Director Lee Sang-il Returns to Korea for 'National Treasure' and SBS 'Nightline' Appearance

Director Lee Sang-il, a Zainichi Korean filmmaker known for his acclaimed film 'National Treasure,' is set to appear on SBS's 'Nightline' tonight (12th), marking his return to South Korean television after a nine-year hiatus.

Director Lee, who arrived in Seoul via Gimpo Airport earlier today, will join the late-night broadcast of 'Nightline.' The program has previously featured prominent directors such as Makoto Shinkai of 'Your Name,' Park Chan-wook of 'The Handmaiden,' and Kim Han-min of 'Noryang: Deadly Sea.'

The appearance of director Lee and his film 'National Treasure' is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first Japanese film to be featured on 'Nightline' in nine years, since the broadcast of 'Your Name' in 2017. Director Lee is expected to share insights into the golden age of Japanese cinema and the behind-the-scenes story of his film becoming the first live-action Japanese movie to surpass 10 million admissions in 23 years.

His latest film, 'National Treasure,' has achieved remarkable success in Japan, surpassing the box office revenues of 'The First Slam Dunk' and 'Avatar.' It has been enjoying a six-month theatrical run, creating a sensation. Furthermore, it has shattered Japanese box office records, following 'Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train,' leading the current boom in Japanese cinema.

'National Treasure' tells the story of two men who must surpass each other to reach the pinnacle of national treasure. The film is set to be released nationwide in South Korea on Wednesday, the 19th.

Korean netizens are buzzing with excitement, with comments like 'Director Lee Sang-il is finally back!', 'I must see National Treasure,' and 'It's amazing how successful it was in Japan, I'm looking forward to it.' The anticipation for his appearance and the film's release is palpable.