Lee Byung Hun 이병헌 Byunghun Lee

[rubie]

14/11 There's quite an excitement at the Naver news this afternoon but there's still no clear confirmation or denial by BH Entertainment.  So, we're still pretty much in a caution mode.

 

It's something that @mistymorning and myself were talking about sometime back.. Dir. Park Chan Wook has several projects going on and those coming out later. We're hoping that a good script will be offered to Lee Byung Hun, but then there was nothing plus BH was busy filming TMSN and Ashfall.. and now he also has Emergency Declaration and Here in 2020. Nonetheless, if it's meant to be .. then it'll happen no matter what. Dir. PCW is said to be very keen on casting LBH and it's no secret that Byunghun wanted to work with the director again.

 

So, hoping for good news later! Pretty please! 

 

News highlight & gist translated and shared by ardent fans on twitter

 

Source: @BillyRocks_13

 

 

 

 

An update on Allkpop, Posted by germainej 

Actor Lee Byung Hun in talks to star in acclaimed director Park Chan Wook's upcoming project

Actor Lee Byung Hun is in talks to star in acclaimed director Park Chan Wook's upcoming project, 'Best First Meeting'.

 

According to reports, Lee Byung Hun has been cast to star as the lead in Park Chan Wook's new film project, but on November 14, the actor's agency BH Entertainment clarified, "We know Park Chan Wook's new project will be multiple parts. Park Chan Wook asked Lee Byung Hun for his schedule, but the screenplay is not yet out and they haven't discussed the details."

 

Lee Byung Hun previously starred in Park Chan Wook's films 'Joint Security Area' and 'Three... Extremes'. 

[peonie]

November 14, 2019

 

Thank you @rubie for sharing this wonderful news.   Of course we have to keep our fingers crossed that this cooperation actually happens.  The LBH Chinese fans reported that Dir. Park Chan Wook said for his lifelong project “The Ax”, he insists that Lee Byung Hun be his lead actor. They also reported that Dir. Park personally flew to Los Angeles to meet with Lee Byung Hun and reached an agreement to cooperate.

 

[rubie]

November 15, 2019

 

Lee Byung Hun’s Agency Responds To Reports About His Appearance In “Old Boy” Director Park Chan Wook’s New Film

Source: Soompi by S. Park

 

 

Lee Byung Hun may be working with celebrated film director Park Chan Wook!

 

On November 14, a media outlet reported that Lee Byung Hun had confirmed his appearance in director Park Chan Wook’s new film and was adjusting his schedule. Park Chan Wook is well-known for his work including “Old Boy,” “Lady of Vengeance,” “Thirst,” “Stoker,” and “The Handmaiden.”

 

The article stated that Lee Byung Hun initially turned down the offer due to the filming schedule for writer Noh Hee Kyung’s upcoming film “Here” (literal title), which begins in 2020. After director Park Chan Wook’s reportedly persistent requests, including a personal visit to the actor in Los Angeles, Lee Byung Hun accepted his offer.

 

An insider from the film industry said, “Park Chan Wook is set on Lee Byung Hun as the lead for his new film because he decided that Lee Byung Hun is perfect for the character in the project that he’s currently preparing.”

 

Director Park Chan Wook’s new film is under wraps and was briefly mentioned at last month’s open talk session at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). He stated, “There’s a project ‘X’ that I think of as my lifelong project. Director Costa-Gavras made this project in French and has the rights to it, and I’m trying to turn it into a movie.”

 

In response to the article, a source from BH Entertainment said, “I know that there are many projects that Park Chan Wook is considering for his next film. He has only asked about [Lee Byung Hun’s] schedule. There is no scenario and no specific information.”

 

Lee Byung Hun will next appear in the film “Baekdusan” (literal title), which premieres in December and stars Ha Jung Woo, Ma Dong Seok, Jeon Hye Jin, and Suzy. Check out the posters here.

 

Source (1) (2)

[rubie]

17/11 Good to know that Byunghun is still active with UNICEF, photos posted on his IG today 

 

BH caption: with me, with us #unicef

 

 

 

[rubie]

BH wearing the UNICEF Team bracelet, a new campaign?

 

Source: 날개 @AlatusDeus

 

 

[rubie]

November 15, 2019

 

CJ ENM, Walt Disney neck-and-neck at S. Korean box office

SEOUL, Nov. 15 (Yonhap) -- Two film distributing powerhouses, CJ ENM and Walt Disney Company Korea, were neck-and-neck at the South Korean box office in the first 10 months of this year, data showed Friday.

 

In January to October, CJ ENM, an entertainment unit of CJ Group, distributed 13 films, garnering 45.4 million admissions and taking up 24.5 percent of the total tickets sold.

 

Walt Disney Company Korea, the local unit of the U.S.-based media titan, also managed 13 movies, which attracted 45.2 million moviegoers with a market share of 24.4 percent.

 

On the list of the top 10 hit movies in 2019, three blockbusters -- "Extreme Job," "Parasite" and "Exit" -- were distributed by CJ ENM, while Walt Disney had four -- "Avengers: Endgame," "Aladdin," "Captain Marvel" and "The Lion King."

 

This image provided by CJ ENM shows a scene from "Ashfall." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

For the remaining two months of the year, the two giants are expected to continue their fierce competition for the top spot at the end of 2019.

 

Walt Disney will deliver the highly anticipated "Frozen 2," set to hit South Korean screens on Thursday next week. "Frozen" was the first animated film seen by more than 10 million cinemagoers in South Korea.

 

The upcoming disaster film "Ashfall," to be released in December, is CJ ENM's weapon of choice for the winter vacation season. The flick is attracting media attention for an all-star cast that includes Lee Byung-hun, Ha Jung-woo, Ma Dong-seok and Bae Suzy.

 

Amid the competition between the two companies, other film distributors have been sluggish.

 

Lotte Cultureworks, the No. 1 last year on the back of the success of the "Along With the Gods" series, dropped to third place with a share of 8.1 percent over the 10-month period. It has distributed more than 20 films but none of them set the market alight.

 

Warner Bros. Korea came in next with 6.4 percent, followed by Showbox with 6.2 percent and NEW with 5.6 percent.

 

brk@yna.co.kr

[rubie]

November 19, 2019

 

Lee Byung Hun at ASHFALL Production Event

 

Source: Naver

 

The production report of the movie 'Baekdusan' is being held at CGV Apgujeong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. 

 

 

 

 

Spoiler

 

Spoiler

 

[rubie]

 

[rubie]

19.11.19 Showcase: New movie 'Ashfall'
 

Lee Byung-hun, who stars in the new movie "Ashfall," poses during a showcase at a Seoul theater on Nov. 19, 2019. The disaster flick, which tells the story of a massive eruption of a volcano on Mount Paekdu in North Korea and ensuing disasters across the Korean Peninsula, will hit local screens in December. (Yonhap)

 

Photos on twitter by @ByungBlue

 

[rubie]

BH Entertainment posted a photo of Byunghun taking a selfie 

 

and this is his own photo 

 

[peonie]

November 19, 2019

 

A video from the "ASHFALL" production event.  

 

 

[peonie]

November 19, 2019

 

Byung Hun-ssi greeting his fans after the production event.

 

 

Credit: alatus_deus

[rubie]

Full video: ASHFALL 19.11.19 Press Event (Source: Movie-bee)

 

 

'Ashfall' actors confident about film's eye-catching scale, storyline

By Kim Boram

 

SEOUL, Nov. 19 (Yonhap) -- South Korean star actor Lee Byung-hun said Tuesday that his first disaster film "Ashfall" will catch the eyes of local film buffs with its overwhelming scale and fresh storyline and characters.

 

"I thought I have experienced a lot of film genres in my career. But 'Ashfall' is my first disaster film," Lee said at a press conference in Seoul. "It has inherent thrill and tension from beginning to end, which is crucial for a disaster movie."

 

Co-directed by Lee Hae-jun and Kim Byung-seo, "Ashfall" is Lee Byung-hun's first silver screen project in almost two years since his last comedy film "Keys to the Heart." Last year, he appeared on the small screen in the period drama "Mr. Sunshine."

 

Actor Ha Jung-woo (R) speaks at a press conference on the upcoming disaster film "Ashfall" with Lee Byung-hun (L) in Seoul on Nov. 19, 2019. (Yonhap)

The new film is about a group of people who team up to stop the volcanic explosion of Mount Paekdu located at the northern tip of the Korean Peninsula. Its historic eruption that happened about a thousand years ago was so enormous and powerful that its ash even flew to Japan.

 

Lee plays the role of Lee Joon-pyeong, a North Korean spy agent, who has to join hands with a South Korean special forces team captained by Jo In-Chang (Ha Jung-woo) to prevent a possible volcanic eruption of the North Korean mountain.

 

"Ashfall" is one of the most anticipated films of 2019 for its production house, Dexter Studios, which is behind the smash hit series of "Along With the Gods," and its all-star cast including Lee, Ha and singer-turned-actress Bae Suzy.

 

It is the first time that the two most bankable male stars in the South Korean film industry will appear in the same film together.

 

For this movie, Lee, who has more than 30 movies in his filmography since his debut in 1995, learned North Korean accents and even Chinese and Russian.

 

"Its screenplay was so powerful that I could read it in one stretch," he said. "It's also kind of a buddy film as I act with Ha. I'm looking forward to it a lot."

 

Ha, who has also carved out a new career as a filmmaker with four movies, including "Fasten Your Seatbelt" and "Take Point," said "Ashfall" has something different in dealing with the disaster-torn characters.

 

He said in spite of the catastrophe, when all people become desperate and hopeless, the heroes of the movie are not engrossed in despair. They sometime have leeway for humor and wit and feel a deep sense of camaraderie and friendship.

 

"I like this movie because the characters are not monotonous," Ha said. "We don't feel sad and frustrated around the clock. The movie catches that balance between frustration and humor."

 

He said the on-screen chemistry between him and Lee created a synergy that maximizes the tension and friendship in the film.

 

On top of the two huge names, superstar Ma Dong-seok takes the important role of Kang Bong-rae, an expert on Mount Paekdu and its possible eruptions, and appears alongside the actresses Jeon Hye-jin and Bae Suzy.

 

"This movie doesn't focus on the survival of the characters in the tragedy, but concentrates on the stories of each person who tries to protect something valuable," Kim Byung-seo, one of the co-directors, said.

 

"Ashfall" will hit local screens in December.

 

brk@yna.co.kr

 

Source: Tenasia

[peonie]

 

‘Ashfall’ brings new threat to Seoul: a volcano: Disaster movie asks what people will do to protect their loved ones

Nov 20,2019

A zombie apocalypse, poisonous gases and unknown viruses have all descended upon Seoul in movies over the past few years, so why not a volcanic eruption? 

Over the years, directors have enjoyed bringing several “what if?” situations to the screen with the help of state-of-the-art movie technology and some of the country’s best actors. 

This time, directors Kim Byung-seo and Lee Hae-jun are introducing a plausible crisis situation that hasn’t been seen in a local movie before through their upcoming film “Ashfall,” which asks the question: What if Mount Paektu, which has been dormant since 1903, erupts again?

Mount Paektu is an active volcano situated on the Chinese-North Korean border. The “Millennium Eruption,” one of the most violent eruptions in the last 5,000 years, occurred during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) from 946 to 947. Geologists and earthquake experts say that although there is no guarantee that the volcano will erupt again anytime soon, there is always a possibility.

For the whole cast except for Ha Jung-woo - Lee Byung-hun, Jeon Hye-jin and Bae Suzy - the film was their first opportunity to work with large-scale CGI technology, but they all found that the film’s set was closer to reality than they’d imagined.  

The many lifelike situations in the film were thanks to the fact that the director was able to close off the Jamsu bridge across the Han River in Seoul for the first time in local cinema history to shoot a scene. Director Lee wanted the audience to experience the disaster as vividly as possible, even though it’s on a screen. 

“In order for the audiences to feel like it’s happening to them, we needed a familiar place that we see often,” said Lee Hae-jun at the press conference on Tuesday. “Naturally, those are locations where there are a lot of people. We also filmed at Gangnam station [in southern Seoul] and although the scene is less than five minutes long, we had to [have many] takes to get all the necessary scenes.” 
 

	이미지뷰
	Actors Ha Jung-woo, left, and Lee Byung-hun as agents Jo In-chang and Lee Joon-pyung in “Ashfall.” [CJ ENTERTAINMENT]

Ha, although he’s had plenty of experience working on disaster films, such as “The Terror, LIVE” (2013) and “Tunnel” (2016), said that he was again attracted to the disaster scenario because the characters’ actions and words weren’t predictable. 

“Although people were going through an apocalypse, their dialogue wasn’t cliche,” said Ha, who plays the character Jo In-chang, the leader of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). “I mean, no matter how much of a calamity we’re in, we are not facing difficulties 24/7. So I found it freshening to find humor and sincerity in how people dealt with their predicaments.” 

Actor Ma Dong-seok plays geology professor Robert Kang, who suggests solutions to the upcoming disaster. 

While making the film, Ma explained his character as “a person who uses his brain more than his body.” Using his own sense of humor, Ma’s character brings the laughs in between moments of tension. 

Meanwhile, actor Lee Byung-hun, for the first time in his 28-year career, plays a North Korean agent. His character, Lee Jun-pyung, forms an unlikely coalition with Jo to prevent the impending doom. 

“But [the film] is also a buddy movie, as Lee and Jo gradually learn to collaborate with one another,” Lee Byung-hun added. 

“The rapport between Jo and Lee is definitely one of the most attractive aspects of the film,” Ha agreed. “Although I have play characters in several disaster films in the past, I felt less-pressured because in ‘Ashfall’ all of us were putting our heads together to resolve the problem.” 

Although the two veteran actors have appeared in many films, they have never had the chance to work together until now. 

While Ha and Lee Byung-hun play characters who are on the scene, Jeon’s character is the one behind the scenes who tries to formulate a new plan with Ma as the President for Civil Affairs. 

“My character, Jeon Yoo-kyung is a leader who needs to have a firm hand to make the momentary decisions for a greater cause,” said Jeon. “Rather than debating over whether or not her judgements are right or wrong, she is someone with the determination to carry out what she believes in.”

Bae, on the other hand, represents the civilians struggling to survive. Her character, Choi Ji-young, is married to Jo and attempts to survive in the midst of chaos to meet her husband. 

“I was actually lonely because I spend a lot of scenes apart from everyone else,” Bae said. “So in the rare moments where I was filming with the other actors, I was really energized.” 

“The film itself was a new challenge for us because there never has been a local movie about volcano eruption,” said director Lee. “The story will offer a new spectacles that audiences haven’t seen before.”

“It’s about how the people stand up against the face of casualty to protect their loved ones” added Kim.

BY LEE JAE-LIM [lee.jaelim@joongang.co.kr]

 

Source:  JoongAng Daily

[rubie]

November 19, 2019

 

Ha Jung Woo Shares Fun Nickname For Suzy Among Cast Members Of Their Film

Source: Soompi by C. Hong

At a press conference for the upcoming film “Baekdusan” (literal title) on November 19, Ha Jung Woo shared a fun nickname that the cast had for Suzy.

 

He said, “We call her ‘Chairman Bae.’ Despite her young age, she frequently buys us meals and drinks. The rest of us keep messing up our timing [to pay for the meal]. We decided we needed to call her chairman [the word in Korean can also mean ‘president’ or ‘CEO’], so we’re calling her that now.”

 

Ha Jung Woo went on to share that Jun Hye Jin’s nickname was “super ant,” a term that refers to people who are interested in the stock market. When asked about Lee Byung Hun’s nickname, Ha Jung Woo responded, “I will think about it before the next press conference. He is a very diverse character.”

 

“Baekdusan,” which stars Lee Byung Hun, Ha Jung Woo, Ma Dong Seok, Jun Hye Jin, and Suzy, premieres in December.

 

Source (1)

 

 

[rubie]

11/20 More movie stills released today

 

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

Short interview clip with the cast, English-subbed.

 

Source: TongTongTV

 

 

[rubie]

November 20, 2019

 

 18 Seasoned K-Drama Actors Who Always Give Us Butterflies

 

Source: Soompi by binahearts

 

We have all been through it. You watch a series or catch a glimpse of an actor who makes your heart flutter and when you look up their age, you’re surprised to see how much older they are. This doesn’t take away from the fact that they are totally swoon-worthy and it makes it all the more exciting when you can look up the long history of K-dramas and movies that they may have starred in throughout their life. Win! Here’s a look at 18 K-drama actors who are a bit older and still manage to give us butterflies.

 

Disclaimer: The actors on this list are above 40 years old. Also, this list is in no particular order.

 

Lee Byung Hun

Lee Byung Hun has spent most of his years starring in mega-successful K-dramas. It’s only a matter of time before you watch one and fall for his charm. It might have happened 20 years ago or it might have happened two years ago. Whatever it was, you were totally smitten.

 

Lee Byung Hun in his most recent K-drama “Mr. Sunshine.”

 

[rubie]

Byunghun Latte.. anyone? 

 

By cafe_slur

 

[rubie]

November 20, 2019

 

Lee Byung Hun, Ha Jung Woo, Suzy, And More Race To Stop Impending Disaster In New Film

Source: Soompi by M. Dang

 

Upcoming film “Ashfall” (also known as “Baekdusan”) starring Lee Byung Hun, Ha Jung Woo, Suzy, and more has unveiled gripping images of the cast in their roles!

 

“Ashfall” follows the story of people who must do their best to stop the final eruption of Mount Baekdu, which has enough force to swallow up both North and South Korea.

 

 

In the newly-released images, Lee Byung Hun takes the role of Rhee Jun Pyung, a first class North Korean army officer. He draws curiosity as he seems to be cooperating with the secret South Korean plan to stop the eruption of Mount Baekdu, but he doesn’t show his true feelings. Viewers are anticipating Lee Byung Hun’s charisma fitting of an elite officer in his first role as a North Korean soldier.

 

Ha Jung Woo plays the captain of the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team Jo In Chang, who unexpectedly comes to hold the fate of North and South Korea in his hands as he leads the plan to halt the eruption. He shows off his signature charisma and humor as he puts his all into the crucial mission. His acting synergy with Lee Byung Hun is another point to look out for in their first film together.

 

 

Ma Dong Seok draws attention as the unique geology professor Kang Bong Rae. In order to stop the impending eruption of Mount Baekdu, he formulates his own theory and puts all his effort into raising the probability of success. Ma Dong Seok is expected to showcase an energetic charm that goes against typical scientist characters in films.
 

Finally, Jeon Hye Jin and Suzy round out the cast as Jeon Yoo Kyung and Choi Ji Young. Jeon Yoo Kyung is seen discussing the mission seriously with Kang Bong Rae and exhibiting decisive force as the figure behind the planning. Furthermore, Choi Ji Young heightens the tension as she faces the city that has dissolved into chaos.

 

“Ashfall” premieres in December.

 

Source (1)

[rubie]

November 21, 2019

 

Lee Byung-hun, Ha Jung-woo Team up for Disaster Blockbuster

 

By Hwang Ji-yoon The ChosunIlbo

 

The upcoming disaster blockbuster "Ashfall" is creating a lot of hype thanks to a star-studded cast including Lee Byung-hun and Ha Jung-woo as well as Su-zy.

 

Its W26 billion budget is the biggest for a South Korean movie so far this year (US$1=W1,171). The film is set against the backdrop of a volcanic eruption of Mt. Baekdu in North Korea.

 

Lee plays a North Korean agent who goes undercover as an embassy worker in Beijing. Lee spent some time practicing North Korean dialect for his character, who also speaks Chinese and Russian. "It wasn't as difficult as I feared because a dialect coach joined me on set for months to help me sound more like a North Korean," Lee said at a press junket for the film in Seoul on Tuesday ahead of its release next month.

 

Lee Byung-hun (left) and Ha Jung-woo attend a press event for their new film in Seoul on Tuesday.

Ha plays a South Korean soldier who leads a bomb disposal squad and teams up with Lee's character to prevent the catastrophic event. It is the first time Ha has starred alongside Lee in a film, and the two were keen to emphasize their budding bromance.

 

"We had talked about working together for years and we finally made it," Lee said. "Ha knows how to enrich even an ordinary scene by adding humor in it. I also like how bold and decisive he can be."

 

Ha said he "really enjoyed working with Lee. He sometimes makes a joke out of the blue and his deadpan manner makes it so hilarious. I think he is a perfect fit for black comedies."

 

As for Su-zy, Ha said, "We all call her the boss. She is younger than most of us, but she often foots the bill for food and drinks. So we've all decided we work for her."