Actor Lee Byung-hun recently appeared on the CNN original documentary series K-Everything, representing South Korea. This four-part series spotlights the forces and backstory behind how Korean culture became a global phenomenon, with actor-director Daniel Dae Kim serving as host and executive producer.
Lee joined the 'K-Film' episode to speak on behalf of Korea’s film and content industry. Sharing why Korean content is booming worldwide, he said, "I think it’s because of the unpredictable plot twists." He also explained the uniquely Korean sentiment of 'heung': "'Heung' is a positive, uplifting vibe. I think it’s an energy that comes from the mind or the soul," emphasizing the distinct spirit and vitality that power Korean storytelling.
Recalling the film Joint Security Area, Lee said, "It was a project I encountered at a time when a series of films weren’t performing as expected," adding that it was "deeply meaningful both commercially and artistically." In response, Daniel Dae Kim named A Bittersweet Life as his all-time favorite from Lee, praising it as a "stylish yet brutal film."
Toward the end, Lee also shared his thoughts on the future of the entertainment industry: "Rather than first asking what people might like, if we keep developing our own way of telling stories and our unique energy—and stick to it with conviction—we’ll ultimately continue to earn sustained interest and love."
Meanwhile, Lee Byung-hun is currently filming the Disney+ original series Koreans, a remake of the U.S. FX drama The Americans, co-starring Han Ji-min and Lee Hee-jun.