Lee Byung-hun: Difference between revisions

| image_upright = 1.2

| caption = Lee in 2020

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1970|7|12}}

| alma_mater = [[Hanyang University]]

| agent = {{plainlist|

* [[United Talent Agency]]

* BHEntertainment ([[Kakao M]])

}}

| children = 2

| hangul = 이병헌

'''Lee Byung-hun''' ({{Korean|이병헌}}; born July 12, 1970<ref>{{Cite web|title=LEE Byung-hun|url=http://m.koreanfilm.or.kr/mobile4/jsp/People/PeopleView.jsp?peopleCd=10055626|website=m.koreanfilm.or.kr|language=en|access-date=July 16, 2020|archive-date=July 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718002730/http://m.koreanfilm.or.kr/mobile4/jsp/People/PeopleView.jsp?peopleCd=10055626|url-status=live}}</ref>) is a South Korean actor. He has received acclaim for his work in a wide range of genres, most notably ''[[Joint Security Area (film)|Joint Security Area]]'' (2000); ''[[A Bittersweet Life]]'' (2005); ''[[The Good, the Bad, the Weird]]'' (2008); ''[[I Saw the Devil]]'' (2010); ''[[Masquerade (2012 film)|Masquerade]]'' (2012); and the television series ''[[Iris (TV series)|Iris]]'' (2009) and ''[[Mr. Sunshine (South Korean TV series)|Mr. Sunshine]]'' (2018). His critically acclaimed film ''[[Inside Men (film)|Inside Men]]'' (2015) won him the Best Actor prize at the three most prestigious South Korean award ceremonies: [[52nd Baeksang Arts Awards|52nd]] [[Baeksang Arts Awards]], [[37th Blue Dragon Film Awards|37th]] [[Blue Dragon Film Awards]] and [[53rd Grand Bell Awards|53rd]] [[Grand Bell Awards]]. Lee has seven films—''Joint Security Area'', ''The Good, the Bad, the Weird'', ''Masquerade'', ''Inside Men'', ''[[Master (2016 film)|Master]]'', ''[[Ashfall (film)|Ashfall]]'' and ''[[The Man Standing Next]]''—on the [[list of highest-grossing films in South Korea|list of the highest-grossing films in South Korea]]. Lee was [[Gallup Korea's Actor of the Year]] in the Film division in 2012 and in the Television division in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2020/11/689_127792.html|title=Lee Byung-hun chosen as 'actor of 2012' in poll|date=December 27, 2012|website=[[The Korea Times]]|agency=[[Yonhap News Agency]]|access-date=June 13, 2021|archive-date=June 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611070922/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2020/11/689_127792.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20181213135900005|script-title=ko:'미스터 션샤인' 이병헌·김태리, 올해를 빛낸 탤런트 1·2위|last=Lee|first=Do-yeon|date=December 13, 2018|work=[[Yonhap News Agency]]|language=ko|trans-title='Mr. Sunshine' Lee Byung-hun and Kim Tae-ri ranked first and second in the talent that shined this year|access-date=June 13, 2021|archive-date=June 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610182501/https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20181213135900005|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2021, he appeared in a [[Recurring character|recurring role]] as the Front Man in the [[Netflix]] hit survival series ''[[Squid Game]]''.

In the United States, he is known for portraying [[Storm Shadow (G.I. Joe)|Storm Shadow]] in ''[[G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra]]'' (2009) and its sequel ''[[G.I. Joe: Retaliation]]'' (2013), and starring alongside [[Bruce Willis]] in ''[[Red 2 (film)|Red 2]]'' (2013). He portrayed [[T-1000]] in ''[[Terminator Genisys]]'' (2015), and Billy Rocks in [[The Magnificent Seven (2016 film)|''The Magnificent Seven'']] (2016). Lee was the first South Korean actor to present an Oscar at the annual [[Academy Awards]] in Los Angeles and is a member of the [[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2016/07/141_208270.html|title=Actor Lee Byung-hun, 3 other Koreans named new Academy members|website=[[The Korea Times]]|date=June 30, 2016|access-date=July 6, 2016|archive-date=October 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012090919/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2016/07/141_208270.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Lee and [[Ahn Sung-ki]] were the first South Korean actors to imprint their hand and foot prints on the forecourt of [[Grauman's Chinese Theatre]] in [[Hollywood, Los Angeles]].

In 2001, Lee's popularity continued to climb when he starred in melodramas ''[[Beautiful Days (TV series)|Beautiful Days]]'' and ''[[Bungee Jumping of Their Own]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20170221000736&ACE_SEARCH=1|title=Behind the charisma, Lee Byung-hun is drawn to subtlety|date=February 22, 2017|work=[[The Korea Herald]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821214905/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20170221000736&ACE_SEARCH=1|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2003, he received the Grand Prize at the [[SBS Drama Awards]] and Best Actor at the [[Baeksang Arts Awards]] for his role in the poker drama ''[[All In (TV series)|All In]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=001&aid=0000300556|title=<연합인터뷰> SBS「올인」의 이병헌|date=January 6, 2003|website=[[Yonhap News Agency]]|access-date=December 23, 2018|archive-date=December 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224023649/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=001&aid=0000300556|url-status=live}}</ref> Due to his film and television roles, Lee experienced a rise in popularity across Asia, particularly Japan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2005/04/08/2005040861014.html|title=First Bae Yong-joon, Now Lee Byung-hun|date=April 8, 2005|work=[[The Chosun Ilbo]]|access-date=August 23, 2017|archive-date=August 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823162532/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2005/04/08/2005040861014.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hancinema.net/-hallyu-stars-lee-and-choi-greet-japanese-fans--2871.html|title='Hallyu' stars Lee and Choi greet Japanese fans|date=May 6, 2005|work=[[The Korea Times]]|publisher=[[HanCinema]]|access-date=August 23, 2017|archive-date=August 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823164339/http://www.hancinema.net/-hallyu-stars-lee-and-choi-greet-japanese-fans--2871.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

From 2005, Lee focused on film, earning critical acclaim for his performance in ''[[A Bittersweet Life]]'' directed by [[Kim Jee-woon]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2551280|title=A gangster movie with a touch of realism|date=April 5, 2005|work=Korea JoogAng Daily|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807051357/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2551280|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/search1/2603000000.html?cid=AEN20161007010500315|title=Actor Lee Byung-hun: 'Bittersweet Life' is best work of life|date=October 7, 2016|work=[[Yonhap News Agency]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821214742/http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/search1/2603000000.html?cid=AEN20161007010500315|url-status=live}}</ref> which was screened out of competition at the [[2005 Cannes Film Festival|Cannes Film Festival]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.festival-cannes.com/en/archives/ficheFilm/id/4280559/year/2005.html |title=Festival de Cannes: A Bittersweet Life |access-date=January 1, 2011 |work=Cannes Film Festival |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011163401/http://www.festival-cannes.com/en/archives/ficheFilm/id/4280559/year/2005.html |archive-date=October 11, 2012 }}</ref> Lee was nominated for Best Actor at the [[Blue Dragon Film Awards]] and [[Grand Bell Awards]], and won at the [[Chunsa Film Art Awards]], [[Baeksang Arts Awards]] and the [[Korean Association of Film Critics Awards]].

Lee reunited with director Kim Jee-woon in the "kimchi western" ''[[The Good, the Bad, the Weird]]'', taking on his first villain role.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.obsessedwithfilm.com/exclusive/mike-edwards-talks-to-byung-hun-lee-about-the-good-the-bad-the-weird-and-a-little-bit-about-gi-joe.php |title=Mike Edwards talks to Byung-hun Lee about THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE WEIRD and a little bit about G.I. JOE! &#124; Obsessed with Film |access-date=January 2, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090525085605/http://obsessedwithfilm.com/exclusive/mike-edwards-talks-to-byung-hun-lee-about-the-good-the-bad-the-weird-and-a-little-bit-about-gi-joe.php |archive-date=May 25, 2009 }}</ref> The film was screened out of competition at the [[2008 Cannes Film Festival|Cannes Film Festival]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.festival-cannes.com/en/archives/ficheFilm/id/10803642/year/2008.html |title=Festival de Cannes: The Good, the Bad, and the Weird |access-date=January 1, 2011 |work=Cannes Film Festival |archive-date=October 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004220959/http://www.festival-cannes.com/en/archives/ficheFilm/id/10803642/year/2008.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Lee's eye-catching performance in the film led to increased global recognition for him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/11/18/lee.byunghun/index.html|title=Korean idol Lee Byung-hun makes waves overseas|website=CNN|date=November 26, 2008|access-date=August 23, 2017|archive-date=July 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711094249/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/11/18/lee.byunghun/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This led to Lee's debut in Hollywood, where he played [[Storm Shadow (G.I. Joe)|Storm Shadow]] in ''[[G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra]]'', also starring [[Channing Tatum]] and [[Sienna Miller]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/07/398_49280.html|title=Lee Byung-hun Returns With Film G.I. Joe|date=July 29, 2009|work=[[The Korea Times]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821212617/http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/07/398_49280.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/09/12/2009091200242.html|title=Actor Lee Byung-hun Says Best Is Yet to Come|date=September 12, 2009|work=[[The Chosun Ilbo]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821212928/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/09/12/2009091200242.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Back in Korea, Lee appeared in ''[[I Come with the Rain]]'' opposite American actor [[Josh Hartnett]] and Japanese actor [[Takuya Kimura]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2910793|title=Actor taking movie world by storm with 'Rain'|date=October 2, 2009|work=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821214516/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2910793|url-status=live}}</ref>

Lee returned to television in late 2009 in the espionage action thriller ''[[Iris (TV series)|Iris]]'' as a secret agent who finds himself at the center of an international conspiracy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2008/tv/news/lee-byung-hun-to-star-in-iris-1117984237/|title=Lee Byung-hun to star in 'IRIS'|date=April 17, 2008|work=Variety|access-date=December 16, 2017|archive-date=June 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619191812/http://variety.com/2008/tv/news/lee-byung-hun-to-star-in-iris-1117984237/|url-status=live}}</ref> He reportedly received over 100 million won per episode for his role, the third highest in the country's drama history.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/11/398_55368.html|title=Lees High Salary|date=November 12, 2009|work=[[The Korea Times]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130045332/http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/11/398_55368.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Iris'' was one of the most expensive shows ever produced, and was a smash hit across Asia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.beyondhollywood.com/lee-byung-hun-in-expensive-spy-drama-series-iris|title=Lee Byung-hun in Expensive Spy Drama Series IRIS|work=Beyond Hollywood|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110203050223/http://www.beyondhollywood.com/lee-byung-hun-in-expensive-spy-drama-series-iris/|archive-date=February 3, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2913046|title=New drama finds a gripping formula for success|date=November 26, 2009|work=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821212529/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2913046|url-status=live}}</ref> Lee's performance earned him the Grand Prize at the [[KBS Drama Awards]] and Best Actor at the [[Baeksang Arts Awards]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/01/398_58347.html|title=2009 Drama Awards Wrap Up With No Surprises|date=January 3, 2010|work=[[The Korea Times]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810130152/http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/01/398_58347.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010032909304748800|title=Ko Hyun-jung, "Haeundae" win grand prize at PaekSang Arts Awards|date=March 29, 2010|work=10Asia|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303224155/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010032909304748800|archive-date=March 3, 2016}}</ref>

In 2010, Lee starred in ''[[I Saw the Devil]]'' with [[Choi Min-sik]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hancinema.net/lee-byung-hun-says-i-saw-the-devil-makes-you-think-of-what-you-get-out-of-revenge-24759.html|title=Lee Byung-hun says "'I Saw the Devil' makes you think of what you get out of revenge"|date=August 19, 2010|work=10Asia|publisher=[[HanCinema]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821211241/http://www.hancinema.net/lee-byung-hun-says-i-saw-the-devil-makes-you-think-of-what-you-get-out-of-revenge-24759.html|url-status=live}}</ref> his third collaboration with Kim Jee-woon, which premiered at the [[Sundance Film Festival]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/01/24/2011012400681.html|title=Lee Byung-hun Invited to Sundance Film Festival|date=January 24, 2011|work=[[The Chosun Ilbo]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821211830/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/01/24/2011012400681.html|url-status=live}}</ref> His portrayal of the intelligence agent won him the Grand Prize at the [[Baeksang Arts Awards]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20110529000032&ACE_SEARCH=1|title=Hyun Bin, Lee Byung-hun win Paeksang awards|date=May 29, 2011|work=[[The Korea Herald]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821214305/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20110529000032&ACE_SEARCH=1|url-status=live}}</ref>

Lee received acclaim for his portrayal of dual roles in the lavish period drama ''[[Gwanghae|Masquerade]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2012/10/398_122024.html|title=Lee shines in dual roles in 'Masquerade'|date=October 11, 2012|work=[[The Korea Times]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821213055/http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2012/10/398_122024.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The film was a box office hit, becoming the 7th film in Korean history to surpass 10 million admissions.<ref>{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Rachel|title='Masquerade,' 7th film to reach 10 million viewers|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2012/10/141_122761.html|work=[[The Korea Times]]|date=October 21, 2012|access-date=November 12, 2012|archive-date=October 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026065625/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2012/10/141_122761.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Lee won Best Actor at the [[Grand Bell Awards]] for his performance.<ref>{{cite web|title='Gwanghae' sweeps Korean Oscars |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2012/10/141_123548.html |work=[[The Korea Times]] |date=October 31, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714233723/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2012/10/141_123548.html |archive-date=July 14, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2012/12/398_127792.html|title=Lee Byung-hun chosen as 'actor of 2012' in poll|date=December 27, 2012|work=[[The Korea Times]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821214639/http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2012/12/398_127792.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On June 23, 2012, Lee, along with [[Ahn Sung-ki]], became the first Korean actors to leave their hand and foot prints on the forecourt of [[Grauman's Chinese Theatre]] in [[Hollywood, Los Angeles]]. He was recognized as an emerging star in Hollywood for his role of [[Storm Shadow (G.I. Joe)|Storm Shadow]] in ''[[G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra]]'', and its sequel, ''[[G.I. Joe: Retaliation]]''.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ahn Sung-ki, Lee Byung-hun to Leave Handprints in Hollywood|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2012/04/26/2012042600800.html|newspaper=[[The Chosun Ilbo]]|date=April 26, 2012|access-date=May 4, 2012|archive-date=August 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821213110/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2012/04/26/2012042600800.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2013, Lee reprised his role as Storm Shadow in ''[[G.I. Joe: Retaliation]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/lee-byung-hun-reprise-gi-72401|title=Lee Byung-hun to Reprise 'G.I. Joe' Role|author=Park Soo-mee|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=January 16, 2011|access-date=January 21, 2011|archive-date=January 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110120052506/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/lee-byung-hun-reprise-gi-72401|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20130312000901&ACE_SEARCH=1|title=Becoming 'Storm Shadow' in Hollywood|website=[[The Korea Herald]]|date=March 12, 2013|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821215135/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20130312000901&ACE_SEARCH=1|url-status=live}}</ref> He then co-starred in the American film ''[[RED 2 (film)|RED 2]]'', the sequel to the 2010 action-comedy hit ''[[RED (2010 film)|RED]]'', alongside [[Bruce Willis]], [[Catherine Zeta-Jones]], [[Helen Mirren]] and [[John Malkovich]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Chitwood |first=Adam |url=http://collider.com/red-2-cathertin-zeta-jones-bruce-willis/165440/ |title=Catherine Zeta-Jones and Byung-Hun Lee Join Bruce Willis and More in RED 2 |work=Collider |access-date=September 12, 2016 |archive-date=March 10, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310135855/http://collider.com/red-2-cathertin-zeta-jones-bruce-willis/165440/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2974615|title=Lee Byung-hun reps his role in Red 2|date=July 17, 2012|work=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821212426/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2974615|url-status=live}}</ref>

Following his sex-chat scandal, Lee returned with the martial arts film ''[[Memories of the Sword]]'' in 2015. The film was shot in late 2013 and scheduled for release in 2014, but was postponed due to Lee's scandal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2015/06/398_181799.html|title=Sex-chat scandal actor returns|date=June 29, 2015|work=[[The Korea Times]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821215058/http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2015/06/398_181799.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He received praise for his scene-stealing role as a young and ambitious warrior with a lowly status, but the film failed to do well and was criticized for its messy plot.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2015/08/398_184546.html|title='Memories of Sword' overshadows Lee|date=August 10, 2015|work=[[The Korea Times]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821215153/http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2015/08/398_184546.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The same year, Lee played a [[T-1000]] in ''[[Terminator Genisys]]'' opposite [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/gi-joe-mad-men-house-692427|title='G.I. Joe,' 'Mad Men' and 'House of Cards' Actors Join 'Terminator: Genesis' (Exclusive)|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=March 31, 2014|access-date=April 1, 2014|archive-date=April 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140403113927/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/gi-joe-mad-men-house-692427|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2015/06/398_181702.html|title=Actor sheds light on scary 'Terminator' character|date=June 26, 2015|work=[[The Korea Times]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821212905/http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2015/06/398_181702.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He then starred in [[Woo Min-ho]]'s political crime thriller ''[[Inside Men (film)|Inside Men]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3011910|title=Lee Byung-hun contemplates betrayal, revenge|date=November 24, 2005|work=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=March 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301160617/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=3011910|url-status=live}}</ref> which became the top grossing R-rated movie of all-time at the Korean Box Office.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3011923|title='Inside Men' sets sales record for over-19 movies|date=November 24, 2015|work=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821214316/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3011923|url-status=live}}</ref> Touted as the "star" of the film, Lee received critical acclaim and swept Best Actor awards at various film awards ceremonies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://asianmoviepulse.com/2016/09/woo-min-hos-inside-men-screening-on-korean-film-festival-in-australia/|title=Woo Min-ho's 'Inside Men' is a Masterpiece, Lee Byung-hun Is Back On Form|work=Asian Movie Pulse|date=September 4, 2016|access-date=February 10, 2017|archive-date=February 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211081022/http://asianmoviepulse.com/2016/09/woo-min-hos-inside-men-screening-on-korean-film-festival-in-australia/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/actor-lee-byung-hun-takes-corruption-inside-men-n605886|title=Actor Lee Byung-hun Takes on Corruption in 'Inside Men'|work=[[NBC News]]|date=July 8, 2016 |access-date=October 7, 2019|archive-date=August 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814104618/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/actor-lee-byung-hun-takes-corruption-inside-men-n605886|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2016, Lee featured in the American crime thriller ''[[Misconduct (2016 film)|Misconduct]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3002197|title=Lee Byung-hun gets U.S. role|date=March 23, 2015|work=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821212816/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3002197|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3015533|title='Misconduct' opening next month|date=February 27, 2016|work=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822011920/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3015533|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 28, 2016, Lee attended the [[88th Academy Awards]] and presented the Best Foreign Language Film award with actress [[Sofia Vergara]]. He was the first Korean actor to present an award at the Oscars.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20160229000672 |title=Lee Byung-hun, Sumi Jo attend Academy Awards |work=[[The Korea Herald]] |date=February 29, 2016 |access-date=September 12, 2016 |archive-date=June 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160618143348/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20160229000672 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2016/01/201_196171.html|title=Lee Byung-hun to present at Oscars|website=[[The Korea Times]]|date=January 24, 2016|access-date=February 17, 2016|archive-date=February 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160227103707/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2016/01/201_196171.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The same year, Lee co-starred as knife-wielding gunslinger Billy Rocks in [[The Magnificent Seven (2016 film)|''The Magnificent Seven'']] with [[Denzel Washington]], [[Chris Pratt]], and [[Ethan Hawke]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20160318000789&ACE_SEARCH=1|title=Lee Byung-hun recalls filming alongside Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke on 'Magnificent Seven'|date=September 12, 2016|work=[[The Korea Herald]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821213055/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20160318000789&ACE_SEARCH=1|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2016/09/398_214076.html|title='Magnificent Seven' entertaining with actions|date=September 13, 2017|work=[[The Korea Times]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821213927/http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2016/09/398_214076.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Returning to Korea, Lee starred in the crime thriller ''[[Master (2016 film)|Master]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2015/12/398_193394.html|title=Top actors to light up action film "Master"|date=December 17, 2015|work=[[The Korea Times]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819022137/http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2015/12/398_193394.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/search1/2603000000.html?cid=AEN20161213009900315|title=Actor Lee Byung-hun returns as two-faced villain|date=December 13, 2016|work=[[Yonhap News Agency]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821213610/http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/search1/2603000000.html?cid=AEN20161213009900315|url-status=live}}</ref> followed by mystery drama ''[[Single Rider (film)|Single Rider]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2016/03/398_200572.html|title=Lee Byung-hun, Gong Hyo-jin to star in thriller|date=March 17, 2016|work=[[The Korea Times]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821213052/http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2016/03/398_200572.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/search1/2603000000.html?cid=AEN20170116009000315|title=Actor Lee Byung-hun shows affection for his everyman character in 'A Single Rider'|date=January 16, 2017|work=[[Yonhap News Agency]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821211829/http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/search1/2603000000.html?cid=AEN20170116009000315|url-status=live}}</ref>

In March 2017, Lee signed with major Hollywood agency [[United Talent Agency]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20170324000908&ACE_SEARCH=1|title=Lee Byung-hun signs contract with major Hollywood agency|date=March 24, 2017|work=[[The Korea Herald]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821215058/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20170324000908&ACE_SEARCH=1|url-status=live}}</ref> He was cast in the Hollywood action film ''Radiance''. The film is directed by [[Patrick Lussier]], who worked with Lee in ''Terminator Genisys''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3033991|title=Lee Byung-hun cast in 'Radiance'|date=May 31, 2017|website=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821212340/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3033991|url-status=live}}</ref> Lee then starred in historical epic ''[[The Fortress (2017 film)|The Fortress]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/news/news.jsp?pageIndex=3&blbdComCd=601006&seq=4064&mode=VIEW&returnUrl=&searchKeyword=|title=LEE Byung-hun, KIM Yun-seok and PARK Hae-il Tapped for NAMHANSANSEONG FORTRESS|date=November 21, 2016|work=Korean Film Biz Zone|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=April 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407015712/http://koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/news/news.jsp?pageIndex=3&blbdComCd=601006&seq=4064&mode=VIEW&returnUrl=&searchKeyword=|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/interview-lee-byung-hun-exclusive-the-fortress-whitewashing-hollywood-terminator-london-east-asia-a8015041.html|title=Exclusive: Interview with Korean actor Lee Byung Hun on his role in The Fortress, whitewashing and how he navigates Hollywood|date=October 23, 2017|website=Independent|access-date=October 26, 2017|archive-date=October 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171025184746/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/interview-lee-byung-hun-exclusive-the-fortress-whitewashing-hollywood-terminator-london-east-asia-a8015041.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and comedy-drama film ''[[Keys to the Heart]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20161214000792&ACE_SEARCH=1|title=Lee Byung-hun to tackle boxer role|date=December 14, 2016|work=[[The Korea Herald]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821214538/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20161214000792&ACE_SEARCH=1|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/news/news.jsp?pageIndex=1&blbdComCd=601006&seq=4346&mode=VIEW&returnUrl=&searchKeyword=|title=LEE Byung-hun and YOUN Yuh-jung Start Shooting New Drama|date=June 21, 2017|work=Korean Film Biz Zone|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=April 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424171407/http://koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/news/news.jsp?pageIndex=1&blbdComCd=601006&seq=4346&mode=VIEW&returnUrl=&searchKeyword=|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2018, Lee made his television comeback in ''[[Mr. Sunshine (South Korean TV series)|Mr. Sunshine]]'', a historical war drama written by [[Kim Eun-sook]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2018/06/688_251354.html|title=Lee Byung-hun stars in wartime romance|date=June 27, 2018|website=[[The Korea Times]]|access-date=December 23, 2018|archive-date=June 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628153400/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2018/06/688_251354.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The series was a commercial and critical success, and Lee won the Grand Prize at the [[6th APAN Star Awards]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20181014000059|title='Mr. Sunshine' Lee Byung-hun wins top prize at APAN Star Awards|date=October 14, 2018|website=[[The Korea Herald]]|access-date=December 23, 2018|archive-date=February 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205071455/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20181014000059|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2019, Lee starred in the action film ''[[Ashfall (film)|Ashfall]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2018/10/689_257554.html|title=A-list actors team up for $17 million movie 'Mount Paektu'|date=November 24, 2018|website=[[The Korea Times]]|access-date=October 28, 2018|archive-date=October 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029031031/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2018/10/689_257554.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/eng/news/news.jsp?pageIndex=2&blbdComCd=601006&seq=5207&mode=VIEW&returnUrl=&searchKeyword=|title=LEE Byung-hun and HA Jung-woo Wrap MOUNT BAEKDU|date=August 28, 2019|website=Korean Film Biz Zone|access-date=September 1, 2019|archive-date=May 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200523145353/http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/eng/news/news.jsp?pageIndex=2&blbdComCd=601006&seq=5207&mode=VIEW&returnUrl=&searchKeyword=|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2020, Lee starred in the political drama ''[[The Man Standing Next]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://koreanfilm.or.kr/eng/news/news.jsp?pageIndex=1&blbdComCd=601006&seq=5011&mode=VIEW&returnUrl=&searchKeyword=Lee+Byung-hun|title=LEE Byung-hun, LEE Sung-min and KWAK Do-won Enter 1970s Political Thriller|date=November 7, 2018|work=Korean Film Biz Zone|access-date=December 23, 2018|archive-date=December 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223163949/http://koreanfilm.or.kr/eng/news/news.jsp?pageIndex=1&blbdComCd=601006&seq=5011&mode=VIEW&returnUrl=&searchKeyword=Lee+Byung-hun|url-status=live}}</ref> Both films were box office successes, and proved Lee's brand power as a lead actor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ajudaily.com/view/20200129155031401|title=[INTERVIEW] Actor Lee Byung-hun proves brand power through new movies|date=January 29, 2020|website=Aju Daily|access-date=February 18, 2020|archive-date=February 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218104343/http://www.ajudaily.com/view/20200129155031401|url-status=live}}</ref>

Lee also starred in the political thriller aviation disaster film ''[[Emergency Declaration (film)|Emergency Declaration]]'', which premiered [[2021 Cannes Film Festival#Official selection|out of competition]] at the [[2021 Cannes Film Festival|74th Cannes Film Festival]] in July 2021<ref name="lineup:iw">{{Cite web |url=https://m.festival-cannes.com/en/festival/programmation/ |title=The films of the Official Selection 2021 |website=Festival de Cannes |date=3 June 2021 |access-date=3 July 2021 |archive-date=March 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323100933/http://m.festival-cannes.com/en/festival/programmation/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> before its theatrical release in South Korea on August 3, 2022.<ref name="rda:nocut">{{Cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/movie/article/079/0003660337|title=사상 초유의 항공 재난 '비상선언' 8월3일 개봉|trans-title=Unprecedented Aviation Disaster 'Declaration of Emergency' opens on August 3rd|author=Choi Young-joo |publisher=[[Naver]]|work=CBS No Cut News|date=July 4, 2022|access-date=July 4, 2022|language=ko}}</ref>

In September 2021, he appeared on [[Netflix]]'s survival drama ''[[Squid Game]]'' as the Front Man.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thefocus.news/tv/squid-game-mask/|title=What is behind the Squid Game mask? It hits close to home|date=September 20, 2021|access-date=September 21, 2021|archive-date=September 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921013745/https://www.thefocus.news/tv/squid-game-mask/|url-status=live}}</ref> At the 15th Asian Film Awards, he was awarded with Asian Film Excellence Award. He is the first Korean actor to be selected for the award, which is given for outstanding achievements in Asian cinema and culture.<ref>{{Cite news |url= https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/movie/article/416/0000275489 |title= 이병헌, 제15회 아시아영화엑설런스상 수상…한국 배우 최초 |trans-title= Lee Byung-hun wins the 15th Asian Film Excellence Award... First Korean actor |author= Kim Ji-hye |work= SBS Entertainment News |publisher=[[Naver]] |date= September 30, 2021 |access-date= September 30, 2021 |language= ko |archive-date= September 30, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210930073844/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/movie/article/416/0000275489 |url-status= live }}</ref>

In 2022, Lee starred in the [[tvN]] television series ''[[Our Blues]]'' written by [[Noh Hee-kyung]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=640&aid=0000016935|title='Our Blues,' set on Jeju, will have star-studded cast|via=[[Naver]]|publisher=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]]|date=October 17, 2021|access-date=June 10, 2022|archive-date=June 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610092956/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=640&aid=0000016935|url-status=live}}</ref> He will also appear [[Um Tae-hwa]]'s disaster thriller film ''[[Concrete Utopia]]'' alongside [[Park Bo-young]] and [[Park Seo-joon]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hankyung.com/entertainment/article/2021041699684|title=이병헌, '영탁' 된다…'콘크리트 유토피아' 크랭크인|trans-title=Lee Byung-hun becomes 'Young-tak'... 'Concrete Utopia' Crankin|date=April 16, 2021|access-date=April 16, 2021|first=Ji-won|last=Kim|website=[[The Korea Economic Daily]]|language=ko|archive-date=April 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416075300/https://www.hankyung.com/entertainment/article/2021041699684|url-status=live}}</ref>

Lee formed a management company, BH Entertainment, which manages many actors including [[Han Hyo-joo]], [[Go Soo]], [[Jin Goo]], [[Jinyoung (entertainer, born 1994)|Jinyoung]] and [[Han Ji-min]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/search1/2603000000.html?cid=AEN20130118004400315|title=(News Focus) Dark and bright sides of 'one-person management agency'|date=January 18, 2013|work=[[Yonhap News Agency]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821213654/http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/search1/2603000000.html?cid=AEN20130118004400315|url-status=live}}</ref> He owns a shop, BHNC, which sells hats, scarves and wallets.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SH/SH_EN_7_2.jsp?cid=1017491|title=Trash: BH Shop - Sinsadong Garosu-gil Road Branch (신사동 가로수길-이병헌 스타샵) &#124|publisher=[[Korea Tourism Organization]]|access-date=September 12, 2016|archive-date=July 22, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722141509/http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SH/SH_EN_7_2.jsp?cid=1017491|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Lee Byung-hun is noted in the video game industry for providing his likeness for the main character, Wayne Holden, in the 2006 game ''[[Lost Planet: Extreme Condition]]'', for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.<ref name="Lost Planet Reveal">{{cite web|url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/674/674990p1.html|title=Capcom Unveils Lost Planet|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|date=December 10, 2005|website=IGN|pages=1|access-date=May 9, 2009|archive-date=May 12, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512050620/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/674/674990p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2010, Lee was named California's tourism promotion ambassador to Korea.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/09/16/2010091600305.html|title=Lee Byung-hun to Promote California Tourism|date=September 16, 2010|work=[[The Chosun Ilbo]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822012233/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/09/16/2010091600305.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2013, Lee was selected as an honorary ambassador for that year's annual meeting of the Association of Film Commissioners International, a group dedicated to helping facilitate international coproductions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2976783|title=Ambassador Lee Byung-hun?|date=April 29, 2013|work=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822011829/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2976783|url-status=live}}</ref> The same year, he was appointed honorary ambassador to promote the 50th Daejong Film Awards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2977372|title=Actors to represent Korean film industry|date=September 11, 2013|work=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821213742/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2977372|url-status=live}}</ref>

In March 2011, Lee donated 700 million won to the [[Korean Red Cross]] to help local residents affected by the [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami|earthquake and tsunami in Japan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/277/0002569815|author=Go Kyung-seok|title=이병헌도 기부대열 합류..적십자에7억원 기부|trans-title=Lee Byung-hun also joined the donation line... Donated 700 million won to the Red Cross|work=Asian Economy|via=[[Naver]]|date=March 16, 2011|access-date=March 6, 2022|language=ko|archive-date=March 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306043620/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/277/0002569815|url-status=live}}</ref>

In November 2016, Lee made a voice donation to Green Umbrella Children's Foundation for 'Haru', a campaign to support sick children.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/468/0000207906|author=Nam Hye-yeon|title=이병헌, 환아를 위한 따뜻한 재능기부 나섰다|trans-title=Lee Byung-hun, generous talent donation for sick children|work=Sports Seoul|via=[[Naver]]|date=November 3, 2011|access-date=March 6, 2022|language=ko|archive-date=March 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306043932/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/468/0000207906|url-status=live}}</ref>

In April 2019, Lee and his wife [[Lee Min-jung]] donated 100 million&nbsp;to victims of [[Goseong Fire of 2019|forest fires in Gangwon-do]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/057/0001339960|author=Ahn Yun-ji|title=이병헌♥이민정·아이유→싸이·윤두준, 강원도 산불 피해에 기부(종합)|trans-title=Lee Byung-hun ♥ Lee Min-jung, IU → Psy, Yoon Doo-joon, donated to Gangwon-do forest fire damage (comprehensive)|work=[[Maeil Broadcasting Network]]|via=[[Naver]]|date=April 7, 2019|access-date=March 6, 2022|language=ko|archive-date=March 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306041033/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/057/0001339960|url-status=live}}</ref>

In February 2020, Lee donated 100 million won through the Fruit of Love of the Community Chest of Korea and his donation was used to provide sanitary products to vulnerable groups.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/009/0004524620|author=Shin Young-eun|title=유재석·이병헌·신민아→박서준·이영애·송가인, 코로나19기부 행렬[종합]|trans-title=Yoo Jae-seok, Lee Byung-hun, Shin Min-ah → Park Seo-joon, Lee Young-ae, Song Ga-in, Corona 19 donation procession [comprehensive]|work=[[Maeil Business Newspaper]]|via=[[Naver]]|date=February 25, 2020|access-date=March 6, 2022|language=ko|archive-date=March 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306040558/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/009/0004524620|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2020, Lee made voice donation to multi-media type Braille sensory book by The National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/014/0004511223?sid=103|author=Park Ji-hyun|title=소리로 소개하는 천연기념물 '동물' 점자감각책, 이병헌·한지민 목소리로 들어보세요|trans-title=The Braille sensory book, ‘Animal’, a natural monument introduced by sound, listen to the voices of Lee Byung-hun and Han Ji-min|work=Financial News|via=[[Naver]]|date=October 15, 2020|access-date=March 6, 2022|language=ko|archive-date=March 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306043242/https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/014/0004511223?sid=103|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 30, 2020, Lee donated 100 million won to the Green Umbrella Children's Foundation to help children from low-income families who are having difficulties in life due to COVID-19.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/241/0003081395|author=Jo Yeon-kyung|title="따뜻한 아빠 마음" 이병헌, 저소득층 아동 돕기 '1억 기부'[공식]|trans-title="A warm father's heart" Lee Byung-hun, '100 million donation' to help low-income children [Official]|work=Daily Sports|via=[[Naver]]|date=December 30, 2020|access-date=March 6, 2022|language=ko|archive-date=March 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306035622/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/241/0003081395|url-status=live}}</ref>

On July 12, 2021, Lee donated 100 million won to Asan Children's Hospital in Seoul on his birthday.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/433/0000075951|author=Kim Ji-ho|title="소아청소년 환우를 위해"…이병헌, 생일 맞이1억원 기부|trans-title="For pediatric patients"... Lee Byung-hun, donated 100 million won for his birthday|work=Dispatch|via=[[Naver]]|date=July 12, 2021|access-date=March 6, 2022|language=ko|archive-date=March 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306035148/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/433/0000075951|url-status=live}}</ref>

On March 6, 2022, Lee donated 100 million won to Hope Bridge Disaster Relief Association to help residents affected by the [[Uljin County|Uljin]] and [[Samcheok]] wildfires and his donation is said to be quickly used to provide temporary shelter for the victims who are evacuating from their homes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/now/article/477/0000345762|author=Kim Won-gyeom|title=이병헌, 산불 피해 이재민 위해 희망브리지에 성금1억원 기탁[공식]|trans-title=Lee Byung-hun, donated 100 million won to Hope Bridge for the victims of forest fire [Official]|work=Spotify News|via=[[Naver]]|date=March 6, 2022|access-date=March 6, 2022|language=ko|archive-date=March 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306022248/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/now/article/477/0000345762|url-status=live}}</ref>

Lee was born in Seoul, South Korea. He has a younger sister, Lee Eun-hee, who won the Miss Congeniality portion of [[Miss Korea]] in 1996.<ref name=10line>{{cite web|url=http://www.hancinema.net/10line-lee-byung-hun-22270.html|title=[10LINE] Lee Byung-hun|date=February 15, 2010|publisher=[[HanCinema]]|website=10Asia|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821211627/http://www.hancinema.net/10line-lee-byung-hun-22270.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He graduated from [[Hanyang University]] with a major in French Literature and the Graduate School of [[Chung-Ang University]] with a major in Theater and [[Cinematography]].<ref name=yesasia /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/entertainment/tv/news/2005/03/04/getting-to-know-lee-byung-hun/|title=Getting to know Lee Byung Hun|date=March 4, 2005|work=The Star|access-date=August 23, 2017|archive-date=September 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929213623/https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/entertainment/tv/news/2005/03/04/getting-to-know-lee-byung-hun/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In his spare time, Lee practices [[taekwondo]].<ref>{{cite news|title= Byung-Hun Lee Talks Storm Shadow and "G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra|work= [[Comic Book Resources]]|url= http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=22451|access-date= May 13, 2012|archive-date= August 18, 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130818084501/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=22451|url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title= Q&A - G.I. Joe Star Byung-hun Lee Explains Storm Shadow's Martial Arts Style|work= ACMTV|url= http://blogs.amctv.com/movie-blog/2009/08/byung-hun-lee-interview.php|archive-url= https://archive.today/20120707203726/http://blogs.amctv.com/movie-blog/2009/08/byung-hun-lee-interview.php|url-status= dead|archive-date= July 7, 2012|access-date= May 13, 2012}}</ref>

Lee was previously romantically linked with fellow [[All In (TV series)|''All In'']] lead [[Song Hye-kyo]] beginning in the early-2000s. The relationship, though kept completely low-key and rarely publicized, lasted fifteen months before they split in mid-June 2004.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Song|first1=Won-seop|title=[이병헌-송혜교 결별 선언] 왜 헤어졌나?|url=https://www.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2004/06/15/2004061570091.html|website=[[The Chosun Ilbo|Chosun Ilbo]]|access-date=20 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020190355/https://www.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2004/06/15/2004061570091.html|archive-date=20 October 2021|language=ko|date=15 June 2004|url-status=live}}</ref> Lee married actress [[Lee Min-jung]] on August 10, 2013, at the [[Grand Hyatt Seoul]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2975903|title=Lee Byung-hun, Lee Min-jung wed|date=August 12, 2013|work=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]]|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=June 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606002312/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2975903|url-status=live}}</ref> The couple had briefly dated in 2006, then resumed their relationship in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cho Chung-un|first=Lee Woo-young|title=Top actors say they are dating|url=http://view.koreaherald.com/kh/view.php?ud=20120819000267|access-date=November 18, 2012|work=[[The Korea Herald]]|date=August 19, 2012}}</ref> Lee's wife gave birth to their child, a son, Lee Joon-hoo, on March 31, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Choi|first1=He-suk|title=Lee Min-jung gives birth to son|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201503311409377249114_2|website=[[The Korea Herald]]|access-date=April 23, 2015|archive-date=August 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806222032/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201503311409377249114_2|url-status=live}}</ref> On August 4, 2023, Lee's wife confirmed that she is expecting their second child. They welcomed the birth of their second child, a daughter, born on December 21, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=[단독]이민정♥이병헌, 오늘(21일) 둘째 득녀…"산모 아이 모두 건강" |url=https://m.news.nate.com/view/20231221n30468?mid=e01 |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=모바일 네이트 뉴스 |language=ko}}</ref>

After he had to clear some debts following his father's death, Lee fell into a depression. He then started to suffer panic disorders, and found it difficult to attend award ceremonies. Lee credits his wife with helping him overcome his mental health challenges.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lee Byung-Hun reveals he faced financial difficulties after his father's death|url=https://www.soompi.com/article/481184wpp/actor-lee-byung-hun-reveals-he-faced-financial-difficulties-after-his-fathers-death|website=[[Soompi]]|date=March 12, 2013 |access-date=August 19, 2020|archive-date=May 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524144816/https://www.soompi.com/article/481184wpp/actor-lee-byung-hun-reveals-he-faced-financial-difficulties-after-his-fathers-death|url-status=live}}</ref>

Shortly after the lawsuit was filed, TV show host Kang Byung-kyu appeared on the set of the TV drama ''Iris'' that Lee was working on at the time. He was accused of bringing in gangsters and causing a disturbance due to a conflict with a producer that he claimed spread rumors that Kang was behind the feud between Lee and Kwon. Due to this incident, Kang was arrested on assault charges. Kang was also later indicted on charges of blackmail and defamation, with prosecutors alleging that Kang and Kwon colluded to blackmail Lee for large sums of money in November 2009, before Kwon went on to file her civil lawsuit in December, after Lee refused to pay.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010071917065886578|script-title=ko:‘논란의 중심’ 이병헌, 사생활과 작품 활동은 별개?|date=July 21, 2010|work=아시아경제|access-date=April 7, 2018|language=ko-KR|archive-date=July 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722125944/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010071917065886578|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Moon|first=Dayoung|date=October 6, 2010|title=|script-title=ko:이병헌과 전여친 관련, 강병규 공판 올해안에 안 끝난다|trans-title=Kang Byung-gyu's trial over Lee Byung-hun and his ex-girlfriend won't end within this year|url=http://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=201010061657011001|url-status=live|access-date=January 30, 2022|website=Newsen|archive-date=October 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022154431/https://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=201010061657011001}}</ref>

On August 28, 2014, Lee was blackmailed by singer Dahee from K-pop girl group [[Glam (group)|GLAM]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=Yoon |first1=Sung-yeol |script-title=ko:'영장 신청' 글램 다희『이병헌 협박혐의 인정..죄송』|url=http://star.mt.co.kr/stview.php?no=2014090220223800806&outlink=1&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fentertain.naver.com |access-date=July 22, 2018 |work=Star News |date=September 2, 2014 |language=ko |archive-date=July 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722155711/http://star.mt.co.kr/stview.php?no=2014090220223800806&outlink=1&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fentertain.naver.com |url-status=live }}</ref> and model Lee Ji-yeon<ref>{{cite news |script-title=ko:이병헌 협박, 글램 다희-모델 이지연에…특별법 적용시 '무기징역' |url=http://news.nate.com/view/20140905n30134?mid=n1008 |access-date=July 22, 2018 |work=W Star News Entertainment |publisher=[[Nate News]] |date=September 5, 2014 |language=ko |archive-date=September 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929213630/https://news.nate.com/view/20140905n30134?mid=n1008 |url-status=live }}</ref> for 5 billion won (about {{Currency|4000000|US|linked=no}}) in exchange for not releasing, on the internet, a compromising video of him making sexual jokes while drinking with them on July 3.<ref>{{cite news |script-title=ko:이병헌에 집 사달라 요구 이지연 다희, 협박 위해 포옹 연출도 기획 '경악' |url=http://www.mediapen.com/news/view/49059 |access-date=July 22, 2018 |work=MediaPen |date=October 1, 2014 |language=ko |archive-date=July 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722155907/http://www.mediapen.com/news/view/49059 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Choi |first1=Hwi-Seok |title=Actor Lee Byung-hun apologizes over blackmail scandal |url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20150724000688 |access-date=July 22, 2018 |work=[[The Korea Herald]] |date=July 24, 2015 |archive-date=July 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722155508/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20150724000688 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hwang |first1=Ji-young |script-title=ko:이병헌 측 "협박女1일 새벽 검거…추측 자제" 공식입장 (전문) |url=http://www.tvreport.co.kr/?c=news&m=newsview&idx=561300 |access-date=July 22, 2018 |work=TV Report |date=September 1, 2014 |language=ko |archive-date=July 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722155608/http://www.tvreport.co.kr/?c=news&m=newsview&idx=561300 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/search1/2603000000.html?cid=AEN20150724005600315|title=Actor Lee Byung-hun apologizes over blackmail scandal|date=July 24, 2015|work=[[Yonhap News Agency]]|access-date=July 22, 2018|archive-date=July 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722184722/http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/search1/2603000000.html?cid=AEN20150724005600315|url-status=live}}</ref> Dahee and Lee Ji-yeon were arrested on September 1,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kim |first1=Yong-ho |title=[단독] 이병헌 협박한 여성, 걸그룹 글램 멤버 다희 확인 |url=http://www.sportsworldi.com/content/html/2014/09/02/20140902002401.html?OutUrl=naver |access-date=July 22, 2018 |work=Sports World i |date=September 2, 2014 |archive-date=July 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722155440/http://www.sportsworldi.com/content/html/2014/09/02/20140902002401.html?OutUrl=naver |url-status=live }}</ref> after Lee reported the crime to police when they handed him two suitcases to transport the money.<ref>{{cite news |script-title=ko:이지연, 이병헌에 집 사달라 요구하며『얼마나 이미지 타격 있는지 아냐』|url=http://news.hankyung.com/article/201410016670q?nv=o |access-date=July 22, 2018 |work=The Korean Economic Daily |date=October 1, 2014 |language=ko |archive-date=July 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722155939/http://news.hankyung.com/article/201410016670q?nv=o |url-status=live }}</ref> It was later revealed that the crime was fully intentional and pre-planned, as both Dahee and Lee Ji-yeon looked for plane tickets to escape to Europe<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kwon |first1=Hye-rim |script-title=ko:이병헌 측 "악성 루머2차 피해, 법적 대응할 것"(전문) |url=http://joynews.inews24.com/php/news_view.php?g_menu=700100&g_serial=846667&rrf=nv |access-date=July 22, 2018 |work=Joy News 24 |date=September 4, 2014 |language=ko |archive-date=July 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722155534/http://joynews.inews24.com/php/news_view.php?g_menu=700100&g_serial=846667&rrf=nv |url-status=live }}</ref> and purchased two suitcases to be used for transporting the money.<ref name="star1">{{cite news |last1=Jun |first1=Hyung-hwa |script-title=ko:이병헌 "결별?중형 피하려 의도적 흠집내기"(공식입장 전문 |url=http://star.mt.co.kr/stview.php?no=2014091115151708908&outlink=1&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fentertain.naver.com |access-date=July 22, 2018 |work=Star News |date=September 11, 2014 |language=ko |archive-date=July 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722155804/http://star.mt.co.kr/stview.php?no=2014091115151708908&outlink=1&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fentertain.naver.com |url-status=live }}</ref> Moreover, the two women attempted to film an additional video of Lee hugging Lee Ji-yeon by secretly placing a smartphone in a kitchen sink, but they failed to do so.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Yoo-jung |script-title=ko:배우 이병헌 '음담패설 동영상' 협박한 다희·이지연 구속기소 |url=http://www.koreadaily.com/news/read.asp?art_id=2854984 |access-date=July 22, 2018 |work=The Korea Daily |date=September 30, 2014 |language=ko |archive-date=July 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722184727/http://www.koreadaily.com/news/read.asp?art_id=2854984 |url-status=live }}</ref> However, Lee Ji-yeon claimed that the blackmailing was an impulsive act after Lee broke up with her,<ref>{{cite news |last=Ock |first=Hyun-ju |title=Lee Byung-hun blackmailer claims they dated |url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140911001105_2&ACE_SEARCH=1 |access-date=July 23, 2018 |work=[[Kpop Herald]] |date=September 11, 2014 |archive-date=July 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723152444/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140911001105_2&ACE_SEARCH=1 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Jung |first1=Yoon-chul |script-title=ko:이병헌 협박한 女모델측 변호인『결별 통보에 상처받아 우발범행』|url=http://news.donga.com/3/all/20140911/66309133/1 |access-date=July 22, 2018 |work=News Donga |date=September 11, 2014 |language=ko |archive-date=July 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722155946/http://news.donga.com/3/all/20140911/66309133/1 |url-status=live }}</ref> for which Lee's agency released an official statement, stating that Lee had not once met her alone and that he mentioned to the two women that he wanted to stop meeting them when he sensed ulterior motives from them, after talking about their financial difficulties,<ref name="star1" /> demanding he buy them a house.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chung |first1=Joo-won |title=Women demanded house from Lee Byung-hun: prosecutors |url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201409301447169844820_2&ACE_SEARCH=1 |access-date=July 23, 2018 |work=[[Kpop Herald]] |date=September 30, 2014 |archive-date=July 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723152504/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201409301447169844820_2&ACE_SEARCH=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> The final trial was held at the Seoul District Court on January 15, 2015,<ref>{{cite news|author1=Shin Na-ri |script-title=ko:이병헌 협박 혐의 이지연-다희 실형 선고…법원『연인 아니다』|url=http://news.donga.com/Main/3/all/20150115/69099604/1 |access-date=January 15, 2015 |work=[[The Dong-a Ilbo]] |date=January 15, 2015 |language=ko |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150115070149/http://news.donga.com/Main/3/all/20150115/69099604/1 |archive-date=January 15, 2015}}</ref> where Dahee was sentenced to a year in jail and Lee Ji-yeon to a year and two months.<ref>{{cite news |title=Court sentence Lee Byung-hun blackmailers to jail |url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201501151117237575835_2&ACE_SEARCH=1 |access-date=July 23, 2018 |work=[[Kpop Herald]] |date=January 15, 2015 |archive-date=July 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723152602/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201501151117237575835_2&ACE_SEARCH=1 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kim |first1=Yoon-ji |script-title=ko:'이병헌 협박 혐의' 이지연·다희, 유죄 판결…결국 실형 |url=http://osen.mt.co.kr/article/G1110054017 |access-date=July 22, 2018 |work=Osen |date=January 15, 2015 |language=ko |archive-date=July 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722155754/http://osen.mt.co.kr/article/G1110054017 |url-status=live }}</ref> In February, following the sentencing, Lee requested a pardon for the women, while the prosecution in charge felt that the sentence was too lenient.<ref>{{cite news |title=Prosecution in charge of Lee Byung-hun files appellate brief |url=http://www.kpopherald.com/view.php?ud=201502251421027885526_2 |access-date=July 23, 2018 |work=[[Kpop Herald]] |date=February 25, 2015 |archive-date=July 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723182236/http://www.kpopherald.com/view.php?ud=201502251421027885526_2 |url-status=live }}</ref> In March, both women, who were in jail for six months, received a suspended sentence for two years, following Lee's pardon request.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lee Byung-hun's blackmailers get suspended jail terms|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201503261351024975672_2|website=[[Kpop Herald]]|access-date=April 23, 2015|archive-date=July 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712124552/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201503261351024975672_2|url-status=live}}</ref> The K-pop girl group GLAM was disbanded following the sentencing of Dahee.

{{KBS Drama Awards for Grand Prize (Daesang)}}