Lee Jung-hyun has finally realized her dream of becoming a film director on ‘Pyeon Restaurant’.
In the episode aired on the 23rd on KBS2’s ‘Newly Released Pyeon Restaurant’ (hereafter ‘Pyeon Restaurant’), the moment when Lee Jung-hyun achieved her long-held dream of becoming a film director since her 20s was revealed. Despite reaching the peak of her career in acting and singing, and experiencing marriage and childbirth, she never let go of her dream of directing. It was a time when both the master director Park Chan-wook and the viewers were moved by Lee Jung-hyun's passion, which she has pursued with her best efforts.
On this day, Lee Jung-hyun attended the Jeonju International Film Festival not as an actress but as a director. Her first directorial work, ‘Going to the Flower Viewing’, was invited to the Korean Cinema section of the Jeonju International Film Festival. The film, which tells the story of a mother and daughter trapped in a welfare blind spot, received a hot response, with tickets for the screening selling out. “I couldn’t sleep because I was so nervous,” Lee Jung-hyun said, greeting the audience with a bright introduction: “I am Lee Jung-hyun, who has challenged myself as an actress, singer, and now a director.” Her adorable daughter Seo-ah made a surprise appearance at the venue, cheerfully supporting her mother’s challenge.
Following directors Yeon Sang-ho and Heo Jin-ho, Lee Jung-hyun was selected as the Programmer of the Year at the Jeonju International Film Festival and met with the audience. On this day, at Lee Jung-hyun's request, the renowned director Park Chan-wook came running to grace the occasion. Lee Jung-hyun and Park Chan-wook, who formed a connection through the short film ‘The Concubine’, have maintained their friendship to this day. Director Park Chan-wook even directed a music video for Lee Jung-hyun for the first time.
After the event, director Park Chan-wook made a special time for Lee Jung-hyun. She gifted him homemade plum syrup and all-purpose soy sauce. Known as a gourmet, director Park Chan-wook mentioned that thanks to Lee Jung-hyun, he started watching ‘Pyeon Restaurant’. He also candidly shared his thoughts about their first meeting, Lee Jung-hyun's charm and strength as an actress, and his heartfelt support for her first steps as a film director.
Director Park Chan-wook reminisced, “I never thought the day would come when I would work with Lee Jung-hyun. Looking back, I thought, ‘Lee Jung-hyun is an actress sent to me by the heavens. This is fate.’” He also mentioned, “Lee Jung-hyun is an ordinary person in a good way, but when she acts, she gives people chills. I wonder how she can change so naturally.”
A story was also revealed about director Park Chan-wook gifting Lee Jung-hyun a CD of the movie ‘The Flower Petal’ in the past. He said, “The 16-year-old Lee Jung-hyun in the movie ‘The Flower Petal’ showed a remarkable performance that will remain in the history of Korean cinema. It was unfortunate that I couldn’t watch that movie because I was young.” Lee Jung-hyun expressed her gratitude, saying, “It was a great gift at a time when I was losing confidence in my acting.” Director Park Chan-wook encouraged her without reservation, saying, “You’ve done well in directing and acting. Just like you did well with the short film, try doing a feature film as well.”
On this day, Lee Jung-hyun's dish ‘Cream Change! Green Onion Cream Pasta’ won first place in the noodle dish competition, receiving enthusiastic praise from the menu evaluation panel.
