Baek Byung-yeul is a journalist at The Korea Times focused on cultural content, including films and cultural events in South Korea. You can contact him at baekby@koreatimes.co.kr to share your insights.
Lee Byung-hun to host Busan Int’l Film Festival’s 30th opening ceremony
Actor Lee Byung-hun / Courtesy of BH Entertainment
By Baek Byung-yeul
Veteran actor Lee Byung-hun was selected to host the opening ceremony for the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), the organizing committee said Monday. This milestone edition of BIFF will run for 10 days, from Sept. 17 to 26, at venues across the southern port city, with the Busan Cinema Center serving as its main hub.
Lee's long-standing connection with BIFF dates back to 2003. His appointment also marks a historic first, as he will be the festival's first man to act as opening ceremony host on his own. In 2023, Park Eun-bin was the first woman to host the ceremony solo.
Lee's role goes far beyond just hosting.
“The 30th Busan International Film Festival's opening ceremony will be a turning point, redefining the festival's identity and direction. Lee's presence at this meaningful moment will create a special stage that connects audiences and filmmakers as one,” according to the organizers.
Celebrating 35 years since his debut, the actor has cemented his status as a top talent both inside and outside Korea, with a wide range and strong presence.
Lee has consistently delivered top-tier performances, garnering both critical acclaim and commercial success in films like "Inside Men" (2015), "The Fortress" (2017), "The Man Standing Next" (2020), "Emergency Declaration" (2022), "Concrete Utopia" (2023) and "The Match" (2025). He has won many acting awards, cementing his position as a leading figure in Korean cinema.
He also is one of the few Korean actors to build a sustained presence in Hollywood. Making his Hollywood debut with "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" in 2009, Lee has appeared in international productions such as "Red 2" (2013), "Terminator Genisys" (2015) and "The Magnificent Seven" (2016).
His recent appearances include the Front Man in the Netflix series "Squid Game” and the voice of Gwi-ma in the hit Netflix animated feature “KPop Demon Hunters.”
Later this year, he will appear in director Park Chan-wook’s new film “No Other Choice."