Muju Film Festival Honors Lee Hye-ri as 'Next Actor' for 2023

The Muju Film Festival in June has announced actress Lee Hye-ri as this year's 'Next Actor,' offering audiences a unique opportunity to delve into her acting world.

The 'Next Actor' program at the Muju Film Festival, in collaboration with the Baek Eun-ha Actor Research Institute, annually selects an actor with a diverse spectrum and potential. This unique program explores the value and acting world of the chosen actor. Previous honorees include Park Jung-min, Go Ah-sung, Ahn Jae-hong, Jeon Yeo-bin, Byun Yo-han, Go Min-si, and Choi Hyun-wook, establishing a distinctive lineup for 'Next Actor.'

Why was Lee Hye-ri chosen as the 8th 'Next Actor'?

Lee Hye-ri, selected as the eighth 'Next Actor,' gained recognition for her potential as an actress with her role as 'Ye-hee' in the 2014 drama Seonam Girls' High School Investigators. She became a household name with her role as 'Deok-seon' in the 2015 hit Reply 1988, showcasing both star quality and acting prowess. Her vibrant and lovable charm, as well as her ability to portray mysterious and glamorous characters, have been evident in works like Miss Lee, My Roommate Is a Gumiho, When Flowers Bloom, I Think of the Moon, May I Help You?, Good Competition, and films like Monstrum, My Punch-Drunk Boxer, and Victory. The Muju Film Festival stated, "Lee Hye-ri is an actress who consistently presents new faces across genres and characters, making her future endeavors highly anticipated."

Special programs featuring Lee Hye-ri at Muju

During the 14th Muju Film Festival, Lee Hye-ri's works will be screened, and she will engage with audiences through GV (Guest Visit) sessions and special outdoor talks. Notably, at the opening ceremony on June 4, Lee Hye-ri will unveil a self-produced 'Next Actor' trailer video. Additionally, a book focusing on her expansive acting world, published by the Baek Eun-ha Actor Research Institute, will be officially released during the festival. An exhibition featuring various behind-the-scenes aspects of Lee Hye-ri's career will also be held.

The 14th Muju Film Festival, heightening anticipation by selecting Lee Hye-ri as this year's 'Next Actor,' will take place from June 4 (Thursday) to June 8 (Monday) across the Muju region.

Reporter Lee So-jung, TenAsia forusojung@tenasia.co.kr