It has been a good year for Lee Byung Hun. He starred in two Hollywood blockbuster films, earning praise from co-star Bruce Willis, and he is about to marry his longtime girlfriend actress Lee Min Jung. But not before he wins this year's Producer's Choice Award for his film work.
The Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival, also known as PiFan, recently announced that Lee Byung Hun and actress Jun Ji Hyun are being honored this year. The festival highlights films in the horror, thriller, and sci-fi genres.
Actress Jun Hi Hyun will receive the award for her work in the spy film, "The Berlin File" and the heist film, "Thieves."
Lee Byung Hun is being honored for his work in the Korean historical film, "Masquerade" and his roles in the Hollywood blockbusters "Red 2" and "G.I. Joe: Retaliation."
Both actors have international careers. Lee and actor Ahn Sung Ki are the first Korean actors to leave imprints of their hands and feet in the cement outside Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood. Such prints have long been a sign of stardom.
Jun, who is known for her role in the drama "My Sassy Girl," acted opposite Chinese actress Li BingBing in the English language film, "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan." The film is set in remote 19th century China. She was the first Korean actress to be featured on the cover of the American edition of "Vogue" magazine.
The award winners were chosen by Korean film producers.
"With their outstanding acting, their huge selling power at the box office, and popularity among the masses, Lee Byung Hun and Jun Ji Hyun are the unanimous choices for this year's Producer's Choice Award," said a representative from PiFan. "This is a huge honor for the actors and the festival."
The actors will attend the festival's red carpet opening on July 18 and the closing on July 28. Lee Byung Hun's film "Red 2" also opens in Korean theaters on July 18.
Lee already has new film plans. The star of dozens of dramas, including "Iris" and "I Saw The Devil," has been cast as Deok Gi in the historical film "Memories of the Sword." He will co-star with award-winning actresses Jeon Do Yeon and Kim Ko Eun. Lee will play a swordsman who participates in an uprising and the two women will target him for revenge.
Last year's PiFan winners were Ha Jung Woo and Ha Ji Won.
