Lee Byung-Hun Joins Elite Global Company
Lee Byung-Hun earns global acclaim as the New York Times names him among the Top 10 Actors of 2025 for his performance in Park Chan-wook’s No Other Choice.
Lee Byung-Hun Joins Elite Global Company
On December 14, The New York Times Magazine unveiled its annual list of “Great Performers” — celebrating actors who delivered the most impactful performances in cinema this year. Lee Byung-Hun stood out for his emotionally layered portrayal in No Other Choice, a dark, thought-provoking drama directed by acclaimed filmmaker Park Chan-wook.
Sharing the list with Lee were globally celebrated names like:
- Liam Neeson (The Naked Gun)
- Kirsten Dunst (Roofman)
- Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another)
The recognition underlines Lee’s ability to transcend language and cultural boundaries, reaffirming his status as a truly global performer.
“Acting Is Complete Immersion,” Says Lee Byung-Hun
In an interview featured by the magazine, Lee opened up about his acting philosophy, responding to the question: “What is the essence of acting if not direct access to emotion?”
Lee explained that he avoids drawing from his personal life while performing. Instead, he completely surrenders himself to the story.
“I don’t think about my real life when I’m acting. To accurately express emotions, I must fully immerse myself in the story,” he said.
He added that many emotions surface unexpectedly during filming:
“Sometimes, emotions I couldn’t imagine when reading the script suddenly burst out from within me during a scene.”
Reflecting on the complexity of human emotions, Lee noted,
“There are sorrowful moments, but even laughter can carry bitterness. These contradictions are what make life real.”
Awards Buzz Continues for ‘No Other Choice’
Adding to his remarkable year, Lee Byung-Hun has also been nominated for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy at the upcoming Golden Globe Awards for No Other Choice. The film has steadily gained critical acclaim, further strengthening Lee’s awards-season momentum.
A Landmark Moment for Korean Cinema
Lee Byung-Hun’s inclusion in the New York Times’ elite list is not just a personal triumph — it marks another significant moment for Korean cinema on the global stage. From Squid Game to No Other Choice, Lee continues to redefine what it means to be an international star
