Lee Byung-hoon (born October 14, 1944) is a South Korean

television director A television director is in charge of the activities involved in making a television program or section of a program. They are generally responsible for decisions about the editorial content and creative style of a program, and ensuring the prod ...

and producer. Lee is best known for directing

period drama A historical drama (also period drama, costume drama, and period piece) is a work set in a past time period, usually used in the context of film and television. Historical drama includes historical fiction and romances, adventure films, and swas ...

s, notably ''500 Years of Joseon'' (1983-1990), '' Hur Jun'' (1999) and ''

Dae Jang Geum ''Dae Jang Geum'' (; literally "The Great Jang-geum"), also known as ''Jewel in the Palace'', is a 2003 South Korean historical drama television series directed by Lee Byung-hoon. It first aired on MBC from September 15, 2003 to March 23, 2 ...

'' (2003).

Career

Lee Byung-hoon began working for broadcasting network MBC in 1970, and made his solo directorial debut in 1974. In 1983, he and writer Shin Bong-seung created the landmark eight-year-long series ''500 Years of Joseon'', which shifted the genre of historical/

s (called ''sageuk'' in

Korean Korean may refer to: People and culture * Koreans, ethnic group originating in the Korean Peninsula * Korean cuisine * Korean culture * Korean language **Korean alphabet, known as Hangul or Chosŏn'gŭl **Korean dialects and the Jeju language ** ...

) from monotonous historical chronicles into the interpretation of bonafide records like the

Annals of the Joseon Dynasty The ''Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty'' (also known as the ''Annals of the Joseon Dynasty'' or the ''True Record of the Joseon Dynasty''; ko, 조선왕조실록 and ) are the annual records of Joseon, the last royal house to rule K ...

. His follow-up, Kim Jung-soo-penned contemporary drama ''My Mother's Sea'' (1993) was also popular, with a peak viewership rating of 51.6%. But in 1999 Lee revolutionized the ''sageuk'' genre with '' Hur Jun'', the first Korean period drama to focus on a "commoner" historical figure instead of royalty and powerful nobles.

Jun Kwang-ryul Jun Kwang-ryul () is a South Korean actor. He is best known for his roles in the television series '' Hur Jun'', ''Jumong'' and '' King of Baking, Kim Takgu''. Filmography Television series *''Jinxed at First'' (2022) *'' Kingmaker: The Chan ...

played

Heo Jun Heo Jun (허준, 1539 – 9 October 1615) was a Korean physician. He was the royal chief physician of '' Naeuiwon'' during the reign of King Seonjo and King Gwanghae of the Joseon Dynasty in Korea. Biography Heo Jun was born in 1539 to an affl ...

, a

court physician A court is any person or institution, often as a government institution, with the authority to adjudicate legal disputes between parties and carry out the administration of justice in civil, criminal, and administrative matters in accorda ...

who wrote ''

Dongui Bogam The ''Dongui Bogam'' (동의보감 東醫寶鑑) is a Korean book compiled by the royal physician, Heo Jun (1539 – 1615) and was first published in 1613 during the Joseon Dynasty of Korea. The title literally translates as "A Precious Mirror ...

'', one of the pillars of

traditional Korean medicine Traditional Korean medicine (known in North Korea as Koryo medicine) refers to the forms of traditional medicine practiced in Korea. History Korean medicine traditions originated in ancient and prehistoric times and can be traced back as far a ...

. ''Hur Jun'' reached record-breaking viewership ratings of 64% (fourth highest rated

Korean drama Korean dramas (; RR: ''Han-guk deurama''), more popularly known as K-dramas, are television series in the Korean language, made in South Korea. They are popular worldwide, especially in Asia, partially due to the spread of Korean popular cultu ...

of all time). This was followed by '' Sangdo'' in 2001, an adaptation of the Choi In-ho novel about legendary merchant Im Sang-ok, and Lee again cast Jun in the leading role. Journalists coined the term "fusion ''sageuk''" for Lee's attempts to revitalize the genre, transforming the previous lack of accessibility and narrative cliches of period dramas with its viewership of older, male armchair historians, into something more appealing to an increasingly younger demographic of viewers. ''Sageuk'' further rose to prominence in 2003 with ''

'' (also known as ''Jewel in the Palace''), whose protagonist

Jang Geum Jang-geum (fl. early 16th century) was reputedly the first female Royal Physician in Korean history. She was mentioned 10 times in the ''Annals of the Joseon Dynasty''. It is known that King Jungjong was pleased with Jang-geum's medical knowledg ...

first trains in

Korean royal court cuisine Korean royal court cuisine (''Joseon Wangjo Gungjung yori'') was the style of cookery within Korean cuisine traditionally consumed at the court of the Joseon Dynasty, which ruled Korea from 1392 to 1910. There has been a revival of this cookery ...

before becoming Joseon's first female court physician. Domestically, ''Dae Jang Geum'' was a big hit, receiving a peak viewership rating of 57.8% (tenth highest rated Korean drama of all time). Produced for , it was later exported to 91 countries and became one of the major proponents of the Korean Wave, earning worldwide, and turning actress

Lee Young-ae Lee Young-ae (born January 31, 1971) is a South Korean actress. She is known for her appearances in the Korean historical drama ''Dae Jang Geum'' (2003), and as a revenge seeking single mother in Park Chan-wook's crime thriller film ''Sympathy ...

into a superstar in China and an icon for Korean culture. Lee continued directing hit period dramas in succeeding years. ''

Ballad of Seodong ''Ballad of Seodong'' () is a South Korean television series starring Jo Hyun-jae, Lee Bo-young, and Ryu Jin. It aired on SBS from September 5, 2005 to March 21, 2006 on Mondays and Tuesdays at 21:55 for 55 episodes. The period drama is based ...

'' (2005) is about King Mu of

Baekje Baekje or Paekche (, ) was a Korean kingdom located in southwestern Korea from 18 BC to 660 AD. It was one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, together with Goguryeo and Silla. Baekje was founded by Onjo, the third son of Goguryeo's founder Jum ...

who falls for Princess Seonhwa of the rival kingdom

Silla Silla or Shilla (57 BCE – 935 CE) ( , Old Korean: Syera, Old Japanese: Siraki2) was a Korean kingdom located on the southern and central parts of the Korean Peninsula. Silla, along with Baekje and Goguryeo, formed the Three Kingdoms ...

(played by Jo Hyun-jae and

Lee Bo-young Lee Bo-young (; born January 12, 1979) is a South Korean actress. She is best known for starring in the television dramas '' My Daughter Seo-young'' (2012), ''I Can Hear Your Voice'' (2013), '' Whisper'' (2017), ''Mother'' (2018), '' When My Lo ...

). '' Yi San'' (2007) revolved around the love story of

King Jeongjo Jeongjo of Joseon (28 October 1752 – 18 August 1800), personal name Yi San (Korean language, Korean: 이산; Hanja: 李祘), sometimes called Jeongjo the Great (Korean language, Korean: 정조대왕; Hanja: 正祖大王), was the 22nd monarc ...

and his concubine Ui-bin Seong (played by

Lee Seo-jin Lee Seo-jin (born January 30, 1971) is a South Korean actor. He is best known for the reality shows '' Three Meals a Day'' and '' Grandpa Over Flowers''. As an actor, he came to prominence with his leading roles in television series '' Damo'' ( ...

and Han Ji-min). '' Dong Yi'' (2010) is about

Suk-bin Choe Royal Noble Consort Suk of the Haeju Choe clan (Hangul: 숙빈 최씨, Hanja: 淑嬪崔氏; 17 December 1670 – 9 April 1718) is one of best known consorts of Sukjong of Joseon and the mother of Yi Geum, King Yeongjo. Biography Early life ...

(played by

Han Hyo-joo Han Hyo-joo (Korean: 한효주; born February 22, 1987) is a South Korean film and television actress, model and singer. She is best known for her leading roles in television series such as ''Heaven & Earth'' (2007), '' Iljimae'' (2008), ''Brill ...

) who rises from being a palace water maid (''

musuri ''Musuri'' is a Korean term referring to female slaves in charge of odd chores in the court during the Goryeo and Joseon Dynasty of Korea. Their main tasks were miscellaneous works such as drawing water from a well, making a fire in the fireplace ...

'') to the concubine of King Sukjong. ''

The King's Doctor ''The King's Doctor'' (; lit. ''Horse Doctor'') is a 2012 South Korean television series depicting Baek Gwang-hyeon (1625–1697), Joseon Dynasty veterinarian, starring Cho Seung-woo and Lee Yo-won. It aired on MBC from October 1, 2012 to Mar ...

'' (2012) marked theater/film actor

Cho Seung-woo Cho Seung-woo (born March 28, 1980) is a South Korean actor and singer. He is best known for his leading roles in the films '' The Classic'' (2003), '' Marathon'' (2005), '' Tazza: The High Rollers'' (2006), and ''Inside Men'' (2015), as well as ...

's first TV series, in the role of a horse

veterinarian A veterinarian (vet), also known as a veterinary surgeon or veterinary physician, is a medical professional who practices veterinary medicine. They manage a wide range of health conditions and injuries in non-human animals. Along with this, vet ...

who becomes a court physician. Lee has worked with writer Choi Wan-kyu on ''Hur Jun'' and ''Sangdo'', writer Kim Yi-young on ''Yi San'', ''Dong Yi'' and ''The King's Doctor'', and writer Kim Young-hyun on ''Dae Jang Geum'' and ''Ballad of Seodong''. In 2016, Lee collaborated with screenwriter for the 3rd time with MBC's 55th-founding anniversary drama, '' The Flower in Prison''. The drama, about a girl who was born in prison and later becomes an advocate for the poor and unfairly accused people, cast

Jin Se-yeon Jin Se-yeon (born Kim Yoon-jung on February 15, 1994) is a South Korean actress. Some of her notable television dramas are ''Bridal Mask'' (2012), ''Doctor Stranger'' (2014), ''Flowers of the Prison'' (2016), ''Grand Prince'' (2018) among othe ...

in lead role. The 22-years-old actress has become Lee's youngest female protagonist to date.

Filmography

As director

*'' The Flower in Prison'' (MBC, 2016) *''

'' (MBC, 2012-2013) *'' Dong Yi'' (MBC, 2010) *'' Yi San'' (MBC, 2007-2008) *''

'' (SBS, 2005-2006) *''

'' (MBC, 2003-2004) *'' Sangdo'' (MBC, 2001-2002) *'' Hur Jun'' (MBC, 1999-2000) *''The Third Man'' (MBC, 1997) *''My Mother's Sea'' (MBC, 1993) *''500 Years of Joseon: Daewongun'' (MBC, 1990) *''500 Years of Joseon: Pa Mun'' (MBC, 1989) *''500 Years of Joseon: The Memoirs of

Lady Hyegyeong Lady Hyegyeong of the Pungsan Hong clan (혜경궁 풍산 홍씨, 惠慶宮豊山洪氏; 6 August 1735 – 13 January 1816), also known as Queen Heongyeong (헌경왕후, 獻敬王后), was a Korean writer and Crown Princess during the Jose ...

'' (MBC, 1988-1989) *''500 Years of Joseon: Queen Inhyeon'' (MBC, 1988) *''500 Years of Joseon: Namhan Mountain Castle'' (MBC, 1986-1987) *''500 Years of Joseon: The Hoechun Gate'' (MBC, 1986) *''500 Years of Joseon: The Imjin War'' (MBC, 1985-1986) *''500 Years of Joseon: The Wind Orchid'' (MBC, 1985) *''500 Years of Joseon: The Ume Tree in the Midst of the Snow'' (MBC, 1984-1985) *''500 Years of Joseon: Tree With Deep Roots'' (MBC, 1983) *''500 Years of Joseon:

The King of Chudong Palace ''The King of Chudong Palace'' () is a 1983 South Korean historical television series, the first installment of the drama series ''500 Years of Joseon Dynasty'' by director Lee Byung-hoon and writer Shin Bong-seung. It aired on MBC from March ...

'' (MBC, 1983) *''Namgang Lee Seung-hun'' (MBC, 1982) *제3교실 (MBC, 1975) *113 수사본부 (MBC, 1974)

As producer

*''The Royal Road'' (MBC, 1998) *''Jealousy'' (MBC, 1992)

Book

*''Sewora Kingdom of Dreams: Director Lee Byung-hoon's Drama Story'' (2009)

Awards

*2015 10th

Seoul International Drama Awards Seoul International Drama Awards (), simply known as SDA, is an annual award ceremony based in Seoul, South Korea which honors excellence in television drama productions worldwide. Winners Grand prize (''Daesang'') Program Winners are given ...

: 10th Anniversary Hallyu Achievement Award *2010 3rd

Korea Drama Awards The Korea Drama Awards () is an awards ceremony for excellence in television in South Korea. It was established in 2007, and is held annually in October in Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province as the official main event of the annual Korea Drama Fes ...

: Achievement Award ('' Dong Yi'') *2008 3rd 좋은 방송 프로그램상 ('' Yi San'') *2008 44th

Baeksang Arts Awards The Baeksang Arts Awards (), also known as the Paeksang Arts Awards, are awards for excellence in film, television and theatre in South Korea. The awards were first introduced in 1965 by Chang Key-young, the founder of the Hankook Ilbo newspap ...

: Best TV Director ('' Yi San'') *2006 Ok-gwan Order of Cultural Merit *2005 6th 방송인상 방송제작 부문 개인 수상 (Yeouido Club) *2004 자랑스러운 한양언론인상 (한양언론인회) *2004 40th

: Best TV Director (''

'') *2002 Korean Broadcasters Association's Broadcasting Awards: Recipient, Drama category (''Sangdo'') *2000 Korean Producers & Directors' Association: Producer of the Year ('' Hur Jun'') *2000 Congressional Pop Culture Media Award ('' Hur Jun'') *2000 Korean Broadcasters Association's Broadcasting Awards: Excellence Award for Best Drama ('' Hur Jun'') *1986 Korea Broadcasting Awards: Best Producer, TV category (''The Imjin War'') *1982 Minister's Award from the

Korean Culture and Information Service The Korean Culture and Information Service (KOCIS) is an affiliated organization of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the South Korean government and runs 32 Korean cultural centers in 27 countries. The goal of the organization is to ...

(''Namgang Lee Seung-hun'') *1975 Broadcasting Ethics Award (제3교실)

References

External links

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Lee, Byung-hoon Living people 1944 births South Korean film directors South Korean television directors Seoul National University alumni People from South Chungcheong Province