Aug. 29, 2024
The festival will screen six films starring the actor and bestow a posthumous Korean Cinema Award.
Korea - The Busan International Film
Festival (BIFF), Asia’s largest film festival, will posthumously honour the
late South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, best known for his role in Bong Joon-ho’s
Oscar-winning film Parasite. Lee, who tragically passed away in December
2023, will be commemorated through a special program titled In Memory of Lee
Sun-kyun.
Lee Sun-kyun’s career spanned over two decades, during
which he delivered numerous memorable performances. The special program at BIFF
will feature six of his works, including Parasite, Paju (2009), Our
Sunhi (2013), A Hard Day (2014), and an episode of the TV series My
Mister (2018)3. Additionally, his posthumous film Land of Happiness
(2024), where he plays a soldier involved in a presidential assassination, will
also be screened.
The festival will also present Lee with the Korea
Cinema Award, which is given to filmmakers who have significantly contributed
to the promotion of Korean cinema globally. This award highlights Lee’s impact
on both domestic and international audiences through his diverse body of work.
Lee’s death, ruled an apparent suicide, followed a
two-month police investigation over suspected drug use1. His passing sparked
widespread public concern and calls for an investigation into the circumstances
surrounding his death. Despite the tragic end to his life, Lee’s legacy
continues to resonate within the film industry.
The BIFF aims to reflect on and commemorate Lee’s
achievements and contributions to Korean cinema through this special program.
The festival will take place from October 2 to 11, 2024, in Busan, South Korea.
This tribute not only honors Lee’s memory but also provides a platform for
audiences to appreciate his profound performances and lasting impact on the
film industry.