[Interview③] Lee Byung-hun "An Actor's Life Is a Blessing, Always Struggling"

[Lee Isul, Entertainment Reporter]

Actor Lee Byung-hun shared various thoughts on acting.

On the afternoon of the 16th, Lee Byung-hun spoke in an interview held at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, ahead of the release of the film The Man Standing Next (director Woo Min-ho), saying, "I am always struggling and doing my best."

That day, Lee Byung-hun said, "It is a story many people know," adding, "The charm of the film lies in the camera focusing deeply on the events revealed on the surface. I thought it was important to carefully express the nuances of each character's emotions."

Lee Byung-hun added, "More delicate acting was required than in any other film," and "I believed detailed psychological portrayal was necessary."

He continued, "It was difficult at times to restrain myself and deliver lines with few words, but I saw that aspect as a virtue of the film and the characters," and said, "Also, there is a part that bursts out in the latter half, which made it appealing."

He then said, "Being able to continue as an actor is a very grateful thing," and "I consider myself blessed."

The Man Standing Next is a film depicting the 40 days before Kim Gyu-pyeong (played by Lee Byung-hun), the director of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency, known as the second most powerful figure in 1979, carried out the assassination of the President of South Korea. The film is directed by Woo Min-ho, who also directed Inside Men.

On October 26, 1979, at 7:40 p.m., at the KCIA director's residence in Gungjeong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, the KCIA director assassinated the President. This event marked the end of an 18-year-long dictatorship and is recorded as a major event in modern Korean history. The film is based on a nonfiction bestseller, which was published based on a two-month serialized investigative report by writer Kim Choong-sik while working as a journalist. Director Woo Min-ho focused on the October 26 incident from the extensive original work to create the film. It will be released on January 22.

Reporter Lee Isul

Photo=Showbox

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