In 2022, actor Lee Hak-joo, who married a non-celebrity, has once again achieved the honor of winning an award.
On the 20th, the winners of the 21st Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival, which returned after four years, were announced, and Lee Hak-joo received the Best Actor award for his role in the film 'Inclusion.' The Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival is the only genre-competitive short film festival in Korea, dedicated to discovering and supporting new filmmakers and expanding the diversity of Korean cinema.
Lee Hak-joo was honored with the Best Actor award at the Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival for his performance in 'Inclusion.' Directed by Kim Gun-woo, the short film features Lee as 'Do-young,' a manager at a large corporation's factory in a provincial area. He delivered a compelling performance, portraying a psychological battle with a stranger he meets while waiting for his lover at a café.
After expressing gratitude to the staff and fellow actors, Lee shared his thoughts on the award, saying, "For me, the Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival is a meaningful event that is both exciting and inspiring. Winning an award at such a festival feels like a dream." He also thanked the directors and officials who revived the festival.
Lee Hak-joo made his debut in the 2012 film 'Bapdeongi' and has built a diverse filmography, including dramas like 'Oh My Ghost,' 'Squad 38,' 'Memories of the Alhambra,' 'Be Melodramatic,' 'The World of the Married,' 'My Name,' 'Going to the Blue House Like This,' 'The Policeman's Lineage,' 'Lovers,' 'Esquire,' and films such as 'The 12th Assistant Deacon,' 'Come See Me,' 'The Negotiation,' 'Hit-and-Run Squad,' 'Welcome to the Guesthouse,' 'Sinkhole,' and 'Decision to Leave.'
Adding to his accolades, including the Face of Short Film award at the 12th Asiana International Short Film Festival, the Best Actor in Drama award at the 28th Korea Culture and Entertainment Awards, and the Best Supporting Actor in Drama at the 1st Blue Dragon Series Awards, Lee's Best Actor win at the 21st Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival further cements his wide-ranging acting spectrum.
Kim Se-ah, Ten Asia Reporter haesmik@tenasia.co.kr