Actor Lee Byung-hun gets ready to speak at a media event on July 24, 2015, in Seoul for his upcoming movie "Memories of the Sword." The event marks the first formal appearance by the actor since last year's scandal, when two women attempted to black
Actor Lee Byung-hun apologizes over blackmail scandal
SEOUL, July 24 (Yonhap) -- Actor Lee Byung-hun made a public apology Friday for causing trouble over a blackmail case in his first public appearance here since the scandal emerged.
"It's all thanks to your attention that I was able to live as an actor," Lee said in a trembling voice during a press conference to promote the Korean historical action film "Memories of the Sword."
"I'm feeling the importance of this attention more keenly than anytime before as I spend time in repenting for giving you a big disappointment."
In September, Lee was blackmailed by two women demanding that the actor pay them 5 billion won (US$4.28 million) in exchange for not uploading online a video clip allegedly showing the three of them drinking and making sexual remarks.
Lee won a lawsuit as the court gave the blackmailers a suspended jail term. But he could not escape from the public criticism that he behaved inappropriately as a married man.
"I know very well that a few times of apology or time can never help dispel disappointment," he said, vowing steady efforts to change himself.
Lee plays Yubaek, an ambitious swordsman dreaming of becoming the king in the Korean costume film "Memories of the Sword" set in the late years of the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). He currently is filming a Hollywood remake of the classic 1960 western film "The Magnificent Seven" with Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke and Wagner Moura.
"Memories of the Sword" is set to open Aug. 13 in local theaters.
Actor Lee Byung-hun speaks during a news conference in Seoul to promote his upcoming Korean film, "Memories of the Sword." (Yonhap) Actor Lee Byung-hun speaks during a news conference in Seoul to promote his upcoming Korean film, "Memories of the Sword." (Yonhap)
'Memories of the Sword’ set to join summer box office battle
“Memories of the Sword” is set to hit the big screen next month, intensifying summer box office competition with “Assassination,” “Veteran,” “The Beauty Inside” and the Hollywood blockbuster “Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation.”
Starring a stellar ensemble cast of actor Lee Byung-hun, actresses Jeon Do-yeon and Kim Go-eun and directed by Park Heung-sik, the film is a martial arts epic about a man of humble beginnings (Yu-baek, played by Lee) who uses his swordsmanship and cunning betrayal to gain power in the royal court.
Years after his initial betrayal, he is hunted by two women who were victims of his actions -- the blind swordswoman Wol-so (Jeon) and her protege Hong-yi (Kim), who trains herself to take revenge on her parents’ killers.
The film has been creating a buzz not only for its all-star cast but also because it is the first domestic film starring Lee Byung-hun since a scandal. Last year, the actor was blackmailed by two young women who taped him allegedly making inappropriate comments to them and behaving untowardly.
The movie was initially slated for release last December, but had to be pushed back due to the backlash from Lee’s scandal.
(From left) Lee Byung-hun, Jeon Do-yeon, Kim Go-eun and director Park Heung-sik of "Memories of the Sword" pose for press at Lotte Cinema Konkuk University, Friday. (Yonhap)
“To be honest, I’m not a fan of martial arts epics,” Lee said at a news conference in Seoul on Friday ahead of the film’s Aug. 13 release. Adding that he did not want to do another historical film after “Masquerade” (2012) because of the difficulties stemming from historical makeup and costumes.
“But when I read the script, I loved the story. It has very strong drama.”
Actress Jeon agreed with Lee. “The drama was very appealing. I thought of it as a melodrama, because although Wol-so devotes her life to finding justice, she could not have been so determined if she hadn’t been in love.”
The action in the film is intense -- actress Kim said she had to do wire action on every one of her 80 days of filming -- but according to director Park, the true appeal of the film is in its characters.
“I thought that martial arts movies needed more density in their narrative,” Park said. “I paid more attention to the narrative in this film.”
“The audience will enjoy the film just watching the excellent performances of these three actors,” he added.
Jeon and Kim are two of the most sought-after actresses in Korea, both having made an appearance at the Cannes Film Festival this year for “The Shameless” and “Coin Locker Girl,” respectively.
Established by husband and wife partners Jamie SHIM and LEE Eun twenty years ago, production house Myung Films has represented the Korean cinema by discovering and producing key directors and their features.
In celebration of the commemorable twentieth birthday, ‘Myung Films Retrospective: Memories of Twenty Years’ will be held at Myung Films Art Center from July 24 to September 16, screening 36 titles that the company has produced since 1995.
On each weekend, the retrospective will be attended by key directors, actors and critics who have worked with Myung Films—actors SONG Kang-ho (Joint Security Area/JSA), MOON So-ri (Forever the Moment), PARK Won-sang (Waikiki Brothers), BAE Suzy and LEE Je-hoon (Architecture 101), and seventeen directors including OH Sung-yoon (Leafie, a Hen Into the Wild), BOO Ji-young (Cart), KIM Jee-woon (The Quiet Family) and CHUNG Ji-young (Unbowed) will host talk sessions in turns after screenings of their titles in the program.
Local critics KIM Young-jin, JUNG Sung-il, journalist Una BECK, and Cine21 editor in chief JU Sung-chul also join forces with Myung by hosting talk session ‘Critics Choice,’ where they will discuss their choice of Myung Film works such as The Contact, The Isle, Bloody Tie, and Joint Security Area/JSA.
Screening schedule and ticket reservation are available at mf-art.kr.
Actor Lee Byung-hun' is in the spotlight currently by opening up to the public at a press junket for his new movie "Memories of the Sword". At the press events held at Lotte Cinema's Konkuk University entrance location on the 24th, Lee Byung-hun said following about the movie being delayed. "I think it may have been because of me. It should have opened earlier, but, considering the mood and circumstances at the time, the opening was delayed". He also apologized to the other actors, the director, and production staff.
Amongst this interest, the past comment made by Lee Byung-hun's wife Lee Min-jeong is also being reevaluated. At a press event for the SBS drama "All About My Romance" in 2013, Lee Min-jeong mentioned her husband. In response to the question "do you have any complaints with your husband spending most of his time overseas?", she said that "at the moment, it is actually better that he is overseas a lot. Considering I have no free time because I am filming, it is for the best. I am not particularly worried about it" and showed her trust in Lee Byung-hun.
"Memories of the Sword" is a story about the betrayal of a man who dreamt of being king and the two swords pointed at him 18 years later set in the backdrop of the late Goryeo dynasty where the sword was law. It is a tale about the final confrontation between 3 swordsmen who had different objectives. Lee Byung-hun, Jeon Do-yeon, and Kim Go-eun are starring in the movie which opens on August 13th.
On July 24th, press conference for new film ‘Swords Women’ was held at Lotte Cinema Konkuk University branch, located in Jayangdong, Seoul.
During the conference, actress Jeon Do Yeon, who played as a female lead role, said, “Lee Byung Heon taught me a lot about action scenes. It was a shame, because I went through the highest amount of rehearsals before each take.”
She continued, “Lee Byung Heon asked me if I have practiced properly, and I spent so many hours while practicing alone.”
Lee Byng Heon said, “Now, people might think that I am some kind of an action expert. I had a lot of difficulties as well.”
Lee Byung Heon continued, “A stunt told me that he was very disappointed in my action scenes, and I started getting even more anxious.”
Meanwhile, the official trailer of movie 'Swords Women' has surpassed one million views just in four days recently, and the full movie will be officially released on August 13th.
Actor Lee Byung-hun apologizes over blackmail scandal (image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, July 24 (Korea Bizwire) – Actor Lee Byung-hun made a public apology Friday for causing trouble over a blackmail case in his first public appearance here since the scandal emerged.
“It’s all thanks to your attention that I was able to live as an actor,” Lee said in a trembling voice during a press conference to promote the Korean period action film, “Memories of the Sword.”
“I understand more than before how pressing this matter is, as I spend time repenting for so greatly disappointing you.”
In September, Lee was blackmailed by two women demanding that the actor pay them 5 billion won (US$4.28 million) in exchange for not uploading online a video clip allegedly showing the three of them drinking and making sexual remarks.
Lee won a lawsuit as the court gave the blackmailers a suspended jail term. But he could not escape from the public criticism that he behaved inappropriately as a married man.
“I know very well that a few apologies or time can never help dispel disappointment,” he said, vowing steady efforts to change his ways.
Set in the turbulent late years of the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), the martial arts film depicts the story of a master swordsman, who becomes a man of supreme power through acts of betrayal, and the two swordswomen seeking revenge on him 18 years later.
Lee plays the ambitious and traitorous man named Yubaek in the film directed by Park Heung-sik, best known for “I Wish I Had a Wife” (2000) and “My Mother, the Mermaid” (2004).
Lee currently is filming a Hollywood remake of the classic 1960 western film “The Magnificent Seven” with Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke and Wagner Moura.
“Memories of the Sword” was originally scheduled to open last December or January, but the blackmail scandal delayed the opening to Aug. 13.
Also starring actresses Jeon Do-yeon and Kim Go-eun, the movie has drawn attention for being the first film starring both Lee and Jeon since “The Harmonium in My Memory” in 1998. It cost as much as 9 billion won, excluding marketing expenses, to produce “Memories of the Sword.”
Asked about his reasons for being in the film, Lee said its compelling plot led him to choose the script.
“Actually, I don’t like the martial-arts genre,” he said. “But I became fascinated with the story soon after reading the script. The movie’s element of a strong drama moved me.”
Jeon, an internationally acclaimed actress, said it was really difficult to play the blind character Weolso because she was not allowed to blink while acting.
“Before filming, I didn’t know that a blind person doesn’t blink or move their pupils, but I learned this while shooting.”
Park said he is confident the movie will become a box-office sensation this summer.
“Just seeing the three stars acting together would make it quite interesting. I’m sure of it,” he said.’
While making a public appearance at the production junket held at Lotte Cinema's Konkuk University entrance location for his new movie "Memories of the Sword", actor Lee Byung-hun made a public apology regarding the "black mail" incident he was a victim of sometime ago.
The movie "Memories of the Sword" is set in the military dominance period of the late Goryeo dynasty where the sword was law. During this period, the social orders were crumbling and the king was a mere puppet. It is a chaotic time when a person with a sword could rule the country. As a result, peasant uprisings caused by the exploitation on the part of the powerful never ceased. "Memories of the Sword" starts its story 18 years after 3 swordsmen tried to change the world but were stopped by an unexpected betrayal.
Lee Byung-hun, who made his first public appearance since the "black mail" incident, has shown a more matured level of acting in "Memories of the Sword" according to the crew. With this news and the controversy surrounding his first public appearance in a while, the spotlight is firmly on Lee Byung-hun.
The movie "Memories of the Sword" which is directed by Park Heung-sik and starring Lee Byung-hun, Jeon Do-yeon, and Kim Go-eun is opening on August 13th.
Lee Byung-hun makes public apology over blackmail scandal
Actor Lee Byung-hun lowered his head after being embroiled in a blackmail scandal.
On July 24, Lee Byung-hun appeared on stage alone to make a public apology at the press conference for his upcoming film "Memories of the Sword" at the Lotte Cinema near Konkuk University in Seoul.
Lee said, "First of all, I want to apologize to you. Even as I was filming in the United States, I kept thinking what I should say to you all here."
He continued, "It's my responsibility to apologize to the many staff and interested parties who have worked with me on this film. I think it's the right thing to cope with all the criticism all by myself. I just hope that their efforts will not go unnoticed because of me."
He added, "The reason why I was able to live as actor Lee Byung-hun was because of your interest. While spending time repenting, I realized how thankful I was. I will work hard to pay back for the pain and disappointment that I have given to may people. I apologize once again."
Meanwhile, "Memories of the Sword" premieres on August 13.
Lee Byung Hun was somber and apologetic during a press conference for his upcoming film.
On July 24, actor Lee Byung Hun made his first public appearance following an alleged blackmail scandal which began in September 2014.
The 45-year-old star stood alone for three minutes, during a press conference for his upcoming film, "Memories of the Sword." He bowed before members of the media, who were in attendance, and maintained a somber expression through most of the event.
During the event, which was held at the Lotte Cinema in Gwangjin Gu, Lee was questioned about the delay of "Memories of the Sword." Transcripts from his statement were included in a report published by the Korea Times.
"The film was initially scheduled for an earlier release date," said Lee. "But because of the atmosphere and other circumstances, the film is showing now. This is largely because of me."
He went on to apologize to his co-stars and those who were involved in the production of the film. "I want to apologize to the [other] actors and concerned parties."
In an article published by TV Report, the actor provides further insight into his sentiments about his recent scandal and its potential effects on attendance for "Memories of the Sword." "This is a time of reflection," said Lee. "I will be handling the criticism on my own."
Lee continued to discuss the potential of the film, as it is now released in a summer market.
"Memories of the Sword" is the first Korean release from the actor since the blackmail scandal, following his Hollywood film "Terminator Genisys."
Legal woes for the star began in September 2014 when Dahee, a member of defunct girl group GLAM and model Lee Ji Yeon, allegedly blackmailed him for a large sum of money. Lee and his wife, actress Lee Min Jung, resided within the United States for the majority of the trial.
Lee Byung Hun issued a public apology to his family, upon his return to Korea. Lee Min Jung delivered their first child on March 31, 2015.
Actress Lee Min Jung shows us she still got the looks after giving birth.
On the 27th, she uploaded a photo on to her social media accounts of her on the set of her cosmetics CF shoot. Lee Min Jung has been known to actively communicate with her fans via social media.
In the photo, she is reapplying makeup wearing a black dress. Even after giving birth to a kid, she impresses us with her a slim body and looks. The internet responded to the photo with comments such as "Cool. I'm Jealous of her looks", "She is even skinner", and "no plans to make a comeback to TV?"
After marrying fellow actor Lee Byung Hun in August of 2013, Lee Min Jung gave birth to a healthy boy later named Lee Joon Hoo this March.
Korean cinema in the first half of 2015 was certainly in a crisis. It was quite different from the usual “crisis panic” that emerges every time Korean film shares drop. It was much more tangible this time due to issue of downward-standardization of Korean commercial films.
The only two films to have attracted more than 3 million viewers were Detective K: Secret of the Lost Island and Twenty. Gangnam Blues, The Chronicles of Evil and The Classified File narrowly met the break-even point with 2 million viewers.
According to the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) report on ‘Korean cinema in May 2015’, the share of Korean films in the first 5 months of the year was 43%. It may seem like only a 3% decrease compared to last year, but if examined closely, it is apparent that this figure owes greatly to the success of Ode to My Father, referred to as a “10 million viewer film,” which was released in December 2014.
Still, some maintain that the sense of crisis is over exaggerated, and argue that the 'Big Four' may sweep the box office in July and August.
Starting with Assassination by CHOI Dong-hoon to be released on the July 22nd (distributed by Showbox), Veteran on the August 5th (distributed by CJ Entertainment), Memories of the Sword on the August 13th (distributed by Lotte Entertainment), and lastly, The Beauty Inside on August 20th (distributed by New Entertainment World), all four will be released during this period, to fight the assumption of so called the “crisis” of Korean cinema.
Let us check out the central selling points of these Big 4 films that the Big 4 distributors are making every effort to promote.
Assassination: Splendid cast, Even More Splendid Action
Could there be any more attractive tag-line than "the next film by CHOI Dong-hoon of The Thieves“? At least in Korea, CHOI is one of the rare directors whose work has been successful both commercially and critically. His films are very engaging for viewers and, at the same time very well made in terms of dramatic completeness. This 18 billion won (USD 15.6 million) budget film by CHOI got its inspiration from a photo of the National Independence Army in the 1930s.
CHOI said in an interview that he tried to focus on “the people who are not different from us, but had to live differently to follow their beliefs in the historically tragic time.” Unlike Tazza: The High Rollers, which was a noir, or The Thieves, which was a caper movie, Assassination is distinctively different from his previous films. Here, CHOI attempts to deliver a more focused theme and serious drama, dealing with s revenge plot by an assassination team under Japanese Occupation.
To be sure, the splendid cast and their splendid acting are also at the center of attention for this film. Gianna JUN, the muse for CHOI since The Thieves, shows her superb presence as the leading female gear of the film. LEE Jung-jae, HA Jung-woo, OH Dal-su, CHO Jin-woong, and CHOI Duk-mun certainly live up to their name value as well.
The open studio in Shanghai which runs as large as 1,980,000㎡ Mitsukoshi Department Store and the old streets of Seoul built in Goyang city, are all great settings for splendid action to attract viewers. With all these strong points, Assassination is already expected to garner “at least 10 million viewers” even before release.
Veteran: Cool, Thrilling and Fun!
In 2011, RYOO Seung-wan practically made a grand slam of major awards at the 32nd Blue Dragon Awards with his film, The Unjust, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Script. RYOO is now back two years after his film,The Berlin File , was viewed by more than 7 million. Veteran has quite a few similarities with The Unjust. RYOO confesses that he himself sees “quite a bit of relation between the two films, as if they were different sides of the same coin.“
According to the director, “while The Unjust tells a story of those defeated by power, Veteran shows their resistance against power.” To be sure, the vivid dichotomy of police vs “chaebol” is pretty much the same as in The Unjust. Whereas RYOO Seung-bum’s prosecutor is replaced by YOO Ah-in’s third generation chaebol, the police role is still played by HWANG Jung-min. And this duel between the two main characters is supported by YOO Hae-jin, OH Dal-su, JANG Yoon-joo, KIM Si-hoo and so on.
It is also good news that the action scenes are further strengthened thanks to JUNG Doo-hong, the best known martial art and action director in Korea, who helped build the reputation of RYOO as an “action specialist”. If The Unjust can be classified as a social noir, Veteran is promoted as a crime-entertainment-action film. In RYOO’s words: “I wanted it to be cool, thrilling and entertaining like a refreshment.” It is expected to be his brightest and most upbeat entertainment movie, and to be a quite a success in theaters along with Assassination.
Memories of the Sword: A Korean Style Martial Art Movie
Memories of the Sword is certainly an eye catcher. First of all, it is a martial art action drama whose genre has rarely been attempted in Korean cinema. It would be already enough to attract movie goers to feature JEON Do-yeon, LEE Byung-hun and KIM Go-eun in martial arts action, which, until now, could only be found in foreign films like KING Hu’s A Touch of Zen, LEE Ang’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon or Hero by ZHANG Yimou.
“In the last years of Koryo Dynasty where the sword is power itself; a man who dreamt of being a King turned into a traitor; and 18 years later, two swords are pointed at him. Three swordsmen with different paths and their inevitable destiny.“ is the tag-line. Among the notable features of the film is wire action. The teaser film demonstrates more audience friendly emotional acting that differs from the Chinese style. '
The performance of action scenes and the display of emotion by JEON Do-yeon who proved herself one more time in The Shameless and KIM Go-eun who was in the center of attention again in Coin Locker Girl are also noteworthy. The actress-geared Korean style martial art action genre is certainly interesting for many people. Could Memories of the Sword open a new landscape in the Korean style martial art action genre?
The Beauty Inside: The star of Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity becomes a movie
Lastly, The Beauty Inside is based on the Intel-Toshiba joint funded social film The Beauty Inside, which made a huge impact on the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity three years ago. This social film runs 40 minutes in total and consists of 6 episodes, featuring a man who transforms into different personas everyday. This unique theme was told in a sympathetic narrative and won the heart of numberless people in the CF business worldwide in 2012. Director BAIK (real name: BAIK Jong-yeol), who has an ongoing reputation of sensitive and sensual directing in the CF business, has turned it into a feature film with the same title.
Interestingly, The Beauty Inside might as well be referred to as an “actor blockbuster.” To play the role Woo-jin who totally transforms into different appearances every morning, as many as 21 actors and actresses have been invited. From rookies to top stars, including a Japanese actress Ueno Juri, along with PARK Shin-hye, CHUN Woo-hee, LEE Beom-su, LEE Jin-wook, KIM Joo-hyuk, YOO Yeon-seok, and KO Asung, they all agreed to be in the movie as they were fascinated by the unique idea and script.
BAIK explains that he thought hard whether to extend and change the original, but then he finally decided to keep the original as it is and just add some more episodes. Whereas the original focuses on the ways in which a man falls in love, BAIK added other stories to it.
The Beauty Inside is drawing attention thanks to the unique theme, sensual frames, a whole variety of actors and their unique performance. it is also the only work among the Big 4 that has a distinctive love story, adding some variety to the field of other big movies geared to action and blockbuster style.
Lee Byung Hun will not appear at ‘Memories of the Sword’ preview
Lead actor Lee Byung-hun will not be present at the press preview of the upcoming period film “Memories of the Sword,” Lotte Entertainment said Wednesday.
The distributor explained Lee was held back by the schedule of “The Magnificent Seven” filming in Hollywood, which was delayed till September due to unfavorable weather conditions.
Lee previously appeared at the movie’s news conference held July 24, which drew the spotlight as the married man’s first public appearance since an inglorious scandal with two junior artists -- a chanteuse and an actress.
Albeit a temporary stagger in the domestic movie market, the 45-year-old is the hottest Korean actor in the international scene, appearing in “Terminator: Genisys” alongside Hollywood giant Arnold Schwarzenegger, and “The Magnificent Seven” slated for 2017.
In the Korean period film “Memories of the Sword,” Lee plays the male lead Yoo-baek, who claws his way up to the seat of supreme power despite his low background, in the course of which he antagonizes his best friend who is the female lead.
“Memories of the Sword” will release on August 13.
The VIP screening of "Memories of the Sword' will be held on the afternoon of the 11th. It is an occasion for the cast, crew, and director to invite those close to them to come and watch a movie and have a good time. Whether the wife of Lee Byung-hun, lead role, will be in attendance after a long absence from public events is a topic of gossip. If so, this would be her first public appearance since giving birth.
The studio and Lee Min-jeong's agency are not saying anything other than "nothing has been decided". According to someone with the movie's production, "we have not receive any messages stating her intentions to attend". Lee Min-jeong's agency said "Since it is her husband's film, we can speculate. However, nothing has been decided. We have not officially invited her and have not asked her in person".
"Memories of the Sword" is a movie about the unavoidable fates of three swordsmen who had different ideologies set in the late Goryeo period dynasty when the sword was law.
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