The late Byun Hee-bong, ‘Footsteps of famous acting’ that peaked at Cannes

Actor Byun Hee-bong (real name Byun In-cheol) has displayed diverse acting in countless works. The deceased, who showed great acting in movies such as 'Memories of Murder' and 'The Host', also reached the peak of his career as an actor by walking on the Cannes red carpet with the movie 'Okja'.

Goin, who debuted in the 1970s, began to bloom in the 2000s. During his lifetime, he showed his presence by collaborating with director Bong Joon-ho. Starting with director Bong Joon-ho's 'The Dog of Flanders', he played major roles in 'Memories of Murder', 'The Host', and 'Okja'. He stole the audience's attention every time with his masterful acting that perfectly assimilated the character.

The late Byun Hee-bong, ‘Footsteps of famous acting’ that peaked at Cannes
In 'Memories of Murder', Byun Hee-bong played the role of the former class leader, who caught Baek Gwang-ho as the wrong suspect and ended up getting fired. The scene with Song Kang-ho, Nongdurung, received great praise.

The late Byun Hee-bong, ‘Footsteps of famous acting’ that peaked at Cannes
The late Byun Hee-bong, ‘Footsteps of famous acting’ that peaked at Cannes
The late Byun Hee-bong, ‘Footsteps of famous acting’ that peaked at Cannes
In ‘Monster’, he appeared as Heebong, the same name as his stage name. He is Song Kang-ho's father and is good at shooting guns thanks to his participation in the Vietnam War. In particular, the performance of fighting a monster with a gun, eventually running out of bullets and beckoning his children to avoid him, and ultimately dying, was a masterpiece that was etched in the minds of many people.

He also played the role of Hee-bong in ‘Okja’. Heebong is Mija's grandfather and the character who raises the pig Okja in the play, showing off his warm and benevolent side. In particular, the deceased, who stepped on the red carpet of the Cannes International Film Festival for the first time in his life in May 2017 through 'Okja', was thrilled, saying it was an honor to attend the Cannes Film Festival, which was his biggest dream as an actor.

The late Byun Hee-bong, ‘Footsteps of famous acting’ that peaked at Cannes
The late Byun Hee-bong, ‘Footsteps of famous acting’ that peaked at Cannes

At a meeting held with Korean reporters at the time, he said, "I have been an actor for a long time, but I never thought about coming to Cannes and never had a dream. I feel like I was struck by lightning. I feel like flowers blooming on an old tree tilted at 70 degrees. I am really grateful." He conveyed his thoughts and impressed everyone.

At the time, he also said, "Now that it's all over, I have expectations that a door to the future may be opening. I feel like I have gained strength and courage. Please wait and see. Please look forward to what I will do next. I will work hard. I will do this until the day I die." He has shown his passion for acting, touching the hearts of many fans.

Byun Hee-bong was recognized for his passion and dedication to acting by receiving the Silver Crown Order of Cultural Merit in 2020.

The late Byun Hee-bong, ‘Footsteps of famous acting’ that peaked at Cannes
According to the entertainment industry, Byun Hee-bong passed away on the 18th at the age of 81 while fighting pancreatic cancer. The deceased is said to have been suffering from pancreatic cancer in 2018. Due to the prolonged illness, there has been no special work since 2019.

On this afternoon, the deceased's funeral was set up in room 17 of the funeral hall of Samsung Seoul Hospital located in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, and directors Bong Joon-ho and Song Kang-ho visited the deceased's funeral to pay their respects.

Song Kang-ho, who co-starred in 'Memories of Murder' and 'Monster', also visited the mortuary in a month to pay condolences to the deceased. On this day, he had an interview schedule related to the movie 'Cobweb' and met with reporters. It is said that he visited the funeral home as soon as he finished the schedule.

The late Byun Hee-bong, ‘Footsteps of famous acting’ that peaked at Cannes
Song Kang-ho, who heard the sad news during the interview, said, "I heard the news a little while ago and was distraught. We didn't see each other often, but I tried to contact you. Mr. Byun also came to pay condolences when my father passed away about five years ago." He also expressed his condolences, saying, "I heard from time to time that he was fighting an illness. It's so sad."

In addition to directors Bong Joon-ho and Song Kang-ho, Byun Hee-bong's funeral is lined with wreaths and condolences from film industry figures and colleagues and juniors who worked with him. Park Hae-il and Bae Doo-na, who starred in 'The Host', as well as directors Jeon Do-yeon, Jeong Bo-seok, and Kang Woo-seok also expressed their condolences through wreaths.

The deceased's funeral will be at 12:30 pm on the 20th, and the burial site will be Seoul Memorial Park.

Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr
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