Lee Byung Hun Talks About His Golden Globe Nomination, Squid Game, and K-Pop Demon Hunters
Lee Byung Hun, best known in the U.S. as the mysterious Front Man from Netflix’s hit series Squid Game, recently garnered attention with a Golden Globe nomination. While many in America might only be familiar with his role in the acclaimed series, the 55-year-old actor has been a significant figure in Asian cinema since his breakthrough in Park Chan-wook’s political thriller JSA. His impressive career has led to major roles in Hollywood action franchises such as G.I. Joe, Terminator: Genisys, and Antoine Fuqua’s remake of The Magnificent Seven. In 2016, he was honored with membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, where he presented the Oscar for International Feature to Hungary’s Son of Saul.
After 25 years, Lee reunites with Park for the highly anticipated film No Other Choice, which premieres on Christmas Day via Neon. In a departure from his typical roles, Lee portrays Mansu, a long-time employee at a paper mill who faces drastic measures after being laid off following 25 years of service. As he struggles to find work, Mansu devises a darkly comedic plan to eliminate his competition.
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In a recent interview, Lee discussed his Golden Globe nomination, his collaboration with Park, and his evolving career.
DEADLINE: What went through your mind when you heard about the Golden Globe nominations for yourself, Park, and the film?
LEE BYUNG HUN: I was so surprised by this news, and it was a great honor to be one of the nominees. I wanted to share this wonderful news with my family, but it was 3 a.m. in Korea, so I couldn’t. It’s a huge honor, and I’d be lying if I were to say I was hoping for it. What really matters is that hopefully, all this attention will bring as many people as possible into theaters to watch this movie. That makes all the effort we put into making it worthwhile.
DEADLINE: Do you feel vindicated? Director Park mentioned you suggested, “Can it be funny?” Given that No Other Choice is nominated in the Best Musical or Comedy category, are you glad he listened?
LEE: My intention in asking, “Can I be funny?” was to confirm that we were taking the right approach, given the film’s darker themes. I wanted to see how we could infuse humor into something that reflects harsh realities. I was delighted that we could find moments of laughter in the film.
As an actor, I avoided pushing for humor; excessive attempts at comedy can alienate an audience. I believe the best humor arises organically.
DEADLINE: Director Park has compared you to iconic American actors Jack Lemmon and Jimmy Stewart. Did he share that with you directly?
LEE: I learned about the Jack Lemmon comparison only recently during our promotional activities. While some critics noted my slapstick performance at the Venice Film Festival, I hadn’t heard such comparisons before.
DEADLINE: No Other Choice has been a long-awaited project for Director Park. When did you first hear of it?
LEE BYUNG HUN: The project was initially titled The Ax and was conceived by Director Park 15 years ago. We met in the U.S. while preparing for separate projects, and he shared the concept with me then. It wasn’t until two years ago that he revisted the idea and decided to bring it back to Korea.
DEADLINE: Was it originally intended to have an American cast?
LEE: Yes, initially, the plan involved an American cast, and location scouting had occurred in Canada before the project’s direction shifted.
DEADLINE: This film incorporates dark humor. Whose decision was that?
LEE: The project has always included elements of black comedy. While I contributed some humorous ideas, the overall tone was established from the beginning. It’s unique in that it blends moments of laughter with bittersweet or melancholy feelings, encapsulating complex emotions that make this film distinct.
DEADLINE: How did you approach portraying the character Yoo Mansu?
LEE: Mansu represents an average patriarch who faces extreme circumstances, which lead him to make drastic decisions. My goal was for him to reflect an ordinary man undergoing significant changes throughout the film.
DEADLINE: You usually portray cool characters. Was it liberating to play someone who isn’t?
LEE: [Laughs] You may not be familiar with my entire body of work. I have played less charismatic characters before! I find Mansu’s faltering nature to be realistic and enjoyed taking on the role.
Many scenes capture Mansu’s struggles from a distance or in extreme close-ups, emphasizing his frantic state. This technique illustrates how his dire circumstances can appear humorous or pitiful when viewed objectively.
DEADLINE: Why do you keep collaborating with Director Park?
LEE: Director Park is incredibly detail-oriented, from rehearsals to the final cut. His meticulous preparation is remarkable, and I often find myself realizing the importance of his decisions upon seeing the final product.
DEADLINE: After touring with the film, what conversations have emerged?
LEE: During screenings in Toronto and London, I observed that audiences responded differently to the film’s humor based on cultural contexts. Viewers engaged deeply with the underlying messages, asking perceptive questions about the film.
DEADLINE: What kind of questions did you receive?
LEE: Some viewers interpreted the characters that Mansu eliminates as metaphors for self-destruction, which surprised me. Others drew parallels from visual metaphors, such as a bug eating away at a leaf, relating it to Mansu’s gradual degradation.
DEADLINE: Does the film resonate distinctly in Korea, considering the stigma surrounding unemployment?
LEE: Director Park’s initial intention to pursue a U.S.-based project highlights the universality of the themes. While job insecurity is particularly acute in Korea, it resonates as a global issue in contemporary society.
DEADLINE: What drew you to acting as a career?
LEE: I didn’t study acting formally. A friend’s recommendation led me to audition for a TV role. Initially, I saw acting as a temporary experience, but over time, I recognized it was worth my passion. Now, 35 years later, I continue in this field.
DEADLINE: Did you envision a lasting career?
LEE: I didn’t anticipate such longevity. However, once I committed to the craft, I was determined to continue as long as my health allowed.
DEADLINE: How has the Korean film industry evolved during your career?
LEE: The Korean film landscape has experienced dramatic changes, with its share of highs and lows. The resurgence in Korean cinema has been significant, although challenges remain. I hope both theatrical releases and streaming services can coexist successfully.
DEADLINE: You’ve also been nominated for KPop Demon Hunters. How did you get involved in that project?
LEE: I feel fortunate to be part of two projects in the awards circuit. Being involved with both has created a stronger sense of camaraderie among us as we navigate this promotional cycle together.
DEADLINE: Can you summarize KPop Demon Hunters?
LEE: It revolves around a K-pop girl group and integrates historical elements of Korean shamanism. The main characters, Huntrix, battle demons while protecting what they value. It features delightful music and is sure to appeal to fans of K-pop. I play the role of the Demon King!
DEADLINE: You now have an extensive career with diverse roles, including your work on Squid Game. How does it feel to be recognized for such varied projects?
LEE: It’s been fascinating, particularly in the past few years. Despite my long-standing career, the recent global attention on Korean content is exhilarating. The rise of streaming services has significantly changed how projects are viewed and recognized internationally.
DEADLINE: How would you describe your character in Squid Game?
LEE: The Front Man embodies a sense of despair and darkness, having lost hope and humanity. Initially an ordinary person, he’s subjected to dire circumstances that lead him to commit brutal acts while maintaining a nihilistic outlook.
In upcoming seasons, the character will shift between roles, creating a layered portrayal that captures various aspects of his identity.
DEADLINE: Do you see any parallels between Mansu and the Front Man?
LEE: Although the genres differ greatly, both characters are tied by their need to eliminate opponents without emotional attachments—reflecting a chilling detachment from their actions.
DEADLINE: Reflecting on your Hollywood career, do you anticipate returning for more projects?
LEE: I remain open to Hollywood projects, driven by the message of the film. I’m willing to consider any compelling story, as my experiences have equipped me to approach them with more confidence.
DEADLINE: What is your most memorable experience from presenting at the Oscars?
LEE: The Oscars are uniquely festive, with a rehearsal process that offers a cocktail party atmosphere beforehand. Although nerve-wracking, it’s exciting and provides opportunities for connection before the ceremony. The meticulous attention to detail, such as ensuring no empty seats during the event, was particularly interesting to me.
