In several movies by Joon-Ho Bong, he plays a character with the first name of Hee-Bong.
Byun was also known for being active in television, with his portrayals of endearing, humorous fathers/grandfathers, or stern, cunning professionals.
Byun won the award for the most popular actor in the TV category at the 21st Baeksang Arts Awards for his role in the period drama series "The Joseon Dynasty 500 Years: Seoljungmae," and best supporting actor at the 27th Blue Dragon Awards for his role in "The Host.".
In 2000, Byun appeared in a memorable supporting role in Bong Joon-ho's directorial debut Barking Dogs Never Bite, playing a bizarre apartment maintenance man with a love for dog meat.
In 2020, he received the Eungwan Order of Cultural Merit, the second-highest class of the Korean cultural decoration, from the government in recognition of his contribution to the development of the nation's pop culture.