[Exclusive] Lee Byung-hun "Making Eye Contact with Song Kang-ho on Stage Made Me Feel at Ease" [Here is Cannes]

On-site Coverage of the 74th Cannes Film Festival

Photo by Cannes Film Festival Official Website

[Cannes (France) = Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Lee Byung-hun made history in Korean cinema as the first Korean actor to appear as an award presenter at the closing ceremony of the Cannes Film Festival. After presenting the award, he shared his feelings, saying he felt "bittersweet" and "like he had completed a homework assignment."

On the 17th at 7:30 PM (local time), the closing ceremony of the 74th Cannes International Film Festival was held at the Lumi?re Theater in the southern French city of Cannes. Present were award presenter Lee Byung-hun and jury member Song Kang-ho.

After the closing ceremony, Lee Byung-hun told this publication, "Presenting the award felt like a homework assignment, so I feel bittersweet," with a smile. He continued, "I spent several days in Cannes enjoying the festival. The happiness I felt as a filmmaker was immense. Talking about films and walking the red carpet made me happy as an actor after a long time," adding, "It reminded me of old times, and the passing time felt like a fleeting dream, which I regret."

Song Kang-ho sat in the center of the jury seats on the closing ceremony stage, watching his fellow actor and award presenter Lee Byung-hun enter. It was a moment reminiscent of the 2019 Cannes Film Festival closing ceremony when director Bong Joon-ho and Song Kang-ho of 'Parasite' stood on the same stage.

Lee Byung-hun said, "The moment I appeared on the closing ceremony stage as a presenter, I made eye contact with (Song) Kang-ho hyung. At that moment, I felt at ease," and expressed special affection, saying, "I don't know why, but his gaze felt like it was saying 'Do well.' It gave me strength."

At the closing ceremony, Lee Byung-hun delivered a fluent French greeting, saying, "I am happy to be here and congratulate all the winners," and joked, "Sorry, I am not good at French." At the same time, European foreign reporters in the press room at the Palais des Festivals of the Cannes Film Festival looked up in surprise as Lee Byung-hun greeted them comfortably in French. Compliments such as "His pronunciation is good" were also heard.

Lee Byung-hun also said in English, "This festival (Cannes Film Festival) is very special to me. Director Bong Joon-ho opened the festival, and Song Kang-ho is a jury member," emphasizing its special meaning. He also joked about jury member Spike Lee, saying, "We have the same last name," showing a relaxed side. Laughter erupted from the audience.

At the award ceremony, Lee Byung-hun took the stage as the Best Actress award presenter and handed the Best Actress trophy to Renate Reinsve, the actress of the Danish film 'The Worst Person in the World' (director Joachim Trier).

His feelings as an actor presenting to another actor must have been special. "Unlike presenting to a director, when presenting to an actor, I can feel 'this is how that person must be feeling.' When an actor receives an award for their performance, I feel immense joy and happiness. I applauded a lot earlier because I wanted to cheer and applaud. The actress cried a lot, so I felt even more supportive and congratulatory."

This year's festival holds deep significance. The festival began with the opening declaration by director Bong Joon-ho, who won the Palme d'Or at the 72nd Cannes International Film Festival in 2019 for 'Parasite,' and ended with Lee Byung-hun's award presentation. Song Kang-ho attended as a jury member, supporting the festival from start to finish (May 5th to 17th).

ssmoly6@asiae.co.kr

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.