Fan Club Goodies

LBH at the Hawaii International Film Festival 20-30 Oct 2005

Sunday, October 30, 2005

Korean star Lee enjoyed his visit

By Jeff Chung




If you're hanging out with international megastar Lee Byung Hun, the star of Korean television dramas and films, you might need earplugs.

Even though Lee's attendance at the Louis Vuitton Hawaii International Film Festival, for the sold-out screening of "Bittersweet Life," was his second visit here, screaming fans were everywhere. I even heard that fans from Japan flew in just to see him.

Lee's first trip here, about a weeklong visit, was last year, when he arrived midsummer to do a photo shoot for the Japanese market. Although his schedule was tight, he'd found a love of and regard for our islands.

During this trip, we first met at the airport. I had a chance to talk during the drive to the hotel. I brought him up to speed on why he was so well-known here.

He told me he gets fan mail from Hawai'i and wondered how people here would know about him and how they would understand Korean-language programs. I explained that KBFD airs prime-time shows, which are translated and subtitled in English.

My impressions of this film and TV megastar? He is very polite, well-mannered and down-to-earth.

My experience with Lee's screaming fans came by chance in Waikiki. While he stood in the lobby of the Sheraton Waikiki, many Japanese tourists — men and women — saw Lee and started asking each other: Is it really him? Is it someone who looks like him?

Soon enough, a brave woman came up to him with a "Are you Lee Byung Hun?" look.

He said hello. She started to have an endorphin rush and quickly offered her hand.

When Lee shook her hand, it was as if the world fell apart for her. Her eyes dilated and she started to breathe heavily. Visual contact is one thing, but to have actually shaken his hand!

Other onlookers realized it was, indeed, the man they knew from the screen. They started to gather around. That's when his managers, who seemed to be on constant guard, realized things could get out of hand and rushed him to the car.

Then, on opening night of the film festival, at a reception at the Gordon Biersch restaurant in Aloha Tower Marketplace, Lee made his appearance.

His fans screamed and squeezed as close as possible to the stage, reaching out their hands in hopes of touching his.

There were many who brought photos to be autographed, personalized shirts with Lee's picture, and presents.

The screaming failed to die down during his time onstage, and the crowd could not get enough of him.

At the press conference the following Saturday at the Outrigger Waikiki, I couldn't believe how many fans arrived an hour early.

I now understand the potential dangers involved with large, out-of-control crowds of fans. As Lee was being escorted to the car, there was a mad rush of women pushing with all their might to get as close as possible.

I had no idea a little lady half my size could have so much strength as she pushed past me to get Lee's autograph.

After experiencing the crush of the crowd, I have some advice on getting an autograph: There has to be a very small group of people!

When he had time and the opportunity, Lee did sign and shake hands and chat. However, when the crowd gets too big, things get out of hand.

There were many chances for fans to get an autograph, if they happened to be at the right place at the right time. .

Lee, who left Tuesday, said he really enjoyed his stay here and wants to come back. The fans who managed to chat with him realized one thing: He speaks English well.

I'm certain he will say good things to other famous Korean drama actors and actresses about his great experience in Hawai'i. This will also mean we could enjoy more visits from Korean celebrities.

Source The Honolulu Advertiser (Island Life)

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051030/LIFE15/510300301/1076


Dir. Kim Ji Woon & LBH at the Bittersweet Life press conference on 22 Oct 2005, an experience shared by *sayla and photos courtesy of **midnightmuse at Everything Lee Byung Hun

* thanks to sayla
Have been in a cloud since this happened but 10 of us loyal LBH fans were privy enough to get into the press area of the conference held with our Hunnie yesterday at the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel. Great pics and such a golden opportunity to see him that close for almost an hour. He was gracious to the crowd and extended his hand numerous times.

It was the most awesome experience for all of us to even be so close to him, absorbing every ounce of his gorgeous appearance and ...of course.....THE SMILE!!!!

Then as karma would have it.......we ended up at the same restaurant as his group later in the day. Hysterical with excitement, we behaved as model fans and did not bombard him. Before he left, 2 of our group approached him for autographs which he politely obliged and then even engaged in a conversation with the 2 about his movie!!!

Adrenaline highs.......out of body experiences.....call it what you may. A dream come true! We touched, talked, breathed, lived LBH yesterday!

We love him, Hawaii loves him!

One more chance to see him a the USA premiere of A Bittersweet Life. Be sure to buy and watch this amazingly written and directed movie which shows the deeper talents of our Love, LBH.


**These are some photos that were taken at the HIFF press conference that Sayla talked about. LBH is totally charismatic...what an experience. (our thanks to midnightmuse)

Our gratitude to sayla & midnightmuse

HIFF photos + experience shared by midnightmuse at Everything Lee Byung Hun

Credits to Eileen Lee and LoRRaine Perez

These were taken at the press conference at the Waikiki Outrigger Hotel. Several of us were able to witness this. Even while waiting for the questions to be directed his way, Lee Byung Hun showed many moods and expressions. He is a careful listener, and seemed to have a good rapport with the director who appears with him in some of these photos.



Yomiko Tom, a fan from Las Vegas said "Byung Hun-ssi...catch." He put his hands out as he was heading down the stairway, and caught the package without missing a beat.



These photos were taken at the USA premiere of "Bittersweet Life." 1400 fans filled the Hawaii Theatre Center, and more were hoping to get in. Most of our group stood in line for about 5 hours. Sayla was the first in line...about an hour earlier than the rest of us. LBH looked pleased by the turnout. He watched from backstage, and mentioned that this was the first audience that cheered for the bad guy to get killed.



Our thanks to midnightmuse, Eileen Lee & LoRRaine Perez