It's hard to believe that a year has passed since the beloved actor Byun Hee-bong left us.
After battling pancreatic cancer, he was initially declared cancer-free, but sadly, he succumbed to the illness on September 18, 2023, at the age of 81. Byun began his career in theater and transitioned to the screen as a voice actor in 1966 with MBC, where he continued to shine in various roles over the years. With a filmography that includes 84 television dramas and 21 films, his work resonated with audiences, bringing both laughter and tears.
Among his most significant roles are in hit dramas such as "Jeonwon Diary" (1980), "The Inspector" (1981), and "The Silent Sea" (1991). His film contributions include acclaimed projects like "Memories of Murder" (2003) and "The Host" (2006), garnering millions of viewers and contributing to his legacy. Byun Hee-bong also had a notable collaboration with director Bong Joon-ho, starting with "Barking Dogs Never Bite" (2000), which redefined his career and cemented his status in cinema.
In recognition of his contributions to popular culture, he received the Silver Crown Cultural Medal in 2020, shortly before being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer while preparing for his role in "Mr. Sunshine." Despite overcoming initial health challenges with public support, he tragically passed away due to a recurrence of the illness.
His last works include the OCN drama "Trap" and the film "Quantum Physics," both released in 2019.
