'Eternal actor' Byun Hee-bong's interview from 6 years ago "Flowers on an old tree, acting until the day you die"

It resembles an ancient tree with flowers growing in a 70 degree climate.

In 2017, Byun Hee-bong, who walked the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival for the first time at the age of seventy-five, compared herself to an old tree. Her unique boisterous voice and friendly smile melted the hearts of reporters who were tired from work.

There are many film festivals in the world, but he seemed to think of the history and authority attached to the name ‘Cannes’ and used the expression ‘flower’ at that moment. He also expressed his passion for acting by telling reporters, "It's all over now, but I'm excited about whether a door to the future will open. I feel like I've gained strength and courage. Please anticipate my upcoming actions. I'll work hard. I'll continue doing it till the day I pass away.

The following year, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and began fighting the disease. The disease called cancer was persistent. He was declared cured in 2019 after a year of fighting the disease, but it relapsed again. Byun Hee-bong passed away on August 18. He died when he was 81 years old.

Although Bong Joon-ho has now become a world-renowned master, not many people recognized his talent. Byun Hee-bong recognized Bong Joon-ho’s uniqueness. When he initially saw the script, he recalled in an interview from the time, "I felt like my head was standing on end.I thought, this is the movie."

He worked as an actor for 40 years and played everything from minor roles to supporting roles, but his life as an actor was not easy. Just when he was about to quit acting and start a cabbage business, he met director Bong Joon-ho.

He appeared in four films, including 'Memories of Murder', 'Monster', and 'Okja', after appearing in his debut film 'The Dog of Flanders'. He established himself as Bong Joon-ho's 'favorite actor' along with Song Kang-ho. 'Parasite' was also offered to appear, but he had no choice but to decline due to his battle with cancer.

Director Bong Joon-ho said about the reason why he often works with Byun Hee-bong, "It's like a vein of mineral deposits, because there are a lot of reserves. Song Kang-ho and Tilda Swinton are like that, but Byun Hee-bong also has something that comes out more and more. That's why I'm still curious no matter how many episodes I've done." “I keep asking for favors because I want to find out something,” he replied.

Director Bong Joon-ho and Song Kang-ho visited the deceased's funeral on the 18th. Song Kang-ho, who heard the sad news during an interview for the movie 'Cobweb', said, "I didn't see him often, but I used to contact him. When I lost my father five years ago, he also came to offer condolences. I heard from time to time that he was fighting the disease through Director Bong, and it's so sad." He expressed his admiration for his acting in numerous works, starting with ‘Chief of Investigation. I was impressed by this senior.

Byun Hee-bong, born in Jangseong-gun, Jeollanam-do in 1942, debuted as a voice actor in MBC's second open recruitment in 1966. For over 50 years, he has been active both on screen and in the home theater. He appeared in 'The First Republic', '500 Years of the Joseon Dynasty: Seoljungmae', 'Brilliant Dawn', 'Heo Jun', and 'White Tower'. He became a star with his role as Yu Ja-gwang in ‘500 Years of the Joseon Dynasty – Seoljungmae’. The phrase "It's in my hands" is now often used. For this role, he received the Popularity Award in the TV category at the 21st Baeksang Arts Awards in 1985.

Byun Hee-bong also received the Eungwan Cultural Medal in 2020 in recognition of her contribution to the popular culture world.

Her funeral service was held in Samsung Seoul Hospital's room 17 of the funeral hall. On Sunday, April 20, at 12:30 p.m., she will be laid to rest.