Stream Classics to Latest K-Movies & Shows at OnDemandKorea

[HanCinema's News] Lee Byung-hun's Adoptive Father Dies

On December 9th Kim Woo-choong died at the age of eighty two years old. The former chairman of the Daewoo Group had been a major influence on South Korea economically, particular through the IMF Crisis.

Advertisement

Many lawmakers have been present for his funeral arrangements, and President Moon Jae-in himself has also sent condolence wreaths. But one unexpected mourner has been Lee Byung-hun, the adoptive son of the late chairman.

For the most part Lee Byung-hun has distanced himself from the funeral proceedings. His agency has called the matter a private one when asked for commentary. However, much of Lee Byung-hun's life has felt important influence from Chairman Kim. At the earlier portions of Lee Byung-hun's career, Chairman Kim expressed an interest in the young actor. This stemmed largely from Lee Byung-hun's similarity to two late sons of his who had died in car accidents.

Chairman Kim's wife purportedly started sending Lee Byung-hun food to eat when he was off on long location shoots. The relationship progressed to the point that Lee Byung-hun regarded Chairman Kim and his wife as adoptive parents. In 2015 Lee Byung-hun was caught up in a scandal wherein two aspiring actresses attempted to blackmail him over lewd statements made at a club. Lee Byung-hun ended up seeking the older man's counsel, and was instructed to treat his wife better.

Written by William Schwartz

❎ Try Ad-free