Late Actor Lee Sun-kyun Honored with Achievement Award at 29th BIFF

Amid the heartfelt tears of his fellow actors, the late Lee Sun-kyun was posthumously honored with the Achievement Award at the 29th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF).

The opening ceremony of the 29th BIFF, Asia's largest film festival, was held at 6 p.m. on October 2 at the outdoor stage of the Haeundae-gu Film Center in Busan. During the ceremony, the late actor Lee Sun-kyun, who recently passed away, was selected as the recipient of the Korean Film Achievement Award. Actor Ahn Jae-hong, who co-hosted the event, explained, "The award is given to those who have contributed to promoting Korean cinema worldwide."

A tribute video was then shown in memory of the late actor, featuring highlights from his career. The video included clips from notable works such as the drama 'My Mister' and the film 'Land of Happiness', which deeply resonated with viewers. One particularly moving line from an interview with Lee was featured: "When someone asks me why I act, I say it's because it allows me to reflect on myself. Acting brings indirect experiences and emotions. Each new role feels like a piece of homework that helps me grow. I want to continue taking on new challenges, step by step." This poignant statement touched the hearts of those watching.

Actors Song Joong-ki, Lee Hee-joon, and Ha Yoon-kyung, who were present at the ceremony, were seen shedding tears during the video, as captured by the event's broadcast.

After the video, co-host actress Park Bo-young expressed her sorrow, saying, "It was such a heartbreaking farewell. I hope you have found peace, just as the final message of 'My Mister' conveys." Ahn Jae-hong added, "In memory of the late Lee Sun-kyun, this year's festival will showcase six of his most representative films. I hope it will be a meaningful time to remember him. I will personally deliver this award to his bereaved family."

The festival will also feature a special tribute program titled 'Good Person, Lee Sun-kyun', which will screen six of his most renowned works, including 'Paju', 'Our Sunhi', 'A Hard Day', 'My Mister', 'Parasite', and 'Land of Happiness.' Special talks with directors and actors who worked alongside Lee Sun-kyun will also be held.

Meanwhile, the late Lee Sun-kyun tragically passed away in December last year amid a police investigation into his alleged drug use. In January, cultural figures, including director Bong Joon-ho, held a press conference calling for the truth to be uncovered in the Lee Sun-kyun case and urged authorities to take measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.