Lee Byung-hun Is Proving Just How Underrated An Actor He Is In 2025

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The 2026 Golden Globe nominations included an actor who is quickly becoming a household name in America. While already famous in South Korea, he had small roles in some Hollywood productions in the late 2000s and 2010s. He gained international recognition for playing the Front Man in Squid Game. Though hidden behind a mask for much of the first season, the second season allowed him to fully showcase his talent for playing villains by appearing as a player in the game.

By 2025, he’d successfully built on his recent success, starring in some of the year’s most popular and well-regarded films and shows. He’s demonstrated his versatility and proven he’s a talented actor who deserves more recognition – but that’s likely to change soon. His nomination for a major award this season, including a potential Oscar nomination for Best Actor, solidifies his place as a leading performer.

Lee Byung-hun Is Having A Great Run Of Projects In 2025

Lee started 2024 with a lot of momentum thanks to the release of Squid Game season 2 on Netflix on December 26th, and that success continued throughout the year. June was particularly important, with both the release of Squid Game season 3 – the final chapter in Gi-hun’s story – and the Netflix debut of the film KPop Demon Hunters.

Lee provided the voice for Gwi-Ma, the demon king, in the film KPop Demon Hunters. The movie unexpectedly became a major hit in 2025, boosted by its creative animation from Sony Pictures and memorable songs. While the animation and music contributed to its popularity, Lee’s voice acting was crucial in making the story emotionally impactful. Gwi-Ma, who embodies shame and can influence those who feel it, needed to sound both menacing and alluring – his voice itself was presented as a threat. Combined with Lee’s previous role as the Front Man, these performances established him as a truly compelling villain for Netflix viewers.

Korean audiences have long known he’s a versatile actor, and his latest film, No Other Choice, confirms that. Directed by Park Chan-wook – their first collaboration since the director’s breakout hit, Joint Security Area, 25 years ago – the film premiered at the Venice Film Festival and has received widespread critical acclaim, currently holding a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. He plays Yoo Man-su, a devoted family man who loses his job at a paper company after 25 years. As he struggles with unemployment, he becomes increasingly desperate and ultimately believes the only way to regain his livelihood is to remove his competition.

In “No Other Choice,” Lee delivers a wonderfully subtle and relatable performance, even as his character makes increasingly questionable choices. The film largely depends on him to tell the story and deliver its sharp satire, and he handles it beautifully. This strong work has earned him and the film nominations at the Golden Globes.

Will Lee Byung-hun Win A Golden Globe?

Although Lee Byung-hun’s film, No Other Choice, was well-received, he faces tough competition when it comes to winning Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy. While the Golden Globes recognize both musicals and comedies with separate acting awards, Lee is up against some of the most prominent actors also competing for Academy Awards this year.

Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
Ethan Hawke Blue Moon
George Clooney Jay Kelly
Jesse Plemons Bugonia
Lee Byung-hun No Other Choice
Leonardo DiCaprio One Battle After Another
Timothée Chalamet Marty Supreme

Timothée Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio are currently considered the top contenders for the Best Actor Oscar. Both actors have received widespread acclaim for their performances, and DiCaprio’s film is also a strong favorite to win Best Picture, giving him an advantage. While Ethan Hawke is also earning praise for his role in Blue Moon, most awards are expected to go to either Chalamet or DiCaprio.

As a huge movie fan, I’ve been keeping a close eye on all the films vying for awards this season. While Sentimental Value feels like a frontrunner for Best Picture ever since its debut at Cannes, It Was Just An Accident and The Secret Agent (plus Wagner Moura’s performance in the latter!) are really gaining traction. I’m hoping Lee’s No Other Choice can make a splash and break into the Oscar conversation, but honestly, this year is proving to be incredibly competitive.

Whether or not Lee Byung-hun wins any awards, including the Golden Globe, it’s certain that Hollywood now recognizes his talent and won’t underestimate him again.

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2025-12-10 16:41