Lee Byung-hun: A Star on the Rise
Lee Byung-hun found himself in Seoul, juggling a busy promotional schedule that took him across continents. With the global success of shows like Squid Game and films like KPop Demon Hunters, Lee shared his journey while battling jet lag during a late-night chat with actor Daniel Dae Kim, host of CNN’s upcoming series K-Everything.
Lee admitted he didn’t take much time to rest before diving into the publicity whirlpool. “I’m feeling the effects now,” he confessed, “but I’m so happy.”
Despite being a first-time Golden Globe nominee, Lee is no stranger to hard work. Back in the 1990s, as a budding actor in South Korea, he faced grueling schedules that often left him exhausted. “On my third day without sleep, I fell asleep during a take,” he recalled. Now at 55, he’s making waves in Hollywood, this time on his own terms.
Lee’s acting journey began unexpectedly. A college student studying French literature, he was jokingly handed an audition flyer and decided to give it a shot. “Back then, acting wasn’t seen as a respectable profession,” he recalled. Yet, that change in trajectory led him to success in South Korea, notably with the film Joint Security Area, which significantly influenced Korean cinema.
His Hollywood debut came in 2009 with G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. He recalled feeling out of his comfort zone: “It was like swimming in the ocean without knowing where to go.” Nonetheless, that film opened doors, leading to collaborations with cinema greats like Al Pacino and Denzel Washington.
In recent years, Lee has cleverly balanced his Hollywood roles with cherished projects in Korea. He reflects on the transformative effect of streaming platforms in the media landscape, noting that good content can find an audience anywhere.
Statistics show a cultural shift with shows like Squid Game, which became Netflix’s most-watched series, logging nearly 600 million views worldwide. Lee expressed surprise at the global reception of a story rooted in Korean culture. “It’s strange to see the world reacting this way,” he said.
Meanwhile, his voice work in KPop Demon Hunters marked yet another victory. This animated film resonated deeply, achieving record-breaking viewership and numerous awards nominations. Lee participated in the project because he wanted to create something his children could enjoy.
He also starred in No Other Choice, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival and navigated the award season. Adjusted for modern audiences, the film takes a darkly humorous look at unemployment and the chilling realities of automation.
As Lee continues to shine in the industry, he emphasizes the importance of staying true to Korean storytelling. He believes that the pain of Korea’s past has shaped the creative energy fueling contemporary arts. Lee warns against losing sight of authentic narratives in a quest for global approval, a sentiment echoed by his director, Park Chan-wook.
Ultimately, Lee sees a bright future ahead, rooted in cultural authenticity. “If we remain true to ourselves, interest will keep growing,” he asserts. As he embraces new challenges, there’s no doubt that Lee Byung-hun’s star will only continue to rise.
For more on Lee Byung-hun and his inspiring journey, check out CNN’s series K-Everything.
