Lee Byung-hun

Screen name	Lee Byung-hun (Korean: 이병헌)
Birthdate	July 12, 1970
Birthplace	Seoul, South Korea
Profession	Actor

Lee Byung-hun (이병헌), born July 12, 1970, is one of South Korea’s most celebrated and internationally acclaimed actors. With a career spanning over three decades, Lee has proven his versatility across a wide range of genres, from romantic dramas and intense thrillers to blockbuster Hollywood action films. Known for his compelling performances in critically lauded movies such as Joint Security Area, A Bittersweet Life, I Saw the Devil, and Masquerade, he has earned numerous accolades domestically and internationally.

Lee’s star power extends beyond Korea, having successfully crossed over to Hollywood with roles in major franchises like G.I. Joe and Terminator Genisys. Beyond acting, he is recognized for his philanthropic efforts and entrepreneurial ventures in talent management. Despite facing personal and legal challenges, Lee’s resilience and dedication to his craft have cemented his place as a global icon in the film industry.

This page explores Lee Byung-hun’s illustrious career, his notable other works, personal life details, and the controversies he has faced, including high-profile lawsuits and a blackmail scandal. Whether you’re a longtime fan or newly discovering his work, this comprehensive profile provides an insightful look at the man behind the roles.

Personal Life

Born into a well-off family in Seoul, Lee Byung-hun has one younger sister, Lee Eun-hee, who won the Miss Korea pageant in 1996. He graduated from Hanyang University with a major in French Literature and later earned a graduate degree in Theater and Cinematography from Chung-Ang University.

Lee married actress Lee Min-jung in 2013 after a long courtship. The couple has two children together. Despite his public persona, Lee has been candid about his struggles with mental health, including panic disorder, which he credits his wife for helping him overcome. He also practices taekwondo and maintains a commitment to physical fitness.

Career

Lee Byung-hun’s acting journey began in 1991 when he debuted on television with the KBS drama Asphalt My Hometown. Early recognition came through his compelling roles in series like Tomorrow Love and Beautiful Days, where his ability to balance toughness and vulnerability captivated viewers. His breakthrough in film came with Park Chan-wook’s Joint Security Area (2000), a poignant exploration of the Korean division that garnered both critical acclaim and box office success.

Throughout the 2000s, Lee solidified his status as a leading actor in Korean cinema with films such as A Bittersweet Life (2005), praised at Cannes, and The Good, the Bad, the Weird (2008), where he took on his first villain role. His transition to international fame was marked by his portrayal of Storm Shadow in the G.I. Joe franchise, followed by appearances in Red 2 and Terminator Genisys.

Lee’s work in television remained strong with the hit espionage thriller Iris (2009), earning him top awards and record-breaking fees. Later projects include the historical drama Masquerade (2012) and Netflix’s global sensation Squid Game, where he played the enigmatic Front Man. With numerous Best Actor awards from prestigious ceremonies like the Blue Dragon and Baeksang Arts Awards, Lee’s career reflects both critical respect and widespread popularity.

Other Work

Outside of acting, Lee Byung-hun is an influential figure in the entertainment industry. He founded BH Entertainment, a talent management company representing several top Korean actors. Lee also ventured into entrepreneurship, launching BHNC, a fashion brand specializing in hats and accessories.

Additionally, Lee has contributed to the video game industry by lending his likeness and voice to characters, notably in Lost Planet: Extreme Condition. His role as an ambassador for various cultural and tourism initiatives further highlights his prominence beyond the screen. Lee is also active in philanthropy, donating substantial sums to causes including disaster relief, children’s welfare, and pandemic support.

Controversies

Civil Lawsuit and Habitual Gambling Allegations

In December 2009, Lee faced a civil lawsuit filed by his former girlfriend, Kwon Mi-yeon, who accused him of deceiving her into a relationship under false promises of marriage and alleged habitual gambling. Lee’s agency strongly denied the claims, asserting that the lawsuit was a retaliatory attempt following their breakup. Lee countersued for defamation and extortion.

During this period, a related controversy involved TV host Kang Byung-kyu, who was accused of inciting gangsters to disrupt Lee’s drama set. Kang was later arrested and indicted for blackmail and defamation connected to the case. Ultimately, prosecutors found no evidence to charge Lee with illegal gambling, and Kwon’s claim was dropped due to lack of participation in court proceedings. Kang received a prison sentence related to the incidents.

Blackmail Scandal

In August 2014, Lee Byung-hun was the target of a high-profile blackmail attempt involving singer Dahee of the K-pop group Glam and model Lee Ji-yeon. The two women threatened to release a private video unless Lee paid 5 billion won (approx. $4 million USD). Lee reported the crime to the police, leading to the arrest of both perpetrators shortly after.

Investigations revealed the blackmail was premeditated, with the women attempting to flee the country and prepare suitcases for money transport. The scandal received significant media attention, culminating in Dahee and Lee Ji-yeon receiving prison sentences, later suspended following Lee’s pardon request. The group Glam disbanded following the incident. Lee’s handling of the situation earned him public sympathy and further respect for his professionalism.

Filmography

Films

Drama Series

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Awards

• Best Actor ("Concrete Utopia") - 2023 (44th) Blue Dragon Film Awards - November 24, 2023
• Best Actor ("Concrete Utopia") - 2023 (59th) Daejong Film Awards - November 15, 2023
• Best Actor ("The Man Standing Next") - 2020 (56th) BaekSang Arts Awards - June 5, 2020
• Best Actor ("Ashfall") - 2020 (56th) Daejong Film Awards - June 3, 2020
• Best Actor ("Inside Men") - 2016 (53rd) Daejong Film Awards - Dec. 27, 2016
• Best Actor ("Inside Men") - 2016 (37th) Blue Dragon Film Awards - Nov. 25, 2016
• Global Star Award - 2016 (5th) APAN Star Awards - Oct. 2, 2016
• Best Actor ("Inside Men") - 2016 (52nd) BaekSang Arts Awards - June 3, 2016
• Popularity Award - 2013 (34th) Blue Dragon Film Awards - Nov. 22, 2013
• Best Actor ("Masquerade") - 2012 (49th) Daejong Film Awards - Oct. 30, 2012
• Popularity Award ("Masquerade") - 2012 (49th) Daejong Film Awards - Oct. 30, 2012
• Daesang Grand Award (I Saw the Devil) - 2011 (47th) BaekSang Arts Awards - May 26, 2011
• Best Actor (IRIS) (KBS2) - 2010 (46th) BaekSang 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 - Nov. 2005
• 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)