Lee Byung Hun 이병헌 Byunghun Lee

[rubie]

Thanks to the highlight at Angel 70 fan-blog <3
Photo uploaded February 24 in Yokohama, Byunghun-ssi and actor Hakuryu. (credit: Hakuryu Official FB)

[Guest seli_setiana]

hello,,, I'm fine @rubie  >< miss you  :x being busy for live 
so where was I ? 1550 ? 

[rubie]

^ That's about right! Welcome back, baby! 
Hope we'd see them too.. sometime soon. Byunghun's been filming more than 2 weeks in NOLA. Hope that BH Entertainment would share something more on the FB and twitter. Right?

[Guest seli_setiana]

rubie said:
Original Korean article at TV Report

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Not new ones, instagram pics from previous events
2013.11.15 California Travel Mission 2013Photo credit: woosoo84


2013.11.28 Launch of Louis Vuitton City Guide 2014 SeoulPhoto credit: lisahms

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May 7, 2014
Representing Korea to the WorldSpotlight on Korean Film Festivals in Sydney, Paris, Florence and London by June KIM KOFIC


Korean citizens overseas may long for Korean films as they reminiscence about their hometown, but it’s also the increase in the popularity of Korean films and the development of the medium in the country that started to draw international attention and resulted in the founding of four major annual Korean film festivals in Sydney, Paris, Florence and London. Their history and programming may differ, but they share the same goal: to bring Korean film and culture to their respective local audiences. Let’s take a look at the different festivals, their history and what challenges they face. How did your festival come about and can you tell as a little bit about the event? The Korean Film Festival in Australia (KOFFIA) recognized that there was a lack of knowledge about Korean films in Australia. The only way for locals to access Korean films was through late night TV broadcasts from SBS, DVDs, YouTube and occasionally in theatres. In Sydney alone, there were already film festivals representing 20 other countries, with France being one of the first with its founding year dating back to 1990. Our festival can be considered late in the race, as we were established in 2010. In 2011, the Korean Cultural Centre was opened and became the sturdy backbone of the festival. Since then, we’ve grown and expanded our festival from Sydney to Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide and Perth. This year, the festival will be held starting in Sydney in mid-August, and will move to Canberra for a few days, then Brisbane in late August to early September, Perth in early September, Melbourne early to mid September and Adelaide to close off on September 26th. -  JUNG In-ji, General Affairs & Finance Manager (Korean Cultural Office Australia) The Paris Korena Film Festival (FFCP - Festival du Film Coréen à Paris) formed in 2006 and was initiated in order to move away from auteur works, in order to show the full depth of Korean films that are available. Our aim is to show the past, present and future of Korean film and their many aspects. The festival is usually held in the fall, and this year’s dates are from October 28th to November 4th for eight days near the Champs-Élysées. Last year’s programming consisted of 23 features and 22 shorts, with seven directors in attendance.-   YOO Dong-suk, Festival Director (FFCP) At first, the Florence Korea Film Fest (FKOFF) was a cultural event to get people in Italy to learn more about Korea. We felt that there were many similarities between Italy and Korea, yet these are countries that hardly know each other. The festival started small, but over 12 years it has grown and has collected increasing interest. It’s a 10-day festival with around 30 features and 20 shorts. This year, it was held from March 21st to 30th, and we had CHOI Min-sik in attendance along with directors SONG Hae-sung, HUH Jung, and PARK Myoung-rang. -   CHANG Eun-young, Deputy Director / Festival Coordinator (FKOFF) Through a survey by the Korean Cultural Centre UK (KCCUK), we found out that Korean films were what people were most interested in when it came to Korean cultural content. It is also the best medium to communicate with people, so we decided that it would be the best way to expose Korean culture for our purposes. The London Korean Film Festival (LKFF) is organized and run by the Korean Cultural Centre, and was founded in 2006. The 9th edition this year will be held from November 6th for about two weeks. Originally it took place only in London, but now we have expanded to across the UK as well. We started with about 12 films in our first year and had 43 at last year’s edition, which was our most successful to date. -   JEON Hye-jung, Artistic Director / London Korean Film Festival (LKFF)
How do local audiences receive Korean films? 

JUNG: To be completely honest, it is still early for us to expect audiences that do not know anything about Korean films or have any relations to Korea to make their way to the festival. However, we have been receiving positive feedback from those that have attended. We take audience surveys every year in which at least 50% of our attendees participate; most people have enjoyed their time at the festival. Even if they’re not familiar with Korean films, they have been exposed to other Korean media, mostly dramas, K-pop or variety shows and are fans of SONG Joong-ki and WON Bin, or directors KIM Ki-duk, PARK Chan-wook and Bong Joon Ho. Some popular titles include Joint Security Area (2000) and Old boy (2003). Classic titles have also proven popular. YOO: France is probably the most active market in Europe concerning interest in Korean films. It is the country that’s receiving the most attention out of all the Asian countries and there is even a strong Korean film fan base. Unfortunately after 2010, theatrical releases of Korean films have reduced and perhaps that’s why fans are more enthusiastic about the festival. For 2014, about five films are currently confirmed for theatrical release here and hopefully that’ll lead to many more. CHANG: There’s no question that the interest towards Korean films has been expanding. There are many people that return year after year to the festival. In the beginning, it was mostly my family and friends that I asked to come, but now it is more than just the people I know. JEON: After the screening of Hide and Seek, many of our audience members felt satisfied with this style of Korean thriller. One even said that they felt privileged to watch a Korean film in London, and another mentioned that they thoroughly enjoyed the Q&A with the director. Public Enemy (2002), despite being ten years old, was sold out, and The Times covered a spotlight story on director KANG Woo-suk. I can confidently say that most attendees were excited and interested in the types of stories Korean films were telling and were thankful that they had a chance to watch such films and meet the filmmakers.

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- continuation from above post
What is your festival’s history with KOFIC and how was it helpful? JUNG: KOFIC has been helping us financially since our very first festival. We have a special relationship. The person that first organized and put together the inaugural festival in 2010 was someone who was studying for their Masters in Sydney but used to be an employee at KOFIC. I have taken over the task of looking over the festival since then. YOO: In 2008, during our third edition, FFCP received support from KOFIC through the France Korean Cultural Centre. We were very dependent in the beginning to receive KOFIC’s help, and after 2011, we were lucky enough to get more sponsors on board, but KOFIC is still our steadiest and strongest resource to help put on our festival. CHANG: In the beginning, I had no background knowledge about film festivals. I went to KOFIC for help and I still remember Manager YOO who was so kind in helping us. Afterwards, Daniel PARK, along with many from his team have consistently helped the festival and that is the only reason we are still going on today. JEON: We received the support program from KOFIC and also received other help such as contact information for Korean film sales and distribution companies. We still receive different kinds of help from KOFIC through various means.
What kind of films or stars do your local audiences like the most? JUNG: I can easily say that Masquerade (2012), which was a part of our 2013 programming, had the best turnout out of all of our screenings thus far. The locals enjoyed the cinematography of the period drama, and were impressed by the storyline and the quality of the film. Most of all, it stars LEE Byung–hun who is a familiar face to Australians. Out of the guests that attended the festival, director RYOO Seung-wan who visited in 2011 had the best reaction from our spectators. YOO: Parisians were very satisfied with the opening and closing films of our 7th edition, which were Masquerade and The Thieves. They were also big hits at the Korean box office. Our tickets sold out extremely fast, and for our 8th festival we had to move to a bigger venue because of that. Other than the two titles mentioned, Magicians (2005), Breathless (2009), The Man From Nowhere (2010), Sunny (2011), Pluto (2012), Helpless (2012) and All About My Wife (2012) were received enthusiastically. During our closing night screening of Our Sunhi in 2013, the sidewalks of the Champs-Élysées were packed and almost had to be closed off. CHANG: Local audiences are mostly interested in comedies or thrillers, and this year’s CHOI Min-sik retrospective, featuring a Q&A with the actor, was particularly successful. JEON: Other than the two films mentioned, Boomerang Family, Public Enemy (2002), Fist of Legend, Behind the Camera, and Hope were enjoyed by many attendees. What are your audience groups like?
JUNG: I would say 75% of our viewers are Australians, and most of them are in their 20s or 30s. YOO: According to our 2013 survey, over 80% are French, about 9% are Koreans and others account for about 8%. It is usually males in their 20s and 30s that are interested in Asian films and Korean culture, but the 40s group is also quite large and there has been an increase in teenage audiences. CHANG: Our audience groups are very diverse, aged from their 20s to 60s. Over 95% are Italians or non-Koreans combined. JEON: I would say that over 70% would be local attendees including around 2000 film industry delegates and media.

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Are there any unique aspects to your film festival that you’d like to introduce to our readers? 

JUNG: Our festival is special in the way that its outreach power is very dynamic. It covers all of Australia’s large cities and so instead of calling it the Sydney Korean Film Festival, we are able to call ourselves the Korean Film Festival in Australia. Even other film festivals in Australia visit only one or two cities for their event, and none are as extensive as our festival. We offer the same quality films we’ve selected to each city, the difference is the dates and length of the event. Unfortunately we are only able to bring guests to our Sydney portion of the festival. YOO: What makes us different is that we’re a private organization run by regular people. We’re just film lovers who look to program great films with a unique perspective.
We also strive to build relationships with the local Korea and Asian film fan communities. There is consistent communication with these groups as our team itself is made out of fans from such groups. Not only are they the main source of our audience, but they’re also part of our core team. I think this is the reason why we have a very specific and unique atmosphere at our festival.
K.inema, which was put together 2012, works as a sales and distribution medium that was introduced at our festival. Films we’ve programmed will be recommended to other festivals in France and also for cultural activities. We’re happy to say that they have been getting better results every year. CHANG: With 50 or so Korean features and shorts every year, it is not an event just for Koreans overseas, but for local Italian filmgoers as well. It is a source to introduce Korea to the world and with an exciting new showcase for each festival, we try our best to give a better understanding of Korean cinema to our audiences and to introduce renowned filmmakers and actors as well. JEON: I think the festival speaks for itself, as it faces its 9th year in one of the world’s four largest film markets. In the beginning, most of our viewers were film professionals and art film fans, but nowadays our audiences range from those interested in commercial flicks, indie films and shorts, showing that the variety in Korean films are attracting many different filmgoers. We’re currently the biggest Korean film festival in the world, and I believe we’ve assisted the expansion of Korean film festivals in Europe. Is there an unforgettable moment from your previous editions you’d like to share?
JUNG: There was a screening in 2011 when a HDCAM failed to display subtitles. We were quick to apologize to our viewers and reimburse tickets for the screening. It still gives me shivers when I think of that moment! YOO: There are too many special moments during these last eight years. We were devastated when we couldn’t put together enough funds to start the festival for the very first edition. It was hard, but just as memorable. When we finally received help from KOFIC, when we filled up our theatre, when we first invited a director (SONG Il-gon), when we first became a private company, or when I watched the opening film of last year’s festival – the firsts never seem to escape me.
One particular event that was most memorable though was during YOON Sung-hyun’s Bleak Night (2011) screening. I noticed director Jean-Pierre Dardenne exit after the screening. CHANG: It was breathtaking to see a theatre with both floors full, and excited audiences with shining eyes, just waiting for the screening to start. Most of the viewers were Italian and it made me so proud that they were waiting for our films. JEON: At the 7th edition, the closing night film Masquerade was attended by Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, and John Malkovich, along with 20 or so Hollywood stars. Having them on the red carpet to watch the screening and recognizing the importance of Korean films was definitely a memorable moment for the festival. Are there any upcoming releases that you’re looking out for? 

JUNG: I’m very curious about LEE Byung-hun and JEON Do-yeon leading Memories of the Sword, to be released this year. It’ll be a big hit with the Australian audiences, perhaps even more than Masquerade!
 JEON: I’m also curious about Memories of the Sword, and also The Fatal Encounter, Kundo: Age of the Rampant, and Roaring Currents as we look forward to programming a special section for period films at our 9th edition. Last but not least, what does Korean film mean to you?
JUNG: It’s an effective medium that ties Australians and Koreans by creating a common space. YOO: For our festival, each film is in and of itself, a piece of art. CHANG: Korean films give Koreans confidence and pride. JEON: Korean films are our pride. KOFIC supports Korean cultural events that involve the screening of Korean films. They must be global and feature competitive programming, while the event’s main goal should be to expose Korean culture and/or aid in developing the Korean film industry. Eligible events must be annual, should be unique in their region, and must be at least five days long. By June KIM KOFIC

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Source: Instagram koreanborat

Source: NESCAFÉ Korea

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The currently running promotional event in Seoul ^^ No Byunghun-ssi but the cool red truck was there..Source: NESCAFÉ Korea FB

[rubie]

Fan-treat highlight at LBH DC <3
There was no source indicated for the pics but if we're to guess, most likely when Byunghun-ssi left Korea (around 19-20 Apr) to start the Terminator:Genesis filming in the States.

[rubie]

Korean media today reported about the airport pics which they credited the online community board (LBH DC or Rubeurs?)
Source: Nate ++


On a different topic, Pantech released VEGA IRON 2 late last month. Despite the famous catchphrase by LBH in the first version CF, the new endorsement did not retain his service. It's nothing personal, just the company's strategy.

[rubie]

May 8, 2014
‘Terminator 5′ filming locations in New Orleans this weekend
by CHRISTINE OnLocationVacations
According to local police, Terminator: Genesis will be causing some road closures this weekend in New Orleans.
The production is set to spend the weekend filming around the Terry Parkway-General DeGaulle exits from the West Bank Expressway. A sign was erected on the West Bank bound-Crescent City Connection at the Tchoupitoulas upramp last week advising drivers the exits will be closed Friday at 7 p.m. until Monday at 6 a.m.
Arnold Schwarzenegger will reprise his role as the Terminator in the new movie which hits theaters July 1, 2015. Matt Smith and Emilia Clarke also star.
Thanks to @CrystalSorrow & @Jgrace504 for the info!

[rubie]

Related excerpt only - From twitchfilm, review by Pierce Conran: Period films often give performers the opportunity to branch out of their normal on-screen personas and such is the case with The Fatal Encounter - though the results vary. In the primary role, though with so many other characters and narrative tangents his is only just a leading one, Hyun Bin shows that he's not just a pretty face but his regal part pales in comparison to Lee Byung-hun's surprising turn in Masquerade.

[rubie]

May 10, 2014
Airport Pics of Lee Byung Heon captured while leaving for America
Source: STARN News New photos of Lee Byung Heon are becoming a hot issue.
Recently, a couple of photos of Lee Byung Heon leaving to America were uploaded on an online community board.
The photos show Lee Byung Heon wearing a denim jacket and sunglasses, and he is waving his hand to fans.
The photos were taken when Lee Byung Heon left to America to shoot movie 'Terminator: Genesis (Terminator 5)', and a representative of his management agency said, "Lee Byung Heon wanted to leave as quietly as possible."
Meanwhile, Lee Byung Heon is going to cast in 'Terminator 5' as one of the heroes.
/Reporting by Lim ju-hui en@starnnews.com

A HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO ALL! 

[rubie]

May 12, 2014
Some news to share..
LBH's junior colleague at BH Entertainment, actor Jin Goo will be tying the knot this September. Hopefully Byunghun-ssi and his wife will be able to attend the ceremony.. if there's no overseas filming (like. GI Joe 3.. maybe not this year). Our Hunnie should be around by then, especially for the upcoming promo activities for 'Memories of the Sword'
LMJ is still in Korea, thanks to the highlight & sharing at the Hunnie Couple thread. She's back at their home in Gwangju. Tonight, Minjung-ssi is attending the VIP Premiere of Song Seung Hun's new movie  "Obsessed'. Obviously Byunghun-ssi would have liked to attend the screening if he's in Seoul.
Little boy Byunghun and his loving father.. thanks to LBH DC for the capture <3

[rubie]

May 14, 2014
Jin Goo will marry former ‘crush’
By Kim Hee-eun, contributing writer INSIDE Korea JoongAng Daily

Actor Jin Goo announced he will get married in September to his fiancee, who he first mentioned on the popular MBC entertainment show “Infinite Challenge” last winter. 
Jin was invited onto a December episode of the program, alongside other celebrities like Sunny of Girls’ Generation, to celebrate a “lonely Christmas” with the hosts.
“Actually, I’ve had a crush for a while, but I wasn’t able to confess my true feelings to her. I’m kind of an introverted person,” said the actor at the MBC studio in Goyang, Gyeonggi last year. 
When asked to present an item for auction during the “Infinite Challenge” party, he gave a gold ring and noted, “I don’t need this ring anymore, because I can’t give it to the person [who I was supposed to give it to].” 
The actor then shared his unrequited love story. 
Much attention has been shown to the news of Jin’s wedding because it has only been a month since he made his relationship public. 
Many Koreans still recognize Jin from the 2003 drama “All In,” on which he played the younger version of Lee Byung-hun’s character. In 2005, he also co-starred with Lee in the noir film “A Bittersweet Life.” 

[rubie]

May 14, 2014
Alluring Bride Looks of Gianna Jun and Lee Min Jung
Source: BNTNews

[by Choi So Dam] People always have said, “Women look the most beautiful when they wear wedding dress."
For women, wedding dress is like a romance and a dream. In their lives, the day they wear wedding dress is when they look the most amazing. Since this day comes only once in a lifetime, it’s extremely important for women.
For this reason, many brides-to-be write a checklist of white dress, hairstyle and makeup not to miss a single thing.
It’s the same for celebrities as well. They always look stunning on TV screen too, but they also wish to look even more beautiful on their wedding day. As ordinary women see stars’ wedding photos, they start to show interests in celebs’ unique dress, bright accessories and pretty hairstyle.
‘Love From Star’ Gianna Jun’s Wedding Day (IMAGE}
At the press conference held right before wedding ceremony, Gianna Jun looked amazing in her wedding dress. She showed a unique one that is decorated with lots of details. The dress wasn’t puffy at all, but she still looked extremely gorgeous.
What shines a woman in wedding dress is definitely body shape. As a woman’s long neck and shoulder line is revealed in dress, it certainly attracts attention of participants.
Her glowing skin also drew attention on this day. Just like her calm wedding dress, Gianna tried to look as natural as possible and effortlessly beautiful with peach lip color.
The Bride at Wedding of the Century, Lee Min Jung


The wedding of Lee Byung Hun and Lee Min Jung couple drew attention of every fan around the world as both of them were very famous. As expected, women showed interests in Lee Min Jung’s wedding dress, jewelry and makeup style.
On her wedding day, Lee chose white lace dress that covers her collarbone. Like Gianna Jun, Lee Min Jung chose a simple ‘I’ shape dress that maximized her elegant charms.
Then she put on a hair band that reminded of garland to add innocent goddess look. Along with beautiful wedding dress styling, Lee matched with natural makeup that only emphasized her eye areas.
MUST-HAVE ITEMS For Brides-To-Be (IMAGE)
1. SK ∥ Facial Treatment Essence
This essence is SK-II’s leading item and best-selling item. There are 90% of pitera ingredients that softly peels dead cells and get rhythm back to skin.
2. Marzia Clinic’s Collagen Sculpture SerumThis is enriched serum that reshapes facial skin and collarbone area. Also, there is red clover extract that stimulates blood circulation on facial skin. It’s a perfect item for home care.
3. Sulhwasoo Essential Firming CreamThis firming cream has unique oriental medicine scent, which is contained in all products of Sulhwasoo. Its sticky texture brings elasticity back to skin.
4. VB Program Super CollagenThis collagen ampoule is eatable. It balances moisture level inside the skin and brings vitality back to skin texture. (photo by Marzia Clinic, SK-II, Sulhwasoo, VB Program, BH Entertainment, captured from MBC ‘Cunning Single Lady’ MBC ‘Section TV’)

[rubie]

Often a thankless underrated job but one that is most noble and admirable. It's a nice surprise to see KOBIZ highlighting this..
HAPPY TEACHER'S DAY 
Source: KoBiz (Korean Film Council)
May 15th is teacher appreciation day! Here are 4 different films that wraps its stories around teachers. 
The Harmonium In My Memory is an earlier work of JEON Do-yeon and LEE Byung-hun as JEON plays a country girl who falls in love with her teacher, LEE. 
Bungee Jumping of Their Own also casts LEE, who is lost after the death of his lover but finds her soul within a teenage boy. 
Mr. Teacher, Mr. Kim is about a teacher who has been relocated to the countryside due to bad behaviour. While he tries to move back to Seoul, he starts to become one with the students and villagers. 
Lovely Rivals is about a student and a teacher who fight for the love of their lives.

[rubie]

Thanks to the fan-sharing at LBH DC (they're experiencing BH news-drought just like us). Not sure if this is a new capture or an old one, can't quite remember.. blurpanda here is forever clueless  ^^
Anyway, have a good restful weekend to everyone at the thread. Hope we'd have some Byunghun updates next week.