Lee Byung Hun
Info
🙂 Native Name: 이병헌 (Lee Byung Hun)
🌏 Nationality: South Korean
♂️ Gender: Male
🎂 Born: July 12, 1970
🏠 Birth Place: Seoul, South Korea
🌌 Zodiac Sign: Cancer
📏 Height: 177 cm (5’10”)
💍 Spouse: Lee Min-jung (married on August 10, 2013)
👶 Children: Two; a son named Lee Joon-hoo (born on March 31, 2015) and a daughter born on December 21, 2023
Biography
Lee Byung Hun was born on July 12, 1970, in Seoul, South Korea. He pursued French Literature at Hanyang University before shifting his focus to acting, eventually attending Chung-Ang University for Theater and Cinematography. His acting career began in 1991 with a role in the television drama Asphalt My Hometown, but it was in the late 1990s and early 2000s that he gained widespread fame through works like Joint Security Area (2000) and All In (2003). His breakthrough in Korean cinema established him as one of South Korea’s top actors.
Lee’s international career took off when he ventured into Hollywood, making his mark in blockbuster films like G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009), where he portrayed the character Storm Shadow, and Red 2 (2013) alongside Bruce Willis. His versatility in action-packed roles and charismatic performances won him critical acclaim both in South Korea and abroad. His performances in films like I Saw the Devil (2010) and The Good, The Bad, The Weird (2008) solidified his status as a global star.
In his personal life, Lee married actress Lee Min-jung on August 10, 2013. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Lee Joon-hoo, in March 2015, and their second child, a daughter, was born in December 2023. Despite facing public scrutiny in 2014 due to a scandal, Lee remained a highly respected figure in the entertainment industry. He credits his wife for supporting him during challenging times, particularly when he struggled with mental health issues following his father’s death.
Lee Byung Hun continues to dominate both South Korean and Hollywood screens. His more recent works include the critically acclaimed TV series Mr. Sunshine (2018) and the disaster film Ashfall (2019). He remains a prominent figure in global cinema and continues to expand his career, proving himself as one of the most influential actors in South Korean entertainment.
Hobbies
- Taekwondo: Lee Byung Hun practices taekwondo and has a black belt in the martial art, which helps him prepare for his action roles in both Korean and Hollywood films.
- Golf: He is an avid golfer, often playing the sport during his downtime. It is one of his favorite ways to relax and maintain physical fitness.
- Photography: Lee has a passion for photography, often taking photos during his travels. He enjoys capturing landscapes and everyday moments.
- Reading: Lee enjoys reading books on a variety of subjects, including history, philosophy, and literature. He believes reading broadens his worldview and influences his acting.
- Traveling: Lee loves to travel and explore new places, often incorporating these experiences into his performances by drawing inspiration from different cultures.
Interests
- Film Production: Lee is interested in directing and producing films in the future. He has mentioned wanting to contribute to the industry not only as an actor but also as a filmmaker.
- Philanthropy: Lee is passionate about giving back and has been involved in numerous charitable activities, including donations to children’s hospitals and disaster relief efforts.
- Languages: He has a strong interest in learning new languages, especially after his ventures into Hollywood. He worked hard to improve his English to expand his acting opportunities.
- Fashion: As a prominent figure in entertainment, Lee has developed a keen interest in fashion. His stylish appearances at events are frequently noted, and he has become a trendsetter.
- Music: Lee enjoys listening to classical music and film scores. Music helps him focus and get into the right mindset when preparing for emotional or intense scenes.
Facts
- First Major Korean Star in Hollywood: Lee Byung Hun is one of the first Korean actors to successfully break into Hollywood, appearing in blockbuster films such as G.I. Joe and The Magnificent Seven.
- Owns BH Entertainment: Lee founded his own talent agency, BH Entertainment, which manages several high-profile actors in South Korea.
- Award-Winning Actor: Lee has won multiple prestigious awards, including the Best Actor prize at the Baeksang Arts Awards and the Grand Bell Awards for his performances in Inside Men and Mr. Sunshine.
- Martial Arts Training: Lee’s experience in taekwondo and action choreography has played a crucial role in his success as an action star in films like I Saw the Devil.
- Philanthropic Work: Over the years, Lee has donated large sums to various causes, including disaster relief for victims of fires and support for sick children through the Green Umbrella Foundation.
Secrets
- Introverted Nature: Despite his charismatic on-screen presence, Lee Byung Hun is quite introverted in real life. He prefers quiet environments and avoids large social gatherings when possible.
- Mental Health Struggles: Lee has been open about his struggles with depression and panic disorders, particularly following the death of his father. His wife, Lee Min-jung, helped him during this difficult time.
- Rejected Early Roles: Early in his career, Lee turned down several roles, including some romantic dramas, because he felt unprepared for the genre.
- Avoids Overexposure: Lee is highly selective with his media appearances. He prefers to let his work speak for itself and does not actively seek out media attention.
- Interest in Directing: Though he hasn’t directed a film yet, Lee has expressed interest in working behind the camera in the future, saying it would be a new challenge for him.
Funny Things
- Accidentally Fell Asleep on Set: While filming a late-night scene, Lee Byung Hun once fell asleep during a break, much to the amusement of the crew, who had to wake him up for his next take.
- Playful on Set: Despite his serious image, Lee is known for being playful with his co-stars during breaks, lightening the mood on set by cracking jokes.
- Wardrobe Mishap: During a red carpet event, Lee had a small wardrobe malfunction when his tuxedo button popped off, causing him to laugh and handle the situation gracefully.
- First Audition Fail: Early in his career, Lee Byung Hun failed his first major audition and was told he was “too stiff” for television, a comment he found both funny and motivating.
- Accidentally Called by His Character’s Name: Fans sometimes call him by his character’s name, especially after Mr. Sunshine, which he finds amusing and is always polite in responding.
Fears
- Fear of Failure: Like many actors, Lee Byung Hun has admitted that he constantly fears not living up to the expectations of his fans and the industry.
- Public Speaking Anxiety: Despite his fame, Lee gets nervous during public speaking events and award ceremonies. He has spoken about feeling awkward when receiving accolades.
- Panic Disorders: Lee struggled with panic disorders after his father’s passing, making it difficult for him to attend public events or ceremonies.
- High Expectations: Lee often feels the pressure of high expectations, especially when taking on significant international roles, which drives him to work even harder.
- Fear of Heights: Though he’s performed many stunts, Lee has a fear of extreme heights, and he tries to avoid scenes that involve standing on very tall structures.
News
Lee Byung Hun Stars in Mr. Sunshine (2018)
Lee Byung Hun returned to the small screen in 2018 with the critically acclaimed drama Mr. Sunshine. His portrayal of Eugene Choi, a Korean boy raised in America who returns as a U.S. Marine officer, earned widespread praise and marked his first television role in nine years.Hollywood Breakthrough in G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009)
Lee Byung Hun made a significant impact in Hollywood when he starred as Storm Shadow in G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. His role in the blockbuster opened doors for him in the U.S. film industry, solidifying his international presence.Lee Byung Hun Wins Best Actor at Baeksang Arts Awards (2016)
In 2016, Lee Byung Hun won the Best Actor award at the prestigious Baeksang Arts Awards for his powerful performance in the film Inside Men. The role highlighted his range and cemented his reputation as one of South Korea’s finest actors.Philanthropic Work During COVID-19 Pandemic (2020)
Lee Byung Hun actively contributed to COVID-19 relief efforts by donating 100 million won (around $90,000) to provide sanitary products for vulnerable groups. His philanthropic efforts have been consistent throughout his career.Lee Byung Hun’s Role in The Magnificent Seven (2016)
In 2016, Lee Byung Hun starred alongside major Hollywood stars like Denzel Washington and Chris Pratt in The Magnificent Seven. His role as Billy Rocks showcased his versatility as an actor and further established his Hollywood credentials.
TV Drama
Movies
Music / OST
Lee Byung Hun is primarily known for his acting career and has not pursued a formal music career like some other South Korean celebrities. He has not released any albums, singles, or soundtracks related to music. His talents are more aligned with acting, where he has become one of the most successful South Korean actors both domestically and internationally.
However, in the realm of entertainment, Lee Byung Hun has occasionally showcased his versatility through performances in variety shows and special appearances where he may sing or participate in light musical segments. These instances are often for entertainment purposes and are not part of a professional music career.
His focus remains on his acting career, where he has gained global recognition for his roles in films such as I Saw the Devil, G.I. Joe, and Mr. Sunshine.
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