Actor Lee Byung-hun was selected as the inaugural recipient of the 'KALH' (Korean American Leaders in Hollywood) award at the event held in Los Angeles, USA, on December 7 (local time). Alongside Lee Byung-hun, director Park Chan-wook and director Maggie Q also received the honor.

KALH stated that the event was established this year "to highlight the work of Korean diaspora creators who have achieved outstanding accomplishments in the global film industry." Lee Byung-hun is an actor who has firmly established an international reputation with a wide acting spectrum, with representative works including No Way to Forgive and the Netflix series Squid Game. Director Park Chan-wook has made Korean cinema known worldwide with films such as Oldboy, Decision to Leave, and No Way to Forgive. Director Maggie Q created a global sensation with the Netflix animation K-Pop Demon Hunters.

In his acceptance speech, Lee Byung-hun said, "I deeply thank everyone involved. It is an even greater honor to receive an award at this meaningful first ceremony. I will never forget this glorious moment." He added about his collaboration with director Park Chan-wook, "I feel extremely fortunate to have been able to work together." He also mentioned, "The moment I entered here today, I felt familiarity and warmth seeing familiar faces. It is probably because they are actors I have always supported while watching screens and TV." Lee Byung-hun expressed his gratitude, saying, "I know well that the long journey to this place has been full of tough and lonely moments. I will always support you."

KALH, established in 2020, is an organization where leaders from film, TV, music, and charity fields gather to support the global activities of Korean creators. KALH founder and executive director Kymber Lim said, "Lee Byung-hun, Park Chan-wook, and Maggie Q have demonstrated the power of art that transcends boundaries and proved the depth and richness of Korean storytelling to the world. We are extremely pleased to have them as our first awardees."

The film No Way to Forgive, starring Lee Byung-hun, was nominated for International Feature Film and Adapted Screenplay at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards. He confirmed his presence again in the global OTT market by playing the Front Man in the Netflix series Squid Game, which was nominated for Best Foreign Language Series. The Netflix animation K-Pop Demon Hunters, in which Lee Byung-hun provided voice acting, was also nominated for Best Animated Feature, marking the achievement of having all three of Lee Byung-hun's works nominated.

Additionally, Lee Byung-hun was nominated for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards. No Way to Forgive was nominated for Best Picture and Best Foreign Language Film, while K-Pop Demon Hunters was included in the Best Animated Feature category. These achievements of Lee Byung-hun further elevate the status of Korean films and content in the global market.