Lee Byung Hun

Lee Byung Hun is a South Korean actor. He’s best known for his appearances in various movies such as Joint Security Area (2000), Bittersweet Life (2005), The Good, the Bad, the Weird (2008), and Inside Men (2015).

Career

Lee Byung Hun began his magnificent career journey after he joined a KBS talent audition in 1991 and directly debuted in Asphalt My Hometown.

His popularity began into stardom after he starred in Joint Security Area, the 2000s movie which rewarded him a lot of awards and compliments from movie critics.

In 2001, Byung Hun gained more popularity after starring Beautiful Days and also Bungee Jumping of Their Own.

Two years later, he appeared again in a poker drama entitled All In which made him get some prizes from SBS Drama Awards and Baeksang Arts Awards.

Starting from 2005, Byung Hun decided to focus his career on movies, which later was continued by his amazing appearance in A Bittersweet Life.

Later, this Cancer actor developed more global popularity after starring in The Good, the Bad, the Weird (2008) and G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009) as Storm Shadow.

In late 2009, Byung Hun came back to television by starring in an action thriller drama, Iris, alongside Kim Tae Hee.

That drama was very successful which made the drama become the third highest in Korean drama history.

Later, he continued his career by starring in I Saw the Devil (2010), Masquerade (2012), and the sequel of G.I. Joe, G.I. Joe: Retaliation.

Two years later, Byung Hun returned to the movies for Memories of the Sword (2015), Terminator Genisys (2015), which later was followed by Misconduct (2016).

He then returned to Korea to star in Master (2016), a crime thriller movie, which was followed by The Fortress (2017), and his successful drama Mr. Sunshine (2018).

Those achievements then were continued by his acting project in Ashfall (2019), The Man Standing Next (2020), and Our Blues (2022).

Profile

Real Name: Lee Byung Hun (이병헌)
Stage Name: Lee Byung Hun (이병헌)
Nickname: Byung Hun
Birthday: July 12, 1970
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Nationality: South Korean
Religion: –
Profession: Actor
Education: Hanyang University (Majored in French Literature), Chung-Ang University (Majored in Theater)
Hobbies: –
Facebook: –
Twitter: –
Threads: –
Instagram: @byunghun0712
TikTok: –
YouTube: –

Height, Weight, & Physical Appearance

Height: 178 cm (5’10”)
Weight: 72 kg (159 lbs)
Blood Type: O
Hair Color: Dark Brown
Eye Color: Dark Brown
Body Measurements: 42-33-14 (Bust -42, Waist -33, and Arms -14 inches)
Shoe Size: 9 (US)

Family

Father: Lee Jong Kun
Mother: Park Jae Soon
Brother: –
Sister: Lee Eun Hee
Children: Lee Joon Hoo

Wife, Girlfriend, & Dating History

Song Hye Kyo

Lee Byung Hun and Song Hye Kyo, who were co-stars in All In (2003), were dating in the early 2000s. The relationship was kept low-key and away from media and public scrutiny.

Unfortunately, they separated after 15 months of dating in June 2004.

Kim Tae Hee

He used to be rumored to date Kim Tae Hee after both of them starred in Iris. However, none of them has ever addressed the rumors.

Yoon Eun Hye

His dating rumors with Yoon Eun Hye were reported by Korean Stock Market Gossip Report in around 2008.

It was believed that they were secretly dating. However, as neither party has acknowledged the rumors, it’s safe to say that the past romance between them is still a speculation.

Kwon Mi Yeon

Kwon Mi Yeon is a Canadian woman and a York University student who claimed to be his past girlfriend.

According to her claims, he even promised her marriage but failed to keep it, which caused her to suffer emotionally. She also stated that they met while the actor was promoting The Good, The Bad, The Weird in Toronto, Canada.

Kim Min Hee

The actor was linked romantically to Kim Min Hee in 2011, who’s his labelmate by then.

However, their agency denied the rumors firmly and stated that their relationship was limited to senior-junior only.

Han Hyo Joo

Lee Byung Hyun and Han Hyo Joo were rumored to be dating due to their work in King of Chosun (2012).

Before any of them clarified the rumors, it was already proven to be false as the actor started dating Lee Min Jung.

Lee Min Jung

The Korean actor and Lee Min Jung were said to have on-and-off relationship before it got serious in 2012. The couple married in August 2013 at the Grand Hyatt Seoul.

They welcomed their son, Lee Joon Ho, on March 2015.

Net Worth

The actor is estimated to have accumulated $20 million to $25 million of net worth. He earns his income by working as an actor both in South Korean and Hollywood entertainment industries.

Controversies

Cheating Scandal

In 2016, Lee Byung Hyun was caught in a scandal as he was captured behaving inappropriately with another woman in the presence of Lee Min Jung, his wife.

According to reports by Hong Kong media, the actor and his wife visited Hong Kong to attend Mnet Asia Music Awards that year as presenter.

After the ceremony ended, they went to a bar with Han Hyo Joo, a fellow South Korean celebrity, and other staffs.

However, he was captured kissing the cheek and hugging some women while his wife was present.

It created controversy in South Korea, as his fans were shocked by his behavior and blatant lack of respect for Lee Min Jung.

However, some fans argued that the woman might be their close friend and the skinship happened out of courtesy.

Plastic Surgery

There is no known information on whether he has undergone any cosmetic surgery.

Facts

Byung Hun has a younger sister, Eun Hee, who successfully won the Miss Congeniality portion for Miss Korea 1996.
During his spare time, he loves to practice taekwondo.
In early 2000, many people linked him romantically with Song Hye Kyo.
Byung Hun married Lee Min Jung at the Grand Hyatt Seoul.
He once fell into a depression after his father died and left some debts.
That condition made him difficult to attend various award ceremonies.
During that depression, his wife helped him a lot to overcome his mental health struggles.
Byung Hun comes from a wealthy family.
His ex-girlfriend, Kwon Mi Yeon, once filed a lawsuit that she was tricked into having a sexual relationship with him, even though it was a hoax.
He also once was accused of bringing in gangsters during the production process of Iris.
Byung Hun was blackmailed by Dahee, a singer from girl group GLAM, and also model Lee Ji Yeon for 5 billion won.
His ideal type is his own wife, Lee Min Jung.

Movies

Emergency Declaration (2022), as Jae Hyeok
The Man Standing Next (2020), as Kim Kyu Pyeong
Ashfall (2019), as Lee Joon Pyeong
Keys To The Heart (2018), as Jo Ha
The Fortress (2017), as Choi Myung Kil
A Single Rider (2017), as Kang Jae Hoon
Master (2016), as President Jin
The Age of Shadows (2016), as Jung Chae San (cameo)
Terminator: Genisys (2015), as T-1000
Inside Men (2015), as An Sang Goo
Memories of the Sword (2015), as Yoo Baek / Deok Ki
Red 2 (2013), as Han Cho Bai
Masquerade (2012), as King Gwanghae / Clown Ha Sun
G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2012), as Storm Shadow
I Saw the Devil (2010), as Soo Hyun
Iris: The Movie (2010), as Kim Hyun Joon
The Influence (2010), as W
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009), as Storm Shadow
I Come with the Rain (2008), as Soo Dong Po
The Good, The Bad, The Weird (2008), as Park Chang Yi (The Bad)
Hero (2007), as Kang Min Woo
Once in a Summer (2006), as Yun Suk Young
A Bittersweet Life (2005), as Sun Woo
Three… Extremes (2004), as Ryu Ji Ho (short movie)
Everybody Has Secrets (2004), as Choi Soo Hyun
Addicted (2002), as Dae Jin
My Beautiful Girl, Mari (2002), as Namoo
Bungee Jumping of Their Own (2001), as Seo In Woo
Joint Security Area (2000), as Sgt. Lee Soo Hyuk
The Harmonium in My Memory (1999), as Kang Soo Ha
Lament (1997), as Park Jong Man
Kill the Love (1996), as Love
Run Away (1995), as Lee Dong Ho
Sunset on the Neon Lights (1995)
Who Drives Me Mad? (1995), as Lee Jong Du

Drama Series

Our Blues (tvN | 2022), as Lee Dong Seok
Squid Game (Netflix | 2021), as Front Man
Mr. Sunshine (tvN | 2018), as Eugene Choi
Diplomat Kosaku Kuroda (Fuji TV / 2011), as John
IRIS (KBS2 | 2009), as Kim Hyeon Jun
All In (SBS | 2003), as Kim In Ha
Beautiful Days (SBS | 2001), as Lee Min Chul
Long Way (SBS | 2001)
8 Love Stories (SBS | 1999-2000), as Tae Sung
KAIST (SBS | 1999-2000), as cameo
Happy Together (SBS | 1999), as Seo Tae Poong
White Nights 3.98 (SBS | 1998), as Min Gyeong Bin
Wedding Dress (KBS | 1997-1998)
Beautiful Lady (SBS | 1997), as Hwang Jun Ho
I Want (SBS | 1997)
Son of Wind (KBS2 | 1995), as Chang Hong Pyo
Dream Racers (SBS | 1995)
Scent of Love (SBS | 1994), as Kim Jun Ho
Police (KBS2 | 1994), as Oh Hae Sung
The Sorrow of the Survivor (KBS2 | 1993), as Yi Ja Myung
Tomorrow Love (KBS2 | 1992-1994), as Shin Bum Soo
Days of Sunshine (KBS2 | 1992), as Choi Hyung Man
Flower That Never Wilt (KBS | 1991)
Asphalt My Hometown (KBS2 | 1991), as Jinwoo

Singles

Itsuka (2008)

Music Video Appearances

I Luv It (2017) – Psy

Awards

2022 Director’s Cut Awards – Best Actor in Film – The Man Standing Next
2020 Korean Association of Film Critics Awards – Best Actor – The Man Standing Next
2020 Asian Film Awards – Best Actor – The Man Standing Next
2020 Buil Film Awards – Best Actor – The Man Standing Next
2020 Baeksang Arts Awards – Best Actor (Film) – The Man Standing Next
2020 Chunsa Film Arts Awards – Best Actor – The Man Standing Next
2020 Grand Bell Awards – Best Actor – Ashfall
2019 Baeksang Arts Awards – Best Actor (TV) – Mr. Sunshine
2018 Golden Cinema Film Festival – Acting Grand Prize – Keys to the Heart
2018 Asia Artist Awards – Grand Prize (Daesang) – Mr. Sunshine
2018 The Seoul Awards – Best Actor (Drama) – Mr. Sunshine
2018 APAN Star Awards – Grand Prize (Daesang) – Mr. Sunshine
2016 Grand Bell Awards – Best Actor – Inside Men
2016 Blue Dragon Film Awards – Best Actor – Inside Men
2016 Korean Association of Film Critics Awards – Best Actor – Inside Men
2016 Buil Film Awards – Best Actor – Inside Men
2016 Director’s Cut Awards – Best Actor – Inside Men
2016 New York Asian Film Festival – Star Asia Award – Inside Men
2016 Baeksang Arts Awards – Best Actor in Film – Inside Men
2016 Grand Bell Awards – Best Actor – Inside Men
2016 Asian Film Awards – Best Actor – Inside Men
2013 Blue Dragon Film Awards – Popular Star Award – G.I. Joe: Retaliation, RED 2
2013 Asia Pacific Screen Awards – Best Actor – Masquerade
2012 Grand Bell Awards – Best Actor – Masquerade
2010 Seoul International Drama Awards – Outstanding Korean Actor – Iris
2010 Baeksang Arts Awards – Best Actor (TV) – Iris
2009 KBS Drama Awards – Netizen Award, Actor – Iris
2009 Blue Dragon Film Awards – Popular Star Award – G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra
2006 Baeksang Arts Awards – Best Actor (Film) – A Bittersweet Life
2006 Chunsa Film Art Awards – Best Actor – A Bittersweet Life
2003 SBS Drama Awards – Grand Prize (Daesang) – All In
2001 Grand Bell Awards – Netizen’s Popularity Award – Joint Security Area , Bungee Jumping of Their Own

Nominations

2021 Blue Dragon Film Awards – Best Leading Actor – The Man Standing Next
2018 The Seoul Awards – Best Actor (Film) – The Fortress, Keys to the Heart
2018 APAN Star Awards – K-Star Award – Mr. Sunshine
2018 Korea Drama Awards – Grand Prize (Daesang) – Mr. Sunshine
2018 Grand Bell Awards – Best Actor – The Fortress
2018 Chunsa Film Art Awards – Best Actor – The Fortress
2017 Blue Dragon Film Awards – Best Actor – The Fortress
2017 Baeksang Arts Awards – Best Actor (Film) – Master
2013 Buil Film Awards – Best Actor – Masquerade
2011 Baeksang Arts Awards – Best Actor (Film) – I Saw the Devil
2010 Korea Drama Awards – Best Actor – Iris
2009 KBS Drama Awards – Top Excellence Award, Actor – Iris
2008 Blue Dragon Film Awards – Best Actor – The Good, the Bad, the Weird
2007 Chunsa Film Art Awards – Best Actor – Once in a Summer
2005 Grand Bell Awards – Best Actor – A Bittersweet Life
2003 SBS Drama Awards – Top Excellence Award, Actor – All In
2002 Blue Dragon Film Awards – Best Actor – Addicted
2001 SBS Drama Awards – Top Excellence Award, Actor – Beautiful Days
2000 Blue Dragon Film Awards – Best Actor – Joint Security Area
1995 KBS Drama Awards – Top Excellence Award, Actor – Son Of Wind

Quotes

“Whenever I open a movie, I go secretly to the theater and stand in the back and enjoy the moment. I laugh when people laugh, and when people cry, I laugh.”

“Actors always want to play the villain role at least once in their life.”

“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.”

“Just like other ordinary people, I want to have a happy family.”

“In Korea, I do different kinds of genres. So, like that, I would like to do a lot of good acting films.”

“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.”

“Having – and keeping to – a regular exercise routine is crucial. And forget about those extreme diets – they aren’t healthy.”

FAQs

Who is Lee Byung Hun?

He is a South Korean actor.

Who is Lee Byung Hun’s real name?

His real name is Lee Byung Hun (이병헌).

What makes Lee Byung Hun famous?

He’s famous for his appearances in various movies such as Joint Security Area (2000), Bittersweet Life (2005), The Good, the Bad, the Weird (2008), and Inside Men (2015).