Ephoenix

December 13, 2023 Latest Overseas TOP CRITICS reviews on Concrete Utopia after the release in US and Canada on December 8, 2023. Peter Rayener (KPCC-NPR Los Angeles) It's a powerful movie, very well-made, and well-directed with the contemporary resonance. Carlos Aguilar - Los Angeles Times Though the humor and acting in <Concrete Utopia> can occasionally feel broad, Lee Byung-hun's visceral monstrous performance grounds a high stakes drama. Katie Life - IGN Movies This polished, character-driven drama is a whole lot of movie, in both good and bad ways. Original score: 7/10. Christian Zilko - indieWire While this film lacks the originality of many of the films it has attempted to emulate, it's still a solidly crafted reminder of the absurdly tragic fate that our current housing system appears to be guiding us towards. Original score: B Monica Castillo - RogerEbert.com <Concrete Utopia> is more ambitious than it's execution, but nonetheless sustains its suspense with an emotional journey into the depths of what scarcity can do to humanity. Original score: 2.5/4 Nick Schagger - The Daily Beast The film's lack of originality is atleast offset by its gripping depiction of intolerance and exclusion as impediments to survival. Jennette Catsoulis - New York Times Shot through shards of dark humor, Concrete Utopia observes how quickly we dehumanize the needy when they threaten our survival, and asks if we can be blamed for doing so. Ross McIndo - Slant Magazine This Darkly comic and constantly revealing tale suggests that, without the 4 walls around us to prop them up, most of our morals would crumble into dust. Original score: 3/4 Owen Gleiberman - Variety It's a fractious, blood-soaked drama about the will to survive that feels like <The Great Earthquake> and <Lord of the Flies>. What's gripping is that you watch it and think, "If I were in this movie, what would I do?" Shirley Lee - The Atlantic "Concrete Utopia" traces familiar themes of class warfare (think "Snowpiercer" set in a building), but sets itself apart with impressive production design, inventive set pieces, and an ensemble of memorable characters. Candice Frederick - Huffington Post <Concrete Utopia> remains disturbingly and crushingly human. CONCRETE UTOPIA Interview with Director Um Tae-hwa and Actor Lee Byung-hun Another interview for Deadline The Contenders. Here

December 13, 2023 Latest Overseas TOP CRITICS reviews on Concrete Utopia after the release in US and Canada on December 8, 2023. Peter Rayener (KPCC-NPR Los Angeles) It's a powerful movie, very well-made, and well-directed with the contemporary resonance. Carlos Aguilar - Los Angeles Times Though the humor and acting in <Concrete Utopia> can occasionally feel broad, Lee Byung-hun's visceral monstrous performance grounds a high stakes drama. Katie Life - IGN Movies This polished, character-driven drama is a whole lot of movie, in both good and bad ways. Original score: 7/10. Christian Zilko - indieWire While this film lacks the originality of many of the films it has attempted to emulate, it's still a solidly crafted reminder of the absurdly tragic fate that our current housing system appears to be guiding us towards. Original score: B Monica Castillo - RogerEbert.com <Concrete Utopia> is more ambitious than it's execution, but nonetheless sustains its suspense with an emotional journey into the depths of what scarcity can do to humanity. Original score: 2.5/4 Nick Schagger - The Daily Beast The film's lack of originality is atleast offset by its gripping depiction of intolerance and exclusion as impediments to survival. Jennette Catsoulis - New York Times Shot through shards of dark humor, Concrete Utopia observes how quickly we dehumanize the needy when they threaten our survival, and asks if we can be blamed for doing so. Ross McIndo - Slant Magazine This Darkly comic and constantly revealing tale suggests that, without the 4 walls around us to prop them up, most of our morals would crumble into dust. Original score: 3/4 Owen Gleiberman - Variety It's a fractious, blood-soaked drama about the will to survive that feels like <The Great Earthquake> and <Lord of the Flies>. What's gripping is that you watch it and think, "If I were in this movie, what would I do?" Shirley Lee - The Atlantic "Concrete Utopia" traces familiar themes of class warfare (think "Snowpiercer" set in a building), but sets itself apart with impressive production design, inventive set pieces, and an ensemble of memorable characters. Candice Frederick - Huffington Post <Concrete Utopia> remains disturbingly and crushingly human. CONCRETE UTOPIA Interview with Director Um Tae-hwa and Actor Lee Byung-hun Another interview for Deadline The Contenders. Here

@peonie Hi Barbara! You’re welcome. YAI had his trial 2 days ago and from the looks of it, it seems his legal team has come up with good strategy to face this case. It’s a good sign for the movie hopefully but I hope the responsible parties will reflect on the consequences of their actions. Also from the recent news of another project of YAI being released on Netflix, makes me think it is not entirely impossible. Like you said, lets keep our finger crossed. About CU, hehe I have watched for the nth time already.. nothing pleasant in this movie but LBH and PSJ as those characters and their chemistry are just outstanding to me regardless of how many times I watch it. And the more metaphors i discover and understand, the better the experience of watching it. Also today, the December 13, 2023, Wednesday is actually the day the earthquake hit in CU universe. Director Uhm also shared on his instagram story with the date and caption. And i Just checked the news and like Mo Se-beom’s radio was telling about lowest temperature and Gemini Meteor shower, there’s actually news here about where and when to watch it just posted an hour ago. It’s all these baduk metaphors and details that Director added in this movie that makes Concrete Utopia so much more than a simple genre movie to me. It’s so very fascinating. For the news, CU is released on the 8th in US and Canada and will be nationwide on 15th. So far the critics reviews have been great and LBH acting has been praised. It sure is not your regular Christmas movie, but still, hoping for the good engagement in the theater here.

No problem @willenette judging from the engagement in my old tweets from 2020 chunsa that day. It sure seems many people did get confused. Also, RJY only attended red carpet and didn't receive his award personally and gave his speech through video, which might be the possible reason for confusion.

Hi @willenette, Thank you for the SG2 update. Abt Chunsa, unfortunately LBH didn't win best actor at the 28th chunsa film awards. His last win was in 2020 for The Man Standing Next. This year's winner was Ryu Jun yeol from The night owl. Congrats to him. Concrete Utopia initially had 4 nominations but they changed Best New Director nomination for Director Uhm at the last minute, just one day ahead of the ceremony. That was really weird. It was a very poorly organized and managed event. CU didn't win in any categories out of the three they were nominated at.. the treatment was so unfair because they didn't even include CU clips in their award promotional video but included everything else. They couldn't be obvious enough seriously. I am still bitter.

December 6, 2023 IT’S CHUNGMURO TIME IN OTT!! Kim Young-tak and Kim Gyu Pyung! CONCRETE UTOPIA topped the daily OTT rankings for December 7 in Korea. It has been released only few days ago on Netflix Korea. THE MAN STANDING NEXT ranked #6, and has been steadily staying at top 10 for the past few weeks. Influenced by the story in the movie ‘Seoul Spring’, which is currently running in theaters, and causing a great box office success, audiences, mostly younger generations are showing great interest in that specific part of the modern Korean history. If anyone’s interested, Seoul Spring (12.12 The Day) revolves around the aftermath of President Park’s assassination in Oct 1979, and focus on that 9 hour period of time on December 12, 1979, where military commander Chun Doo Hwan staged a coup with his officers and ordered martial law, to begin another long military dictatorship in Korea after president Park. In this case, TMSN is considered a prequel, and 1987: The day comes as sequel, and have been trending on OTT for the past few weeks. source: OTTranking

December 6, 2023 IT’S CHUNGMURO TIME IN OTT!! Kim Young-tak and Kim Gyu Pyung! CONCRETE UTOPIA topped the daily OTT rankings for December 7 in Korea. It has been released only few days ago on Netflix Korea. THE MAN STANDING NEXT ranked #6, and has been steadily staying at top 10 for the past few weeks. Influenced by the story in the movie ‘Seoul Spring’, which is currently running in theaters, and causing a great box office success, audiences, mostly younger generations are showing great interest in that specific part of the modern Korean history. If anyone’s interested, Seoul Spring (12.12 The Day) revolves around the aftermath of President Park’s assassination in Oct 1979, and focus on that 9 hour period of time on December 12, 1979, where military commander Chun Doo Hwan staged a coup with his officers and ordered martial law, to begin another long military dictatorship in Korea after president Park. In this case, TMSN is considered a prequel, and 1987: The day comes as sequel, and have been trending on OTT for the past few weeks. source: OTTranking

December 6, 2023 IT’S CHUNGMURO TIME IN OTT!! Kim Young-tak and Kim Gyu Pyung! CONCRETE UTOPIA topped the daily OTT rankings for December 7 in Korea. It has been released only few days ago on Netflix Korea. THE MAN STANDING NEXT ranked #6, and has been steadily staying at top 10 for the past few weeks. Influenced by the story in the movie ‘Seoul Spring’, which is currently running in theaters and causing a great box office success, audiences, mostly younger generations are showing great interest in that specific part of the modern Korean history. If anyone’s interested, Seoul Spring (12.12 The Day) revolves around the aftermath of President Park’s assassination in Oct 1979, and focus on that 9 hour period of time in December 12, 1979, where military commander Chun Doo Hwan staged a coup with his officers and ordered martial law, to eventually begin another long military dictatorship in Korea after president Park. In this case, TMSN is considered a prequel, and 1987: The day comes as sequel, and have been trending on OTT for the past few weeks. Today's OTT ranking: #1 Concrete Utopia (Netflix and Tving) #6 The Man Standing Next (Netflix, Watcha and Tving) source: OTTranking

December 5, 2023 LBH visited Late Dansaekhwa Artist Park Seo Bo’s family. One of the family member of Late Artist Park Seo Bo expressed their gratitude to LBH through his official Instagram. . LBH had previously participated in the narration Late Artists’ Documentary for KBS1 last month. He had mentioned that he had to reschedule his meeting with the artist in person because of the artist sustaining injury prior to their schedule. But Mr. Park Seo Bo passed away soon after. Pic: Late Artist Park Seo Bo IG The late artists’ family took to the Instagram to express their gratitude to LBH for participating in their father’s documentary at the last minute and praised him for accepting the offer with a willingness to ‘Meet Park Seo Bo, even though it’s late.’ They also added that LBH is an actor their father always liked, and that there is a kite in this world that just continues without meeting.

Opening Day | "Concrete Utopia" | USA New York and Los Angeles Exclusively In Theaters on Friday, December 8 Nationwide Starting December 15 Current Theaters List New York City - Regal Union Square - December 8 Los Angeles - TCL Chinese, Hollywood - December 8 Los Angeles - AMC Burbank 16 - December 8 New York - AMC Kips Bay - December 15 New York - AMC Empire - December 15 Los Angeles - Laemmle Monica Film Center - December 15 Chicago, IL - AMC River East - December 15 Westbury, MO - AMC Raceway - December 15 Oakdale, MN - Marcus Oakdale - December 15 St. Louis, MO - Marcus Ronnie's - December 15 TRT: 129 minutes Language: Korean with English Subtitles

December 1, 2023 CONCRETE UTOPIA nominated in 4 categories at The 28th Chunsa International Film Festival Best Director - Uhm Tae-hwa Best Actor - Lee Byung Hun Best Screenplay - Lee Sin Je and Uhm Tae-hwa Best New Director - Uhm Tae-hwa Hosted and organized by the Korea Film Directors Association, the Chunsa International Film Festival is a non-profit competitive film festival held to honor Chunsa Na Un-gyu's passion for film and his fighting spirit for life, which was established in 1990 and marks its 28th anniversary this year. All other universal film awards have the best picture award, but the Chunsa International Film Festival has raised the authority of film directors since the 19th in 2014 and is the only one to set and operate the best director award. The 28th Chunsa International Film Festival will open at the Vista Hall of the Construction Center on December 7. Source: Naver and Instagram

December 1, 2023 Lee Byung-hun nominated for Best Actor and CONCRETE UTOPIA nominated in 4 categories at The 28th Chunsa International Film Festival Best Director - Uhm Tae-hwa Best Actor - Lee Byung Hun Best Screenplay - Lee Sin Je and Uhm Tae-hwa Hosted and organized by the Korea Film Directors Association, the Chunsa International Film Festival is a non-profit competitive film festival held to honor Chunsa Na Un-gyu's passion for film and his fighting spirit for life, which was established in 1990 and marks its 28th anniversary this year. All other universal film awards have the best picture award, but the Chunsa International Film Festival has raised the authority of film directors since the 19th in 2014 and is the only one to set and operate the best director award. The 28th Chunsa International Film Festival will open at the Vista Hall of the Construction Center on December 7. Source: Naver

December 1, 2023 BH Ent released BHIND pics of LBH at 44th Blue Dragon Awards. Finally, we have the best picture of him holding his trophy! With the Creater and Destroyer of Kim Young tak hehe (I’m still in the movie!) More pics source: BH Ent Naver BH Ent also release BHinD of the LBH’s UNICEF pictorial shoot, where he’s just goofing around and joking and laughing (Mute smile acting lol) with his junior and squid game costar Lee Jin wook. God of meme sure knows all the memes as well, haha Watch here: https://youtu.be/c8_8orQYqF0?si=xYQjrLj4kifMPcGP @Sheen90 Chingu, you’d love this video. LBH and LJW are adorable and funny together. Also, LJW and his dure guksu are inseparable lol. Man will eat that for breakfast lunch and dinner and still want more

December 1, 2023 [OSEN Exclusive] Lee Byung-hun x Yoo Ah-in's 'The Match', Discussing theatrical release again. It is expected that you will be able to see the Korean movie "The Match," which was scheduled to be released on Netflix, in theaters. As a result of OSEN's coverage on the 1st, it was reported that Ace Maker Movies, an investment distribution company, had the right to distribute the "The Match," which was planned to be released on Netflix. Initially, Netflix was planning to purchase "The Match," which was distributed by Ace Maker Movie Works, and release it as an original Netflix film to the world. However, as Yoo Ah-in's alleged drug case was reported in February this year, Netflix's purchase amount for the work was not transferred to Ace Maker Movie Works. It was positively considered the release of the movie on Netflix in December last year, but the contract between the two sides was not completely signed. However, Acemaker MovieWorks told OSEN that it is "still in discussions with Netflix." When asked about the release date of the film according to the trial results of the drug case, which is Yoo Ah In, "The time of release has not been decided because the case is ongoing and we are not currently discussing it. It can be decided before the judgment or after the judgment. First of all, we're thinking about it," he said. Netflix declined to comment to OSEN, saying, "It was scheduled to release the 'The Match', but the release was temporarily postponed." "The Match" (directed by Kim Hyung-joo, produced by Sawolgwang) is a film about the inevitable confrontation between Cho Hoon-hyun (played by Lee Byung-hun) and Lee Chang-ho (played by Yoo Ah-in), two Korean Go legends who were teachers, students, and rivals. The successful movie "The Sheriff" (2017) was written and directed by Kim Hyung-joo, and was produced by Wolgwang Co., Ltd., a film company. As it has received attention as the most anticipated film from the casting and production stage, it is clear that the movie will be presented to the audience, but the release date is still undecided. Source: OsenNaver and GQKorea I prayed for this news so much but I am having mixed feelings of both fear and anticipation. Release date has not been decided yet and I think their intention with the release of this news early is to test the water to see the general public reaction maybe. It's a good thing that this movie is a biopic and baduk has a very significant impact in Korean community. I hope this works as an advantage somehow. Also, Even GQ Korea instantly featured this news, and this line they wrote, "the industry believes that the movie will definitely come out."... gives me so much hope. It would be such a waste of hard work and talent to not release this anticipated work. Like they said, the movie is drifting, but I hope and pray for this movie to find a shore and come victorious. Like it's name.

December 1, 2023 [OSEN Exclusive] Lee Byung-hun x Yoo Ah-in's 'The Match', Discussing theatrical release again It is expected that you will be able to see the Korean movie "The Match," which was scheduled to be released on Netflix, in theaters. As a result of OSEN's coverage on the 1st, it was reported that Ace Maker Movies, an investment distribution company, had the right to distribute the "The Match," which was planned to be released on Netflix. Initially, Netflix was planning to purchase "The Match," which was distributed by Ace Maker Movie Works, and release it as an original Netflix film to the world. However, as Yoo Ah-in's alleged drug case was reported in February this year, Netflix's purchase amount for the work was not transferred to Ace Maker Movie Works. It was positively considered the release of the movie on Netflix in December last year, but the contract between the two sides was not completely signed. However, Acemaker MovieWorks told OSEN that it is "still in discussions with Netflix." When asked about the release date of the film according to the trial results of the drug case, which is Yoo Ah In, "The time has not been decided because the case is ongoing and we are not currently discussing it. It can be decided before the judgment or after the judgment. First of all, we're thinking about it," he said. Netflix declined to comment to OSEN, saying, "It was scheduled to release the 'game', but the release was temporarily postponed." "The Match" (directed by Kim Hyung-joo, produced by Sawolgwang) is a film about the inevitable confrontation between Cho Hoon-hyun (played by Lee Byung-hun) and Lee Chang-ho (played by Yoo Ah-in), two Korean Go legends who were teachers, students, and rivals. The successful movie "The Sheriff" (2017) was written and directed by Kim Hyung-joo, and was produced by Wolgwang Co., Ltd., a film company. As it has received attention as the most anticipated film from the casting and production stage, it is clear that the movie will be presented to the audience, but the release date is still undecided. Source: OsenNaver I prayed for this news so much but I am having mixed feelings of both fear and anticipation. Release date has not been decided yet and I think their intention with the release of this news early is to test the water to see the general public reaction maybe. It's a good thing that this movie is a biopic and baduk has a very significant impact in Korean community. I hope this works as an advantage somehow. Also, Even GQ Korea instantly featured this news, and this line they wrote, "the industry believes that the movie will definitely come out."... gives me so much hope. It would be such a waste of hard work and talent to not release this anticipated work. Like they said, the movie is drifting, but I hope and pray for this movie to find a shore and come victorious. Like it's name. TT

November 30, 2023 Yim Si-wan Explained Why Lee Byung-hun Was Uncomfortable With Him Actor Yim Si-wan appeared as a guest in a video on the YouTube channel “Zzanbro Shin Dong-yeop,” which was released on the afternoon of November 30th. In this video, host Shin Dong-yeop had a talk about various topics with the actor. His personality was also a topic of conversation. Lee Byung-hun recently appeared on a variety program and recalled inviting Yim Si-wan to have a meal with him some time. Yim Si-wan later directly came to Lee’s house to pay a visit. Regarding this, Yim Si-wan said, “I think that’s my personality. I don’t think it’s easy for me to distinguish (polite invitations and real invitations),” he said. Yim Si-wan added, “So sunbaenim must have been actually a little uncomfortable with me. I didn’t even know then. I heard and knew this from the people around me. He was uncomfortable with me.” he said, drawing attention. Shin Dong-yeop commented, “It's not that he was uncomfortable. He just didn’t expect you would come.” Yim Si-wan then said, “Lee Byung-hun sunbaenim is the one who gave me the right answer of how to be an actor. He's someone who already has every answer for the craft that I am curious about and interested in.” adding, "If he asked me to have a meal with him, it's only natural that I should go right away... whether he actually meant it doesn’t matter to me,” drawing attention. Source: naver Youtube link: Their conversation starts around /10:47/ https://youtu.be/ovKQRA59gC0?si=UD8J7QW_mb1YoGy8 Looks like they are going to overuse this anecdote now that even LBH bestie Shin Dong-yeop joined in for the fun. Poor Si-wan, he just wanted to meet his Acting encyclopedia Byung hun sunbaenim haha.. I bet he's one of the regular subscribers of LBH's ViBLE Acting class. Now, Park Seo-joon will be the guest in Yoo quiz next month. I am curious If YJS is going to repeat this with another junior of LBH since CU is still a hot topic over there.

November 29, 2023 Actress Lee Min-jung has begun preparing for childbirth in earnest On November 26th, Lee Min-jung posted about the various childcare products with the name “Birdie” she prepared as her daughter is about to be born. A luxurious bib and a cute rabbit bag embroidered with the name “Birdie” were prepared for a gift just for her second child. Lee Min-jung wrote, “I’m really nervous because there’s not much time left,” adding, “The days that will unfold in front of me.” She continued, “I’ve been raising my first child, so I’m worried and excited about raising my second child.” Pic credit: LMJ’s IG with LBH’s hand cameo Previously, her husband Lee Byung-hun won the Best Actor Award for his film “Concrete Utopia” at the 44th Blue Dragon Film Awards held at KBS Hall in Yeouido, Seoul on the 24th. He said in his acceptance speech, “Actually, our second one will be born next month. I named her Birdie. Lee Min-jung, our son, and Birdie, who are watching at home now, I want to give them this honor. Nice Birdie!” Meanwhile, Lee Byung-hun and Lee Min-jung married in August 2013 and have a son named Jun-hoo. Source: Netizenbuzz

November 29, 2023 Post 44th Blue Dragon Awards ceremony crumbs with two legendary Blue Chip of Chungmuro. The video quality is not that great but I am grateful for this sweet interaction between LBH, Queen Kim Hye Soo and Mr. Sunshine Dongmus Eugene Choi and Gu Dongmae. Please watch the clip for details. Original clip: Sports Chosun IG You know how KHS is well known for her affectionate nature in the industry and how she addresses people around her as ‘Jagiyah…(Honey/Sweety/Dear). In the beginning, she shook LBH’s hand and said, “Jagi, You were so funny!”, probably referencing to his witty speech.. which made LBH laugh loudly, and in the next cut, she asked, “Oh! you filmed it?” I am not sure what they are talking here but I wonder if LBH is talking about finishing filming SG2. Since Birdie is going to arrive next month, he most likely have made himself free of all his schedules for the preparation. And then, there is LBH and Yoo Yeon seok at the back hugging, talking and LBH laughing out loudly. Haha! I wonder if YYS asked him just as he resolved in Yoo Quiz and finally asked him if he can come over to his house. LOL or, he may have asked who exactly won the dance battle between LBH and JYP haha. Considering how LBH categorized it as moments that he regretted in life, he less likely have won the battle and only made fool of himself. Sorry LBH! I can’t trust your breeaaaaakkk dance! KBS already using that moment to make parody of him and bring his past with their dance edits in their YouTube channel. And now, we have another new meme born hehe. Watch here. Also, in the clip, KHS congratulating our director Uhm Tae Hwa and told him she enjoyed the movie. <3<3 Also, LBH as original Hallyu star ranked #3 in the actors’ brand reputation for November, with Kim Hye Soo and Nam Gong Min at #1 & #2 respectively. Read here His speech at the BDA has been so well received and watched with 255k views already with people praising not just his acting but his impeccable wit and sense in his speech. Truly legendary indeed!

November 26, 2023 Salt Bae Byung Hun with his stir-fried rice! Clip: IG story @dadas_eatery LMJ: Stop it! Stop it! Friend: But the rice has became Tteok (Rice cake) now! LMJ: That’s what I am saying! LBH: Alright! One of MJBH’s acquaintance shared a clip of LBH re-enacting the famous ‘Salt Bae’ meme as he was pretending to sprinkle salt and then aggressively stirring that Stir-fried rice. Lol. I swear this man does not look like it but he sure knows all the memes and trendy skits online. Like that last time he was making his food focus during Cannes mukbang. Haha. The way he sacrificed that rice for the content lol. Looks like Blue dragon celebration. Good for them and glad to see them hanging out and having fun. This person also posted LBH’s pic in front of a restaurant busy in his phone in the past while holding wine bag. Reposted clip from fellow LBH fan: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0HNXn8JDeQ/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

@Sheen90You're welcome, dear. Main contexts are already available these days on naver articles. I just tried my best to add the nuances of his expressions to maybe fully enjoy his jokes. Now we have Baeksang and Korean film critics awards I think, probably next year. I hope LBH wins them all like Ahn Sang Goo. It's going to be really tough though because Hwang Jung Min and Kim Yoon seok are back with their another real-life historical figures. The competition is going to be insane. And Thank you! I appreciate your thoughts always. I agree. I was really praying for our Director.... and like LBH said he had Blue Dragon award checked from his bucket list. He deserves it so much! He looked so happy as well. TT . There are more to come, so wish them all the best for upcoming all awards, mainstream and cultural and the Oscar campaign too.

November 25, 2023 Lee Min Jung, Lee Byung hun, Responding to the second speech in the Blue Dragon Film Awards, "Buddy and Joy." Actress Lee Min-jung responded to his acceptance speech for the "Blue Dragon Film Awards," in which actor and husband Lee Byung-hun mentioned his second child. On the 24th, Lee Min-jung took a screenshot of Lee Byung-hun's "Blue Dragon Film Award" award broadcast on her SNS, along with the words "Birdie and Joy." "Birdie" is the couple's second child's birth name. Lee Byung-hun became the main character of the Best Actor Award with "Concrete Utopia" at the 44th Blue Dragon Film Awards held on the same day. On this day, Lee Byung-hun thanked the director, actors, and staff of "Concrete Utopia" in his acceptance speech, saying, "My second child will be born next month. He said, "We named her 'Birdie'." "I will share this joy and honor with Lee Min-jung, Lee Joon-hoo, and 'Birdie', and everyone who will be watching at home." "Nice Birdie!" He shouted and cheered. Lee Byung-hun and Lee Min-jung married in 2013 and held their first son Jun-hu in their arms in 2015. Later, in August, they reported the pregnancy of their second daughter. Source: naver

Hi @willenette From little I've known of this show, netflix has been extremely strict about disclosing anything regarding this series. They had been catching too many attention with their behavior on how they have prohibited actors from speaking even the fact that they are working on this project. The production has been in trouble already for their rude behavior to bystanders who happened to be at the filming location. So, naturally, they would keep it strictly confidential abt it as basically global prying eyes are on this massive show. Idk what to expect yet because I personally haven't watched s1 and waiting to watch it together. I just hope capitalizing this series works in their favor and S2 meets all the expectations. Also, personally, I feel like the less you know the better. Makes for the better watching experience, at least.

November 24, 2023 [The 44th Blue Dragon Awards] Congratulations, Concrete Utopia!!! Best Actor: Lee Byung-hun Popularity Star Award: Park Bo-young Best Director: Uhm Tae Hwa

November 24, 2023 [The 44th Blue Dragon Film Awards] CONGRATULATIONS, BEST ACTOR LEE BYUNG HUN!!! His Best Actor Award acceptance speech: Thank you so much! I feel really anxious even though I’ve appeared in a public TV many times. (This is his parody to Actor Hong Xa Bin, who won best new actor at BDA saying he feels nervous because it’s his first time in public TV. Lol) Ah… I had this sudden recollection as I watched Mr. Park Jin Young perform. You know we all have those moments of regrets in life. I have something I regret in life as well, and it happened about 10 years ago during Busan Film Festival. I had met Mr. Park Jin young and during our moment of being drunk, I remember I had challenged him for a dance battle. I am still avoiding all the actors who were together and witnessed that moment. I suddenly remembered that regrettable moment after seeing him dance today. First of all, I would like to thank Director Uhm Tae-hwa who made this movie, and also want to congratulate him on his Best Director award earlier. Thank you for all your hard work. I would also like to thank CEOs Byun Seung min and Son Seok woo, and all the staffs and actors who worked hard amidst extreme hot weather, and my fellow actors Kim Sun-Young, Park Bo-young, and Park Seo-Joon and all the actors who are part of it for their passionate performances. In my opinion, Blue Dragon Award is an award which everyone who works in movies would like to receive at least once in their lifetime. I always thought it is a very prestigious and fair award ceremony, and after actually holding a trophy like this with my own hands, it makes me think it’s REALLY fair. Haha… I apologize. Kang Ho hyung,(to Song Kang Ho) I am just kidding! Haha. Honestly, authority is not something you can create/gain as you please. It takes a lot of effort and through acknowledgments from people as you continuously build that sense of trust over a long period of time. And I think the reason The Blue Dragon Award became an award of such prestige and honor is because, at the center of it all, there is a person named Kim Hye Soo, who has been continuously hosting the event with such great sense for 30 years. Thank you for you hard work over the period of 30 long years. Ah….does that mean you started at the age of 5?(Cleverly complimenting her for her youthful beauty… for which KHS replied, it is something like that! Their wit and chemistry! They were partnered at least in one eps of Blue dragon award and some TVCF though. I really hope they’d find themselves working together again.) Lastly, umm… actually, our second chid will be joining us next month. Thank you so much. For some reason, her birth name is ‘Birdie.’ I would like to share this honor and joy with Lee Min Jung ssi who is watching from home, Lee Joon Hoo, and Birdie. Nice Birdie!!! (LMJ also posted IG story with Screenshot of his speech and captioned it, “Birdie and Joy” …Awww) (Note: From LMJ’s old posts on IG where she is playing golf, ‘Nice Birdie!’ is apparently how they express it when someone score a birdie. And that’s how her golf mates were screaming when she scored one herself. Hehe) Like Actor Yoo Yeon Seok said, his speech at the end indeed is a precious gift to his daughter already. Princess Birdie is so much loved and blessed already and famous before she is even born lol. I wish LMJ and princess Birdie all the best for her health and wish them safe delivery. Also, LBH’s sharp memory of events, his skills to observe people no matter when and where and wit and sense to bring out his own fun story from it and make everyone laugh is seriously so amazing. The way he used rookie actors lines to say even he gets nervous with all that experience for sure would be a comforting note to that actor I am sure. It was such a cute gesture from the pov of a young rising actor. And he made it funnier like that time in Buil awards and Marie Claire awards, where he parodied CU cinematographer by copying his ‘Please give me award next time, too.’ This man seriously is such a gem and so gifted. Lastly, his wrist beads are back! He changed to his other old ones but he is wearing it again! CONGRATULATIONS, CONCRETE UTOPIA !! Best Director — Uhm Tae Hwa ( So so happy for him!) Best Actor — Lee Byung Hun Popularity Star Award — Park Bo Young LBH red carpet link: https://youtu.be/o28o2-yFNpY?si=J7fXd93_aFcJRP5a His award speech clips: https://youtu.be/rnSktZbikbo?si=XfXjtJzBFTqkQqJm https://youtu.be/eJy_sxdA6Qo?si=OOwsPy8lWinnM1PY

November 23, 2023 [Mr. Sunshine crumbs] Another saga of Yoo Quiz special corner where LBH’s juniors tells their tale of working to go to LBH’s house. This time it was Yoo Yeon-seok during his recent appearance on the show. Mc YJS: You know Byung hun hyung also appears in Mr. Sunshine. Our BH…. Have you been to his house? You know it’s like a thing between us.(It seems like YJS is going to ask every juniors of LBH this question now on.. like their special inside joke.) YYS: I heard that Im Si Wan ssi went right away… but (flashback of Si wan explaining his story). He had told me that he’d invite me but I haven’t been able to go yet. I don’t really look like it, but I am actually more on the ‘I’-(MBTI-Introvert) side. My MBTI isnt fully ‘E’ (Extrovert). It’s 60% on the introvert. That’s why, I could never say ‘I will be there’, before he invited me. But I felt some courage after seeing the broadcast here of ISW ssi. I understand now the best way is you really need to voice it out and say like, “Can I really be there?” Or “I will definitely be there!” *cut to flashback of LBH playfully confronting Se ho if he’s going to come to his house, and how everyone seems to like his house after Se ho mentioned he wants to drink coffee made by LBH.* Lol.. LBH is really going to change his way of polite greetings to his hoobaes now haha. I heard that they say it normally as a form of greetings and not entirely meaning to ask to come home but juniors like ISW would take it literally and come visit it over and over again. Now YYS also made sure he will do the same. Haha. I am surprised MS boys haven’t visited his house though. But boys, better not go during this time and be a burden for LMJ. Hahaha!