Lee Byung Hun 이병헌 Byunghun Lee

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October 24, 2017

 

'The Fortress' sold to 28 foreign countries

SEOUL, Oct. 24 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean period drama "The Fortress" has been sold to 28 countries around the world, including the United States, Japan and Singapore, the film's local distributor said Tuesday.

 

The film starring Lee Byung-hun, Kim Yoon-seok and Park Hae-il follows the 47 days spent by King Injo of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) and his officials in Namhan Mountain Fortress, on the southern outskirts of Seoul, to escape the invasion by China's Qing Dynasty in the winter of 1636.

 

Directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, it was adapted from Kim Hoon's best-selling novel with the same Korean title.

 

Following its successful debut in venues owned by the Korean cinema chain CGV in Los Angeles and Buena Park, California, on Oct. 6, "The Fortress" received a wider release in 27 theaters around the country Friday. It is set to open in Taiwan in November and Japan in June.

 

It was the opening film of the 2nd London East Asia Film Festival, which kicked off Thursday for an 11-day run, and was shown in various other Korean or Asian film festivals that opened the same month.

 

In South Korea, it sold a total of 3.78 million tickets.

 

sshim@yna.co.kr

 

LEAFF photos from CJ Entertainment via TV Report / AJUnews

 

 

 

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Photo: klaraho ODEON

 

 

Photo: Miranda A‏ @miranda_x1

 

Grabbed a moment with the truly gifted Lee Byung Hun. #이병헌 #LeeByungHun #LEAFF #TheFortress

 

Spoiler

 

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October 17, 2017

 

THE OUTLAWS Stays Tough in 1st Place
BLADE RUNNER 2049 and RV: RESURRECTED VICTIMS Fumble in Debuts

 

by Pierce Conran / KoBiz

Last week’s top two Chuseok titles switched places but held all newcomers at bay in a solid post-holiday weekend that welcomed 1.91 million viewers. Local titles were once again far ahead with a 78% market share and should remain strong throughout the fall season.

 

Ascending to first place on the back of stellar word of mouth was KANG Yoon-sung’s crime debut THE OUTLAWS with Don LEE (aka MA Dong-seok) in the lead. The film slid just 16% for a powerful 952,000 spectator (USD 7.21 million) frame, strengthening its total to a stellar 3.67 million admissions (USD 27.02 million). If it continues like this, the unlikely hit may cross Kingsman: The Golden Circle to become this year’s biggest Chuseok holiday hit.

 

 

After a strong start, the well-reviewed but sober period film The Fortress couldn’t rally any more viewers as it crashed 85%. Though it only recorded 205,000 viewers (USD 1.47 million) in its second weekend, the film, which stars LEE Byung-hun, KIM Yun-seok, PARK Hae-il and KO Soo, has already banked a respectable 3.62 million entries (USD 26.19 million).

 

Showbox’s supernatural thriller RV: Resurrected Victims, the latest from director KWAK Kyung-taek, had a tepid debut in third with just 190,000 tickets (USD 1.37 million) sold over the weekend and 242,000 viewers (USD 1.71 million) over its first four days.

 

Even less impressive was the debut of Denis Villeneuve’s critically-acclaimed Blade Runner 2049, which fizzled with a 158,000 entry (USD 1.25 million) debut and 224,000 spectators (USD 1.75 million) since Thursday.

 

In its third week, Kingsman: The Golden Circle closed out the top five after slowing 78% with 152,000 admissions (USD 1.16 million). The sequel has now filled an impressive 4.81 million seats (USD 35.39 million) to date.

 

Local period drama Man of Will is next on deck as it will try to take away the box office crown from THE OUTLAWS this coming weekend.

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Source: CJ Entertainment USA @cjent_usa

 

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Thanks to the highlight at PlanetBH0712, please check out these designated LEAFF photo compilation for the THE FORTRESS Gala Opening and Breakfast with Actors event.

 

LEAFF 2017 - Opening Gala
LEAFF Day 2 - Breakfast Talk

Published on October 24, 2017 by Wedding Photographer London - Raphael Carpenter

 

London East Asia Film Festival 2017 hosted by Kiran Rai / Raphael Carpenter from RedFilms

 

 

Interview with Lee Byung Hun at the red carpet at 0.59 time-mark

 

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At the 54th Daejong Film Awards ceremony right now, LBH & SYJ presenting the Best Actor and Best Actress award... a reminiscence of the BUIL Awards recently?

 

Photo: coolsyh

 

 

Photo: min__ah_lee

 

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Clip: min.q_kim
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts

 

 

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October 25, 2017

 

The Fortress REVIEW: Lee Byung-hun shines in this bleak period drama

 

Roxy Simons  MyMBuzz

 

 

Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk
Release: 19 October 2017 (London East Asia Film Festival)
From: CJ Entertainment
Format: Theatrical Release
Age Rating: TBC

 

As dawn breaks over the barracks of the fortress city of Namhansanseong, Minister for the Interior Choi Myung-kil (Lee Byung-hun) consorts with King Injo (Park Hae-il) as a group of angry officials watch on. With the threat of the Qing army looming over their heads, and a harsh winter already taking its toll on the patrolling guards, Choi hopes he can persuade the King to negotiate with the invaders, but Officer Kim Sang-hun (Kim Yun-seok) argues they should stand and fight. The fate of the country rests on the words of these two men, both desperately trying to convince their lord to follow their advice over the other’s — and so the scene is set for Hwang Dong-hyuk’s bleak period drama The Fortress.

 

Based on both real events and a novel by Kim Hoon, The Fortress retraces the steps of the doomed stand of Korea’s Joseon kingdom against the Qing dynasty, which had recently been established and demanded fealty from Joseon. The insurrection was first fought with words and then swords, even still the Joseon people decided to stand firm against the Qing army before being all but dragged out of their fortress. In Dong-hyuk’s retelling the Joseon officials bicker amongst themselves over everything, believing that any willingness to negotiate would just be seen as weakness. Choi believes that the way to peace is through compromise, but he’s scorned at every turn and it’s only when things go horrifically wrong that they start to listen.

 

It’s the ramifications of these political debates that is the focus of the film, and the result is a high-stakes game of persuade the king and appease the enemy that keeps the audience on their toes. But, because of their importance to the overall story, these interactions end up dominating the film and give very little time to fight scenes or other characters. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, it does mean that a lot of time is dedicated to meetings and debates. Lee Byung-hun’s performance as Officer Choi does help to keep things interesting as it’s through his raw emotions that he is able to present the character’s humility and desire for peace successfully. This is also a more humble role for him to take on, but he plays it with such veracity that it’s a joy to watch.

 

Given the story’s origins it shouldn’t be surprising that this is a markedly bleak period drama, everything that can go wrong does go wrong and because of this it’s difficult to know how to feel about the whole thing. It’s vexing how the noblemen are unable to see how their decisions are hurting their people, like Blacksmith Seo Nal-shwe (Ko Soo) whose life is torn apart by the war, and the consistent setbacks they face is hard to watch when you realise how many deaths could have been prevented had things gone a different way. Of course, with hindsight, anything seems possible, but this is still something worth noting. Despite this, Hwang Dong-hyuk has created an intense period drama that’s rife with political intrigue and powerful fight scenes, and this, combined with the excellent cast, makes The Fortress a stand out Korean production.

 

Review by Roxy Simons

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Photo: niki412_
Sejong Performing Arts Center

 

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Although similar to the Buil Awards recently with Lee Byung Hun pairing with Son Ye Jin (2016 award winners), the Daejong Best Actor award this year goes to Sul Kyung Gu for The Merciless. If not mistaken, SKG like LBH have not won the Grand Bell Best Actor prize, from the wiki list, he's been nominated a lot but never won. Understandably, this win meant a lot to him and his fans really got wildly excited for the actor. Wonder if LBH might one day collaborate with SKG in a movie, too.. like he did with Kim Yun Seok. Anyway, looking good as the presenters, LBH and SYJ were almost co-stars for IRIS. SYJ is MJ's good friend with both belonging to the same agency. LBH acted with GHJ in Single Rider, perhaps a LBH-SYJ movie next time?

 

Published on October 25, 2017 by supershinstudio

 

 

Published on October 25, 2017 by AlatusDeus

 

FanCam focused on Lee Byung Hun, from the balcony seating

 

 

Wonder what the awards host Shin Hyun Joon was asking/teasing LBH at the 2:33 time-mark?

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Photo: 18jan_
Seoul, South Korea

 

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Source: Korean Association of Film Critics Awards // BreakNews ++

 

 

CONGRATULATIONS to THE FORTRESS at the 37th Critics Choice Awards!

 

Best Film

Best Director

Best Cinematography

Best Music

 

Also securing 3.8 million admission at the Korean Box Office (as of October 26)

 

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 10/27 News compilation at EverythingLBH.com 

 

    Chuseok: A Gwanghae-treat for Lee Joon Hoo
    The List: Lee Byung Hun, settled father's huge debt in 3 years
    THE FORTRESS at the 12th Paris Korean Film Festival
    Youn Yuh Jung: Lee Byung Hun, good eyes & voice, a good actor
    Sony Pictures Television Partners with Lee Byung Hun's BH Ent
    Photos: Lee Byung Hun at the 26th Buil Film Awards
    K-Bank: New online-banking CF feat. Lee Byung Hun 
    THE FORTRESS in Busan: Haeundae-Daegu Stage Greetings
    THE FORTRESS: BIFF Outdoor Greeting at Haeundae Beach
    BIFF 2017: Films can help bring the détente on Korea
    THE FORTRESS: Poster Acting Force, Unseen Still Cuts Released 
    Lee Byung Hun, Go Soo & THE FORTRESS attracted a lot of fans
    A SINGLE RIDER REVIEW by Asian Movie Web 
    Lee Byung Hun at 'Man of Will' VIP Premiere
    10 Well-matched Kdrama couples despite their huge age gap
    THE FORTRESS: Centerpiece Screening at Asian World Film Festival
    K-Pop And K-Drama Stars Donate To 2017 WeAja Charity Auction 
    ARENA & S.T. DuPont F/W Pictorial feat. Lee Byung Hun
    Novel vs Film: Feat. Memoir of a Murderer & The Fortress
    THE FORTRESS at Project K-The Korean Film Festival in Frankfurt
    Review: The Fortress makes for 'a thinking person's war movie'
    THE FORTRESS & Lee Byung Hun at London East Asia Film Festival
    LA Times: 'The Fortress' portrays and requires fortitude 
    Lee Byung Hun at LEAFF 2017 Breakfast with Actors Talk

    Lee Byung Hun-Lee Min Jung in London, for LEAFF
    Participation in Hans Zimmer Concert, Honorable & Memorable
    The Independent: More screen time and more to say in Hollywood
    THE FORTRESS sold to 28 foreign countries
    Lee Byung Hun - Son Ye Jin: Presenters at 54th Daejong Awards

    LEAFF Review: Lee Byung Hun shines in this bleak period drama

    The Big Picture of 2017: CJ Entertainment et. al VS Megabox
    THE FORTRESS: Best Film at 37th Critics Choice Awards

     October Movie Actor Brand Reputation Rankings Revealed

 

[peonie]

October 27, 2017 

 

Lee Byung Hun's reply to Shin Hyun Joon at the Daejong Film Awards ceremony  

(a translation) 

 

@rubie  To answer your question:

 

At the 54th Daejong Film Awards presentation, one of the MC’s  asked whether Lee Byung Hun has started shooting the television drama after “The Fortress”..

LBH:   Have not yet prepared  (Laughs)

Lee Byung Hun indicated that soon he has to start preparing for the promotional activities of the movie “It’s My World” which is to be released.  

 

Source: a LBHFan @weibo.

 

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@peonie thanks Barbara for the translation for the Daejong stage chat. Obviously a lot of interest for Mr. Sunshine since it'll be his comeback drama after 8 years amidst a lot of things happening but we will hope for every positiveness no matter what.

 

There's no actual update except for a recent mention that the cast and crew of Mr. Sunshine will be attending a 2 days 1 night workshop on the 25-26th. But we saw LBH at the awards night, maybe he'll be there the next day.

 

Another mention in the media highlight posted at PlanetBH0712, not too sure about this as I'm relying on Google-translate, but.. maybe.. IT'S ONLY MY WORLD will be released in 2017, end of the year. And not in 2018 as stated before. This might be the case and makes more sense when BH saying that they're already starting with the promos.

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This fan-sharing was sent to ELBH via email from a UK fan watching the movie at the Opening Gala. Thank you from all of us here! 

 

 

October 19, 2017 

 

THE FORTRESS: A Fan Review

 

by Linda Croissant

 

Well the film was stunning...visually beautifully and emotionally strong. LBH when introducing the film described it as 'a sad story'...and it was...

 

All of the actors were top class of course...and at the q and a session after the film, LBH Said he was impressed with the script and that made him choose to do it. He said he would have been happy to play any of the characters, as the script and characters were so strong.

 

The film told us the story of the 47 day war in the 1600's...but as well as the war story, it was about the personalities of the men supporting the king...the competition, the compassion, the lack of compassion, humility, egos...it was a fascinating insight into the King's world and his character himself.
 
I hope everyone can see the film, not just for LBH, but for the political and humanistic elements in it. The blacksmith character brings home to us that ordinary people are the core of a society.

 

Best wishes and thanks for keeping me in the UK in touch with LBH's life and work.

 

Photo: BH Entertainment @bhent_official

 

 

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October 27, 2017

 

October Movie Actor Brand Reputation Rankings Revealed

 

Source: Soompi by A. Kim

 

On October 28, the Korean Business Research Institute announced the October brand reputation rankings for movie actors.

 

Ma Dong Seok topped the list following the success of his movie “The Outlaws,” which reached five million in attendance, and ahead of the November release of his new movie, “Brother.” Analysis of Ma Dong Seok’s brand revealed he is highly associated with the keywords “cool,” funny,” and “surprising,” with an overall 76.41 percent positive rating.

 

Lee Jong Suk took second place, and Gong Yoo followed in third. The brand reputation rankings for movie actors factor in participation index, media index, communication index, and community index when analyzing consumers’ brand consumption patterns.

 

The top 25 rankings are listed below:

 

1. Ma Dong Seok
2. Lee Jong Suk
3. Gong Yoo
4. Moon Geun Young
5. Yoon Kye Sang
6. Kim Soo Hyun
7. Lee Byung Hun
8. Choi Hee Seo
9. Jo Jin Woong
10. Yoo Ji Tae
11. Lee Je Hoon
12. Song Seung Heon
13. Ryu Jun Yeol
14. Park Sung Woong
15. Kim Sung Kyoon
16. Choi Min Sik
17. Song Joong Ki
18. Park Seo Joon
19. Son Ye Jin
20. Hyun Bin
21. Jang Dong Gun
22. Song Kang Ho
23. Lee Jung Hyun
24. Kim Hye Soo
25. Kim Yun Seok

 

Source (1)

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October 28, 2017

 

October Male Advertisement Model Brand Reputation Rankings Revealed

 

Source: Soompi by DY_Kim

 

On October 29, the Korean Business Research Institute announced this month’s rankings for brand reputation among male advertisement models.

 

The rankings are based on the analysis of participation, interaction, and community indexes for 22,602,417 pieces of big data on 50 male advertisement models from September 27 to October 28, which is a 52.85 percent increase from the 14,788,071 pieces of big data analyzed for September.

 

Gong Yoo topped the list with a participation score of 84,794, interaction score of 1,740,887, and community score of 1,483,958 for a total brand reputation score of 3,309,639, a 777.48 percent increase from his September score of 377,176. He currently models for several products including SK Broadband’s BTV, the Kia K7, and Maxim’s Kanu Coffee, and he was recently announced as a “good model chosen by advertisers” by the Korea Advertisers Association.

 

Ma Dong Seok placed second with a participation score of 236,648, interaction score of 218,809, and community score of 1,273,320 for a total brand reputation score of 1,728,776. He is a quickly rising advertisement model, modeling for companies like Minute Maid.

 

Wanna One’s Kang Daniel took third with a participation score of 596,516, interaction score of 385,422, and community score of 189,642 for a total brand reputation score of 1,171,580, which is a 33.23 percent increase from his September score. Not only does Wanna One have several group advertisement deals with Lotte’s Yohi, K-Swiss, Eider, IVYclub, Hite Beer, and more, but Kang Daniel also has a solo advertising gig with ThinkNature.

 

Check out the top 30 below:

 

1. Gong Yoo
2. Ma Dong Seok
3. Wanna One’s Kang Daniel
4. Lee Sang Min
5. Park Bo Gum
6. Park Seo Joon
7. Hyun Bin
8. Kim Soo Hyun
9. Song Joong Ki
10. BIGBANG’s G-Dragon
11. Jung Woo Sung
12. Yoo Jae Suk
13. Lee Byung Hun
14. Jo Jin Woong
15. Baek Jong Won
16. Ryu Jun Yeol
17. Park Hae Jin
18. Lee Se Chang
19. Seo Jang Hoon
20. Kim Saeng Min
21. Lee Jung Jae
22. Hwang Chi Yeol
23. Lee Min Ho
24. Shinhwa’s Eric Mun
25. Bae Jung Nam
26. Namgoong Min
27. Daniel Henney
28. CNBLUE’s Jung Yong Hwa
29. Jo In Sung
30. Shin Dong Yup

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Looks like a photo for the (upcoming) Japan calendar set? 

 

Photo: ujihye3554

 

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LBH at the birthday gathering of his friend (the couple that he & MJ often had double dates together with)

 

Photos: Hyunseok Choi @hyunseokch

 

 

Spoiler