'G.I. Joe: Retaliation' bests original
Lee Byung-hun reprises 'loner' Storm Shadow, praises new director
By Kwaak Je-yup[email protected]
For one of the country’s biggest stars, Lee Byung-hun was surprisingly — even excessively — modest.
At a press event to plug the second installment of the G.I. Joe franchise in Seoul Wednesday, Lee shied away from accolades and was focused on praising the film instead.
“I absolutely think that (the sequel) will be more fun than the first one,” he said firmly at the conclusion of the Q&A session.
“G.I. Joe: Retaliation” is directed by Jon M. Chu and stars Bruce Willis and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. It is slated to open in theaters nationwide in June.
Lee based his claim mostly on the excellence of the 32-year-old American director, who replaced the original’s Stephen Sommers (best known for “The Mummy” series).
According to Lee, Chu gave a breath of fresh air to the action film.
“If Mr. Summers concentrated on showing many different characters and state-of-the-art CGI-enhanced scenes together, Mr. Chu was focused on the people. He wanted to show their personal histories,” he said. “He thought of the drama on top of flashy visual effects.”
Earlier, the actor said he was also more satisfied with his own acting, though language difficulties remained an issue on set.
“If I had just a lot of sword fights and kicks in the first movie, this time my character (Storm Shadow) is seen more up close. It has a dramatic aspect that shows his history, inner conflicts. I loved how much of my acting I could show this time around... but I still think I could have been much more competent in a Korean film.
“Frankly speaking, it’s hard. Casual speech and delivering lines in English belong to two different dimensions. Because you use a foreign language, you’ve got to be sure you could recite lines without a mistake even if someone woke you up from a nap.
“On the set, someone from the crew told me after I read my line that my pronunciation was off for one of the words. Right after my head became completely blank, busy thinking about that one line. Sometimes I felt I was back in the earliest days of my career.”
His character is an independent combatant who fights for neither good nor evil in the story. Lee said that his status as a loner was the role’s biggest attraction and claimed he would not want to play anyone else, even if he were given a chance.
After his debut in 1991, landing a part in a TV drama series following an open audition, Lee fast became a heartthrob and the center of media attention. But the actor has since established himself as a rare figure on the Korean screen who has achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success, unencumbered by his good looks.
At cinemas or on TV, his name headlined a marquee of monster hits, from “Joint Security Area (2000)” by Park Chan-wook, the highest grossing film here at that time, to “IRIS (2009)” on KBS, the most expensive Korean small-screen drama in history.
Riding high on national-level success, Lee became one of the first Korean actors to break out in the overseas markets, starting with the 2008 arthouse film “I Come with the Rain” by French director Tran Anh Hung. He starred alongside American and Japanese leading men Josh Hartness and Takuya Kimura, respectively.
It was also announced Wednesday morning that on June 23, Lee and Korean acting great Ahn Sung-ki will be guests of honor at the Korean Film Festival in Los Angeles, becoming the first actors of Asian origin to leave their hand and footprints at the plaza in front of the iconic Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.
Almost 200 Hollywood celebrities have left their mark there since 1927, the year of the venue’s opening.
At the press event, however, Lee played down the hype and took it with utmost modesty.
“There are people who set goals and there are others who have dreams. Goals are something you think are realizable in the future, but dreams are based on just your wishful thinking. This honor is even beyond my wildest dreams.”
The film “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” will have its world premiere in Hong Kong, on June 21.
When Staff Tell Me I Pronounced Something Wrong in English, My Head Goes Blank
by jbarkysoompi.com
Lee Byung Hun spoke about acting in English still being a difficult task. (Despite the fact that his English is very good, watch the first G.I. Joe!) On April 25, there was a press conference for “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” held at the Apgujeong CGV.
Lee Byung Hun said, “Speaking English and acting in English are two very different tasks. Acting in English is very difficult. Because I need to act in a different language, I need to practice hard enough so that if I suddenly wake up after a nap, I can still say my lines.”
He continued, “When a staff member tells me that I pronounced something wrong, my mind goes blank. I immediately have to think about pronunciation and that blocks me from thinking about what kind of acting I am doing or what kind of lines I am saying. It feels like I am a rookie actor all over again.”
Lee Byung Hun reprises his role of “Storm Shadow” in G.I. Joe: Retaliation. The film will be released on June 21 in South Korea, and June 29 in the U.S.
Lee shares his Hollywood experience
Hallyu star returns as Storm Shadow in 'G.I. Joe 2'
By Claire Lee ([email protected]) koreaherald.com
Shooting his second Hollywood film required a number of things of actor Lee Byung-hun, including mastering every script line in a perfect American accent and getting used to the extremely strict shooting schedule.
The hallyu megastar is returning as the famously heroic “Storm Shadow” character in his upcoming sci-fi film “G.I. Joe: Retaliation,” which is a sequel to the 2009 picture “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra.”
“In Korea, things can be flexible if an actor is sick or isn’t in his or her best condition,” Lee told reporters in a press meeting promoting his upcoming action in southern Seoul, Wednesday.
“So if you are seriously ill, you can re-schedule your shooting schedule. But that’s simply not the case in Hollywood. The production cost for each and every shooting day is just colossal there, so even if you’ve broken your leg you’d still have to show up at the set. Everything is pre-planned in every single detail, so you’d always start and finish each day’s work on time. I found the system very efficient, but also a bit scary and intimidating at times.”
Actor Lee Byung-hun speaks at a press meeting held in promotion of his upcoming film
“G.I. Joe: Retaliation” at CGV Apgujeong, southern Seoul, Wednesday. (1st Look)
Both the 2009 and the upcoming films are based on American board game company Hasbro’s toy and cartoon series. While Lee is returning as the same Storm Shadow, the heroic character who works as a ninja bodyguard in the first film, other casts and director have been changed.
The upcoming picture is directed by Jon M. Chu, while starring top Hollywood actors Bruce Willis and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson along with Lee. The hallyu star said shooting the sequel was certainly easier than the first one, but the language barrier and getting used to the strict schedule were still a challenge for him to overcome.
“I’d memorize each and every line perfectly before going to the shoot,” the actor told reporters.
“But I’d just forget every line ― literally every single line ― when I’m told that I’ve pronounced one word wrong while acting. Having to think that I somehow have to fix my pronunciation for that one word would just make me totally lost at the set. There’s a huge difference between making conversation in a foreign language and acting in a foreign language. I feel the most comfortable when I perform for pieces that are based on Korean culture. So I can’t help but feel that I could’ve done better if this were a Korean movie.”
Though he felt it was too “strict” at times, Lee said the efficient Hollywood system offers a lot to learn.
“Compared to Korean movies, pre-production phase is much longer for Hollywood films,” said Lee. “Because they perfectly plan out everything in advance, the actual production period is a lot shorter. I think it’s a lot more efficient that way and maybe things can be done in a similar way here.”
When a reporter asked if it bothers Lee in any way that his Storm Shadow character can be seen as another American stereotype of Asian men, the actor said he thought the character was “something that he had to do” in his foray into Hollywood.
“I didn’t necessarily decide to play this character because I loved it so much,” Lee said. “Right now I’m not given with a lot of choices in Hollywood. I thought this character was something that I had to do in my first steps of breaking into their world. And maybe I will be given with more choices once I do this character very well, though he maybe another Asian male stereotype.”
The top actor was reported to be dating popular actress Lee Min-jeong earlier this month. Both he and Lee denied the reports. Prior to the press meeting, reporters were asked not to ask him any “personal questions” and inquire only about the upcoming movie.
Lee is currently shooting his first period drama “King of Joseon,” which is slated to be released in late fall.
“G.I. Joe: Retaliation,” opens in local theaters on June 21.
Ahn Sung Ki and Lee Byung Hun to Leave Handprints in Hollywood
Source: KBS Global
Actors Ahn Sung Ki and Lee Byung Hun will leave their handprints in Hollywood, a first for Asian actors.
According to film PR company First Look on April 25, Lee Byong Hun will visit Mann's Chinese Theater located on the Hollywood Walk of Fame from June 23 to 24 to leave his handprint on the street. His stamp will be the first Asian person's hand print in the past 85 years besides the Asian movie director John Woo, who directed the film "A Better Tomorrow."
Lee Byung Hun, who participated in the press conference for the movie "G.I. Joe 2" in Apgujeong on April 25, said, "I heard the news while filming the movie in the USA and I could not believe it at first."
Legendary actors such as Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe, Clint Eastwood, and Tom Cruise have left their handprints on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Look East, which is the host agency of the event, said, "Lee Byung Hun has already become recognized worldwide for his excellent acting in the movies 'A Bittersweet Life' and 'The Good, The Bad, The Weird.' And he has also become recognized as one of the influential Asian actors in Hollywood in 2012 with his appearances in the 'G. I. Joe.' series. Nobody will raise an objection to his appearance on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as the first Asian star."
Actor Ahn Sung Ki will also participate in the handprinting event by the recommendation of the Korean Film Commission on the same day. First Look explained that An Sung Ki has been selected as he is the most respectable actor in Korea who has appeared in around 100 movies up to now.
"G. I. Joe 2" will be released in Korea in June. [Yonhap]
'G.I. Joe' star Lee Byung Hun to be honored in Hollywood
By JONATHAN M. HICAPmb.com.ph
MANILA, Philippines - Popular Korean actors Lee Byung Hun and Ahn Sung Ki will be honored in Hollywood by way of casting their hand and foot prints on the famous courtyard of the Grauman's Chinese Theater.
The ceremony will coincide with the opening of the Look East Korean Film Festival to be held at the famous theater on June 23 and 24.
Lee and Ahn will be the first Asian actors to be accorded with such honors. In 2002, Hong Kong film director and producer John Woo cast his handprint at Grauman's.
Lee was chosen for his works as an actor. Among his popular films are "A Bittersweet Life," "The Good, The Bad, The Weird," and "I Saw the Devil." Among his Korean TV dramas are "IRIS," "All In," and "Beautiful Days." He crossed over to Hollywood and made his debut on "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra," released in 2009 and grossed $302 million in the US and worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo.
Lee Byung Hun will reprise his role as Storm Shadow in the sequel, "G.I. Joe: Retaliation," which will be released in the US on June 29, Philippines on June 20 and Korea on June 21. His co-stars include Dwayne Johnson, Bruce Willis, Channing Tatum, Jonathan Pryce, Ray Park and Arnold Vosloo.
During a press conference in Korea for "G.I. Joe: Retaliation," Lee Byung Hun said he had to memorize his script using American accent.
“I’d memorize each and every line perfectly before going to the shoot,” the Korea Herald quoted him as saying.
The actor added, “But I’d just forget every line--literally every single line--when I’m told that I’ve pronounced one word wrong while acting. Having to think that I somehow have to fix my pronunciation for that one word would just make me totally lost at the set. There’s a huge difference between making conversation in a foreign language and acting in a foreign language. I feel the most comfortable when I perform for pieces that are based on Korean culture. So I can’t help but feel that I could’ve done better if this were a Korean movie.”
He also compared the shooting process in Korea and Hollywood. He said in Korea, when an actor is sick, the shooting can be rescheduled.
"But that’s simply not the case in Hollywood. The production cost for each and every shooting day is just colossal there, so even if you’ve broken your leg you’d still have to show up at the set. Everything is pre-planned in every single detail, so you’d always start and finish each day’s work on time. I found the system very efficient, but also a bit scary and intimidating at times,” said Lee, according to the newspaper.
Lee Byung Hun shows off his stylish look in a black shirt
Source: Xportsnews eternalc2h en.korea.com
Actor Lee Byung Hun recently showed off his gentle, classy look in a TV commercial for a camera.
Lee has recently commented that he created a classy TV commercial in a black shirt because it made him look modern and stylish with the camera. It suited the advertisement copy, “If you know about camera, argue about it.”
A spokesperson for the camera maker says, “We believe that the world-renowned actor Lee Byung Hun’s classy image will perfectly present the classy image of our product.”
With his second Hollywood film “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” slated to open in theaters this June, Hallyu superstar Lee Byung-hun spoke frankly about his foray into the biggest film market in the world.
“Every day during filming, I came on set nervous,” Lee confessed during a press conference for the new film in Apgujeong, southern Seoul, this week.
“In Korea, if an actor is injured or sick, the production can be delayed and there is some leniency. However, in Hollywood, because the budget for films is enormous, even if you are injured, you still need to be on set as the film schedule is very precise.”
In the film, a sequel to 2009’s “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra,” Lee reprises his role as Storm Shadow, the ninja bodyguard of Cobra Commander, the film’s terrorist organization leader. Compared to his relatively small role in the first film, the sequel features a deeper portrayal of Storm Shadow and his conflicted stance in his loyalty to both Cobra and G.I. Joe. As with the first movie, Lee stars alongside some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Bruce Willis, Channing Tatum and Dwayne Johnson.
“G.I. Joe: Retaliation,” the sequel to 2009’s “G.I. Joe:
The Rise of Cobra,” features Lee Byung-hun, bottom,
in a more prominent role. Bruce Willis, upside, also stars. Provided by 1st Look
The actor, best known for his weighty film roles including in “I Saw the Devil” (2010) and “Joint Security Area” (2000), admitted that he at first thought his character was “quite silly,” but after reading up on his history, he was charmed by the “lonely, melancholy fighter aspect” of Storm Shadow.
Lee’s venture into Hollywood comes after those of other Korean superstars, including Jang Dong-gun’s 2010 Hollywood debut in “The Warrior’s Way,” which failed at the box office and received poor reviews.
When the Korea JoongAng Daily asked Lee whether he feels that his role in the new film feeds the stereotype of knife-wielding Asian fighters in Western blockbusters, the actor replied noncommittally.
“To be honest, I didn’t decide to play this role in the ‘G.I. Joe’ series because I felt the role was 100 percent to my taste, but rather because I was chosen for the role,” Lee said. “I think roles like these are something I have to go through to introduce myself in this market I want to portray this character in a multilayered way so that later on I can be in the position to choose the roles I want to play.”
Regardless, the actor’s foray into North America has been well received, and Lee was recently chosen, along with fellow Korean actor Ahn Sung-ki, to be the first Asian actors to leave their hand prints at Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood. His co-star, Bruce Willis, also praised the Korean heartthrob, saying in a recent interview with MTV, “[Lee] showed some action moves that I could never do ... I want to make another movie with him if I ever get the chance.”
There was one struggle, though, that Lee said made him feel as if none of his success in Hollywood even mattered. “Whenever I got feedback from the staff on set about my Korean accent while speaking English, my mind went blank and I forgot all my lines,” he said. “In those moments, it felt as though I was a newcomer to this scene all over again.”
He was also unaccustomed to the diehard fandom that follows many of Hollywood’s trademark films, with audiences wielding influence on producers’ decisions about their films. Lee said he was startled when fans petitioned against revealing Storm Shadow’s face in the film, even threatening to boycott all G.I. Joe-related toys, comics and films if they didn’t get their way.
But even regarding this, the actor said he has now adjusted. “The franchise is such a well-known, popular one and has been for decades, so I understand their point,” he explained.
Korean Film Festival
HOLLYWOOD LOOKS EAST – BREAKING MOVIE NEWS Genonewzbreaker.com
An appreciation of all things Korean has swept into popular culture – from taekwondo to kalbi to K-pop – extending to a proliferation of film and television talent who trace their lineage to the Asian peninsula. This summer, Hollywood will offer an appreciation with the first Look East: Korean Film Festival, a celebratory weekend taking place Saturday & Sunday, June 23-24. Hyundai Motors serves as a Lead Festival sponsor of the festival.
Marking the first time in its 85-year history, Asian performers will cast their hand and footprints in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on Saturday, June 23. They include Korean actor Byung-hun Lee, an award-winning international star who recently appeared as Storm Shadow in Paramount Pictures’ G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra and will be seen this summer in the sequel, G.I. Joe 2: The Retaliation, alongside Bruce Willis and Dwayne Johnson. Lee’s rise to fame was his role in A Bittersweet Life.
“American filmmakers and audiences have always been intrigued with the Far East and especially with action stars from that part of the world,” says G.I. Joe movie producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura. “Working with Korean actor Byung-hun Lee on G.I. Joe 2: The Retaliation was a wonderful experience. His energy and charisma truly come to life on film.”
Also casting hand and footprints at Grauman’s will be Sung-ki Ahn, a veteran Korean star who has appeared in nearly 100 movies and is considered to be one of the most respected, influential actors in Asia. Having great commercial success with Unbowed last year, Ahn’s star continues to rise. Additionally, Pierre Rissient, an international film expert, French filmmaker and luminary who has long championed Korean cinema and has been instrumental in raising its profile worldwide will be in attendance and recognized for his contributions to Asian films. With over half a century of experience, Rissient is revered by filmmakers around the world including such American directors as Clint Eastwood, Oliver Stone and Quentin Tarantino, among others.
Hollywood will recognize the rising Korean film industry with a series of new and classic films over the weekend. Top Korean directors whose films will be screened include Kwon Taek Im, Jee-woon Kim and Chang-dong Lee. Korean food and its savory flavors and ingredients will also be included with tastings at the reception.
A detailed schedule of festival events will be released in the coming weeks. Look East:
Korean Film is led by Festival Founder Martha Chang, producer of feature films for over two decades. She is currently active in developing projects for film and television.
“Korea and its influences, whether it be in movies, food or music, seems to be everywhere,” stated Chang. “It’s exciting to be part of Look East and to work with Grauman’s in expanding their international appeal even further. To witness the first Korean actors making their hand and footprints in the cement at such an iconic landmark will be truly amazing, history in the making for sure.”
For more information on Look East: Korean Film Festival, please visit www.LookEastFestival.com and follow them on Twitter @LookEastFest.
Korean Cinema News
Ahn Sung-ki and Lee Byung-hun to Cast Handprints in Hollywood
Posted by Pierce ConranMKC
The inaugural Look East: Korean Film Festival will be taking place this June, on the weekend of the 23-24, at the famed Grauman's Chinese film theatre in the heart of Hollywood. Numerous Korean films, old and new, will be showcased but the focal point of the event will the casting of the hand and foot prints of two major Korean actors. This marks the first time that any Asian performers have been honoured in such a fashion in Los Angeles.
The two thesps in question are Lee Byung-hun, a major contemporary star (A Bittersweet Life, 2005; I Saw the Devil, 2010) who is currently making his mark on Hollywood (G.I. Joe, 2009; G.I. Joe: Retaliation; 2012), and celebrated legend Ahn Sung-ki who made his debut in the seminal Kim Ki-young feature The Housemaid (1960) over 50 years ago and after being the face of the industry throughout the 60s is still very active, having just won Best Actor at the PaekSang Awards for his turn in the recent Unbowed.
Editorial Weekly Roundup: Stars on the Rise
Lee Byung Hun Garners Praise from Hollywood, To Appear on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Source: CJ E&M enewsWorldStewart Ho
Over the past week, a duo wrapped up its mega successful Japan concert tour to high praise and it was revealed that not one, but two Korean actors would be getting the star treatment on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.
Although Lee Byung Hun’s role in the original G.I. Joe as Storm Shadow was a supporting one, it appears he’s taken on a greater role for the sequel.
So far, the G.I. Joe 2 homepage lists Lee Byung Hun as a main actor, and he is featured prominently on the movie posters. Lee Byung Hun also became a much buzzed-about person after being praised by his Hollywood co-star, action movie king, Bruce Willis, in a recent interview.
The icing on the cake for Lee Byung Hun was last week’s announcement that he, along with veteran actor Ahn Sung Ki, would be immortalized on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame this upcoming summer, making them the first Asian actors to have their hand and foot prints on the legendary walk. With G.I.Joe 2 premiering worldwide this upcoming summer, we hope more Asian actors will be recognized more prominently in regions outside of Asia.
G.I. Joe: Retaliation to Hold World Premiere in South Korea on June 15
by: jbarkysoompi.com
The main cast of G.I. Joe: Retaliation and the production team will come to South Korea on June 14. The world premiere of G.I. Joe: Retaliation will be held in South Korea!
On June 14, they will hold a press conference with the director and actors. The day afterwards on June 15, the movie will have its premiere and there will also be a red carpet event. It is the first time that a Hollywood film is being premiered in South Korea. This shows how big of a role Lee Byung Hun (Who portrays Storm Shadow) is playing in terms of promotions, and is a testimony to his world star status.
The basic synopsis of the film is that the G.I. Joe Team is in conflict with Zartan, Storm Shadow, and Firefly who are all under the released Cobra Commander. Zartan is disguised as the President of the United States and he frames the G.I. Joe as traitors. The surviving Joes retaliate against the Cobra Commander.
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