Busan International Film Festival Celebrates Late Actor Lee Sun-kyun

The 29th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) honored the late actor Lee Sun-kyun by posthumously awarding him the prestigious Achievement Award for his invaluable contributions to Korean cinema.

During the afternoon of November 2nd, the opening ceremony at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan, was hosted by actors Park Bo-young and Ahn Jae-hong. The event featured a special program commemorating Lee Sun-kyun alongside the announcement of his award.

As a montage celebrating Lee Sun-kyun’s extensive filmography was showcased on the big screen, fellow actors Song Joong-ki and Ha Yoon-kyung were visibly emotional. Song Joong-ki had previously honored Lee Sun-kyun by attending the event for his final movie, Land of Happiness. Ha Yoon-kyung, who had shared a deep professional bond with Lee Sun-kyun as a fellow actor and former colleague at their agency, was particularly affected.

Reflecting on their memories, Park Bo-young stated, “I hope he has now found peace, akin to the farewell depicted in My Mister.” Ahn Jae-hong introduced the Achievement Award and remarked, “It is significant to take this moment to honor Lee Sun-kyun by showcasing six of his standout works.” The award will be presented to Lee Sun-kyun’s family.

The festival organized a special program titled A Kind Person, Lee Sun-kyun to pay tribute to the beloved actor who tragically passed away in December, a loss that sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and fans. Six of his most acclaimed works were screened, accompanied by heartfelt discussions.

Lee Sun-kyun’s premature demise followed a harrowing chapter in his life. In October of the prior year, he reported threats from an official at an entertainment establishment in Gangnam, Seoul. He alleged that he was extorted for 350 million won by two women, but the case escalated when one of the women accused him of drug use, resulting in him being booked as a suspect.

Despite enduring three rounds of questioning and undergoing rigorous drug testing at the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency—all of which returned negative results—Lee Sun-kyun’s case gained significant media attention.

Tragically, on December 27th, 2023, two months into the investigation and reportedly overwhelmed by stress, Lee Sun-kyun was found deceased.

In a subsequent turn of events, the Gyeonggi Nambu Police Agency detained a senior police officer from the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency under suspicion of leaking sensitive information regarding Lee Sun-kyun’s investigation.

Source: Wikitree

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