maybe I’ll understand later if I pay better attention. Q: Inside Men— talks about preparation of making Ahn Sang goo, from his appearances to his traits, improvisations of the scenario to make it lighter since the subject was heavy and such. Q: Masquerade— It apparently was the movie he turned down many times before he went to the US to film GI Joe 2. My God!! He mentioned that the director even went to the US to persuade him. He said the more they tried, the more he felt like he shouldn’t do it. He mentioned the reason being his own ideology of wanting to get to the skin of his character, and he felt extreme pressure because he had to portray two distinct characters. Since Gwanghae existed in history, his traits, habits, personality etc were readily available for study, but Ha-seon was a complete fictional character. He mentioned that the back-and-forth of dropping and getting on the emotions of both Gwanghae and Ha-seon at the same time was very challenging for him. Q: Most difficult movies/experiences. Physically— Actually all Kim Jee Woon movies were the most difficult ones. Mentally— the movie where he was not able to grasp his character and the movie itself, and still haven’t till this day is, ‘I come with the rain.’ He said he asked the director what his intentions and messages were during the premiere, but the director said he himself was not sure. Hollywood— Acting in English in general. Q: If he has any plans to appear in an Italian movie. LBH: Are you perhaps proposing me a casting offer right now? I think I could do a good job if given the role of a Korean who does not know Italian culture. To act as a character who’s a native Italian is hard as I have to learn so much, from the gestures to the expressions with the whole body like, *Italian accent* ‘Spaghetti!!’, ‘Delicious!!’ 😂 Reading Dongseok’s lines… his face😍 Later, there was this corner with the audience where a fan requested LBH to reenact Dong-seok’s lines from ‘Our Blues’, where he was recording names of items for his general store. He said that it was the first time he’s done it after finishing the drama. He also chose ‘Cinema Paradiso’ and ‘Life is Beautiful’ as his most favorite films, and the connection he felt with his father as he watched those films. Some more mentions about Squid game 2, and request to look forward to S2. It’s influence on global audience and how people recognize him as Front man than his other acclaimed works, his disappointment etc. To end the fabulous event, LBH had planned a quiz section, where audience had to answer questions regarding his work, and the winners would get autographed items, his books handed to them by the man himself. The hype when there was a question regarding Mr. Sunshine was insane. I hope after this event, he took notes to appear on more works of OTTs now. Hehe. Lastly, it was a masterclass event with Master LBH, who smoothly turned the program into a mini fan meeting. 😆/// Grazie!! 😁🤌 @Annelyse CourtThank you so much for the translations, Anne! It was indeed adorable watching him trying his ways around the language and gestures. It is such a meme worthy. I shall have this for all the fun reasons we may need it in the future. LBH: They do this a lot here in Italy. 😂🤌

March 27, 2024 [New TIFF Interview] The Rise of Korean Wave CInema with Lee Byung-hun I On Film Acclaimed actor Lee Byung-hun reflects on the success of Joint Security Area (JSA 2000); the innovative works of Park Chan-wook; and the growth of New Wave Korean Cinema in this exclusive interview with TIFF inside studio 9. LBH: JSA enjoyed tremendous success, breaking records at the time of its release. Not only has it achieved notable commercial success, but it continues to be a audience favorite, and it’s still a highly regarded work that remains a topic of discussion among people. Perhaps it’s a film that acts as a foundational point for globally acclaimed directors like Park Chan-wook and Bong Joon-ho, and some others to emerge, because after JSA was released, international film festivals began to express significant interest in Korean content. I believe that was the moment when global audiences started paying attention to the Korean film industry. LBH: Whether collaborating with Park Chan-wook, or simply watching his other works, I am consistently struck by the novelty of his ideas and the distinctiveness of his creativity. I can’t help but ponder whether this is evidence of his inherent genius. His constant drive to push creative boundaries and his unwavering commitment to trying new things really makes him stand out as an exemplary director. When I think about directors and actors from other countries, I often wonder where they get their creativity from as they get older, and how their storytelling gets deeper and more polished over time. I believe Park Chan-wook is one of the rare directors who shows those qualities. LBH: it was just one person flourishing, while everyone else just stayed the same, and that one person’s creativity evolved, while everyone else faded away, then Korean content would not be where it is today. Each person in the industry influences one another, and holds specialized positions in their fields. They are always coming up with new ideas and pushing each other to be more creative, which really helps everyone learn from each other and grow together. To me, this back-and-forth is what really pushes everyone in the Koran film industry forward, together. Link: https://youtu.be/KaUgyanWgxM?si=LZcTOvduIM_4nEp8 [LBH INSTAGRAM UPDATE] I wonder if I should thank LMJ for this pic because it is perfect! Playing tourist with duomo at the background hehe. Lovely! Soft and dreamy in casual, and that hair, so pretty. I wonder if he’s just letting it grow for a change or for front man, or we have Sageuk as the next project to look forward to. Whatever it may be, I hope scissors don’t go near his hair for the time being because this look is >>>>>>>> 🥰😍

March 27, 2024 [LBH Instagram] LBH at the 22nd Florence Korea Film Festival today. 😍 Pic: @yukki.px on IG From the Op who posted, LMJ was also present at the event today to support her hubby. March has really been a year of MJBH. Versace in LA last year to Florence, Italy this year. Workcation of Lee family, and ending perfectly with the celebration of Baby Joon Hoo’s bday! 🎉♥️ 😍😍 Pic: @yukki.px on IG stories 😘🤌 “Hun-ni and Hwa-ni” of Concrete Utopia! (Their nicknames given by the Perspective pictures’ producers) Finally their two-shot after such a long time! Masterclass with LBH will broadcast live tomorrow on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/live/1GaVCKhgtmE?si=c1fxSeMMWHsVQk7p

March 20, 2024 [ENG] Lee Byung Hun’s Best Actor Award speech at the 22nd Director’s cut Awards His award speech session was very long so bear with me, friends! The friendly banters between LBH and the two Director MCs were really entertaining. Since it was a private event, everyone was very chill, with two directors keeping no filter whatsoever when talking with guests on the stage. They did not spare a moment to get the most out of it when LBH was on stage as well. Director Bong Man Dae and Director Jang Hang Joon were the MCs. [Translations] MCs: Congratulations! LBH: Thank you very much! I really feel like I am honored with a great award. Seeing the lineup of nominees again, I couldn’t help but witness the greatness of this award. You mentioned that there was a lot of tossing and turning during the process of judging. Even so, I feel like our directors worked really meticulously and keenly when voting (for the winner.) BMD: Yes, that’s right. LBH: It was just a joke.^^ LBH: But honestly, I really feel happy and delighted whenever I attend the Director’s cut awards. I don’t think there are any award ceremonies like this where throughout the ceremony, you have a good time, drink comfortably, reunite with directors and your colleagues after a long time. I also have been part of it for 22 years, and I think its the most joyful and a long-awaited event for all filmmakers. JHJ: As a matter of fact, this is your third win, right? LBH: Yes! JHJ: ‘Inside Men’, ‘The Man Standing Next’, and ‘Concrete Utopia’ LBH: Yes….*speechless* *embarrassed* “lost train of thought* ^^~ BMD: You were the presenter in the year ‘23, and was the winner the previous year. Also, I think we have one more thing that we should be congratulating him about, right? JHJ: Ah yes, there is something he should really be congratulated for. BMD: Ummm… would you care to explain? LBH: Ah… yes. Umm…. It’s a bit a..wk…ward to announce it at this age, *makes the crowd burst into laughter* but I have been blessed with a daughter who is 80 days old. Even before I came here, I was looking after her. I am at this stage where even while I am enjoying and having a great time here, her image keeps flashing in front of my eyes. *Awwwww Appa Byung Hun is so cute!* BMD: It’s a huge reward in itself. JHJ: Also, don’t you think you really proved yourself healthy (his reproductive function Lmao) after having a daughter? You’ve done a great job! *I cant believe this Director actually asked that!! He was talking about pure fatherly joy and suddenly it became a subject of potency.😂* LBH” *bursts into laughter* BMD: Are you saying you actually need to have a child to prove it? LBH: You know there is Al Pacino as well. ^^~ *Not him giving the example of his ‘Misconduct’ co-star lol* LBH: I …umm…I forgot what I was saying… Actually, there is something I wanted to say since we have directors, my colleagues, and juniors present at the moment. I wonder why we, especially when we were young, and had someone we really wanted to work with, we’d just go and say, “Director-nim, I really wish for us to work together someday.”, and the Director would also say the same to the actor who always caught his eyes, saying, “Oh yeah, lets work together, someday.”, and then, “Let’s really work together later.”….but honestly, there is no such thing as “Later” *He really sounded like Dong seok at this moment*. From my own experience, there is a director I really wanted to work with, but our circle never really matched. Sometimes our schedules didn’t match, and sometimes also because of the duration of the time they took in-between projects. There has been about 15 years where I’ve waited for their “Later”. So, if you really wish to work with someone, you have to propose them right away. It goes to both directors and to the actors, as I think it is very crucial to express your love to each other. *Director PCW at the audience must be cackling at this because it definitely sounded like him. During CU GV, he did mention LBH keep asking to work with him and he telling LBH to come back after getting some wrinkles because he’s too youthful and handsome. Lol. And they really did miss so many because of their scheduling conflicts later on. Sigh* DMD: As we know you’ve been consistently working with some director, but I think you haven’t worked with Director Lee Jun-ik, have you? LBH: Yes, That’s right! DMD: So who is avoiding who here?? LBH: Ohh…no. It’s not like that. I’ve had meetings with Director-nim many times as well, and he’s rather someone who is in the top priority list in my bucket list of Directors that I want to work with. Director-nim, please do take care of me! *bows* JHJ: Ah…. I am so jealous! Lee Jun-ik, King of Motorcycles! DMD: Actually, Director Lee Jun-ik is preparing for something really big. It’s something equivalent to saying its his retirement piece. It’s a really big scale movie, and its also releasing in OTT. Just saying if you have a chance to meet him personally later on… LBH: Since he’s sitting right behind me, I will only ask about this from now onwards. DMD: (to Dir. LJI): Director-nim, It has to be done right away! It’s not the time to be picky! Lol DMD: Anyway, we have always been grateful and now we are almost like a family too. Do you perhaps wish to venture into directing? LBH: Oh….Not really! I only intend to give my best to do one thing. JHJ: Oh, thats a huge relief… our livelihood c’mon. DMD: Our livelihood would sure be at risk, if that was the case. Haha . DMD: Anyway, it’s a given that Lee Byung hun ssi always manages to choose great works for himself. And this movie is also after the pandemic. I hope you work on a lot again, so there won’t be much side effects. Especially, there are a lot of interests in Independent genre and erotic genres. Just so you know that there are still a lot of diverse works to be done. LBH: I promise to look at it with an open mind. Thank you very much! All I wish after hearing his speech was for LBH to actually work with Director Lee Jun-ik. It better not be just a casual award show teasing talk for us. If it happens, It would be a dream come true and I would literally cry happy tears. He is one of my favorite Directors whose movies have left a lasting impressions on me for so long. Please, let this be happening. Byun Yo Han and Park Jung Min made it already. Now it’s LBH’s turn. LBH already sent his love call, I hope it gets reciprocated. 🙏 Full Link: LBH’s speech starts at 1:53:00 https://youtu.be/jSS6LOlGDjM?si=szNF-kiGhcmsNAX1

March 19, 2024 Lee Byung Hun Instagram update: Lee Byung Hun at the MLB 2024 Seoul VIP Event today, which was presented by Coupang play, Visit California, and the other two tourism organization of Los Angeles and San Diego. The event seem to have been held at Habib House, the residence of the US Ambassador to the ROK, and the ambience just reminds me of Eugene’s office. *In Mori Takashi’s accent*, “Is that you, Eugene? Long time no see!” Context: Major League Baseball has recently been endeavoring on an International World Tour. Various sites around the world have hosted teams for regular season games, and Seoul, South Korea was chosen as the first of three locations in 2024. Two games between Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres will be held at the Gocheok Skydome on Wednesday and Thursday. From the looks of it, it seems like he’s one of the honorary guests at the event. I mean rightfully so, because he’s one of the prominent actors representing South Korea and someone who has been actively participating in promoting tourism of state of California. Since, Visit California is also one of the presenters, there couldn’t have been more perfect candidate than him to represent both of two worlds for sure. And he’s indeed become leaner. Squid game is sucking the weight off him. I am not even kidding here! :b

March 13, 2023 Eugene’s Baby Lion has finally joined BH Entertainment!!! ‘Because he can!’ BH Entertainment sure is collecting all of LBH’s onscreen babies like collecting pokemons. It was Kim Si-a earlier, and now Jang Dong Yoon has joined BH Entertainment. This is not entirely related to LBH but it is quite an emotional moment for me personally. Like Eugene taking Jun Yeong under his wings, their story also have found its path and now Jang Dong Yoon has joined the BH family. Although this time it’s not a fake document they are signing but a real one, haha. And, they share the same birthdays!!! 🥰 I hope BH becomes a great supportive family to him, and I hope we get to see LBH working with him again in the future. 🙏

March 9, 2024 LBH and LMJ spotted having a meal date together 👩‍❤️‍👨 LBH looks so much leaner from the sides and that razor sharp jawline is even more prominent. His hair and that side burn indeed has gotten so much longer and I am loving this look so much on him. 😍 I think this is the 2nd post-award sighting of them having a meal together in the past few months. Last time, it was after the Blue Dragon awards where LBH almost made a rice cake of that fried rice with too much stirring and acting like a Salt bae sprinkling salt lol. OP said it was a rush rush because of some issues with reservation, and praised them for their politeness and great sense. It’s really nice to see them out and about having good time together. 💞 Pic: Seong Deok Restaurant IG https://www.instagram.com/p/C4SmNZMJJRd/?igsh=eW40YzNrODd5aTJw

March 7, 2024 Congratulations, Best Actor and Best Actress Lee Byung Hun and Kim Sun Young!!!! Both Lee Byung Hun and Kim Sun Young won Best Actor and Best Actress respectively for Concrete Utopia at the 22nd Director’s Cut Awards. Huge congratulations to both of them!!! Our Best Actor and Best Actress, Yeoreobun!!! ❤️‍🔥 It was mentioned that the Actors who showed best performance of the year, was selected by Korean Film Directors themselves through voting. This year’s Director’s Cut Awards unlike their previous ceremonies was held privately with about 150 people, including DGK’s (Korean Film Director’s Association) representative Directors and associate members in attendance. Unlike the previous years of holding the ceremony through live broadcasts, it was held privately this year with a sole intention to recreate the feel of early days of Cinema, when everyone supported and encouraged each other. It was said that the videos of the event will be released on their official YouTube channel after the ceremony.

March 7, 2024 Congratulations, Lee Byung Hun!!! Winner of the Best Actor Award at the 22nd Director’s Cut Awards, for Concrete Utopia!! 👏 Pic: LBH Instagram It was mentioned that the Actors who showed best performance of the year, was selected by Korean Film Directors themselves through voting. This year’s Director’s Cut Awards unlike their previous ceremonies was held privately with about 150 people, including DGK’s (Korean Film Director’s Association) representative Directors and associate members in attendance. Directors Bong Joon Ho, Park Chan Wook, and Kim Han Min were among the top Directors in attendance as well. Unlike the previous years of holding the ceremony through live broadcasts, it was held privately this year with a sole intention to recreate the feel of early days of Cinema, when everyone supported and encouraged each other. It was said that the videos of the event will be released on their official YouTube channel after the ceremony. Lee Byung Hun after receiving his Best Actor award from Park Hae il, who was the winner for the previous year. With Directors Bong Man Dae and Jang Hang Joon, who were hosting the ceremony. He looks so beautiful with his long hair. Really missed him so much!! From LBH’s Manager Choi Young Hoon’s IG Both Lee Byung Hun and Kim Sun Young won Best Actor and Best Actress respectively for Concrete Utopia at the ceremony. Huge congratulations to both of them!!! Our Best Actor and Best Actress, Yeoreobun!!! ❤️‍🔥

March 5, 2024 Cho Seung Woo, who is 10 years younger than Lee Byung hun, said, “I talked (casually) to him first.” “Lee Byung Hun Hyung hard carried ‘Inside Men’ movie.” Actor Cho Seung woo recently appeared for the first time in YouTube on Jung Jae Hyung’s ‘Fairy Table’, where he shared some interesting fun backstory about working with LBH, and how he as a younger one had to drop the honorifics first to get close to LBH, because LBH just wouldn’t talk casually with him at all. Lol. When asked if he was intimidated by LBH not just because he is a lot senior than him but also because he was playing a gangster: CSW: No, not really. In the case of LBH hyung, I purposely worked beforehand to befriend him. It’s because that hyung would never drop honorifics with me. He was always like, “Oh, is that how it was, Seung Woo -ssi?”. I thought this is not going to work. So, I dropped the honorifics first. I would go very casually like, “Did you eat?”, “Your make up looks awesome today.” “Hyung! Talk like friends!^^~”. That’s how our dynamics got better, and it happened while we were acting as well. At first, I thought Woo Jang Hoon is a bit predictable character. He was someone who’d pursue Ahn Sang Goo, try to prove and use him to get to his goal and his justice. He wasn’t in the original webtoon. From my pov, he really wasn’t that charming of a character. Plus, there was an existing pressure to speak in dialect as well. Even when you watch the movie, and know they are all main characters, but I definitely thought my role was a side character. ‘Inside Men’ definitely belonged to Ahn Sang Goo, and Byung Hun Hyungie really hard carried the whole movie. Regarding how his acting of being hit and choked by Ahn Sang Goo in the bathroom scene being so real and convincing: CSW: That’s because (Byung Hun hyung) pushed really hard. I thought I would die. That hyung is a lot stronger than you think. He doesn’t cut any slack when it comes to action scenes. It’s no joke. He is someone I know who is very good in performing actions. *Proceeds to act like ASG hitting WJH*…. C’mon! Let’s take it easy please!” Hahahaha……. It’s never a dull moment whenever CSW talks about LBH. There is so much respect and admiration, but there is also the same amount of playful dissing as well. The man is 90% sass and he just never misses a chance to tease his hyung. I doubt we will ever see them in one movie/drama again but seriously even a small variety show would do too. Please work together again in the future. YouTube link: https://youtu.be/Iw9N86S2lh8?si=DgQIP-vqJ8R8Phoy

February 17, 2024 LMJ’s IG story updates with Baby Birdie! LMJ is having a blast celebrating her holidays and birthday in LA, enjoying golfing and hanging out with her friends. She also shared Baby Seo-i’s cute foot among the pics. She wrote, “No matter how much I look at them, they're long. The length of Seoyi's toes which could probably even play the piano.” Pic: LMJ’s IG stories

February 17, 2024 LMJ’s IG story updates with Baby Birdie! LMJ is having a blast celebrating her holidays and birthday in LA, enjoying golfing and hanging out with her friends. She also shared Baby Seo-i’s cute foot among the pics. She wrote, “No matter how much I look at them, they're long. The length of Seoyi's toes which could probably even play the piano." Pic: LMJ’s IG stories