Lee Byung-hun fronts GQ Hong Kong’s Men of the Year special issue, taking the cover with a cool, pared-back intensity that captures “Lee’s moment.”
A fixture not just in Korea but on the global stage, the star channels piercing focus and understated charisma throughout the shoot. In tailored looks ranging from a classic black suit and turtleneck to a velvet tuxedo, he cuts a striking, refined silhouette. In dramatic black-and-white frames, partially obscured angles nod to identity and the inner life of an actor.
GQ Hong Kong praises him as “more than an actor ― a master who has propelled change at the heart of Korean cinema for over 30 years,” adding that his name has become synonymous with trust and prestige.
In the accompanying interview, Lee reflects on the global content era: “If a story is strong and well crafted, it can resonate worldwide from anywhere.” On happiness, he adds, “I used to see it as a goal in the future. Now I ask, ‘How happy was I today?’ Simply feeling the present moment is happiness.”
His latest collaboration with director Park Chan-wook, "No Other Choice," has drawn nearly 3 million moviegoers in Korea, marking a robust box-office run.
On the festival circuit, Lee kicked off North America’s awards season with a special honor at the Toronto International Film Festival and picked up the Artist of Distinction Award at the Newport Beach Film Festival.
He’s also a Best Actor nominee at the Gotham Awards, often seen as an early bellwether for the Oscars.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)