Ahead of the Screening on the 20th of Next Month, Promotion Underway
Handwritten Letters Sent to Over 50 People via Email and More
Actor Lee Byung-jun (60), who gained public recognition by playing supporting roles in dramas and movies, is drawing attention by sending a handwritten letter to the press to promote the release of his first-ever leading role film.
On the 14th, Yonhap News reported that Lee Byung-jun, known to the public through various works such as Netflix's The Glory and JTBC's Reborn Rich, sent letters via email to about 50 reporters on the 13th. The reason he sent the letters is that his first leading role film, Cain's City, is scheduled for a preview screening and a talk with the audience (GV) on the 20th of next month at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul.
In the letter, Lee Byung-jun opened by saying, "When I was 20 years old, I went on stage in theater simply because I liked it, and I started my life as a film actor with a minor role in The Eternal Empire in 1995. Honestly, I didn’t really know back then." He continued, "What true acting is, and what life as an actor would be like. I didn’t know how much joy and tears this path would bring me." He added, "Having started walking this path as an actor, I am grateful to have stood on stage and in front of the camera until now."
He then expressed gratitude to those around him, saying, "Looking back, it was possible because of the support of many people. Although there were many ups and downs and difficulties, I was able to continue on my path consistently thanks to the warm support of those I am thankful for." He also said, "Now that I have reached this age after sixty years have passed, I am embarrassed but have completed my first leading role film." He added, "Ahead of the release at the end of April (next year), we plan to hold a preview screening and GV, and I earnestly request the attendance of reporter ○○○."
It is known that Lee Byung-jun personally sent about 50 handwritten letters ahead of the film’s release. He searched for reporters who appeared in articles with keywords related to 'film festivals' and other movie-related terms and sent letters to each one individually. This idea came about after Lee Byung-jun discussed it with director Song Chang-soo, who directed Cain's City. Director Song said in a phone interview with Yonhap News, "I thought about a unique way to promote the film together with Lee Byung-jun. We wanted to find a way to convey sincerity better, so he decided to write the letters himself." He added, "Except for Lee Byung-jun, the film was made mainly with rookie actors. I hope even one more audience member comes to watch it." Meanwhile, Cain's City is a thriller film dealing with themes such as fake news, school violence, and youth drug abuse. Lee Byung-jun plays the role of reporter Kang Hyun-soo, who undergoes a prosecution investigation due to a false report.
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