Lee Byung Hun Wins Award at Japan Drama Festival

Top Korean actor Lee Byung-hun received an honor at a drama awards ceremony in Japan yesterday. 

The 40-year-old actor was named the "Best Actor in Asia" at the Tokyo Drama Awards 2010 held at the Meiji Memorial Hall on October 25. 

In early October, an official from the Tokyo Drama Awards had told Japanese reporters that this year's fest will present two new awards including the prize for 'Best Actor in Asia' which will go to Lee for his acting skills in hit Korean TV series' IRIS 'and for many of his works recording high viewership ratings and being sold overseas.

"IRIS" itself won the award for top foreign project award. The show had raked in ratings of nearly 40 percent during its run in Korea late last year and also saw a successful run in Japan.

Lee, 40, is one of the most popular actors in Korea with scores of television dramas and films under his belt. He expanded his career into Hollywood last year, starring in action flick "GI Joe" and "I Come with the Rain." 

He recently starred in the Korean thriller "I Saw the Devil" with actor Choi Min-sik, which has been sold to various countries such as France, England, Taiwan, Turkey and North America. 

Reporter: Ko Kyoung-seok 

Editor: Lucia Hong 

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Lee Byung-hun Cleared of Defamation Charges

Actor Lee Byung-hun has been cleared of defamation charges filed against him in March by baseball player-turned-TV personality Kang Byung-kyu.

The Seoul Central Prosecutors' Office ruled Thursday that Lee is "not guilty" of defaming Kang who had claimed he was wrongly accused of his involvement in a feud between the actor and his ex-girlfriend identified by her last name Kwon.

A legal dispute between the former couple had fired up when Kwon lodged a complaint to court saying she was allured into having a sexual relationship with the actor on his false promises of marriage and demanded she be compensated for physical and psychological damage.

Lee too had filed a suit against Kwon as well as Kang, who according to Lee's legal representatives, was behind those who had demanded for money in exchange for exposing details of the actor's personal life.

Prosecutors sided with Lee, indicting Kang in mid-March for defamation and attempted blackmail against the actor. An angered Kang had then countersued Lee for defamation.

"Kang failed to provide detailed testimonies on how Lee marred his reputation and Lee denied the charges through paper so we were not able to find any definite evidence," the prosecutors office explained.

Accordingly, the legal dispute surrounding the two celebrities can be considered concluded.

Kang has also been indicted for his alleged involvement in an assault case on the set of "Iris" -- then starring Lee -- which he visited in mid-December over talk that Chung Tae-won, chief of Taewon Entertainment and producer of the hit show, had spread false rumor that he was behind the feud between Lee and Kwon.

Kang also has a suspended jail term which he received in February for habitually gambling through online gambling sites.

Reporter : Ko Kyoung-seok kave@

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@

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Lee Byung-Hun's Ex-girlfriend Resumes Lawsuit Last Minute

Hallyu star Lee Byung-hun's former girlfriend has requested for a new date of pleading to be set last minute, resuming a half-year long legal battle against the actor which was thought to have been withdrawn.

"In the afternoon, we received a mail from her containing an application for a third trial regarding the compensation suit she filed against Lee," Judge Jung Hyun-myung at the Seoul Central Prosecutors' Office said late on Monday, adding a new date of hearing would be set the following day.

The court had decided earlier in the day to conclude that a civil suit that Lee's ex-girlfriend, a Canadian-American woman identified only by her last name Kwon, had been withdrawn with her not returning to Korea since leaving for Canada after suing the actor on December 8.

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Lee Byung-hun Lawsuit Withdrawn

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Top Korean actor Lee Byung-hun's legal woes surrounding a former girlfriend have been settled, his agency said on Monday.

According to BH Entertainment, the Seoul Central Prosecutors' Office concluded that a civil suit, filed against Lee last December by a Canadian-American woman identified only by her last name Kwon, has been withdrawn.

The court made its decision based on its judgement that Kwon no longer intends to take legal action -- Kwon has not returned to Korea since leaving for Canada after suing the actor on December 8.

Her absence from the country has led to her missing two dates for pleading, on April 22 and May 20, and she has not requested for a new date of pleading thereafter. The court considers a case withdrawn if a request is not made within a month of a no-show.

Hence Lee has been freed from the six-month long legal turmoil -- according to law, all records relating to a case are scrapped when a civil suit is withdrawn.

A legal dispute between the two had fired up when Kwon lodged a complaint saying she was allured into having a sexual relationship with the actor on his false promises of marriage, asking to be paid 100 million won in physical and psychological damages.

Lee took counter legal action, suing the woman for libel and asking the police to investigate multiple threats that he had received regarding his relationship with Kwon. 

Kwon had also reported to authorities that the actor had taken part in illegal baccarat gambling overseas but the court cleared the actor of the charges, saying there is no evidence Lee had been involved in habitual gambling overseas.

The court also indicted former baseball player turned TV personality Kang Byung-kyu for his alleged involvement in an assault case on the set of "Iris" -- then starring Lee -- which he visited in mid-December over talk that Chung Tae-won, chief of Taewon Entertainment and producer of the hit show, had spread false rumor that he was behind the feud between Lee and Kwon.

Kang has been standing trial ever since while also countersuing Lee who had charged him with defamation. This case too has been in a deadlock however, due to Kwon's absence from the country.

Lee, 39, has long been considered one of the most successful actors in Korea, appearing in numerous Korean dramas and films, including TV series "All In" and director Park Chan-wook's 2000 film "Joint Security Area". 

He also debuted in Hollywood last year with a supporting role in "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" alongside Channing Tatum and Sienna Miller and starred in action thriller "I Come with the Rain" with Josh Hartnett and Takuya Kimura which also showed in theaters in 2009.

Reporter : Lim Hye-seon lhsro@

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@

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Korean film "I Saw The Devil" Pre-Sold To Four Countries

Korean actor Lee Byung-hun in a scene from the film "I Saw The Devil" [Showbox]

Korean thriller film "I Saw The Devil," which was pre-sold to France during Cannes film market last month, has been picked up by three more countries -- namely England, Taiwan and Turkey. 

According to a press release by Finecut, which handles overseas sales for the pic, U.K.-based film distribution company Optimum Releasing bought the overseas rights for the Korean thriller which is still in production with noted filmmaker Kim Ji-woon directing top actors Lee Byung-hun and Choi Min-sik. 

"Director Kim Jee-woon's unique and beautiful style has a powerful force that touches a deep spot in one's subconscious," explained Berenice Fugard, President of Optimum, on why he bought the film. 

He went onto say that he is "convinced director Kim Ji-woon will make one of the most intense, breathtaking films that will be remembered for a long time." 

Optimum had previously bought and distributed several Korean films, including "The Host" and "Chaw," in the U.K. 

Taiwanese distributor Catchplay and Turkey's Bir Film also picked up the film from Finecut.

"Devil" is about a secret agent (played by Lee) plotting revenge against a serial killer (Choi) who killed his fiancee. 

The film is scheduled for release in Korea this summer.

Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@
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Lee Byung-hun: Korea's leading man

Credit clips: Ylin @ Youtube

(CNN) -- With over 20 years as an actor, Lee Byung-hun has a gained a serious on-screen persona. But when the camera is off, the 39-year-old South Korean is more joker than brooding artist.

Sienna Miller, his co-star in the 2009 blockbuster "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" -- Lee's first foray into Hollywood -- described Lee as not only incredibly talented and handsome, but also incredibly funny and silly.

It's perhaps an unexpected accolade for the star of films like "Joint Security Area" and "The Good, the Bad, The Weird."

Yet he admits that while he takes his work seriously, in "real life" he likes nothing more than having fun and relaxing with a bottle of wine.

For a bit of respite from the fame and adulation he faces daily in South Korea, and for a bit of fun, Lee once became a taxi driver for a few days.

"No one recognized me. It was a weird experience," he told CNN.

After returning the taxi back to a friend and playing with being anonymous, Lee was back into his real life, starring in hugely popular South Korean TV series and making a name for himself in Hollywood.

"Even a few years ago no one thought it would happen. It was just a dream for Korean actors," he said.

With "G.I. Joe" sequels to come, he could soon be hiding from an even bigger army of fans.

Source: CNN

* He deserve to be where he were now.... proud to be asian

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Lee Byung Hun’s alleged ex interviews with Fuji TV

Lee Byung Hun is quite popular in Japan and it seems the country is quite interested in his alleged scandal with a Canadian Kyopo named Kwon Mi Yeon. Kwon Mi Yeon recently had a brief interview with Japan's Fuji TV.

In the interview Kwon Mi Yeon stated that Lee Byung Hun said that he loved her and she was "special," and that he wanted to be with her forever. Even though he never asked her for marriage, she took the last comment as a proposal to her. She stated she moved to Korea to be with him because of this and engaged in a sexual relationship. Despite claims of blackmail against Lee Byung Hun, she claims if Lee Byung Hun just apologized to her, then none of this would've happened.

Lee Byung Hun was just in Japan recently for the 'Hallyu's Four of A Kind' event, however he didn't answer any questions pertaining to the scandal. There's a lot of sketchy stuff going on, hopefully this is resolved soon. Thanks to mariah for the tip.

Quoted this from Allkpop.

* Just another way to got more attention...

but what make she look bad is when she loudly and clearly stated that LBH actually never ever did say he will take her as his wife... well yeah he did say he love her and want to be with her forever like I've never heard that before... why does she have to put herself in a place where people might judge her as 'goldigger', 'stupid...', and many more...

LBH might be the Bad Guy but he is not stupid right... if she is trying to get him back for what he have done... she should try other method besides LBH is not Tiger Wood... he don't have to worry about losing a wife... and I don't think he will lose any sponsors or something like that... hmm will he?

Here some of the comment that I quoted from allkpop... it's sure doesn't sound good...

"Wah wahh wahhh she got dumped. Silly, naive woman! It happens all the time, what, has she been living under a rock? She says an apology would have made everything all right, yeah right, what a lie…obviously the only thing that would have made it better for her is MONEY! " -Issa

"Girl, get over it. Just because he says he wanted to be with you forever, doesn’t mean he’s proposing to you. A lot of relationships are like that, guys telling the girl they want to be with them forever, they might’ve meant it at the time, but life happens, so you should just focus on getting over him rather than trying to sue him and ruin his career just because you’re hurt. (On a side note, if she really did love him, she wouldn’t exactly be doing this, intentionally trying to ruin him!)"-stickp

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Update: Lee Byung Hun writes to his fans

There have been a twisted truths coming up these days, and there may be stories that get made up later on. But I believe the truth will come out even though it may take some time.

There is something more important. What was supposed to be a beautiful memory has now become something not so pleasing. The truth changed and shook my world. Knowing that the person I cared for is putting me into this situation is heartbreaking and the sad reality.

I've always believed that holding silence is the best way to move on from rumors, malicious accusations, and incidents I could never explain. I learned this as an actor. I will always keep this moral because I know the truth in my heart, not in my words.

I'm where I've always been. Thank you.

Credit: Allkpop

* I supposed he must have been trough a tough time now. What ever it is all I can say is... just wait. If we start judging who is right and who is wrong we might end up hurting our own pride and believes. Well actually I'm touch with his letters... especially when he pointed this out...

" what was supposed to be a beautiful memory has become something not so pleasing."

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Lee Byung Hun denied the accusations

On December 8, Lee Byung Hun caused a stir in Korea when ex-girlfriend Kwon Mi Yeon accused the IRIS & G.I. Joe star of causing physical and mental suffering during their allegedly tumultuous relationship. The actor has finally come out with a press release addressing the matter. Although he admitted that he had indeed shared a relationship with Kwon, Lee denied her accusations and promised to defend himself against this lawsuit.

"I have never done anything I should be ashamed of as a public figure," Lee said firmly. "I will fight these vicious accusations through the law."

And that's not all - on the 9th, Lee expressed that a few anonymous men had contacted him earlier in 2009, blackmailing him and threatening to reveal his relationship unless he gave them 2 billion won (1.7 million USD). BH Entertainment also revealed that Lee has asked prosecutors to look into Kwon's false (?) accusations, possibly for slander and a maybe even a countersuit.

Although the idea of legally seeking monetary compensation for "physical and mental suffering" may seem ludicrous at first, it's actually a common motive behind many lawsuits and torts. As this scandal unfolds, I guess we'll just have to see whether Lee's actions really did cross the line and seriously harm Kwon Mi Yeon... stay tuned for more on this dispute!

Source: Yonhap News

*Okay this is the answer given by his ex... now I'm getting confuse... but still I don't know.

Kwon wanted to prove her relationship with Lee Byung Hun was real so she gave in a picture of her with him to the press.

Since she is not very good at Korean, another person by the last name by Park talked for her, "Yesterday, Entertainment Relay actor Jung Jun Ho said, 'This is an unfair Situation for Lee Byung Hun.' Kwon has now decided to release a picture since she wants to prove that she dated him. She picked that one out of over 100. We can even release a picture that's inappropriate."

Kwon actually released four pictures. She showed the press a picture of his room, a Kang Won Do ski resort, where they vacationed, a solo picture of Lee Byung Hun at the resort and one of them together.

Park also said on behalf of Kwon, "Kwon lost everything because of Lee Byung Hun. If it's a crime to trust a man, then we will fight from what's wrong and right until the end."

Credit Source: allkpop.com

*Well first of all... I know that no matter what Lee Byung Hun and any other stars were a human... they're not an angel who always have their bright and white sides... so sometimes things do happened. But to think again... there is so many people around the world who break-up even on their wedding day. falling in love, promises and what a ring? does that mean I can sue my ex now that I lose hope on falling in love again? please let me know, if yes... then I'll call my lawyer now.

So LBH might have his lovey dovey day... and as a guy I think he would be seriously involved with that girl. But maybe after several times, meeting and spending some quality times with her... he just figure out that she's not for him...(i'm just guessing...) and decide to break-up.

And then this girl, 22 years old... just move on. Still young to even know what life really are. If she continue what she is doing now... I don't know what kind of life she have to go trough after this. Things might be hard. People might pointing her even if she was right from the start.

Trying to win over a person who actually well known... it's not easy. Even if she is right she should consider again bringing up this love story up front. Afraid? No that's not the words... just be carefull of what coming up next. He is an actor afterall... people might want to believe him...and blame that 22 years old girl chasing over his money. This happened all the time even in my real life.

If it was real love than stop there... keep the good memories between the 2 of you... why do other people have to watch how you tarnish the relationship that you've describe as love? I just don't get it.

Maybe they're trying to write a new script out of it... and this is just a test...

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Lee Byung Hun Under Fire For Luring Girl Into Bed.

Lee Byung Hun of IRIS and G.I. Joe is under fire for supposedly toying with a girl.

22 year old Kwon Mi Yeon from Canada, claims to be Lee Byung Hun's ex-girlfriend. She also claims that Lee Byung Hun tricked her into bed by promising marriage, and has suffered emotionally as a result.

On the 8th, Kwon Mi Yeon filed a $100,000 claim with the Seoul Central District Court against Lee Byung Hun for damages and emotional suffering.

Prior to meeting Lee Byung Hun, Kwon Mi Yeon was attending York University and majoring in Rhythmic Gymnastics as a National athlete for Canada. She claims to have met him in September 2008, while Lee Byung Hun came to Toronto, Canada to promote his movie "The Good, The Bad, The Weird."

Kwon Mi Yeon stated:


I was introduced to Lee Byung Hun through an acquaintance. He gave me tickets to his movie and we become closer naturally. Shortly after, Lee Byung Hun left for New York, but called me regularly. About 1 week later, towards the end of September, Lee Byung Hun came back to Toronto and we began our full-fledged relationship.


She also stated that after Lee Byung Hun left for Korea, they still kept in touch via phone and email:

At the end of last year, I visited Korea and spent around 10 days with him at his home. Lee Byung Hun also introduced me as his girlfriend to his mother, younger sister and of course his friends.


Kwon also revealed:

The sponsor of Lee Byung Hun, Chairman A told me, "I will let you continue your career in athletics as well as academics by supporting you through college, so leave Canada for Korea to live with Lee Byung Hun." So I left Canada to go to Seoul last July (2009) and lived with him in an apartment in the district of Jamshil. But not even 3 months in, I was thrown out. After I arrived in Korea, Lee Byung Hun's attitude changed. After he kicked me out, he put ~$10,000 as a deposit for a ~$700 rental apartment for me. Afterwards, he has ignored me as if he doesn't even know me.


Kwon Mi Yeon finished off by stating:

I think that this big celebrity used his fame and fortune to take advantage of me and only use me for entertainment, then threw me away. This is why I submitted this complaint.


Lee Byung Hun's legal representative stated:

Kwon Mi Yeon and the people around her have been threatening Lee Byung Hun (victim). We plan to investigate this issue.

Credit Source: allkpop.com

*wah... what is going on. Lee Byung Hun playing around fooling a girl... argh!!! I don't know... maybe there is something. Just need to add up more to know what really happened.

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