Interview Han Hyo Joo Says Lee Byung Hun was the Best Actor She's Met
CJ E&M enewsWorld Lee, JinHo Translation Credit: Erika Kim
Lee Seung Gi, So Ji Sub, Jung Woo Sung, Sul Kyung Gu and Lee Byung Hun. These are some of the actors who have acted with the actress Han Hyo Joo. As can be seen in this list, Han Hyo Joo has acted with some of the best, and most good-looking, actors of the time.
The results SBS′ Shining Inheritance and the films Always and Masquerade have garnered prove her worth. She′s an actress who knows how to help her partner shine, and this helped her pile up on an unbelievable career at age 25.
Last year she had her audience crying with Always, and this time, she′s off on another period piece challenge with one of Korea′s most skilled actors, Lee Byung Hun, through the film Masquerade. How would she think about her acting and her career? Enews met with Han Hyo Joo to find some answers.
Han Hyo Joo Up Close
One hour was such a short time to get to know this person. During the short interview, I got to meet two Han Hyo Joos; the actress and the person. The two were completely different.
For the first 40 minutes or so she was a sharp actress with seven years under her belt, while in the remaining time she was a little sister who has her own worries and complaints.
She hadn′t endured seven years in showbiz for nothing. She said, however, that she′s usually brighter and more cheerful than others may think. She had to hide her cheerfulness because of her fragile heart. She was worried her actions or her words would be twisted to hurt others.
When told she didn′t smile much just like she is in her movies, she smiled brightly to disprove the statement, saying, "I do smile a lot." The smile made her look like the 25 year old girl she was rarely taken to be.
Around this time last year ′Always′ premiered. It was the opening piece for the ′Busan International Film Festival′ (′BIFF′) last year too, and ′BIFF′ is coming around again this year. It must remind you a lot of those times.
"Since the weather has become colder and the wind has started to blow, I′m reminded a lot of how it was back then. It was a meaningful piece for me. I was able to drink with a lot of great people, and it was great.... I don′t think I′ll make it [to BIFF] this year because of my schedules, though."
Your barefaced acting in ′Masquerade′ has been making issues. Did you ever have to do something like that before?
"I′ve been in scenes with no makeup on. I feel burdened when I have thick makeup on, so I rarely put on makeup outside of my pieces. It feels like my original self is being covered up (Laugh). That′s why when I put on thick makeup for photo spreads or press conferences, I′m awed and it feels funny."
How does it feel to watch your film?
"It′s hard for me to give objective reviews. Still, it′s fun. I personally laughed a lot watching it."
What was the most impressive scene?
"The scene where I ran around holding hands with [Lee] Byung Hun sunbae (senior) was the most impressive. My heart fluttered at the sight of the two of us holding hands nicely and running with music playing in the background. When we were shooting it, we had to run for a long time so I was tired, but it felt great to see what a nice scene it turned out to be."
We can′t avoid touching on your work with Lee Byung Hun.
"He′s a praiseworthy actor. He′s a great actor, the best actor. He′s a sunbae that can have all the titles he wants. It was the first time I met such an actor in my acting career. I could see how immersed he was in his act. It was great."
Just what about him left the biggest impression on you?
"He touched me as a junior and as an actor when I saw him lead the scene as the lead actor. His voice, too (Laugh). His voice in commercials is memorable."
You′re said to be one of the few actresses who fits in both period pieces and more modern settings. Which do you think fits yourself the most?
"I don′t know.... They all have their own charms, so it′s hard to choose just one. Modern pieces are comfortable to move around in, but period pieces help actresses look more beautiful. At first when I was in a period piece I was criticized because I didn′t fit in. I think I′ve been getting good reviews because everyone′s gotten used to seeing me. (Laugh)"
You′re only 25 years old. You′ve been in many pieces, but do you still have any other pieces you would like to try?
"I′ve worked hard (Laugh). Still, I′ve never gotten to act in trendy dramas like I Need a Romance or Coffee Prince. I want to try those types."
You′ve had great fortune in your selection of partners. Which actor fit you the most?
"I don′t really like evaluating others. I just think I was lucky as an actress to have such partners. (Laugh) I cherish the new ties I gain when I get to know a good person, and those ties then lead to more ties; it′s like one leads to three, and those three lead to six."
It seems you would really be strict.
"I′m not. I′m very delicate. I debuted at such an early age, and I′ve been hurt by the ways my words and actions have been twisted to mean other things. I think that′s led me to be more passive and timid. I′m hurt easily. I′m actually pretty bright and prone to laughter."
It seems ′Masquerade′ will be another turning point for Han Hyo Joo. Is there anything you would like to add?
"I starred in the film, but I think objectively it′ll be a fun film. I believe it′ll be one that leaves a definite message too. It′s a piece that will show me in a new light. I hope you watch on to see how I mature as an actress, and I hope you continue to show me your love."
Lee Byung Hun‘s recent film “Gwanghae: The Man Who Became King” is enjoying great success as it has passed the 7 million viewer mark.
According to the film distribution company, CJ E&M, “Gwanghae” has surpassed the 7 million viewership number on the afternoon of October 3.
“Gwanghae” has reached this milestone in a mere 21 days since its release. This is 13 days faster than the previous hit film, “The King and the Clown,” which took 34 days to reach 7 million viewers. This is also 25 days faster than last year’s most successful film, “War of the Arrows.”
During the Chuseok holiday, “Gwanghae” attracted about 1,820,000 viewers. Yesterday, October 2, which is not a holiday, around 670,000 viewers went to watch the film.
This is a personal best for the film’s leading man, Lee Byung Hun. Before “Gwanghae,” Lee Byung Hun’s most successful film was “The Good, The Bad, The Weird” in 2008, which recorded a total of 6,680,000 viewers. “Gwanghae” was Lee Byung Hun’s first sageuk, or historical film and played two different roles, which made him receive acclaim for his acting skills.
Meanwhile, Lee Byung Hun will attend the 17th Busan International Film Festival on October 4 with director Choo Chang Min to hold an open talk with fans about the film.
The movie "Masquerade" was featured in the major newspaper, LA Times.
Last month, "Masquerade" premiered at the LA County Museum of Art's Bing Theater's "Film Independent". Afterwards, it received positive reviews from critics, producers, and etc. Even regular movie-goers were giving the movie high praise.
In reflection of this reaction, on the 30th, the movie was introduced on the front page of the LA Time's "Sunday Calendar". Also, Lee Byung Hun, as the starring actor, had a full-page interview as well.
LA Times reported, "The entire plotline was very emotional; there is an earnest quality to the movie. Lee Byung Hun plays two characters, the cruel ruler Gwang Hae and Ha Sun, who cared for his people. He played both roles perfectly." The newspaper also wrote that, as an ambitious and influential movie, the movie was picked as the one to perhaps open more doors for him in America.
LA Weekly's critic Christina Bravo said, "The movie is like a captivating jewel." LA Time's critic, Robert Abele praised Lee Byung Hun's shocking acting skills. He also wrote about the plotline of "Masquerade", Lee Byung Hun in Hollywood, his hand-printing, etc. In the previous week, LA Times in the review of "Masquerade", Chu Chang Min was highly praised for his directing skills.
In Korea, the movie premiered 21 days ago and passed the 7 million mark in tickets sold on October 3rd. CJ Entertainment, the distributor for the movie, announced that it surpassed that mark around 2 pm. The movie passed the 6 million mark just one day ago on the 2nd. This movie broke Lee Byung Hun's personal record of 6.68 million tickets sold for the movie "The Good, The Bad, and The Weird".
Because of the Korean Thanksgiving and National Foundation Day of Korea, there is a long vacation period. However, this is the off-season for movie-goers so the movie's fast pace of ticket sales is shocking. It is worth noting what other records the movie will break.
Masquerade has attracted over 7 million moviegoers to theater by October 3rd. This record was made the day after it had sold 6 million tickets and 21 days after it was released. It was possible because the film dominated screens during the Chuseok holidays and the National foundation Day of Korea. This is 13 days faster than King And The Clown, which sold 7 million tickets in 34 days and 12.3 million in the end, and 25 days faster than War of the Arrows, a historical fim that was the biggest hit in 2011.
What is most meaningful with this accomplishment is that it has been screen during September, which is regarded a low season, while King And The Clown and War of the Arrows were run during vacation when theaters are most crowded through the entire year.
Masquerade renewed Lee Byung-hun’s filmography. Among previous films he acted in, The Good, The Bad, And The Weird, which gathered 6,680,000 viewers in 2008, was the biggest hit.
CJ Entertainment Japan is preparing for nationwide release of Masquerade in Japan in February next year.
Why This Year's 'BIFF' was More Important for Lee Byung Hun, Tang Wei and Lee Je Hoon
CJ E&M enewsWorld Lee, JinHo Translation Credit : Erika Kim
Every star has his or her reasons and backstory, but for some, the 17th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) was more important than any other.
The story behind Lee Byung Hun, Tang Wei and Lee Je Hoon′s attendance added sincerity to the day′s BIFF events.
Lee Byung Hun pushed back the filming schedules for his Hollywood film Red 2 in order to attend this year′s BIFF.
He started shooting in Canada since September, but as his Korean film Masquerade has been rolling through the Box Office with a big success and he himself has shown great affection for BIFF, he asked his producers to postpone his shoots for a while to return to Korea for the festival. He was able to appear on the red carpet with Ryu Seung Ryong, and smile and wave to his fans.
This year′s BIFF also meant a lot for the Chinese top star Tang Wei. In the 17 years it has taken place, BIFF has never had a foreigner host its ceremony until now.
Tang Wei has attended BIFF three years in a row, first starting with her appearance for the film Late Autumn in 2010. This year she was able to top off her visit by hosting the opening ceremony with actor Ahn Sung Ki.
One actor won′t be able to step on Busan soil again for the next two years. Lee Je Hoon is due to enter the military soon. He drew a 4 million audience to Architecture 101 with his naive role as Seung Min, but it will be a long time until his fans see him next as he will soon be entering the Whistle Theater Team to serve his duties for two years.
Lee Je Hoon, however, will get to say a grand goodbye as he hosts the closing ceremony with director Pang Eun Jin.
Dave is a comedy about an everyday guy (Kevin Kline) whose resemblance to the US president finds him tasked with playing the role of the leader of the free world while the real man recovers from an illness. He’s meant to be nothing more than a placeholder, but his discovery of class distinctions both tragic and comical instead leads him to use the position and power to do good deeds for the country and for the real president’s estranged wife.
It’s a wonderful film (and Ivan Reitman’s last great one too) that itself, like many other movies, owes a debt of sorts to Mark Twain’s classic The Prince and the Pauper. Twain’s literary influence extends well beyond North America’s borders to include direct adaptations like the 1968 Bollywood film Raja Aur Runk and thematic ones like this year’s South Korean box-office hit, Masquerade.
It’s 1616, and King Gwanghae (Lee Byung-hun) is facing internal threats during his 8th year of reign. Fearing for his life he orders his men to find him a double to be his public face. They find one in Ha-seon (also Lee Byung-hun), a comical performer, and it’s just in time too as Gwanghae quickly falls ill under suspicious circumstances. Ha-seon discovers the life of a king is a ridiculous one filled with executions, official decrees and royal bum-wipers, and he decides that maybe he can do more with his new role than simply act it out…
Ha-seon bumbles his way through the first few days of his pretend reign, but the more he comes to understand how the 1% live the less he understands why. The court is riddled with corruption, the region’s taxation laws are applied unfairly and the queen’s (Han Hyo-joo) brother has been imprisoned and tortured on false charges. Ha-seon’s carefree attitude soon gives way to a moral responsibility, but his time is running out as the real king is nearing recovery and members of the court are starting to catch on to the ruse.
Director Choo Chang-min and writer Hwang Jo-yoon take their narrative cue from Twain and Dave, but the story’s impetus actually comes from history. More accurately, it comes from a gap in history. The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty are a series of records documenting Korea’s reigning dynasties from 1413 to 1865, and King Gwanghae’s section contains an interesting entry stating that “One must not record that which he wishes to hide.”
It’s followed by fifteen missing days.
This combination of inspiration and imagination results in a wonderfully entertaining look at the injustice of class distinctions that appeals and applies to the modern day quite well. It’s a fantasy of sorts in that we all want to see someone with heart and compassion attain a position of power to do real good, but the fun, wishful thinking comes with a strong sense of dramatic reality as well.
Key to the film’s success, in addition to the story itself and its sumptuous visuals, is Lee’s central dual performance. He brings the cruel and paranoid king to life as more than just a simple cookie-cutter bad guy, but it’s his portrayal of the comic Ha-seon that sells the film and makes it an affecting experience. His growth from hired performer to someone who truly cares about the people he’s reigning above is a gradual shift that Lee presents through his eyes and expressions as often as his words. Where once he was concerned solely for his own well being he now must choose possible sacrifice to save others. Viewers are more accustomed to seeing Lee in roles where he tackles obstacles with violence and action, but here neither of those are options. Unsurprisingly, he’s just as effective without them.
Just as good in smaller roles are Kim In-kwon as the captain of the guards who initially suspects a ruse before coming to respect Ha-seon and Ryoo Seung-yong as the king’s Chief Advisor who knows the truth but still finds his expectations exceeded by the actor’s unexpected kindness.
Masquerade has a gentle simplicity about it, as does Dave, in that viewers have a hopeful understanding as to what this accidental tourist in the world of the powerful and elite can actually accomplish. There are laughs to be found here, both crass and subtle, but it’s the film’s heart and awareness that will stick with viewers after the credits roll. Now go out and vote people.
The Upside: Lee Byung-hun delivers a lively and emotionally layered performance; strong sense of humor; beautiful cinematography
The Downside: All kidding aside, plot really does hew incredibly close to Dave; some unanswered questions at the end
On the Side: The film’s Korean title is simply Gwanghae, as the real king is well known even in modern day Korea.
Masquerade is currently playing in limited theatrical release
Actress Lee Min Jung showed off her beauty in some randomly taken pictures.
Recently on an online community board, some pictures of the actress have been posted titled ‘Lee Min Jung, amazing look from the side in random pictures.’
The pictures show Lee Min Jung at an event as she talks holding a microphone. In the pictures, Lee Min Jung wears her hair in a loose pony tail and a jacket over her shirt.
Lee Min Jung’s beautiful face is absolutely perfect from the side. Lee Min Jung’s perfect nose and the flawless line of her forehead along with the rest of her beautiful facial features truly makes up one of the most beautiful faces ever.
Netizen comments on Lee Min Jung’s ‘look from the side’ include: “From the forehead to the nose, so pretty”, “Lee Min Jung looks like a doll from the side too”, and “A goddess is different even from the side.”
Lee Min Jung and Lee Byung Hun have recently admitted publicly that they were dating.
Lee Byung Hun Shows Off His Signature Smile at 'Masquerade' Talk Session
CJ E&M enewsWorld Hea Jung Min Translation Credit: Esther Oh
Along with Ryu Seung Ryong, Lee Byung Hun smiled for the press at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) open talk session for his latest film, Masquerade, on October 6.
Masquerade, which was released on September 13, is about how the low-class Ha Sun pretends to be the king Gwanghae when the king comes under danger of being poisoned. It will aim to talk about what happened in the 15 days not recorded in history.
Lee Byung Hun says hello to BIFF fans and the press
He knows how to work the angles
Fans can′t get enough of Lee Byung Hun and Ryu Seung Ryong
Lee Byung-hun is playful rather than serious. He plays a funny role for the first time in a long time as he stars in Masquerade. He may look to have gone too far now and then in the film, but what he really wants from viewers is to show them ‘something new’.
Responses have been favorable since it started running. How do you feel?
I was at the press preview and saw reporters laughing when they are supposedly watching serious scenes. I thought there was something wrong then, so I felt very nervous. At some scenes, they even clapped laughing out loud, which made me angry thinking they were so rude to laugh at the film. I felt devastated and hid in the restroom. Later I figured out that I misunderstood them. They were actually enjoying the film, not laughing at it.
As far as I know, you were suggested with the role while you were working on G. I. Joe 2 in the States.
I was very busy shooting the film, so I couldn’t quickly make an important decision. I certainly like the scenario of Masquerade. I usually have the feeling if fit the role or not as soon as I read a scenario. However, I couldn’t connect myself to the role in this film. I thought ‘how could I possibly...?’. There seemed to be a lot of things to prepare in advance and most of all, I was not sure if I could act the funny character. In the mean time, I heard the representative of the production company and the director were going to visit me. I’m not a type of person who can easily turn down a favor in front of one’s face. So I wished they wouldn’t come.
What held you back so hard?
Regardless of the light personality of Ha-sun, I simply found the character itself hard enough. When I decide to play a character, I have to sense something else than what’s explicit in the scenario. But I couldn’t find any bit of it from Ha-sun. Repeating the same acting over and over would obstacle my progress as an actor. Those who know me very well would go “I’ve seen it already. He is the same every time.” So I was eager to find something, but I couldn’t from the scenario.
In a way, you played almost a triple role, so you must have been confused.
That’s right. It was a triple role after all. I had to play Gwanghae and Ha-sun as well as Ha-sun mimicking Gwanghae and in the end acting like a real king. I thought hard how I could make it look reasonable to audiences. This film is peculiar. While it has a factor of a serious human drama, it swings between a slapstick comedy and a sophisticated comedy at the same time. I thought it had to be produced delicately to be loved by audiences.
The comical setting of the film is quite unique. How would you describe the director Choo Chang-min?
He thinks he is funny, but he isn’t. Before shooting starts, he always said, “I know what comedy film is like. Don’t worry about it.” I wondered what made him so confident, but he proved it himself when it came down to producing. Meanwhile, he didn’t forget to keep the dramatic element of it.
What kind of person did you see Ha-sun as?
He is a normal person we can see around in everyday life. He is obsessed with something very minor, alternates his feelings very easily, weeps or smiles every now and then and acts frivolously. I thought of some ordinary guy we can find wherever and whenever and who I can melt myself into at ease. On the other hand, it confused me when acting him because he was too plain. Such a petit bourgeois man has to turn brave in a critical situation he thinks he might die. I thought to myself if it was cinematically reasonable. I was not sure if it would look logical to audiences that he suddenly shows off his potential.
At the end of the film, how do you think Gwanghae would have felt?
He was tyrant at times, but also had innovative political mind-set. So has been reinterpreted recently. When acting him reading his own trace for 15 days earlier, I even felt sorry for him and thought ‘why he had to fall into such a situation’. I was also careful not to lose decisiveness and conservativeness then. In my opinion, he definitely would have regretted about himself for having been cruel to the public and cowardly as a king.
It seems that this is a chance for you to become more friendly with your fans.
I will be really happy as an actor if the audiences are surprised thinking ‘Is that really him? Was he a type of actor who can act like that?’. I can probably be on a comedy show to change my image, but I prefer doing so in a film since I’m an actor.
You starred in G. I. Joe, but my expectations are higher for Red 2 because you will play the leading role in it.
I feel the same way. I’m very honored because this is like once-in-a-lifetime chance for me to work with those great actors. Bruce Willis, John Malkovich and Catherine Zeta Jones are my colleagues. Another actor who recently join us is the great Anthony Hopkins! I might have to spend the whole time doing errands for them such as delivering coffee. Even so, I can learn a lot from them about acting.
The Korean film "Masquerade" is in full gallop. In addition to having secured the top spot ever since its release on September 13, the movie also hit the eight-million-viewership mark in its third week. At this point, the question arises: why is the film so appealing to moviegoers?
One of the basic factors is the skeletal plot based on historical facts combined with the director's use of imagination. A phrase written in Joseon Wangjosillok (Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, National Treasure No. 151) in 1615, the eighth year of King Gwanghaegun's reign -- "Do not record something we should hide" -- provided the inspiration that someone other than the king could possibly play the role for him during his absence.
The plot revolves around Korean history in the year 1615 when the nation falls into disorder and is under political turmoil due to domestic power struggles. Gripped with panic and fear of assassination, King Gwanghaegun is getting more violent and aggressive with each passing day. In order to avoid assassination, the king directs the chief royal secretary to find him a double to fill in for him. Haseon, a beggar who has a surprisingly similar appearance with the king and a smooth tongue and a talent for copying the king's way of speaking, is selected and taken to the palace ignorant of the reason. One day, the king is poisoned as feared and Haseon takes the throne pretending to be king while Gwanghaegun recovers in secret. Things get complicated when Haseon begins to voice his own opinions and people start to notice the sudden changes in the king's behavior. The affection and appreciation that the fake king shows towards even the lowest of servants touches the people, and also the audiences.
The plot of the Korean film "Masquerade" combines true historical events that took place during the Joseon Kingdom with some imaginative twists (photo courtesy of CJ Entertainment).
Director Choo Chang-min attributed the film's success to the restrained slapstick comedy, showcased by top star Lee Byeong-Heon who has always had an elegant image. Choo emphasized that it was hard to find such a versatile actor who could successfully play two ambivalent roles (king and beggar) simultaneously in one scene. On film, seeing Haseon behave like the king making awkward mistakes drives the drama and immerses the audience in his acting.
Another factor that director Choo considered important was the background setting that features the classical and dignified images of Korean palaces. Choo had always felt that films set during the Joseon Kingdom could do more to capture the eloquent visuals of the Joseon king's quarters and thus, for this film, came to build the largest palace setting to date. The majestic and grand-scale palace, coupled with the music created by a 60-musician orchestra, heightens the film's ambience and overwhelms the audiences.
The film "Masquerade" depicts the dreadful fate of queens during the Joseon Kingdom (photo courtesy of CJ Entertainment).
The depictions of traditional life in the palace add to the fun of watching the movie, allowing domestic and international audiences to look at the past anew. The king's power and charismatic authority are highlighted throughout the film starting from the first scene of the king sitting in the comfort of his own sofa with court ladies busy getting him ready, trimming his nails and doing his hair to dressing up formally. It is also interesting to see the court ladies in the king's room while the king is defecating and then getting a royal physician to smell and taste it in order to check the state of the king's health.
The queen who boasts a graceful and beautiful figure but seems to live a hard life in the palace also proves interesting to watch. The movie depicts the dreadful fate of queens of Joseon Kingdom who were always treated well but nontheless restricted in their behaviors and forced to present a classic example. Once becoming queen, they were unable to leave the palace and were jealous of a large number of rivals, the court ladies.
"Masquerade" has been well-received in the global film industry too. Since the movie premiered in LA in September, a series of rave reviews have followed from critics and spectators and the movie has been introduced on several media outlets starting with the September 30 edition of the LA Times' Sunday Calendar, which dedicated the front page to the movie featuring a full-page interview with Lee Byeong-Heon. LA Weekly's critic Christine Bravo also praised the movie: "The movie is like a captivating jewel".
"Masquerade" is currently showing in theaters nationwide. For the convenience of foreign viewers, an English-subtitled version is being shown at CGV Yongsan and a Japanese version at Apgujeong CGV. More detailed information is available at the official website of CGV.
Actor Lee Byung Hun was sensitive about the topic on his beautiful girlfriend and actress Lee Min Jung.
On the October 13th installment of KBS 2TV’s ‘Entertainment Relay’, the interview with Lee Byung Hun was presented.
Reporter Kim Saeng Min touched on various topics with Lee Byung Hun then requested for a ‘Love Story’. Lee Byung Hun was hesitating for a second then tried to hit Kim Saeng Min playfully, bringing laughter to the viewers. Despite that, while moving the location of the interview, Kim Saeng Min asked Lee Byung Hun again “Tell me the love story later” and had Lee Byung Hun taken aback.
On why he is attractive, Lee Byung Hun answered confidently “(I’m) sexy outside of the projects too. Can’t you tell?”, “(I have) a fatal charm” and drew attention. But then he also added, “I have a hasty personality. The trap is that it doesn’t match the look on the outside.”
In related news, the movie ‘Gwanghae: The Man Who Became King’ starring Lee Byung Hun, Ryu Seung Ryong, and Han Hyo Joo, drew 8.5 million moviegoers in Korea in just a month since premier, quickly approaching the 10 million mark. After wrapping up the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) schedule, Lee Byung Hun is expected to head abroad for the filming of the movie ‘Red 2′.
Image: ‘Entertainment Relay’
Source: NewsEN via Nate
The married actor couple Kwon Sang Woo and Son Tae Young went to the movie theater on the weekend for a movie date.
Actor Kwon Sang Woo and actress Son Tae Young went to a movie theater located in Gangnam, on October 14th. They went to watch a screening of the movie 'Gwanghae, The Man Who Became King,' that featured actor Lee Byung Hun.
After watching the movie, actress Son Tae Young wrote on her official Facebook, "I finally watched the movie I really wanted to see, today with my husband. The movie was really moving, funny, and really great. With everything in total, senior Lee Byung Hun's acting was really great and shined."
Kwon Sang Woo and Son Tae Young is said to go on dates frequently to the movie theater. Meanwhile, the movie 'Gwanghae, The Man Who Became King,' had a total of 9,300,000 views on October 14th, simply within 32 days since it was released in theaters.
Lee Byung Hun is expected to receive more than 1 billion won for appearing on the movie, Gwanghae.
The 378th episode of SBS’s Night of TV Entertainment that aired on the afternoon of October 17, talked about money in the entertainment industry.
Especially, the show attracted attention by revealing that Lee Byung Hun, who starred on the movie, Gwanghae, received 600million won as his basic fee for his act. On top of that, Lee will be receiving more guarantee fee, totaling up to 1 billion won.
The show also introduced Han Seok Gyu as the first person to receive guarantee fee. Han is known to have received 950million won as his guarantee fee with his movie, Swiri.
The guarantee fee means the incentive an actor receives if the movie exceeds its expected profit margin.
Lee Byung Hun is expected to receive more than 1 billion won for his movie "Masquerade".
On SBS's "Night of TV Entertainment" that aired October 17th, the hosts talked about money in the entertainment industry.
The show attracted attention by revealing that Lee Byung Hun, who starred in the movie, "Masquerade" which is about a commoner (Lee Byung Hun) that looks like the king of the country who secretly takes the place of the poisoned king to save his country from falling into chaos, regardless of the fact that he's putting his own life in danger, received 600 million won as his basic fee for just acting in the movie. On top of that, he will be receiving more guarantee fees (Incentives an actor receives if the movie exceeds its expected profit margin.) due to the movie doing so well, totaling up to 1 billion won.
The show also introduced Han Seok Gyu as the first person to receive a guarantee fee. Han is known to have received 950 million won as his guarantee fee with his movie, "Swiri" (1999) which is a movie about 2 agents Ryu and Lee, special agents of South Korea's secret intelligence service, who attempt to track down North Korean terrorists and find explosives that are supposed to blow up South Korea. Meanwhile Hee a female sniper, resurfaces to wreak havoc and haunt Ryu while he tries to complete his job.
"Masquerade" is currently in theaters in North America.
There is something about Lee Byung-hun beyond his deep, intense eyes and commanding demeanor. Undoubtedly one of South Korea’s top actors, Mr. Lee oozes charm on the big screen, as well as considerable talent.
Since his debut, the 42-year old Mr. Lee has starred in 20 movies and 21 TV dramas. His breakthrough was “JSA: Joint Security Area,” directed by Park Chan-wook in 2000, a fictional account of how South and North Korean soldiers at the border become friends but face a tragic end after failing to overcome their distrust of each other and a deep ideological divide.
In his latest historical movie, “Masquerade,” Mr. Lee pulls off a fine dual performance as Gwanghae, a Chosun dynasty king, and a commoner who impersonates the king. The movie has become a huge box office hit in South Korea, hogging top spot for five consecutive weeks. Since it opened on Sept. 13, the movie has attracted more than 9.3 million moviegoers and raked in 1.8 billion won in ticket sales.
Mr. Lee is also one of a few South Korean actors to have made a successful career in Hollywood. His overseas acting credits include G.I. Joe : The Rise of Cobra (2009) as Storm Shadow. He was cast again for G.I. Joe 2: Retaliation, which will be released in March next year. He’s also in the process of shooting Red 2 with Bruce Willis, Anthony Hopkins and John Malkovich.
In June, he became one of the first two Asian actors to leave his hand and foot imprints outside Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood, a mark of global recognition. Following is an edited email interview with Mr. Lee.
WSJ: How did it feel to be asked to leave your imprints in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theater?
It was an unbelievably great honor to be placed amongst some of Hollywood’s greatest actors. I still recall a few years back when I went to the place as a tourist to take pictures. The event felt like a contract for me, a contract that will bind me going forward to push and challenge myself to become a better actor than I am now.
WSJ: You are currently shooting Red 2. How did you feel about being cast in the film?
I was very, very excited. This is a dream casting that doesn’t come along very often. It is an honor to work with these great actors. I am sure the film is going to come out great.
WSJ: What do you think is the main difference between Hollywood and Korean productions?
Hollywood has a longer pre-production period and they juggle shooting schedules more carefully for each cast. In Korea, we shoot day and night without much break.
WSJ: G.I. Joe 2: Retaliation was shot in New Orleans with a different cast, writers and director than the first movie. How do you think the second film will differ from the first?
The first movie was like an introduction to the characters and story. The sequel has new characters in it and the story goes deeper for each existing character so that moviegoers will get to know more about what drives some of the characters to act certain ways. This will be my first 3D film so I am very excited and looking forward to seeing it.
WSJ: In G.I. Joe 2 you met and acted with Bruce Willis for the first time. What was your impression of him?
My first meeting with Bruce Willis was near our trailers on the movie set. I said hello to him and he bowed back at me like we Koreans do. I was very impressed. I think he deliberately did so because it was at early stage of movie making and cast members and crew were nervous. He tried to make everyone relaxed.
WSJ: You’ve been an actor for more than 20 years. How do you think you’ve made it this far?
The more I act, the harder it gets since I feel like I still have so much to learn. Whenever I embark on a new project, it always feels like the first time. If it were easy to me and I felt like I knew everything, my acting might have been different. I think the feeling of ‘newness’ keeps me on my toes and concentrated.
WSJ: Did you have any challenges during your acting career that made you want to quit?
The biggest challenge came at the early stage of my career. In fact, it was my first project. I hadn’t had any formal acting training at that time. I had no idea what it took to be an actor. Then all of a sudden I found myself cast in a TV drama. The director was very harsh with me. One time, he told me this would be my first and last acting job. I seriously thought that acting was not the right career for me.
WSJ: What do you see yourself doing 20 years from now?
As an actor, I feel I am in a good position now. I am able to choose from many scripts and decide what I like the best. In 20 years I hope to be able to choose my roles as I do now. I wish I can be an actor whom people would like to work with and who is still in demand.
WSJ: What is your dream outside your acting career?
Just like other ordinary people, I want to have a happy family.
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