Lee Byung-hun was named one of the inaugural honorees at KALH (Korean American Leaders in Hollywood) during a ceremony held Dec. 7 in Los Angeles, further cementing his global clout. He was honored alongside director Park Chan-wook and filmmaker Maggie Kang.
KALH said the new honors were created to spotlight Korean diaspora creators who have achieved outstanding work in the global film landscape. The first class of honorees includes actor Lee Byung-hun (“No Other Choice,” “Squid Game”); director Park Chan-wook, whose artistry has helped define Korean cinema worldwide (“Oldboy,” “Decision to Leave,” “No Other Choice”); and Maggie Kang, director of the Netflix animated feature “KPop Demon Hunters,” which sparked a global craze.
“Thank you to everyone involved. It’s especially meaningful to receive an award at the very first ceremony, and I won’t forget this moment,” Lee said in his acceptance speech. “I feel incredibly lucky to have reunited with director Park Chan-wook as we continue the awards-season run for ‘No Other Choice.’ I’m grateful to our crew and the wonderful cast.”
He added, “Walking in tonight, I recognized so many faces and felt a warmth and camaraderie―perhaps because I’ve long cheered these actors on from the screen. I trust many of you have done the same for me. I know the road to this moment has been long, with its share of lonely stretches, and I’ll keep cheering you on as well.”
Founded in 2020, KALH is a coalition of leaders across film, TV, music and philanthropy that champions Korean and Korean diaspora storytellers worldwide. “Lee Byung-hun, Park Chan-wook and Maggie Kang demonstrate the power of art to cross borders and the depth and richness of Korean storytelling,” said KALH founder and executive director Kymber Lim. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to have them as our first honorees.”
Lee’s film “No Other Choice” is nominated at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards for Best International Feature and Best Adapted Screenplay. His turn as the Front Man helped Netflix’s “Squid Game” score a nod for Best Foreign-Language Series, and “KPop Demon Hunters,” to which Lee lends his voice, is up for Best Animated Feature―putting all three of his recent projects in contention.
Lee is also nominated for Best Actor in a Motion Picture ― Musical or Comedy at the 83rd Golden Globes. “No Other Choice” earned nominations for Best Motion Picture and Best Non-English Language Film, while “KPop Demon Hunters” is competing for Best Animated Feature.
The KALH recognition, paired with a wave of major awards nominations, underscores Lee’s international stature, versatility and expanding footprint across film and television.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)