After 'Decision to Leave,' renowned Korean director Park Chan-wook has once again been selected to represent Korea in the Oscars Best International Feature Film category with his new film 'Revenant.' He recently attended the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) with actor Lee Byung-hun to promote the film. Making his fifth appearance at TIFF, Lee Byung-hun was honored with the Special Contribution Award for his exceptional acting, becoming the first Korean actor to receive this distinction. When accepting the award, he humbly stated in fluent English: 'This award doesn't belong to me alone; it is also a recognition of the remarkable achievements and growth of Korean culture worldwide. I will accept it with a humble heart.'
Lee Byung-hun has dominated Korea’s three major award ceremonies—Blue Dragon Awards, Baeksang Arts Awards, and Grand Bell Awards for Best Actor. In 'Revenant,' he convincingly plays a veteran technician who seeks revenge after being laid off, earning widespread acclaim. He shared that this is his fifth time participating in TIFF: 'To be a small part of such a great film festival, I feel very proud. In 2000, through Director Park Chan-wook's 'Joint Security Area (JSA),' I finally realized my dream of starring in a box office hit,' he said, expressing his gratitude to Park Chan-wook for his mentorship.
Source: Compiled