Park Chan-wook & Lee Byung-hun Reunite After 25 Years, Share 'Concrete Utopia' Behind-the-Scenes

Director Park Chan-wook and actor Lee Byung-hun appeared on tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block,' revealing behind-the-scenes stories from their new film, 'Concrete Utopia.'

Director Park praised Lee Byung-hun, stating, "Lee Byung-hun is a superstar, but most actors and artists are demanding and sensitive. It's the best, most grateful, and most surprising thing that Lee Byung-hun isn't like that." He also shared a heartwarming anecdote about Lee Byung-hun looking after staff on set, highlighting his considerate nature.

Director Park particularly lauded Lee Byung-hun's exceptional ensemble skills. "When he's with Son Ye-jin, he makes it seem like she's the main character. It's rare to find an actor who is good at give-and-take, but Lee Byung-hun is the best," he commented.

Lee Byung-hun reciprocated the praise for Director Park, saying, "He maintains a calm and comfortable demeanor even in everyday life. When I was younger, I wondered how someone so gentle and always smiling could make such grotesque and violent films. He explained, 'Perhaps it's because my mind is full of imagination, wanting to express more.' That was impressive."

This marks the first collaboration between the two since their 2000 film 'Joint Security Area' (JSA), a reunion 25 years in the making. Lee Byung-hun expressed his excitement, noting, "He mentioned the original work 'A Hammer' 17 years ago and said he would make this film. I was so glad when he finally asked me to be a part of it."

Regarding Director Park's working style, Lee Byung-hun humorously described it as 'Park's Revisions.' "The director gives us 3-4 revision suggestions if we act well, and then gives another 3-4 after we implement them. Eventually, you reach a state of trance," he explained.

He added that as an actor, it's his duty to faithfully convey the writer's intentions, and he engages in extensive discussions with the director to achieve this.

Lee Byung-hun was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the 88th Academy Awards in 2016, becoming the first Korean actor to achieve this feat. He has garnered critical acclaim for his performances in numerous successful films such as 'Masquerade,' 'Inside Men,' and 'The Age of Shadows.' He currently maintains an active career, working in both Hollywood and South Korea.