Byunghun’s acting projects in chronological relate
IRIS
TV Series Comeback 2009
Production: Taewon Entertainment & Kang Je-gyu Film
PD: Kim Kyu-tae (A Love To Kill), Yang Yun-ho (Rainbow Eyes)
Screenwriter: Kim Hyun Jun / Choi Wan Kyu & A-Story script house
Starring: Lee Byung Hun, Kim Tae Hee, Jung Jun Ho, Kim Seung Woo, Kim So Yeon, T.O.P (Big Bang)
Filming: Starting March 2009 (Akita, Japan / Seoul, S.Korea / Budapest, Hungary)
Broadcast: October 14, 2009 / KBS2
[Variety.com/Han Sunhee] Lee Byung-hun one of the few Korean actors to be repped by a U.S. talent agency – Endeavor –will co-produce and star in one of the most expensive Korean TV series to date. Lee, who stars in Paramount Pictures’ upcoming “G.I. Joe,” has pacted with Taewon Entertainment and Kang Je-Kyu Film to produce blockbuster TV Series “IRIS.” Developed by “Taegugki” director Kang Je-kyu, the $22 million skein is co-scripted by writers at Kang Je-Kyu Film and Korea’s top- script house A-Story.
Helmed by TV producer Lee Hyung-min (“Sorry, I Love You”), the series will be lensed later this year at international locations including Russia, Japan, China and U.S. The spy actioner features four main characters, but plot details have not been divulged. High-profile production recalls elements of the ‘Korean Wave’ era only a few years ago when the country’s TV dramas and later movies drew huge auds across the whole of Asia and were licensed at sky-high prices, especially to Japan.
“IRIS” has so far been set up without involvement of a Korean broadcaster and producers are expected to play nets off against each other for the property. Sources at Taewon also report strong interest from Japanese TV channels due to Lee’s attachment. Lee recently wrapped two movies that could be headed for Cannes if they are completed in time, Kim Ji-woon’s “The Good, the bad and the Weird” and Tran Anh Hung’s “I Come With the Rain.”IRIS” is his first TV series since “All in” nearly five years ago.
GI JOE: The Rise of Cobra
Hollywood Movie Debut 2009
Director: Stephen Sommers
Screenplay: Stuart Beattie, Skip Woods
Starring: Channing Tatum, Rachel Nichols, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Sienna Miller, Brendan Fraser, Ray Park, Dennis Quaid, Christopher Eccleston, Arnold Vosloo, Jonathan Pryce, Marlon Wayans, Karolina Kurkova, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Saïd Taghmaoui, Byung-hun Lee
Release Date: August 7, 2009 worldwide
Genre: Action
Production Companies: Di Bonaventura Pictures, Hasbro, Paramount Pictures, Stillking Films
Synopsis: Ten years in the future, the G.I. Joe team battles the evil Cobra Organization, run by a Scottish arms dealer. The story takes place across the Arctic, Paris, Moscow, Washington, D.C., Australia and the Sahara. The team will be based in the Pit, while it was indicated Cobra Island will appear. In terms of characterization, the focus will be on Scarlett and the Baroness’s romantic lives.
The film also acts as an origin story for many of the characters. Stephen Sommers said, “For people who know nothing about it, it’ll make sense. And to people who love this stuff, it’ll show where they all came from.”
The Good, The Bad & the Weird
Oriental Western Movie 2008 Out-of-Competition Cannes Selection
Director: Kim Jee Woon
Starring: Song Kang Ho, Lee Byung Hun, Jung Woo Sung
Screenplay: Kim Jee Woon. Kim Min Suk
Production Company: CJ Entertainment
Release Date: July 19, 2008
Genre: Oriental Western
Synopsis: “In the 1930s, the world is in chaos. In Northeast Asia, the Korean Peninsula has fallen into the hands of the Japanese Imperialists. Many Koreans have flocked to Manchuria, the vast terrain of horses and wilderness bordering their homeland and China. Some of them, inevitably, have turned into mounted bandits to earn their living in this barren wasteland.
UTae-gu (The Weird) is a thief. He robs a train of Japanese military officers, but the incident is not as simple as it first seems. In the middle of this fierce gun battle against the Japanese, he obtains a mysterious map that leads to a treasure from the Qing Dynasty, buried somewhere in Manchuria.
Yet, the map is also sought by Chang-yi, the cold blooded hitman (The Bad). Tae-gu must fight not only the Japanese but also Chang-yi and his fellow thugs, who happen to attack the train at the same time. At the end of this intense gunfight, a mysterious man jumps into the center of the battle from nowhere and rescues Tae-gu with astonishing gunplay. Having survived the battle, Tae-gu thanks the man for saving his life. Yet, he does not know that this stranger is Do-won, the bounty hunter (The Good), who has been chasing Tae-gu to turn him in for a reward. These three men – Do-won (The Good), Chang-yi (The Bad) and Tae-gu (The Weird) – will soon discover that the map they are battling for is also a magnet that attracts others as diverse as the Korean resistance, Chinese/Russian/Korean mountain bandits and the Japanese army. The blazing gun battle in the train proves to be merely the beginning of the rollercoaster ride to the final showdown to come. “ (Asianmediawiki.com, Lunapark6)
I Come With The Rain
French-US International Collaboration 2008
Director: Anh Hung Tran
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Tran Nu Yên-Khê, Lee Byung Hun, Shawn Yue, Takuya Kimura, Elias Koteas
Screenplay: Anh Hung Tran
Release Date: June 6, 2009
Production Company: Studio Canal, Morena Films
Genre: Thriller
Info: www.imdb.com
Banner by CelinaSynopsis: The main character Kline became a detective after he was forced to leave the police force, went to Hong Kong in search of the missing son of a Chinese man from San Francisco. He was in contact with a Hong Kong police who helped him to secure some criminal information; Su Dong Po is a gang leader, someone who is cold and heartless. One fine day, Su met Shitao while he was looking for Lily, the woman who lives with him. ( Lee Byung Hun, Cine21 Feb 2008 )
Hero
Highly-rated Japanese movie-cameo 2007
Director: Masayuki Suzuki
Starring: Takuya Kimura, Takako Matsu
Screenplay: Yasushi Fukuda
Release Date; September 8, 2007
Production Companies:Fuji Television Network, Toho, J-Dream, FNS
Genre: Drama
Info: www.hollywood.com
Intro: ‘HERO’ starring Japan top actor Takuya Kimura and Takako Matsu was broadcasted in Fuji Television Network in 2001. The drama recorded an audience rating that exceeded 30%, making it the most popular drama in Japan. Currently it is being aired in Korea cable TV. This time the movie version of ‘HERO’ would be the most anticipated work in Japan in 2007. Besides the two leading actors, Hanryu star Lee Byung Hun who enjoys absolute popularity not only in South Korea but also in Japan would be making a guest appearance, making up a very strong cast for the movie.
Fuji Television Network that chose Lee Byung Hun in the casting said, “The South Korean public prosecutor post that is the rival of Takuya Kimura, is someone with a strong character and be able to make his presence felt. It’s none other than actor Lee Byung Hun.” It is expected to raise “HERO” to a higher level.
Takuya Kimura of Japanese group SMAP ahd expressed, “I am much honored we can work together in the same outlook on the world of movie. Even if there is language barrier we have the same target. I am looking forward to the filming.” Likewise, Takako Matsu said, “I am glad that the first “HERO” oversea location shooting is done with Mr. Lee Byung Hun, and I am anticipating the moment.” The taking of picture in Pusan would be carried out at the end of this month.
Not only the cast is strong with actors from Korea and Japan, movie ‘HERO’ will do overseas (Pusan) location for the first time in the history of the series, and gain much interests from the fan of the two countries. Through “HERO” Lee Byung Hun, who for the 1st time participates in Japanese movie, would once again prove his acting skill and confirm his popularity in Japan. (© Innolife, Digital YTN, Joynews24 & inews24 – translation by Hyc-EverythingLBH)
Once in a Summer
Romance melodrama Geu-hae Yeo-reum, 2006
Director: Jo Geun Sik
Starring: Lee Byung Hun, Soo Ae
Screenplay: Kim Eun Hee
Production Company: KM Culture
Release Date: November 30, 2006
Genre: Melodrama, Romance
Info: kmdb.or.kr
Synopsis: Lee Byung Hun (A Bittersweet Life) and Soo Ae (Love Letter) star in this moving romance about ten days of love that spans thirty years of time. The sophomore film from No Manners director Jo Geun Sik, Once in a Summer jumps back and forth from the present day to that fateful summer thirty years ago when the leads first meet. In 1969, Korea was in the midst of great economic changes and political turbulence under the Park Chung Hee regime; set against such chaotic times, the film brings out remarkably simple and genuine sentiments with a heartwarming, yet heartbreaking love story. Jo’s lens beautifully captures the contrast between present and past, pastoral countryside and urban Seoul, and Lee Byung Hun convincingly portrays his character both in reckless youth and wizened age.
In the summer of 1969, university student Yoon Suk Young (Lee Byung Hun) goes to the countryside through a volunteer program. Coming from a wealthy but strict family, the laidback youth revels in the simplicity of rural life, especially when he meets local librarian Jung In (Soo Ae). Suk Young immediately falls in love with the charming Jung In, and in ten days of acquaintance, they form a lifetime of memories. Jung In’s cheerful front, however, hides a bitter story; her parents defected to North Korea when she was younger, and she continues to live in the shadow of her parents’ actions. When Jung In travels to Seoul with Suk Young, the couple get swept up and torn apart by the political tensions of the time. (courtesy Yesasia)
A Bittersweet Life
Acclaimed Action Noir, Dalkomhan Insaeng 2005
Director: Kim Jee Woon
Starring: Lee Byung Hun, Kim Young Chul, Shin Min Ah, Hwang Jung Min,
Screenplay: Kim Jee Woon
Info: www.kmdb.or.kr
Banner by CelinaSynopsis: A cold-minded perfectionist, Sun-woo (Lee Byung Hun) has earned the absolute trust of his boss by adeptly managing a hotel restaurant as well as taking care of many problems. When his boss Mr.Kang suspects that his young girlfriend Hee-soo might have a lover, he orders Sun-woo to keep an eye on her, and to kill her if she has betrayed him. After following her for a few days, Sun-woo catches Hee-soo with her boyfriend at her house but unlike his usual behavior, he decides let them go. Now his decision has started an irreversible war between him and his boss.
Review: Beautifully made by director Kim Jee-Woon and capturing the audience with sophisticated visual effects as well as deep philosophical questions. Action scenes are cool and creative, and the film sets were picture perfect. However, what makes the film really cool is Lee Byung-Hun, plays Sun-Woo, a once-powerful gang member, destroyed after falling in love with his mafia boss’s lover. BH brilliantly pulls most of the film’s weight, whether he is fighting with gangsters or on the way to revenge. In scenes that expressing his character’s internal conflict or despair, he fully traps the audience by his eye and gives convincing portrait of a tormented outcast. This film is worth to watch even just to see a excellent acting of LBH. The great visual is just another bonus.
Everyone Has a Secret
Sexy fun comedy, Nuguna Bimil-eun Itda 2004
Director: Jang Hyeon Soo
Starring: Lee Byung Hun, Choi Ji Woo, Chu Sang Mi, Kim Hyo Jin
Screenplay: Kim Young Chan
Release Day: July 30, 2004
Info: www.kmdb.or.kr
Banner by CelinaSynopsis: BH portrays Soo-hyon, a gorgeous guy that attracts all women (or even men) in the world. Mi-young (Kim Hyo-jin) is an attractive singer in a night club. When Mi-Young first sees Soo-hyon in the night club, she falls for Soo-hyon immediately. Originally preferring short passionate affairs rather than a long term-relationship, Mi-young believed that this time she has found Mr. Right. It’s a shame that Mi-young’s eldest sister and sexually frustrated homemaker Jin-yong (Chu Sang-mi) also looks at Su-hyon for the passion missing in her marriage. As if all of this didn’t add up to enough misunderstandings, the confusion reaches its climax when middle sister Sun-young (Choi Ji Woo) falls in love with Soo-hyon and decides to claim Soo-hyon for herself. Who will get Soo-hyon finally? Broadminded play girl Mi-young, passionate married woman Jin-young or love amateur Sun-young? Find out for your self. Adapted from the Irish romance-comedy, About Adam
Three, Monster
Three.. Extremes 2004
Director: Park Chan Wook
Writer: Park Chan Wook
Starring: Lee Byung Hun, Kang Hye Jeong, Im Won Hee
Release Date: August 20, 2004
Genre: Horror
Info: www.kmdb.or.kr, imdb.com
He is rich, talented, and kind-hearted. He lacks nothing in life and is a successful film director. One day, a man breaks into his house. He is trapped in a movie set that looks exactly like his house. The intruder says he had done it just because the director is kind-hearted. He had brought a child with him and tied up his pianist wife with piano strings. He threatens to cut his wife’s fingers if the director doesn’t kill the child. His wife’s fingers, or the child’s life – which should it be? The director finds himself entangled in a horrific dilemma.
Synopsis: A man (Im Won-hee) kidnaps Yoo Ji-ho (Lee Byung-hun), a rich and handsome film director, and takes him, his wife (Kang Hye-jeong) and a random innocent child to a film studio that exactly resembles Yoo’s luxurious house. The intruder demands that Yoo kill the child, and for every five minutes the director hesitates, he cuts off one of the fingers of Yoo’s wife, a classical pianist. The intruder’s motivation is simple. He thinks Yoo has never done anything bad so he wants to see him doing something really evil.
Review: Now this is one gruesome story, which revolves around a movie director (Lee) and a former extra of his that’s gone completely insane and terrorizes the director and his wife at their home. Park’s short story touches on adultery, relationships, regret, fame and childhood memories – as well as featuring amputation, torture, child abuse, and a crazy set – as Lee and his kidnapper spar until the shocking end. This is the most graphic of the three stories, and the most brutal. But the twists and turns that happen towards the end, tend to confuse the whole story. Nevertheless, this is a great little horror movie.
All In
Best of romance & action series 2003
Starring: Lee Byung Hun, Song Hye Gyo, Ji Sung, Park Sol Mi, Huh Jun Ho, Yoo Min
Director: Yu Cheol Yong
Scriptwriter: Choi Wan Kyu
Production: SBS
This is based on the true story (and novel) of Cha Min-su, a legendary pro gambler and a pro janggi (Korean chess) player. Mr. Cha is the model for the main character Kim In-ha, played by Lee Byung-Hun. Mr. Cha has had an even more dramatic life than what was portrayed in the drama. He went to Las Vegas with only 18 dollars and became a millionaire. All In is a story about a passion for success, victory and defeat in business and at the casino, and a pure love. It was inspired by Mr. Cha’s fiction-like life. Lee Byung-hun plays an orphan who became a great pro gambler, and his sweetheart is Song Hye-gyo. This program had been extremely popular with a program viewer rating of over 40 percent in Korea. Also, Jeju Island is becoming popular because of the All In drama sets established at Seobjikoji.
Synopsis: In-ha grows up with his uncle, Kim Chi-soo, a professional gambler. In-ha also picked up the skill of gambling, and as a young teenager, his hands became quicker than the eye. He has a bunch of friends and they are street kids who hang out in the poor area of Yong-deung Po, committing petty crimes and getting into fights. During one of Chi-soo and In-ha’s narrow escapes from their usual gambling escapades, in the train on the way home, In-ha meets a girl named Su-yeon. Su Yeon makes a deep impression on In-ha’s heart and both had some feelings for each other since then.
While attending high school, In ha met Jung-won, the son of a wealthy hotel owner. In-ha and Jung-won became quick friends. However, they got into trouble for killing a gang leader who harrassed Su-yeon and her father. In-ha and Jung-won were arrested and sentenced to jail for 7 years. Jung-won got cleared because of his father, but In-ha had to serve his time in jail. There, he met and made friends with the leader and a member of another gang. When In-ha was set free, he went home, but had to move because a gang was after him.
In the meantime, Jung-won went to college in America and met Jin-hee there. He knew that she was the daughter of his father’s old boss. They had met before briefly, but Jung-won was too shy then. After In-ha was arrested, Su-yeon decided to become a nun. After 7 years, however, she realized that she was not meant to be one and went on to become a casino dealer. The casino is where In-ha, Su-yon, Jung-won and Jin-hee all meet again and a story of romance, jealousy & violence begins.
Addiction
Addicted/The Poisoning/Jungdok 2002
Director: Park Young Hoon
Starring: Lee Byung Hun, Lee Mi Yeon, Lee Earl, Park Sun Young
Screenplay: Byon Yeon Mee, Song Min Ho
Production Company: Cineicheon
Release Day: October 25, 2002
Genre: Drama, Mystery
Info: www.kmdb.or.kr
Ho-jin and Dae-jin brothers are the only remaining family members. After his big brother Ho-jin marries Eun-su, three of them live happy and peaceful days. On the day Dae-Jin enters the car racing final regardless of Ho-jin’s opposition, both of them lose their senses due to an accident. After 1 year, Dae-jin miraculously wakes up and argues that he is the reincarnation of his brother Ho-jin. Eun-su cannot accept that her brother-in-law is reborn with her husband’s soul. They live together with confusion, though. She finds that Dae-jin reenacts her husband’s behavior, but cannot easily accept her brother-in-law as her husband. Dae-jin’s 10-year lover Yae-ju also tries to get Dae-jin back to his soul. Dae-jin decides to leave Eun-su who got confused. Dae-jin works hard in a pasture and tries to delete Ho-jin’s soul. But on a rainy day, Dae-jin cannot overcome his confusion and feels an irresistible yearning for Eun-su and goes back to her. Dae-jin reminds her of the secrets that have been kept between them, which only Ho-jin and Eun-su know. Finally Eun-su admits that Dae-jin’s soul is her husband’s and now accepts him as her husband. They start a more romantic and passionate love than before..
In 2008, Addiction have been given a Hollywood remake in ‘Possession’, starring Sarah michelle Gellar and Lee Pace.
My Beautiful Girl, Ma-ri
Animation at it’s Best 2002
Director: Lee Sung Gang
Starring: Lee Byung Hun (as voice of Nam-woo), Ahn Sung Ki
Screenwriters: Kang Soo Jung, Seo Mi Ae, Lee Sung Gang
Release Date: January 11, 2002
Info: www.kmdb.or.kr » wikipedia.org
Nam-woo lives with his grandmother and mother after losing his father to a tragic accident in a small village by the sea. He and his best friend Jun-ho are both 12 years old and they hang out with Yo, the cat. One day, he sees a mysterious bead that gives out a strange light at a local store. He worries over it that night and goes back there to buy it but it’s no longer there. Disappointed, he hangs out with Yo by the lighthouse. When Yo runs inside the lighthouse, Nam-wu follows it. There he finds the bead on a shelf. When the light hits the bead, the lighthouse transforms into a magical place. As Nam-wu plummets into a pit, a young girl reaches out for him in the nick of time. Nam-wu tells Jun-ho about his fantastic experience but he doesn’t believe him. The two visit the lighthouse again and meet Ma-ri, the girl from a fantasy land. The two share this secret between them. But as the two pass their days with Ma-ri, Nam-wu’s grandmother collapses and a storm that hits the village puts Jun-ho’s father in jeopardy
My Beautiful Girl, Mari is an animated feature film by image-maker and director Lee Sung-Gang who was recognized by the world’s most renowned Annecy Animation Film Festival.
Synopsis: Once in a lifetime, love becomes a fairytale. Namoo is a twelve-year-old boy who has lost his father and lives with his grandmother and mother. His only friends are Junho, who is the same age as he is, and Yeo, his cat. One day in the stationary store in front of his school, Namoo discovers a mysterious shining marble. He thinks about it all night, and the next day he runs to the store to buy it, but is disappointed to find that it is gone. Namoo and Yeo are playing near the old lighthouse when Yeo runs inside. Namoo follows the cat in and is wandering around when he discovers the mysterious marble on a shelf.
The instant a beautiful light shines through the marble, the interior of the lighthouse is suddenly transformed into a world of fantasy. Namoo is about to fall into nothingness when a girl covered in white takes hold of his hand and lifts him up. A world of beautiful light and fantasy opens up beneath them. While the boys continue their wonderful encounters with Mari, Namoo’s grandmother collapses from illness and their village is engulfed by a storm and Junho’s father falls in danger…
Review: Call this the not-so-WONDERFUL DAYS, if you will, a sentimental, perceptive tale of a young boy, Nam-woo, coping with the loss of his father (which probably has even greater resonance in a patriarchal society like Korea’s), the illness of his grandmother, his mother’s new boyfriend and the impending departure to the city of his best friend by retreating into a world of fantasy where he meets the title character, a mute girl who becomes the only character in his life with any sense of permanence: his mother is trying to move on, his grandmother has a very pragmatic sense of her own mortality, his best friend will be continuing at school in another city (something repeated in the present-day opening sequence, in which the friend announces again that he’s off to study abroad, underscoring the sense of separation we all feel from even our closest friends with the passage of time).
It’s ultimately a cautious, profound tale about letting go and moving on, something the main character deeply wishes he could avoid, and something that can stir-up similar childhood memories in even the most hardened cynic.
Beautiful Days
Classic Romance to Remember 2001
Starring: Lee Byung Hun, Ryu Si Won, Choi Ji Woo, Shin Min Ah, Lee Jung Hyun, Lee Yoo Jin
Director: Lee Jang Soo
Production: SBS
In Beautiful Days, Lee Byung Hun as Lee Minchul, fully demonstrated his charismatic screen presence and acting powerness, creating one of the most unforgettable character in Korea drama. The drama brings his acting career to greater heights creating legions of fans that are memorized by Lee Byung Hun.
Lee Minchul, a man with such arrogance and dominating with his presence, he is not one to allow any mistakes by himself or others. But emotionally, he is the most vulnerable man who never allows anyone to enter his heart. To others, he is the ruthless “crown prince” with such capability that he is admired for his talent but yet unapproachable. In his world, only his sister matters, and no one else. Since he was young, he hated his father for ruining their family and leading to his mother’s death. And hence in turn harboured hostility towards a half brother and stepmother whom he treats as the ones who break up their family.
Lee Minchul is never one to give up, he strived hard to prove himself and to his father, that he is no weakling to be ruled over. This young man grew up with such a strong wall to protect himself. But yet, the wall crumbles when he meet Yeon Soo. This woman will change his life completely and his heart too. Yeon Soo’s gentleness open the door to Minchul heart and it unleashed that passion in him to love a woman with such strength. The intensity of his love has created such an unforeseen sexy appeal to Lee Minchul whom many fans had been memorized by his magnetic graze. But the strength of Lee Minchul lies in the complexity of this character, the struggles within this man, his vulnerability and his determination, his desires and hatred, his love and sorrow was so powerfully portrayed through the actor Lee Byung Hun. This is a must watch for those who are eager to learnt what lure many to be caught within the spell of Lee Byung Hun and the experience is a unique and unforgettable.
Road
Journey/Long Way Home 2001
Starring: Lee Byung Hun, Park Jin Hee, Nam Il Woo, So Ji Sub
Script: Park Jeong Lan
Production: SBS
This program had been specially made for New year’s holiday. It tells the importance and meaning of family. This drama is consisted of two parts.
Sun Ju had a plan to visit his father with his fiancée in New year’s holiday. However, her fiancée broke up with her just before New Year’s Eve. While she has worried about her father who has eagerly been waiting for her husband-to-be, she met one guy-Woo sik (LBH)-accidentally in the train station. Since Woo Sik is an orphan and he has nobody to visit during new year’s holiday, he gives ride to people (as a side job) who visit their howmtown during holiday. Sun Ju gives him an offer to be her boy friend and she said she would pay for him doing that. Woo sik accepts the offer for the money at first, and while he was visiting Sun Ju father’s house, he slowly finds the meaning of family and the love.
Bungee Jumping of Their Own
Love that Never Dies – Beonji jeompreul hada, 2001
Director: Kim Dae Seung
Starring: Lee Byung Hun (as In Woo), Lee Eun Ju (as Tae Hee)
Screenplay: Ko Eun Nim
Production Company: Noon Entertainment
Release Day: February 2, 2001
Genre: Drama
Info: www.kmdb.or.kr
The summer of 1983.SEO In-woo,majoring in Korean language &literature,has not believed in love and fate,but he falls in love with IN Tae-hee majoring in sculpture at first sight. However farewell comes unexpectedly just as his love came before.In-woo is waiting for Tae-hee at the platform where he is supposed to leave for his military service.But Tae-hee doesn’t arrive up until the very last. 17 years later.In-woo has forgotten Tae-hee and married another woman.Now he has become a high school teacher. However love hits him again,and the object of his love is his 17 year-old male pupil, named LIM Hyun-bin.He can’t accept his emotion at first,but he feels the IN Tae-hee of 17 years ago from Hyun-bin’s every action. Her unique curiosity, peculiar habits and especially the lighter of 17 years ago which Tae-hee made! Tae-hee had been in a car accident on her way to the platform where In-woo waited for her and left for his military service 17 years ago. She died.She was born again as Hyun-bin,In-woo’s male pupil. Now,they drown themselves off a beautiful cliff in New Zealand with the unwavering faith of meeting in the next life.They look like a couple of birds flying high…
Director Kim Dae-seung’s debut feature, “Bungee Jumping of Their Own” , screenplay by Ko Eun-nim, is not just another teen romance story – it’s THE love story defined. If you think “Romeo and Juliet” is the all-time greatest of love stories, wait till you finished watching this film. True love knows no bounds, irrespective of what others may perceive or say.
Synopsis: In-woo and Tae-hee are two college freshmen who didn’t believe in love at first sight, but later find themselves wrapped in a deep relationship that would last forever. One day they vow to make their love eternal by sealing it with a bungee jump. But their promise is never fulfilled when Tae-hee suddenly disappears out of In-woo’s life for what seems like eternity. Seventeen years later, In-woo is still unable to get Tae-hee out of his mind even though he’s married and has a loving family. While giving a lecture to his students, In-woo is reminded of the memorable times he spent with Tae-hee when one of the students asks about his first love experience. From this point on, In-woo thinks nothing of it until the student rehashes habits and sayings that are so reminiscent of Tae-hee. Clinging onto his hope that he will meet Tae-hee once more, a strange mystery unfolds as In-woo tries to discover who this student really is…
Review: For viewing appreciation, it’s best not to read/know much about the film and simply let the story develop and unfold before your eyes. Have patience with the pair of young love getting upset and making up, apart and together. Those rainy scenes of walking, drenching, standing, with or without umbrella, are heartbreaking, cold and warm all at once. In-woo (the young man who became the teacher years later) and Tae-hee (the young lady he helplessly loves) are clearly inseparable lovebirds. Director Kim presented the situations in the most natural way. Little details are revealed as the story progresses, and as we see In-woo teaching a class of high school boys, cut to at home he’s talking to a little girl – so he’s married with a daughter. Is it Tae-hee? Gradually, more periodic flashes of memory occur, and little observations like student Hyun-bin’s drinking with little finger up, or asking a familiar question déjà vu.
The acting is sensitive and convincing; the cinematography is skilful and impressive (the beginning aerial sequence gives one a breezy feel); and the music has a calmness to it; also editing and sound (like the brief playing of “When I fall in love” just loud enough crooning in the background) – all fittingly complemented the script. It is refreshing to believe what happened or could happen to the central characters (three, essentially two) in “Bungee Jumping of Their Own.”
Joint Security Area – JSA
The Best of Korean Movies 2000
Director: Park Chan Wook
Starring: Lee Byung Hun (as Su-Hyeok), Song Kang Ho, Lee Young Ae, Kim Tae woo, Shin Ha Kyun
Screenplay: Kim Hyun Seok, Lee Moo Young and Park Chan Wook. Jeong Seong-san, Bangnidamae
Production Company: Myung Film Co., Ltd.
Release Date: September 8, 2000
Genre: Human Drama
Info: www.kmdb.or.kr
A firefight occurs at the “Bridge of No Return” in the DMZ (De-Militarized Zone), and two North Korean soldiers are killed. The North claims that the incident was a flagrant attack by the South Koreans, while the South claims that one of their soldiers was kidnapped.In order to solve the dispute, the NNSC (Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission)dispatches half-Korean half-Swiss Army Intelligence Bureau officer, Major Sophie E. Jean.With no cooperation from either side, the case appears to be unsolvable. However, Major Jean discovers that the number of bullets fired from the pistols and the number found at the scene differ by one, and she begins to dig deeper into the backgrounds of the soldiers involved. Subsequently she finds out about an encounter previous to the firefight when North Korean soldiers saved a South Korean soldier from a mine. The story unravels to reveal a friendship developing among the soldiers. On the night of the firefight…
Synopsis: When North Korean soldier Jung Woo-jin is found dead in a North Korean guard post, and Lee Soo-hyuk, a South Korean soldier, is found wounded on the middle of the Bridge of No Return, an investigation is immediately launched into the affair by the Neutral Nations Supervisory Committee, comprised of Swiss and Swedish delegates. The investigation is conducted by Sophie, an ethnic Korean-Swiss lieutenant in charge of the murder investigation.
Sophie begins the investigation by interrogating the prime suspect, South Korean sergeant Lee Soo-hyuk and his North Korean counterpart Oh Kyung-pil. Suspense heightens when both soldiers present completely disparate accounts of the incident in question. Deeply puzzled by the enigmatic testimony of the two soldiers, Sophie’s suspicions are aroused following her interview with the eyewitness of the incident, Pvt. Nam Sung-shik. Terrified that he might reveal the truth under interrogation, Sung-shik attempts suicide, confirming Sophie’s suspicion that the soldiers have something to hide.
Review: “Joint Security Area” takes place entirely at the Panmunjom, Korea DMZ peace village at the 38th parallel border crossing where North and South Koreans face off with a military presence by a 50 year old treaty. The film tells of the shooting to death of a North and a South Korean soldier which is investigated by a Korean-Swiss military woman. The story is about a current investigation into the killings of two N. Korean border watchers by a S. Korean officer. If you were aware of the politics in today’s Koreas, than you would know how easy a little spark could cause the two Koreas into war. But instead of dwelling on the aspect of politics of military, the writer chose to emphasize on the humane aspect and thus has managed to give us, the audience, a profound message in a world that is ever-more divided by race, religions, idealogies, etc.
The movie doesn’t choose sides and instead create a ‘neutral’ character, Major Sophie, as the investigator of the ‘truth’ behind the killings. The film also intelligently unravels the real story behind the incident, through cuts of flashbacks between the survivors involved in it. The only lies were constructed by the government and military of both Koreas for the sake of division and war, instead of peace and union.
The performances by the lead actors were excellent. Their total immersion into their roles leaves you fixated and emotionally involved with their on-screen fate. By the end of the film, you would feel like you have been through a dark long tunnel and came out on a very bright and beautiful side. The last scene of the movie is one of the best visual conclusions to the essence of a story in decades. This film is not only a Korean blockbuster, but highly recommend in every aspect. See it, See it, SEE IT!!
Harmonium in My Memory
Sweetest First Love of Naema-eum-ui punggeum, 1999
Director: Lee Young Jae
Starring: Lee Byung Hun, Jeon Do Yeon, Lee Mi Yeon
Screenplay: Lee Young Jae
Production Company: Art Hill
Release Date: March 27, 1999
Genre: Drama
Info: www.kmdb.or.kr
Hong-yeon is a 17-year old grade schooler with a heart-wrenching crush on her homeroom teacher, Soo-ha. Staying late school, putting flowers on his de나, asking pointed questions in her school diary… Nothing seems to catch his attention. Meanwhile, 21-year old Soo-ha has fallen for another teacher at their school. When Hong-yeon realizes this, she tries everything she can to discredit her rival, from ridiculing her age to stealing her shoes in class. Soo-ha appears to be beyond persuasion, however. LEE Young-jae’s first feature film captures vividly the passion of youthful ideals and the torment of first love. It is set in an idyllic village grade school in the 1960’s, a time thought of as the ‘last decade of innocence’ in the modem history of Korea.
Synopsis: Sanri, a town in Kang Won Province. Hong-Yeon, 17-year-old, is a student in an elementary school. She meets Kang Su-Ha, 21-year-old teacher, in the street by chance. He starts for his new position in Sanri elementary school. After that, she who loves him, goes around him after school to see him. She writes about him in her diary, but he does not care about it. Su-Ha likes beautiful Yang Eun-Hi, his colleague, and they come to love each other. When Hong-Yeon sees that Su-Ha and Yang Eun-Hi were together, she is exposed to rain. After a while, Yang Eun-Hi goes abroad to study with her fiancee in Seoul. While Su-Ha is disappointed in love, Hong-Yeon fills with happiness. One year after, there is fire in auditorium due to the children’s mischief during the rehearsal for class day. Su-Ha runs into the auditorium to rescue the children, and Hong-Yeon follows him…
Review: The romance between the two leads is not contrived or forced in any way. It develops naturally between two people who meet together daily. Anyone who has ever experienced a crush can identify with Hong-yeon. She searches for hidden meaning in her teacher’s every action which she happily interprets to suit her fantasy. This movie is filled with warmth towards all of its characters. There is no enemy per se, just every day people. The scenery is memorable and matches the emotions of the film well. Watch the ending carefully as the credits begin to roll. It is there you can find the true conclusion to the film. Excellent use of rural Korean backdrop and music, with a wonderfully believable performance by Jeon Do-yeon as a rural beauty coping with a seemingly hopeless crush and by Lee Byunghun as a new, pure-spirited young teacher.
Sally is Back
Starring: Lee Byung-Hun, Lee Jee Eun, Im Chang Jeong
Director: Eum Ki Back
Production: SBS 1999
Synopsis: A rich girl suddenly came back to Korea from her study in abroad. She checked out her ex-boy friends in Korea and she only found the reality that all men are flirt. Lee Byunghun plays a role who is an old friend of her, but a playboy. It is a short drama.
Behind story: Although LBH had no time to work on this drama (since he had been filming Happy Together for this period), it is known that BH accepted offer since he valued the old acquaintance of Eum Ki Bak , the director.
Sunflower
Starring: Lee Byung Hun, Lee Seung Yeon
Production: SBS 1999
A variety of Korean Drama superstars join forces for Love Story, an 8 episode anthology series from SBS. Lee Byung Hun leads the impressive cast, which also includes Choi Ji Woo (Stairway to Heaven), Yoo Ji Tae (Old Boy, Ditto), Bae Du Na (Barking Dogs Never Bite, Take Care of My Cat), Song Seung-Hun (Summer Scent), and Kim Hyun Joo (Star Runner, Shinsukki Blues). Find love and heartbreak in 8 different love stories. The sunflower is one episode of the series and BH performs a person with a multiple personality (actually two-good and evil) who both personality love one woman. You could find an excellent performance of BH in this mini drama. Do not miss BH’s awesome facial expression at the ending scene.
Synopsis: A two episode drama which showcase Lee Byung-Hun’s versatility of portraying a role of a man, Tae Sung , who has split personality . Tae Sung tried to control that madness within him yet so powerless to stop that evilness within him to be unleashed and taking control, hurting the woman whom he love. It as a challenge to Lee Byung Hun to take on such a role which is rare in Korea drama and prove his acting ability of taking on such a complicated role. Two personalities within one man, a struggle between rationale and madness, good and evil.
Tae Sung, a sushi chef, a perfectionist at work but a man who was lonely, too. He meets Seung Hee, a girl who works at same building as a carpark toll collector. Tae Sung falls in love with her and slowly gets to know her. Seung Hee sees Tae Seung as a shy but nice man who brings sushi to her. But she still hesitates to accept his affections.
Seung Hee also writes internet novels. One day she found that someone wrote on her unfinished story, and what was written happen in reality. At the same time, Tae Seung senses a stalker trailing her every moves, as if she is being watched. Even in her own house. Fear overwhelmed her.
Seung Hee’s friend was thrown down the stairs and suffered serious injury. It was not an accident. Fortunately for Seung Hee, Tae Sung was there to comfort her. She told him of her stalker. And Tae Sung offered to ease her fears by checking her house. Seung Hee decided to face her stalker and not hide anymore. One night, the stalker decided to attack. Tae Seung was standing before her, yet a man who is familiar to her becomes a stranger. He was looking at her with such coldness.
Tae Seung who had seek to protect Seung Hee is now turning into a monster who seek to destroy and end her life. At the most critical moment, Tae Seung was able to overcome his own madness, ending that evilness within him forever by destroying himself. If only she had believed him …that there is a man who truly loves her… Then perhaps he will not become what he is ..
Happy Together
Heartwarming family tearjerker, 1999
Starring: Lee Byung Hun, Song Seung Hun, Kim Ha Neul, Jeon Ji Hyun, Cho Min Soo, Cha Tae Hyun, Jo Jae Hyun
Director: Oh Jong Rok
Production: SBS
The story of this moving TV drama revolves around 5 brothers and sisters whose lives are torn apart by the tragic loss of their parents. This unfortunate incident causes carries each of the family members in different directions until they are finally reunited by a miraculous twist of fate. Starring Lee Byung-hun (as Tae Poong),Cha Tae-hyun and Jeon Ji-hyun, Song Seung-hun and Kim Ha-neul, Happy Together attracted 39.8% of all Korean viewers during its premier broadcast on SBS in 1999. It very interesting to see most casting members who that time were a new (Kim Ha neul, Jeon Ji Hyun) or unknown face (Cha Tae-Hyun) now become super star in TV or movies. In this drama, LBH showed up his magnificent capability of acting by perfectly portraiting dashing and rushing, yet sensitive Tae Poong.
White Nights 3.98
Action Thriller Drama Series 1997
Starring: Choi Min Su, Lee Byung Hun, Shim Eun Ha, Lee Jung Jae
Director: Kim Jong-Hak
Production: SBS
After cold war era, the political situation of Korea has been changed fast. This drama offers reasonable historical view to Koreans who have been divided by North and South for a long time. It was a big budget action blockbuster which involves a nuclear weapon, gun shots, fightings, pilots, and consipiracy between the governments of North and South Korea, USA, and Russia. There is also a heartaching love story between Lee Byung Hun (Kyeong Jun as a south soldier), Choi Min su (as a North soldier), and Shim Eun Ha (Anastasha) over the political situation. The filming has been mostly done on Russia.
Elegy of the Earth
Lament, movie of 1997
Director: Kim Hee Chul
Starring: Lee Byung Hun, Shin Hyun Joon, Chung Sun Kyung
Screenplay: Kang Je Kyu
Production Company: New Image Cinetheque
Release Date: February 22, 1997
Genre: Melodrama
Info: www.kmdb.or.kr
Gwang-su, Jong-man and Se-hi have only each other for shelter from the world. Gwang-su suffers from a horrible family history that keeps him imprisoned in despair and agony. Jong-man faxes synopsis to Hollywood production companies in a hope of becoming a world-renowned writer. Se-hi works in a musical instrument shop after taking a break from her violin studies. When she meets Gwang-su for the first time, she is willing to give up everything for him. When Gwang-su’s brother commits suicide, he drowns himself in alcohol to overcome the loss of his only family.
Gwang-su, Jong-man and Se-hi have only each other for shelter from the world. Gwang-su suffers from a horrible family history that keeps him imprisoned in despair and agony. Jong-man faxes synopsis to Hollywood production companies in a hope of becoming a world-renowned writer. Se-hi works in a musical instrument shop after taking a break from her violin studies. When she meets Gwang-su for the first time, she is willing to give up everything for him. When Gwang-su’s brother commits suicide, he drowns himself in alcohol to overcome the loss of his only family. Jang-hyun, a corrupt cop, schemes to have Gwang-su take the fall for his murders.
This movie is about two desperate men’s friendship, their dreams and tragic ending of their lives. It is noticible that Kang Je-Kyu, the famous director for Shi-Ri, a Korean blockbuster, did the screenplay. When he wrote the script, he was not as famous as these days. This movie has an interesting scene for BH’s fans as BH received an OSCAR award in this movie.
Synopsis: Kwang-Su who doesn’t get out of the shadow of miserable family history and wriggles in a punishment called despair. Jong-Man who grows his dream to be an international star sending his synopsis to film production in Hollywood by fax. Se-Hee who is a withdrawn student majoring in violin and falls in devoted love to Kwang-Su after encountering him at a musical instruments shop where she works. They sing hymns of hope that will be echoed at the end of desperation holding each other. As he leads a life with his family history that is too miserable to remember, Kwang-Su gets to go to a pub -where Jong Man works as a waiter- in despair after his only brother commits suicide. Jang Hyeon, a corrupted police officer, charges his murder on Kwang-Su as he finds him in miserable state.
After Jong Man found a music score in KS’ bag which left in the bar, JM thinks KW is the genius composer one who will make a film score for his movie. Meanwhile, KS escaped from the police and he got a serious injury during escape. KS remembered and went to the musical instrument shop where Se-Hee works. Jong Man also helped him to escape and to refugee since he would like to keep a KS as his composer. The accidental encounter in the bar gives an opportunity for two different men to become friends
I Want
70-min drama special, I Wish 1997
Starring: Lee Byung Hun, Shim Eun Ha
Director: Lee Jang Soo
Production: SBS
Young Ki (Shim Eun Ha) is working as a supervisor of parking violation in the busy street. Although she seems to be harsh on the violated cars, after the working days, she lives on a fantasy such as her favourite novel is “the sorrow of young Bertre”.
With her savings, she bought a used car and she found a man’s photo in it and makes a fantasy about him… One day, she met the man in the photo in real world and he was begging her not to give him a violation ticket. She despaired deeply about the difference between fantasy and reality.
Beautiful My Lady
Beautiful She aka Romance Storm, tv drama series 1997
Starring: Lee Byung Hun, Shim Eun Ha
Director: Lee Jang Soo
Production: SBS
Son young (Shim Eun Ha) loses her husband to tragic circumstances shortly after their wedding. Things change when she meets ambitious boxer Jun Ho (Lee Byung Hun), and their miraculous first meeting brings hope to them both. But her parents oppose their affair, and cast doubt on his past as well as his occupation as a boxer. Can Jun Ho win her father’s respect by winning a boxing championship? And will her father finally agree to a lasting love between Jun Ho and Son young?
Synopsis: Junho, a man orphaned since young, survived in this harsh world with his own fist. Growing up in this world so alone, he had learnt to survive with strong will and determination. By chance, he was given an opportunity to fight in the boxing ring which earned him the glory as well as money.
One day, Jun Ho met Sun yong and it was love at first sight. The beauty of Sun young captivated him and fate brings them together with an accident. Sun Young widowed with a pair of twins children. She was from an entirely different world from Jun Ho, highly educated and with good family background. She is a woman with such beauty, kind personality and intelligence that seem so far out of reach for a man like Jun Ho. However, she too felt linked to Jun Ho and accepted this man into her heart. There were setbacks as they learnt to understand and accept each other. Their love was tested by strong objections from Sun young father as well as Sun young’s children. But they overcome each obstacle and finally able to be married. However, as Jun Ho learnt to enter into Sun young world, he had to give up boxing the only skill he know. As days go by, he become more ashamed of his own failure, a man who could not work or even drive to support his own family, he felt inferior to his beautiful wife. But, the children of Sun young had also accepted him as their stepfather and he felt even more the responsibility of being a father to these children. But still amidst all these struggles to adjust to his new life, they were a happy family.
Jun Ho also found the mother who abandoned him. The mother whom he never know the reason why she give him up was just so near, working in the small resturant beside Sun young’s house . But he never mastered the courage to acknowledge her. Soon, Jun Ho had no choice but to go back to his old job, a boxer which he is most familiar with. However, during a boxing match, he suffered a head injury and it changes his life completely. If he should box again, his life will be endangered and not to be a burden. He decided to leave his family, but it was not possible to be separate from the family whom he cherished so much. He entered into boxing once again as a trainer, but he was forced to face his own student in the boxing ring. He had to make a decision which will influence his life and his happiness.
Kill the Love
Geudeulman-ui sesang, 1996
Director: Im Jong Jae
Starring: Lee Byung Hun (as Love), Chung Sun Kyung (as Choon Hyang), Yu Oh Seong
Screenplay: Cho Myung Joo, Im Jong Jae
Production Company: Cine 2000
Release Date: October 19, 1996
Genre: Melodrama
Info: www.kmdb.or.kr
“Love” is sent to the States by his power-hungry father to become a student. However, he cannot adjust to this new society, and he joins a gang of criminals. His first mission is to deliver a parcel in Seoul. While waiting for further instructions from the criminal organization, he meets a nightclub dancer, Choonhyang. They fall in love and indulge in a world of their own. Meanwhile, Love’s friend, Paikjoon comes to Seoul from the States to receive the parcel. With Paikjoon’s sudden appearance, Choonhyang senses a separation with love. She fortunes herself in order to keep him with her. Paikjoon tells her the secret of the parcel, and tempts her to run away with him. Love and Choonhyang dream of paradise as they head for the place where the parcel is hidden.
Synopsis: Love was forced to go to America as a runaway student abroad by her father who keens on power. He joins in a gang and comes back to Korea in secret according to the organization’s order. After he puts the bag which is supposed to be delivered to others in a locker at the airport, Love wanders around night streets and gets in a nightclub where Chun-Hyang dances. Love is given Chun-Hyang as a present for client of the club. It is their first meeting. Chun-Hyang, who attaches to love, injures herself because she is afraid whether Love goes back to the States. Baek Jun, who comes to see Love from America to accept the bag, allures Chun-Hyang to run awa telling her that Love is going to be removed by the organization and the bag contains a huge amount of money. Baek Jun dies in an accident while Love and Chun-Hyang go to the locker at the airport. However Baek Jun who is thought to be dead appears. Love and Chun-Hyang engage in a life-and-death fight with Baek Jun to deprive the bag. Then they open the bag expecting money but there are only a gun and a piece of paper which bears a phrase: Kill the Love.
panda treat: You can find a great looking young, and a half-naked LBH ^^
Armageddon
Animation voice-over 1996
Starring: Lee Byung Hun
Director: Lee Hyun Se
Genre: Animation
Synopsis: In the year of 2157. ‘Id’ an external space organization which has high developed science power invades the earth. As the earth faces a crisis of fall, Elka, the descendant of Atalntis who has hidden under the Antarctic Ocean until then, looks for the last man who can save the earth with help of a superego computer Delta 8988. The man is Oh Hye-Seong of 1996. Marie, Elka’s special agent, comes to Hye-Seong (Lee Byunghun’s voice) with a mission to take him to the future. Id, too, sends a killer to the earth as he came to know Hye-Seong’s existence.
The Legend of Car God
Men on Asphalt aka Dream Racers 1995
Starring: Jeong Woo Sung, Lee Byung Hun, Lee Young Ae
Director: Lee Jang Soo
Genre: Melodrama
Production: SBS
An Asphalt Man was the first Korean Drama to be shot on film (and not video, like most Korean television dramas), and features thrilling car chase sequences, as well as authentic locations in the US, including Nevada, Chicago, and Utah.
Synopsis: Lee Byung Hun played a young car designer who desires to start his own car company in Korea. He tries to get assistance from his father, but the family is troubled. His younger brother (Jung Woosung) hates their father, and splits to the U.S. to become a car racer. Meanwhile, his sister (Lee Young Ae) flees to the US after conceiving a child with a US army soldier. Can this family achieve their dreams without coming apart at the seams?
Originally Director Lee chose BH as the younger brother role, but later, it changed. BH performed very well the elder brother role under the circumstances and the director said that he was very impressed about BH and also felt sorry about the role change.
Runaway
The first action movie 1995
Director: Kim Seong Soo
Starring: Lee Byung Hun, Kim Eun Jeong, Lee Kyong Young
Screenplay: Kim Seong Soo
Production Company: Ik Young Films Co., Ltd
Release Date: December 30, 1995
Genre: Action
Info: www.kmdb.or.kr
Lee Donghee, a game show producer, and Choi Miran, a freelance illustrator meet by chance and spend a short but passion ate night together. But just when they are about to go back to their ordinary lives, they witness a shocking murder. This is followed by mysterious happenings that destroy everything that they cherish in their lives. A police officer turns out to be a kidnapper and hired killers break into their homes. In front of their eyes, they lose their loved ones. Nobody is of much help to them. At home, in the police station, in the hospital, at work, wherever they go, criminals seem to follow them. Finally, they must face the real criminals
Synopsis: August in Seoul, the huge metropolitan where a great number of people incognito. Lee Dong-Ho, a 3D game producer who loves his career and his own life and wants to be the best in his field, and Choi Mi-Ran, a freelance illustrator who enjoys her own time alone thoroughly and wants to be acknowledged her world through her works, happened to meet one day and they make short but passionate love for one night. At the moment they are about to go back to daily life, however, they get to witness a shocking murder. Since then mysterious happenings that destroy the most valuable part of their lives take place. The police office who visits them suddenly changes to a kidnapper while killers rush in a family house in broad daylight. The reality that the most important people are dying before their eyes makes them feel every corner of Seoul is a maize in the nightmare and the people who fill the downtown are just anonymous others. Wherever they go, there comes the criminal organization without exception. In the end they came to encounter with real face of the criminal organization under the last situation they fall in.
Son of Wind
Production: KBS 1995
Starring: Lee Byung Hun, Kim Hee Sun, Shin Hyeon Joon, Lee Il Wha
Director: Son Young Mock
Synopsis: This drama is based on the era of Korea seventies which represents a black political power, corruptions, and the involvement of gangsters in politics. Lee Byung Hun plays Chang Hong Pyo, a young man who is a rough and shameless town trash.
The drama provided him a great turning point as an actor since he expands his image from being a handsome idol to a true adult actor. In this drama, he displayed first time and fully his own charm by sad eyes and masculinity and consequently, he was recognized by audience as a true actor. The scene which he harassed Kim Hee-Sun without hesitation was a shock to the audience and the most popular subject at the time.
Who Drives Me Crazy
BH’s first big screen 1995
Director: Ku Im Seo
Starring: Lee Byung Hun, Choi Jin Sil
Screenplay: Hyeon Nam Seop , Koo Im Seo
Production Company: Ye Young Production
Release Date: September 30, 1995
Genre: Melodrama
Info: www.kmdb.or.kr
Salesman Jong-doo is in his late twenties and believes that the best years of his life are over. After failing to win the spring literature contest for the sixth time, he gives up his dreams to become a writer and gets a job in fear of losing his girlfriend Joo-young. His only purpose in life is to marry Joo-young but the more he struggles the harder things become. An intra-company transfer stations Joo-young as the head of his team and Jong-doo is at the end of his ropes. Joo-young’s exceptional ability impresses everyone in the office while making him look like an invalid. He is put in danger of losing everything — love, job and money. When he gets his hands on a rifle during a reserve army training exercise, it is time for him to let it all out. He runs into a bar where everyone at work including Joo-young are there celebrating her latest feat. He begins to take it out on every person who has wronged him. But Joo-young saves the day by turning things around and convincing Jong-doo to forgive and forget. It is a happy ending for the couple as the gunshot is heard to celebrate the soon-to-be bride and groom.
Synopsis: Lee Jong-Du, a sales man, is spending days of his twentieth, thinking the chance of life already passed and only crisis are remained. He gives up to apply the literary contest in spring that he challenged 7 times and chooses his job following his girl friend Ju-Young for the reason that he doesn’t want to lose her. As if to marry to Ju-Young is his only target of life, he calls upon every single way to decorate his house for newly wedded life. And the harder he tries to take her, the more he is driven to the corner. When Ju-Young is promoted to the team leader of a branch office where Jong-Du works due to personnel changes, his stress goes on top of extremity. Ju-Young’s outstanding working abilities impress workers while Jong-Du is branded as the first unable sales man. He is in danger of losing love, money and honor. Finally he rushes into a beer hall from training ground of reserved army with a gun that he got accidentally. There is a party to congratulate Ju-Young’s excellent working result. Those who gave him stress kneel down in front of Jong-Du and hold a party of confession. Thanks’ to Ju-Young’s intervention, they remove misunderstanding and the gun is used to give salute for the future of two persons.
The Fragrance of Love
Production: KBS, 1994
Starring: Lee Byung hun, Choi Jin Sil, Kim Young Ae, Lee Jeong Kil, Jeon Do Yeon, Oh Dae Kyu
Director: Koh Heung Sik
Synopsis: The story of fragrance of love centred to 3 different love stories in a single-mother (Kim Young Ae) family. Young-Jin, the first daughter (Choi Jin Sil) works at animation company. She has been had a boy friend with a long term relationship, but when met Jun Ho (LBH), she found JH as her faith. She broke up with her old boy friend. They both fell in love quickly, but Young-Jin’s mother was not allowed YJ to marry Jun Ho. Jun Ho does not have parent and his grandmother had to bring him up. He is also very poor, so YJ’s mother does not want YJ to marry poor guy. Eventually, they get married against YJ’s mother’s will and they showed how strong a true love can be. Another love story is the second daughter, Hye-Jin (Jeon Do Yeon). There is the mother’s love story as well. This drama is very well made in a story-wise, and gives a warm heart while you are watching.
Police
Production: KBS 1994
Starring: Lee Byung Hun, Eum Jeong Hwa, Kim Ho Jin, Oh Hyen Kyeong
The story is based on the popular comic book written by Lee Hyun-Se.
Oh He-Sung who graduates the first in the Police Academy is the main character of this drama. As you can imagine, he fights with bad guys and he wins.
The Sorrow of the Survivor
Production: KBS, miniseries 1993
Starring: Lee Byung Hun, Na Hyen Hee, Shin Yun Jeong
Synopsis: It is based on the novel written by Park il Moon, about young peoples’ agony, anger and love story and finding of true themselves when they face up with the reality in the rapidly changing at 80s and 90s in Korea. Since there had been a pure sacrifice, the people who kept silence that time had a deep sorrow in their heart. It is pretty gloomy and BH’s lonely eye will catch your mind.
Tomorrow Love
Production: KBS 1992
Starring: Lee Byung Hun, Kim Hyen Ah, Park So Hyeon, Kim Jeong Kyun, Lee Jee Hyung
Director: Youn Seok Ho, Jeon San
This program is the representative youth drama in Korean TV history. It had started at Nov. 10th, 1992 and ended at Oct. 25th, 1994. In ‘Tomorrow is Love’, BH acted the role of ‘Bum-Soo Shin’ who was a college student and he is very good at anything you can imagine… sports, literature, and study, etc. In addition to that, he was bright (close to genius), handsome, funny, cool, and gentle on people. From this TV drama, BH became an idol star. This drama has each episode with its own story, and gives audience both delightfulness and touching moments. Basically, it has episodes about the everyday college life of Bum Soo and his friends. There is, of course, a romance and friendship and sufferings from various troubles. This drama had been so popular; it still has its own fan page (http://www.tomorrowlove.ce.ro/) even though it passed over 10 years from the last episode. The director of this drama is the famous Youn Seok Ho, (he directed the autumn story and winter sonata) and this was the first drama having 2 PD systems (the other one is Jeon San) in one drama. Byung Hun also sing a title song with other actors.
Wild Chrysanthemum
Production: KBS 1992
Starring: Lee Byung Hun, Oh Hyun Kyeong
A daily drama series in which BH performed as a single mother’s good son, having to leave her when he had enlisted himself in the army.
Morning Without GoodByes
Production: KBS 1992
He finally appeared on a miniseries which is known to be a stair way to the idol star. This one also has an original novel. He dies in here, too. But again, he alives because he had played dual role. From here, he starts to rise as a major TV star.
Day of Sunrise
Production: KBS 1992
Starring: Lee Byung Hun, Im Chang Jeong
Here, he acted the role of ‘Hyung-Man Choi’ who was a son of rich family, but left his comfortable life because of his conflicts with his father. His role was the delivery boy of a Chinese restaurant. In this drama, he performed very well (especially food cutting scenes), he left deep impressions on audience and made people notice LBH.
Flower That Never Wilts
Production: KBS 1991
Starring: Lee Byung Hun, Na Han Il, Kim Min Jeong
A treat to watch LBH in Korean traditional costume in the series with an important supportive role.
Asphalt My Hometown
Production: KBS 1991
LBH’s debut drama after he finished the education course as the first in his class of the KBS actor academy.
PlanetBH0712, Shirley, Weilin, LBH fan-sites, movie portals & various fan-sharing
Our utmost gratitude & appreciation to PlanetBH0712, leebyunghun.com, Shirley, WeiLin, Helena, all LBH fansites & miscellanous movie portals and various fan-sharing from EverythingLBH-soompi.com with much love
January 11
GBW stage-greet gif from GBW-cafe.daum
Good job of research. Thanks for the informative post.
Hello Dike, Welcome to Byunghun of our Hearts. We’re very glad to see you here and thanks so much for the positive words of encouragement, we truly appreciate it.
We could not have shared anything much if it wasn’t for the continuous effort and excellent sharing by Lee Byunghun fans everywhere, particularly in Korea. As in this case.. much of the filmography information were wonderfuly shared by the fans at Planet BH0712 and over the years, these precious info have been constantly updated & passed around in various Byunghun fansites worldwide.
We hope that in years to come, there will be even more great sharing especially in-depth articles and interviews of LBH in English made available for everyone to read. We love to read about Byunghun and this is our way to support him, the best we can. ^^
I like LEE BYUNG HUN. Super Idol At Me….