Lee Byung-Hun
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User Rating
Current user rating: 93/100 (277 votes)
Profile
- Name: Lee Byung-Hun
- Hangul: 이병헌
- Birthdate: July 12 1970
- Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
- University: Hanyang University, Chung-Ang University (graduate school)
- Major: French Literature / Theatre
- Height: 178cm
- Blood Type: O
Biography
Lee Byung-Hun was born in Seoul, South Korea on July 12, 1970. He grew up in a wealthy family that consisted of his businessman father (who passed away in 2000), his mother and one younger sister. Lee Byung-Hun's sister, Eun-hee Lee, would go on to win the Miss Korea beauty pagent in 1996. Lee Byung-Hun has described himself as a mischevious chlid while growing up.
In 1991 Lee Byung-Hun competed in an open audition for television network KBS and was accepted. He then made his television acting debut in the 1991 KBS drama "Asphalt My Hometown." Lee Byung-Hun didn't make his mark in television until the following year, when he appeared in the 1992 KBS drama "Tomorrow Love." His performance as Shin Beom-su provided a mixture of toughness and softness that appealed heavily to female viewers. While Byung-hun began to achieve success in the television drama realm, he initially found little success in the big screen realm. His early films like "Who Drives Me Mad?" & "Run Away" received muted responses at the box office and from critics. It wasn't until 1998, that Lee Byung-Hun started attracting the attention of critics with his performance in "The Harmonium in My Memory" (starring opposite Do-yeon Jeon). Two years later, Lee Byung-Hun would appear in Chan-wook Park's landmark cold-war film "Joint Security Area." Lee Byung-Hun's performance as Sgt. Soo-hyeok Lee, a soldier who crosses over to the North Korean side nightly to visit his "enemies," struck a deep chord with audiences and critics alike. The movie would go on to gain more than 8 million admissions and marked Lee Byung-Hun's first major blockbuster hit.
In the early to mid 2000's Lee Byung-Hun experienced more success on the small screen with "Beautiful Days" and "All In" and on the big screen with "Bungee Jumping of Their Own." His next blockbuster hit would occur in 2005, when he starred in Ji-woon Kim's mafia film "A Bittersweet Life." The movie premiered at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival and received strong praise from the film festival circuit. Lee Byung-Hun then made a push to become an international star. He made a cameo appearance in the 2007 Japanese box office hit "Hero." This was followed by his first ever performance as a villain in Ji-woon Kim's "The Good, the Bad, and the Weird" (a Korean film shot mostly in China), the 2008 multi-national film "I Come with the Rain" (directed by Vietnamese director Anh Hung Tran and starring American actor Josh Hartnett), and a supporting role in the 2009 U.S. film "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra." Lee Byung-Hun has also kept some of the mischievousness from his childhood days. The Korea Times reported that when the cast and staff of G.I. Joe visited South Korea, the director of the film, Stephen Sommers, asked Lee Byung-Hun for tips on speaking with the Korean press. Lee Byung-Hun instructed Stephen Sommers to greet Korean reporters with the expression "Naneun baboda" - which Sommers did[1]. Sommers found out later that "Naneun baboda" means literally "I am stupid."
Lee Byung-Hun's next project is the highly anticipated television drama "Iris," which will have a big screen version released immediately after the television series concludes.
Notes
- Actor Lee Byung-Hun will hold fan meetings in Japan from December 20-27, 2011. The fan meetings are "Lee Byung-Hun on Stage 2011" ("이병헌 온 스테이지 2011") and will take place in Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka. About 60,000 fans will attend at the fan meetings.
Filmography
- Masquerade | Naneun Joseonui Wangyida (2012) - King Gwanghae / Beggar Ha-Sun
- I Saw the Devil | Akmareul Boattda (2010)
- Iris: The Movie (2010)
- The Influence | Inpulrueonseu (2010)
- G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009)
- I Come with the Rain (2008)
- The Good, the Bad, and the Weird (2008) - The Bad
- Hero (2007)
- Once in a Summer Geuhae yeoreum (2006) - Yun Suk-Young
- A Bittersweet Life Dalkomhan insaeng (2005) - Sun-woo
- Three... Extremes Saam gaang yi (2004) - Director (segment "Cut")
- Everybody Has Secrets Nuguna bimileun itda (2004) - Choi Su-hyeon
- Addicted Jungdok (2002) - Dae-jin
- My Beautiful Girl, Mari Mari iyagi (2002) - Namoo
- Bungee Jumping of Their Own Beonjijeompeureul hada (2001) - Seo In-woo
- Joint Security Area Gongdong gyeongbi guyeok JSA (2000) - Sgt. Lee Soo-hyeok
- The Harmonium in My Memory Nae maeumui punggeum (1998) - Kang Soo-ha
- Lament Ji sang man ga (1997) - Park Jong-man
- Kill the Love Geudeulmanui sesang (1996) - Love
- Run Away (1995) - Lee, Dong-ho
- Sunset on the Neon Lights (1995)
- Who Drives Me Mad? Nuga naleul michige haneunga (1995) - Lee, Jong-du
TV Dramas
- Diplomat Kosaku Kuroda | Gaikoukan Kuroda Kosaku (Fuji TV / 2011) - John
- Iris (KBS2 / 2009) - Kim Hyeon-Jun
- All In (SBS / 2003) - Kim In-Ha
- Beautiful Days | Areumdawoon naldeul (SBS / 2001) - Lee Min-Chul
- Long Way | Meon Kil (SBS / 2001)
- 8 Love Stories (SBS / 1999)
- KAIST (SBS / 1999) - Guest Appearance
- Happy Together (SBS / 1999) - Seo Tae-Poong
- White Nights 3.98 | Baek Ya 3.98 (SBS / 1998)
- Wedding Dress | Weding Deureseu (KBS / 1997-1998)
- Beautiful Lady | Areumdawoon Geunyeo (SBS / 1997)
- I Want | Naneun Wonhanda (SBS / 1997)
- Son of Wind | Baramui Adeul (KBS2 / 1995)
- Dream Racers | Aseupalteu Sanai (SBS / 1995)
- Scent of Love | Saranghee Hyanggi (SBS / 1994)
- Police (KBS2 / 1994)
- The Sorrow of the Survivor | Salanaleun Jaui Seulpeum (KBS2 / 1993)
- Tomorrow Love | Naeileun Sarang (KBS2 / 1992-1994)
- Days of Sunshine | Hae Ddeul Nal (KBS2 / 1992)
- Flower That Never Wilt | Baram Ggoteun Sideulji Ahnneunda (KBS / 1991)
- Asphalt My Hometown | Aseupalteu Nae Kohyang (KBS2 / 1991)
Awards
- Daesang Grand Award (I Saw the Devil) - 2011 (47th) PaekSang Arts Awards - May 26, 2011
- Best Actor (Iris) (KBS2) - 2010 (46th) PaekSang Arts Awards - March 26th.
- Best Leading Actor, (movie category) of 2006, 42nd Baek-sang Award
- Best Actor ("A Bittersweet Life") - 2005 (25th) Critics Choice Awards - November
- Best Leading Actor, Busan Cinema Critics Award (2005)
- Best Performing Actor (drama category) of 2003, 39th Baek-sang Award
- Best Performing Actor (movie category) of 2002, 38th Baek-sang Award
- Best Performing Actor of 2001, SBS
- Blue Dragon Most Popular Actor (2001)
- Photogenic Prize & Korea Image Grand Prix
- Best Leading Actor, Busan Cinemas Critics Award (2000)
- Best Performing Actor of 1996, KBS (Dec 96)
- Best Performing Actor of 1995, KBS (Dec 95)
- Best Performing Actor of 1993, KBS (Dec 93)
- Best Performing Actor of 1992, KBS (Dec 92)
Comments
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References
- Lee Hyo-won Lee Byung-hun Returns With Film 'G.I. Joe', "The Korean Times," July 29, 2009
darlina Says:
Feb 08 2012 1:06 am
Helloo lee byung-hun,
i was born in malaysia, now i live in singapore. i love korean drama. i like to watch korean drama IRIS...IRIS IS VERY BEST AND INTEREST! LEE BYUNG-HUN IS MY ACTOR FAVOURITE. LEE IS SMART AND BEST ACTOR. I HOPE MET YOU IN SINGAPORE AND WATCH IRIS 2 AGAIN...SMILE
Yalin Says:
Feb 07 2012 11:43 pm
I really...like Lee Byung Jun very much. He's my superstar. The way he act is so cute. I want him to act together with Kim Tae Hee again in the next drama.
Urnaa Says:
Jan 13 2012 12:09 am
HI
Currently I'am watching his movie,,,, I am not so like to see Korean drama,,,, But this time,,,, I've just view this movie recklam ans I desire to see this,,
maybe he's acting skill effected it,,,,, Whatever I like him and his acted IRIS, I love it
mg mg Says:
Dec 24 2011 10:01 am
Greatest actor i've ever seen in korean drema.
safira Says:
Dec 21 2011 2:29 am
be a man...
safira Says:
Dec 17 2011 9:42 pm
hallo oppa!!pleasee come to indonesia..
maria Says:
Dec 01 2011 7:48 pm
IRIS is the best Korean drama I've seen so far...Lee Byunghun is really great:)can I ask when we'll gonna watch the part 2???I've been waiting for it since last year when I watched IRIS..hoping for an answer..thank you!!
patricia1212 Says:
Oct 06 2011 9:33 pm
bonjour,j'ai adoré "A bittersweet life",malheureusement en France,on ne trouve pas facilement tous vos films,mais j'aimerais beaucoup les voir....Vous êtes un super acteur,bonne continuation.bises
zoopmitty Says:
Aug 31 2011 7:46 pm
does anybody know the name of an older show from the late 80s or early 90s. it's about 5 students (3 guys and 2 girls) in their high school or college years. the main guy of the group looks to be Byung-hun Lee but i'm not sure. two other guys live together as room mates and the main guy i think lives with one of the girl and her family. your help will be greatly appreciated...
Ckanlou Says:
Jul 22 2011 6:51 am
Iam from india. I love your style of acting, I can't wait for iris 2
Katie Says:
Mar 10 2011 12:10 pm
Your work in "I Saw the Devil" was absolutely haunting. I've been a fan for awhile, and definitely enjoyed "The Good, The Bad, and The Weird," but you definitely made a lifetime fan with your latest work. Just...wow. Congrats on your well-deserved success!
ebaby Says:
Jan 24 2011 10:04 am
awww, LBH u r the hottest actor ever...absolutely hot! dnt realy knw why u and SHK broke up due 2 diff in age cos u luk 10yrs younger than ur age...u hv an amazing body and ur smile is breathtaking...you r 2 much!!
ebaby frm ghana
linda Says:
Jan 15 2011 11:36 pm
My dearest byung hun lee: I'm linda from the Philippines. I've watched a lot of your movies and series including G.I. Joe and Iris.You're the greatest actor in my lifetime You're incomparable. No one can compare to you. I laughed and cried with you and I even want to kill all your enemies. Hehehe! I wish you could come to my country to do a series or movie or simply jaz make a visit (wishful thinking). Till then. Sarangheyo, Oppa!
gandi Says:
Dec 11 2010 4:16 am
hello i am from mongolia i love your all movie you are really lovely
WELCOME TO MONGOLIA
kimberly le Says:
Nov 08 2010 12:29 am
I love your tv shows, drama, movies.
You are an excellent actor.
didi Says:
Sep 23 2010 2:55 am
He is the most amazing actor i have ever seem..love him soooooooo much!!Cant wait for all his future works!
Zenshiro Says:
Jun 24 2010 11:42 am
Greatest actor i've ever seen in korean history. Ganbate Lee Byung Hun-san! watashi wa fan desu
:D Says:
May 22 2010 7:57 pm
Extremely hot, especially for almost 40 years of age.
sher Says:
May 18 2010 8:58 am
hello storm shadow!!! u are awesome in G.I. Joe Rise of the Cobra.. u do love making action films.. well, that is good for u.. uhmmm, i already watched ur Korean drama "iris" and i finished it just a few moment ago--through DVD-- i'ts a good action drama film but to be honest, the concept of the story is nothing but like a Hollywood movies or films.. Sorry to the fans.. there is no originality.. its nothing but like CSI ( Crime Scene Investigation) and one thing i hate about this drama is that the subtitle is a suck!!! my goodness.. grammatically incorrect and funny translations..hahaha.. no offense fans..well, i don't have that what you so-called "K-crazy" but still, i like korean dramas..
suzy Says:
Apr 26 2010 7:38 am
i speechless,breathtaking,this man going me nuts!!!makes me crazy.um from indonesia.get bored with the hollywood movie,so broing,now i have an option,watching his movie or drama just make my yearning gone.i promise i will follow him.either in his carrier or his life.just come to indonesia anfd make movie here.in indonesia there are alot of places,beautiful places that can be used to make a great scene!!!!please come to indonesia!!!!
alyana reyna Says:
Apr 24 2010 11:10 pm
oh my gosh! At last, i found it where i can express my undying support and love for LBH! After watching beautiful days, addicted, bitter sweet life, once in aetcetera, and the latest is GI joe and IRIS, i must say that i am his number one fan here in the Philippines. I love him more when he portrayed in beautiful days, my heart throb when he's on the screen. and from that day onward, i'd always waiting for his next movies and drama. His eyes can speak a thousand words, as if, he's talking to me while looking at the camera. I hope he can go here in the philippines and have more movies to come like iris which is unforgetable. please come to the phil
JOHN RAY Says:
Mar 15 2010 5:02 pm
Where can I buy music concert DVDs for Byung-Hun Lee? I just caught a portion of his conert "Legend - Rainism" on Korean MC/SBS TV and was completely impressed. I have begun searching internet for music concert DVDs without success so far
THANKS
J. R. RAY
jrray@aol.com
binggacious Says:
Feb 27 2010 7:49 am
i beg to disagree w/ neonz coz it is not obvious at all that the age gap between LBH & KTH is 10 years. actually LBH looks younger than his almost 40 years coz well, primarily he is an actor & a model so it is expected that he takes care of his body, skin & looks & he is precisely doing just that. so, for me he doesn't look his age & he is even more handsome now compared to when he was younger. i think he is aging gracefully. great actor, great in iris (he won the daesang for it) numerous awards & pride of korea!
Fertry Says:
Jan 18 2010 12:44 pm
I really love this guy. He the best actor ever and looks so damn HOT.
I can´t believe that he´s already 40... ô.O. I mean look at this body.
He´s a sex-god xDDD
esgreen Says:
Dec 29 2009 3:40 am
you are the MAN.....
qistina05 Says:
Dec 19 2009 6:41 am
Hello Byung-hun Lee,
I believe I crazy watching IRIS . We normally watch action movies or drama from hollywood but now we have change to Korean channel. Thanks to the help of a subtitle we really eager to know more about a very COOL Byung-hun Lee. Thanks to KBS world and the producer of Iris . What a great and good job. The rating must be high i believe in korean . Lee byung hun (LBH) really have a great and outstanding performance and i guess, most of us agreed that LBH are the main key for this IRIS drama. Pls keep LBH on the top list for the next IRIS (2) and Kim tae hee as this two really make the IRIS happening ...in Malaysia we have a "'Korean village" and i think I might send all my girls to the korean language centre ...hahahah...
Oppss for Yoon Sang Hyun i wish the gossip is true ( in love with Yoon Eun Hye), I love his eyes....and for U , LBH keep the great performance and i hope there a "'LBH fan club in Malaysia..
Wish u a wonderful x''mas and happy new year.
Neonz Says:
Nov 26 2009 7:35 am
Lee byung Hun's a great dude! However, I found it revolting that in iris, he and tae won, who plays seung hui, was 10 years apart in age! He's like her older brother! D:
Gemma Says:
Oct 31 2009 7:41 am
RamenLover, you are so right he is MAgnificant in The Good The Bad The Wierd! He shows a very swanky, cool performance and you cannot help but fall for him in it! he is also in the new drama "Iris". And the new film "I Come With The Rain". Both look amazing, if i do say so myself and I would definetly reccomend G.I. Joe to anyone who hasn't saw it yet. Byung-hun is a a very talented actor and I love him to bits! GO BYUNG-HUN LEE!!!!!
NightLizard Says:
Sep 01 2009 4:44 am
Great actor! Love his works!!
Wish him all the best!
Paula Says:
Aug 08 2009 9:39 pm
I'm excited to see his performance in GI Joe: Rise of the Cobra. Korean actors are awesome and I love their music videos which are like mini movies.
I'm watching it tomorrow I'm so Pumped!
RamenLover Says:
Jul 31 2009 11:50 pm
Hey cjl10000,
Movie wise if you're interested in seeing more of Byung-hun Lee his best films to check out (in my opinion of course) are "The Good The Bad The Weird" (the first time he plays a villain and he does it with a lot style - you'll most likely swoon often at his performance), "A Bittersweet Life" (a mafia themed movie with Byung-hun Lee playing a bodyguard to the #1 boss and he's ordered to watch his boss' mistress while he goes away on a business trip and of course he falls for her), and "JSA" (classic film involving South & North Korean border guards who meet nightly and become friends despite the politics swirling around them), and "Bungee Jumping of Their Own" (pure romance film with a strange twist).
cjl10000 Says:
Jul 31 2009 9:25 pm
I am only just getting acquainted with Byung-hun Lee, but I saw a few clips from the new G.I. Joe film, and was impressed. He's very handsome, very athletic, and all-around hunky as imaginable. Does he do his own stunts, as well? Jackie Chan is insistent upon it whenever possible, and Jet Li (another major hottie), does a lot of his too. He's a total riot in interviews, not because of the fragmented English (that's sort of endearing actually), but because he seems so uncomfortable in the role of Ladies' Man. For promotion of "Romeo Must Die", he blushed when talking about being so close to AAliyah, and confessed to a skin allergy to her make-up. I dunno why, but I thought that was very funny!
I am actively looking for other films featuring Byung-hun Lee. I have long admired Hng Kong, Tokyo and Shanhai for their films, but they're usually to martial arts pictures. I just saw "Love of Siam," and was taken by it's emotional complexity. Forgive me, I am an American, who is dating an Asian and have jut begun to understand how relevant and how compelling a good Asian drama can be. Thank you so much!