The “Lee Hee-jun Special Retrospective” wrapped on November 30 to a packed house, giving fans a rare, front-row look at the actor-turned-director’s wide-ranging craft.
Staged at the Arirang Cine Center’s Arirang Indie Wave theater, the program spotlighted Lee’s many layers as a performer and creator, drawing enthusiastic interest from audiences throughout.
The event unfolded in two parts. The first revisited Lee’s early work with a screening of "Dear Dolphin" (2013)―the film he’s said he holds dearest―followed by an intimate post-screening Q&A with Lee and director Kang Jin-a.
“The era’s raw emotions, and the character’s pain I fully immersed in, still stay with me in a very personal way,” Lee shared.
The second half put Lee behind the camera. His autobiographical short "Mad Rush," about living with panic disorder, screened alongside his upcoming title "Rectangle, Triangle," which was invited to this year’s Jeonju International Film Festival. Lee then took questions directly from the audience.
“It might feel a little embarrassing, but I’m grateful,” he said. “I want to show more of the projects I direct and tell stories people can relate to. Opportunities like this are rare, so thank you. Doing both sections today left me feeling nothing but joy and gratitude.”
The retrospective closed on a high note, capturing Lee’s present moment as an artist who moves freely between screen and storytelling. Moviegoers left with a deeper feel for the emotions threading through his filmography, fresh curiosity about his directing voice, and heightened anticipation for what’s next.
Meanwhile, Lee has wrapped filming on ENA’s "The Scarecrow" and is now focused on his next project.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)