Lee Byung Hun has received a major honor recognizing his contribution to the global rise of Korean entertainment.
On August 28, the actor received the Minister of Foreign Affairs Award at the 8th Newsis Hallyu Expo in Seoul. The recognition highlighted his long career and his role in expanding the international reach of Korean films and dramas.
During his acceptance speech, Lee Byung Hun reflected on what continues to keep him interested in acting even after many years in the industry.
“People are still what I find most curious and interesting,” he said. “I have been acting for a long time, but I still don’t fully understand people. Human emotions and psychology are so complex and unpredictable, and I think that is why I can continue acting with interest.”
He also addressed the growing use of artificial intelligence in entertainment with a lighthearted but thoughtful comment.
“I recently heard that AI is even acting now, so I suddenly felt a little nervous,” he said. “But rather than simply being afraid, I will accept what needs to be accepted and continue working hard at what I can do as an actor.”
Lee Byung Hun has been one of South Korea’s most internationally recognized actors for decades. He gained wider attention across Asia through projects such as Beautiful Days before later appearing in major Hollywood productions.
His global profile grew further through Netflix’s Squid Game, where he played the Front Man. His expanded role in later seasons placed him at the center of one of the world’s most widely watched Korean series.
Lee Byung Hun also continued receiving international recognition through Park Chan Wook’s film No Other Choice. His performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture, making him the first Korean actor nominated in the category, according to the report.
With his latest Foreign Ministry honor, Lee Byung Hun has once again been recognized for helping Korean storytelling reach audiences far beyond South Korea.
