Director Bong Joon Ho couldn’t hold back his emotions while remembering the late Lee Sun Kyun.

On February 18, Bong Joon Ho appeared as a guest on MBC’s Son Suk Hee’s Questions and shared his thoughts on filmmaking, his reputation for being meticulous, and his deep regret over Lee Sun Kyun’s passing.

During the interview, Bong Joon Ho explained, "I never start a film thinking about social or political issues. If the storyboard isn’t finished by the morning of the shoot, I get really anxious."

He also talked about his admiration for actors, saying, "A director’s greatest luck is working with talented actors. I always stay alert while watching films, dramas, or plays, wondering if there are amazing actors quietly doing great work without getting noticed."

When asked about his ‘Bong-tail’ nickname—given to him for his extreme attention to detail—he responded, "Sometimes, I feel like it’s a label I want to escape from. Audiences analyze every little thing, looking for mistakes. While precision is important, I don’t think it alone determines a film’s value."

However, the most emotional moment came when the late Lee Sun Kyun was mentioned. Letting out a deep sigh, Bong Joon Ho said, "He was someone I worked with, and so many memories come flooding back. No matter what anyone says, he was a good person. He was a great actor." His heartfelt words left a strong impression.

Bong Joon Ho also addressed the statement he had released following Lee Sun Kyun’s passing. "As someone who worked with him, it was only right to speak up," he admitted.

However, he also expressed deep regret, saying, "I feel ashamed and sorry that I didn’t do it sooner. I kept asking myself why I didn’t act more quickly before such a tragic situation happened."

As he spoke, he became visibly emotional, shedding tears and leaving a heavy atmosphere in the studio.

Meanwhile, Bong Joon Ho’s highly anticipated film Mickey 17 is set to premiere first in South Korea on February 28.

The sci-fi thriller follows the story of an expendable worker, ‘Mickey,’ who is sent on dangerous missions and replaced with a new version when he dies. However, chaos unfolds when ‘Mickey 18’ is printed while ‘Mickey 17’ is still alive.

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Lee Kyung Gyu's star-making influence goes beyond Kang Ho Dong, as Hong Jin Kyung shares how he helped her kickstart her career.

On the April 24 episode of KBS 2TV’s Problem Child in House, legendary comedian Lee Kyung Gyu appeared as a guest—and a touching story from the past was revealed.

Hong Jin Kyung surprised everyone when she said, “He’s the teacher for all of us. Personally, he’s the one who helped me debut.” She even pinned a carnation flower on his chest to show her gratitude.

Lee Kyung Gyu smiled and said, “I still remember when Hong Jin Kyung walked up the stairs onto the stage for the first time.”

Hong Jin Kyung then shared her journey to becoming a star. “I joined a supermodel contest, but only the top 3 winners were noticed in broadcasting. I got a special prize, so I had no chance to be on TV."

She continued, "At first, I was just a backup for a show. But somehow, I became a regular the next week. I never knew why."

She added, "I thought the PD gave me a shot. But then one day, I randomly met Kyung Gyu sunbae, and he told me it was actually him who recommended me.”

Kim Sook asked with a smile, “So Kyung Gyu sunbae said nice things about you to the PD?”

Lee Kyung Gyu playfully replied, “Don’t say it in such a childish way,” making everyone laugh.

He then explained more seriously, “The show was Scoop TV Entertainment, and I was pretty much the main MC. When Jin Kyung showed up, I saw her determination and passion."

He added, "While others didn’t seem serious, she really stood out. I told the PD, ‘She seems unique. Why not keep her on the show?’”

Kim Jong Kook chimed in, “So if the main MC said that, doesn’t that mean you basically got her in?”

That made Lee Kyung Gyu happy. He grinned and replied, “Exactly! You speak well. Be like him!”

He added, “After that, Jin Kyung’s career took off. She started doing shows with Lee Young Ja and just kept going.”

Fans are now calling Lee Kyung Gyu not only a top MC, but also a quiet star-maker behind the scenes!

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