“Busan International Film Festival” rolled out the carpet for the 29th time on October 2. A key highlight of the evening was posthumous award on “Lifetime Achievement Awardto the late actor Lee Sun Kyungknown for its influential role in the globalization of Korean cinema. This heartfelt tribute resonated deeply with those in attendance, many of whom were moved to tears when a moving interview with Lee was screened.
The festival further honored Lee Sun Kyun by announcing that six of his most notable works will be displayed during the event, allowing audiences to reflect on his remarkable contributions to the industry. However, this tribute was not without controversy.
In the run-up to the honor, a large number of netizens expressed their displeasure with the film industry’s portrayal of Lee Sun-kyun, accusing it of “excessive deification” of the actor. This criticism stems from the actor’s tumultuous period, particularly his involvement in an illegal drug investigation that took place between October and December 2023. While many acknowledge the grueling treatment he received from law enforcement during that time, questions remain about his image as an “innocent victim”.
Some netizens have pointed to a leaked phone call recording that allegedly suggests that Lee Sun-kyung may have had an extramarital affair with an employee of an elderly facility who was also involved in an extortion scheme that led to him being extorted for an astonishing 300 million KRW.
Critics argue that the film industry has painted Lee Sun-kyung solely as the target of a “witch hunt,” ignoring the nuances of his situation and the consequences of his alleged actions. Many have expressed discomfort with the story, which portrays him as a victim of malicious intent while ignoring troubling elements that surfaced during the investigation. This has led to a growing view that the industry is failing to deal with the realities of such situations in a balanced way.
Adding to the emotional weight of the evening, many in attendance felt a palpable sense of disappointment that the Lifetime Achievement Award was not presented to another deceased actor. Byun Hee Bongwho recently passed away on September 18 after a battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 81.
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