South Korean Veterans Actor Byun Here Bong Passes Away At 81

Veteran actor Byun Hee-bong, known for his remarkable career in South Korean cinema and television, has passed away at the age of 81.

Battle with Pancreatic Cancer Ends in Tragedy

Byun Hee-bong’s death was attributed to complications arising from a resurgence of pancreatic cancer, a condition he had previously battled and received treatment for. The semi-official Yonhap News agency reported his passing on Monday, though specific details surrounding the circumstances of his demise remain undisclosed.

Early Beginnings in Theater and Broadcasting

Born in Jangseon, South Jeolla Province, Byun Hee-bong embarked on his journey in the entertainment industry, initially in live theater. Subsequently, he transitioned into becoming a voice performer for South Korea’s state TV network, MBC, in the year 1966.

Byun’s presence on the small screen was prominent during the 1980s and 1990s. Notable series in which he featured include “The First Republic” (1981), “The Joseon Dynasty 500 Years: Seouljungmae” (1985), and “The Legendary Doctor Hur Jun” (1999).

Collaboration with Bong Joon Ho: A Highlight of His Career

Byun Hee-bong’s foray into feature films garnered attention when he appeared in Bong Joon Ho’s breakout film, “Barking Dogs Never Bite” in 2000. This collaboration marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership, as he went on to play significant roles in three more of Bong’s films: “Memories of Murder” (2003), “The Host” (2006), and “Okja,” which marked Netflix’s film production debut in Korea.

Awards and Recognition

Byun’s exceptional talent earned him numerous nominations for Best Supporting Actor, both in Korea and across Asia, particularly for his role in “The Host.” He clinched two of these nominations, winning accolades at the Asia Pacific Film Festival and Korea’s Blue Dragon Awards. Additionally, he was honored as the most popular actor in the TV category at the 21st Baeksang Arts Awards for his portrayal in “The Joseon Dynasty 500 Years.”

While predominantly known as a character and supporting actor, Byun Hee-bong made a lasting impact on television. His extensive body of work in this medium extended well into his seventies. In the 21st century, he made significant appearances in notable series such as “Something About 1%” (2003), “My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho” (2010), “Grandpas Over Flowers Investigation Team” (2014-15), and the IHQ-NEW-backed series “Pinocchio.”

Cultural Merit Award: A Fitting Tribute

In recognition of his significant contributions to the development of South Korea’s pop culture, Byun Hee-bong received the Eungwan Order of Cultural Merit in 2020, the second-highest cultural decoration in the nation. He continues to cherish his legacy in the world of entertainment, leaving an indelible mark on South Korean cinema and television.

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