Byun Hee-bong (June 8, 1942 – September 18, 2023) was a South Korean actor. Beginning his career in the 1960s as a television voice actor, he became a prolific character actor in both film and television. His international fame is inextricably linked to his collaborations with director Bong Joon-ho, who directed him in films such as *Barking Dogs Never Bite* (2000), *Memories of Murder* (2003), and *Okja* (2017). His most iconic role remains that of the patriarch Park Hee-bong in the blockbuster film *The Host* (2006), a performance that earned him critical acclaim and major awards, including the Blue Dragon Film Award and the Asia-Pacific Film Festival award for Best Supporting Actor. Recognized for his distinctive voice and great versatility, he is considered a pivotal figure in modern Korean cinema.