Lee Byung-hun will reflect on his 30-year acting journey with a special retrospective at this year's Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN). Organizers officially announced on May 27 that the celebrated actor will be the star of this year's Actor Special Program.
🎬 Special Showcase: The Master: Lee Byung-hun
Titled The Master: Lee Byung-hun, the program honors the actor's unparalleled versatility and global presence. Over the years, Lee has delivered iconic performances across genres—earning acclaim both domestically and internationally.
The special event will take place from July 4 to 13, featuring:
- 10 representative films
- A curated exhibition
- Press conferences
- Mega Talks with fans
- Stage greetings
📽️ Screenings: His Most Iconic Works Return to Theaters
The 10 featured films include:
- Joint Security Area (JSA)
- Bungee Jumping of Their Own
- A Bittersweet Life
- Once in a Summer
- I Saw the Devil
- Masquerade
- Inside Men
- The Fortress
- The Man Standing Next
- Concrete Utopia
From a tragic soldier in JSA to a deranged NIS agent in I Saw the Devil, from dual royal personas in Masquerade to a betrayed insider in Inside Men, Lee has portrayed a wide spectrum of complex characters.
🌍 A Global Star Beyond Korea
Lee Byung-hun has also made waves in Hollywood, with roles in:
- G.I. Joe series
- Terminator Genisys
- Misconduct
- The Magnificent Seven
His international success highlights his versatility and charisma on a global stage.
💬 Why Lee Byung-hun?
BIFAN programmer Lee Jung-yeop commented,
"Lee Byung-hun is the true face of Korean cinema. He transforms with every role—always delivering something new."
Since 2017, BIFAN's Actor Special Program has honored legends like Jeon Do-yeon, Jung Woo-sung, Kim Hye-soo, Sol Kyung-gu, Choi Min-sik, and Son Ye-jin. This year, Lee Byung-hun takes his well-deserved place among them.
[Photo Credit: BH Entertainment]
