Film and television · South Korea · 1970–
Lee Byung-hun Life & Career Timeline
Korean Wave stardom, Hollywood action and prestige global television.
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19701978198619942002201020182026
LBLee Byung-hunFilm and television · South Korea
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About this timeline
About Lee Byung-hun
Lee Byung-hun moves between Korean auteurs, blockbuster franchises and worldwide television phenomena.
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Lee Byung-hun biography
Lee Byung-hun timeline: key events
Explore 18 documented Moments in chronological order. Read the dates, locations and source references below. Where available, additional context explains why a milestone matters.
Born near Seoul
Lee Byung-hun was born in Gyeonggi Province.
Source: www.koreanfilm.or.krTelevision debut
A KBS talent audition launched Lee’s professional screen career.
Source: www.koreanfilm.or.krWho Drives Me Mad?
An early film role began his move beyond television.
Source: www.koreanfilm.or.krJoint Security Area
Lee played a South Korean soldier in Park Chan-wook’s breakthrough hit.
Source: www.koreanfilm.or.krBeautiful Days
The television melodrama expanded his popularity across Asia.
Source: www.koreanfilm.or.krAll In
The gambling drama became a major Korean Wave television success.
Source: www.koreanfilm.or.krA Bittersweet Life
Kim Jee-woon’s noir showcased Lee’s controlled action and dramatic presence.
Source: www.koreanfilm.or.krThe Good, the Bad, the Weird
Lee played the ruthless “Bad” opposite Song Kang-ho.
Source: www.koreanfilm.or.krG.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra
As Storm Shadow, Lee entered a major Hollywood franchise.
Source: www.koreanfilm.or.krI Saw the Devil
The revenge thriller became one of his most intense performances.
Source: www.koreanfilm.or.krMasquerade
A dual role as king and commoner won sweeping domestic awards.
Source: www.koreanfilm.or.krRed 2
Lee joined an established Hollywood action ensemble.
Source: www.koreanfilm.or.krInside Men
The political crime drama brought multiple Best Actor prizes.
Source: www.koreanfilm.or.krThe Magnificent Seven
Lee joined the international remake ensemble.
Source: www.koreanfilm.or.krMr. Sunshine
The prestige television epic reached a global streaming audience.
Source: www.koreanfilm.or.krSquid Game
A mysterious masked role connected Lee to a worldwide television phenomenon.
Source: www.koreanfilm.or.krConcrete Utopia
The disaster drama was selected as South Korea’s Oscar submission.
Source: www.koreanfilm.or.krNo Other Choice
Lee reunited with Park Chan-wook for the darkly comic thriller.
Source: www.koreanfilm.or.krExplore related timelines
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This educational timeline is not endorsed by or affiliated with Lee Byung-hun or their representatives. Event text is original editorial copy based on the linked sources.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor · Licence shown on source file
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About the Lee Byung-hun timeline
Who is Lee Byung-hun?
Lee Byung-hun moves between Korean auteurs, blockbuster franchises and worldwide television phenomena.
How many moments are included?
This public timeline currently contains 18 sourced moments spanning 1970–.
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This public timeline is created and maintained by Memmie Editorial Team. Schools, clubs and cultural organisations can apply to become timeline partners.
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