
10/09/2025
TORONTO – Lee Byung-hun has become the first South Korean actor to receive the Special Tribute Award at the Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff), marking a milestone for South Korean cinema at the festival’s 50th anniversary celebration.
The award was presented to Lee Byung-hun on Sept 7 by South Korean director Park Chan-wook at the Tiff Tribute Awards gala held at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto, Canada.
“I began my acting career 35 years ago in television dramas. But in my heart, I always had a love for film. This was a story I first heard from him more than 15 years ago. And finally, it’s being brought to life on screen,” Lee said of the project.
“I believe this is a story that must be seen, I hope to continue greeting audiences with films that you will have No Other Choice but to watch.” Lee said in English during his acceptance speech.
He posted a clip of his acceptance speech on his Instagram account on Sept 9.
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