2 Years Since the Passing of Acting Maestro Byun Hee-bong: An Enduring Legacy

It has been two years since the beloved actor Byun Hee-bong left us. He passed away in September 2023 at the age of 81, after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer. His absence is still deeply felt by many in the entertainment industry and beyond.

Byun Hee-bong, who debuted as a voice actor in 1966, went on to carve a remarkable career in both television dramas and films. His extensive filmography includes iconic works such as 'The Host', 'Memories of Murder', and 'Okja', solidifying his status as a versatile and respected actor.

He was particularly renowned for his collaborations with director Bong Joon-ho, earning the nickname 'Bong Joon-ho's persona' for their work on films like 'The Host' and 'Okja'. His role in 'The Host' led him to become a '10-million-viewer actor' and earned him a Best Supporting Actor award at the Blue Dragon Film Awards, while 'Okja' saw him walk the prestigious red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival.

Despite being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2018, Byun Hee-bong continued to pour his passion into acting, appearing in productions like 'Mr. Sunshine', 'My Lawyer, Mr. Jo 2: Crime and Punishment', 'Trap', and the film 'The Light Has Come' until his final days. In 2020, he was honored with the Silver Cultural Merit Medal at the Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards, recognizing his significant contributions.

Even after his passing, his contributions are being celebrated. Last year, a posthumous Achievement Award was presented at the Korea Drama Awards, and a touching moment occurred when an AI-generated avatar of Byun Hee-bong appeared on stage to accept the award, expressing gratitude to his loved ones and fans.

Byun Hee-bong began his acting career as a voice actor in 1966. He left a strong impression on the public with his unique performances in various dramas and films. His collaborations with director Bong Joon-ho were a significant turning point in his acting career.