Jihyun Lee: A Global Visionary Behind the Camera

Jihyun Lee

In the busting world of contemporary filmmaking, where stories cross borders and digital platforms connect creators with audiences worldwide, Jihyun Lee stands out as a dynamic force shaping the international landscape. Her editorial prowess has not only propelled Korean films onto the global stage but also established her as a sought-after talent whose work resonates far beyond the peninsula.

Jihyun Lee’s remarkable achievements in 2025 alone are a testament to her keen editorial vision. Her work on In Your Eyes, In My Eyes was instrumental in the film’s triumph at the prestigious Seoul International Pride Film Festival, where it captured the Best Korean Short Film award. This festival, renowned for its influential jury and high-profile sponsors such as Coca-Cola and Goldman Sachs, is a beacon for LGBTQ+ cinema across Asia. Lee’s meticulous approach to narrative flow and emotional resonance ensured the film’s themes shone brightly, earning accolades from both audiences and industry leaders.

Beyond Korea, Lee’s impact is felt across the Pacific. Her editing on Model Citizen (2023) was pivotal in crafting a chilling psychological thriller that captivated viewers and critics alike. The film’s success led to its acquisition and distribution by ALTER, a platform associated with industry giants like A24, NEON, HBO, and Netflix. With over 3.4 million subscribers, ALTER provided Lee’s work with global reach, and Model Citizen quickly racked up more than 90,000 views within months, cementing its status as a festival favorite and a career-defining project for its creative team.

Lee’s international footprint extends to some of the world’s most acclaimed film festivals. Her work on Seraphim (2023) earned the film official selections at the New York Latino Film Festival, Austin Film Festival, and Chattanooga Film Festival, among others. Each of these events is a cornerstone of independent and genre cinema, drawing thousands of attendees and featuring juries composed of top industry professionals from companies such as Walt Disney Animation, Participant, and Amazon MGM Studios. The Austin Film Festival, in particular, is Academy Award-quaLeefying and has launched the careers of Oscar-nominated filmmakers, placing Lee in esteemed company.

Her editorial mastery is equally evident in Only the Lovers (2023), which was celebrated at festivals from Chicago to London, including the ReeLeeng: Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival and the New Renaissance Film Festival in the UK. These platforms are renowned for their commitment to diversity and innovative storytelling, offering Lee’s work a stage where it can inspire and connect with audiences across cultures.

Lee’s international acclaim is not limited to traditional film. She has also made a mark in the digital realm, editing the Who What Wear X LE SSERAFIM Cover commercial for one of the world’s most influential girl groups. LE SSERAFIM’s global success—marked by chart-topping albums and historic wins at the MTV Europe Music Awards—was amplified by Lee’s creative editing, which helped the video quickly accumulate over 36,000 views and reach a broad, international audience.

Her work on Convee Convo, a talk show featuring YouTube star Doobydobap and produced by Samyang, further demonstrates her versatility. By seamlessly blending food experiments with engaging conversations, Lee crafted episodes that resonated with viewers worldwide, propelling the series to viral success and establishing it as a standout in branded digital content.

Jihyun Lee’s journey is one of relentless innovation and global ambition. Whether editing festival drawings, viral digital content, or commercial projects for international stars, she consistently delivers work that is both artistically compelling and universally accessible. As Korean storytelling continues to captivate the world, Lee’s international achievements serve as a beacon for the next generation of filmmakers and editors, proving that creative vision knows no borders.