leejongsuklogs

[leejongsuklogs]

Esquire Korea (Nov 2017) Interview

Really noisy loneliness

Not even rested properly for once. Successful in all his dramas, drawing a sharp turning point through his movie. Record of conversation at 3pm with Lee Jong Suk, who as a star has no space to be lonely anywhere in the world, suddenly talked about fatigue and loneliness .

Lee Jong Suk has now become an actor who is impossible to predict. And the really surprising thing is that things are accomplished the way Lee Jong Suk has intended.

Rather than talking about my intention, I do think about my direction a lot in different stages. About my present situation and the direction I am going. To me, the self called Lee Jong Suk is really… I do a lot of monitoring on my work, I think a lot about Lee Jong Suk every day, I am working very hard to take a step away from this person called Lee Jong Suk.

As an actor, also as a person?

I get a lot of questions like this when I am interviewed? My strengths or what I want to praise myself about. Viewing myself objectively, now I can talk about a few of my weaknesses but it takes a bit of time to think about my strength.

So did you find it?

Hmm… I think my brain is pretty good.

Director Park Hoon Jung also counted being smart as one of the strengths of Lee Jong Suk. I also got a similar feeling. A really clever actor.

It is not like that. Responding intuitively according to the tempo or nuances of the other’s lines, the decibel, it is intuition of animals? That is not my style of acting. I am very academic. My acting style relies on calculations. I should follow the feelings and just act according to that person, but I search a lot from the external…

If so, then when you acted with Kim Myung Min, there should be a very different feeling. Since he is an actor who got an established reputation based on his precision in acting.

I have never seen sunbae’s NG. There is never any problem in articulation and he never forget his lines. That is called method acting? During filming, one works on living like that character. That’s why I often followed him around. I asked a lot, “Sunbae-nim, I can’t do this, will it be good if I act like this?”

You said that because you really did not know, right?

Right. I am familiar with drama, so I often do things mechanically. Because I think If I use this expression, then it is already enough to explain this situation. I do not want to do this but I have never done it in another way, I need a way to breakthrough from myself, and I cannot find the answer so I need help.

What advice was the most memorable?

Practical advice. He taught me in really great detail. When I ask, “Sunbae-nim, this scene is an emotional outburst, but if I yell here then it seems a bit over, and the energy seems to dropping, how should I do it?” He does not answer like this, “There is this kind of feeling, why, you know that right?” He answered in this way, “If you move your muscle here, then your expression can be seen more clearly, and if you move your body this way, your emotions can be conveyed like this.” He gave me really practical advice.

It was filmed before WWYS, right? You did two really different characters one after the other.

In the first half of WWYS, I was lost. I tried to be different and I think I am more lost because of that.

Since VIP have solved your problems about acting to a certain extent, then you should be able to act more freely compared to before?

If you ask me what sort of burden I have, this is my third piece of work by Writer Park Hye Ryun. As a fan, I love writer-nim’s work, but I think I need to be different from my previous roles. Dramas written by the same writer with the same male lead, if I am the same as before, then I will become a nuisance for writer-nim. However, I am watching the drama and found it interesting. This is the first time I did a pre-produced drama like this. In the past, I am used to looking at the feedback and then I sometimes strengthen my emotions in the next episode compared to the previous one, but this time the drama was filmed from the beginning straight till the end, that is also unfamiliar for me. I am watching it as if I am watching a drama of someone else.

That is really high dimension of meditation. Viewing myself and my emotions objectively.

I think I grew up through my works. I feel that I was growing, either in acting or as a person, then suddenly I see the moment when it stopped? I feel like I was standing at the edge of a cliff.

Why did you push yourself to that extent? Can’t you loosen up a bit and enjoy it?

The feeling that I am growing originated from my sense of inferiority. I look at myself and then I start to compare myself with others, and so the sense of inferiority appears, and I am irritated by the sense of inferiority. That is how I came to this place step by step. Therefore, when I get this question “Why to this extent?”, I think about this and I don’t know why. However, I think “I want to do well”, “I hate being embarrassed” are the most important factors here.

You said “Male actors with more angular and clear facial features will age better, but my face is not like that”, do you still think like that?

Yes, I still think like that. Even if one is not acting, just from the angle you can feel a certain pressure? For example, Kim Myung Min sunbae’s role, cursing someone while holding a cigarette in his mouth, I can do that in a different way, but there is the feel it gives? I have more slender features, to overcome that, I need acting skills, but my acting ability is still inadequate, so it is this sense of regret.

Actor’s acting ability comes from direct and indirect experience, you didn’t have time to rest after debut, did you? You have enjoyed the time like that?

Of course.

However, when you look back, the time when you was exhausted.

Up till now, through TV, through other drama, sunbaes’ acting and looking at the world in dramas, I feel and get an indirect experience through these emotions. Using these emotions as the foundation, I have acted up till now. And now that I am in my late 20s, I got familiar with many things now through my brain, however, I don’t have a lot of experiences as Lee Jong Suk himself.

Feeling like you have used up your capital?

I got this feeling that I have used up all my familiar experiences I got up till now. And so recently I think about the trivial experiences as Lee Jong Suk this person. Not the actor, but about Lee Jong Suk, I have not think about him before.

esquirekorea.co.kr

Translation credits: AMY @amyhsk

CONTINUATION:

Translation credits: LJS BAIDU BAR @INSTAGRAM

[leejongsuklogs]

(Yonhap Interview) Actor Lee Jong-suk goes all out to play all-out evil

 SEOUL, Aug. 22 (Yonhap) -- The new Korean crime-thriller "V.I.P." depicts the story of four men from three different countries -- South Korea, North Korea and the United States -- who try to track down a high-profile North Korea defector for their own agendas.

Set to open Thursday, it has Lee Jong-suk playing Kim Gwang-il, the son of a powerful political figure in Pyongyang who becomes the prime suspect of a serial murder case after his defection to South Korea with help from state spy agencies of the country and the U.S.

His adversary is Chae I-do (Kim Myung-min), a hot-tempered South Korean police superintendent who does everything -- not to speak of the use of violence -- to bring a criminal to justice.

Gwangil's villainy is made more terrifying because of his playfulness and innocent charm, something that appealed to 28-year-old Lee Jong-suk, as he said during an interview Tuesday with Yonhap News Agency at a cafe in central Seoul. Gwang-il smiles innocently even when he kills people.

It is the first evil character the model-turned-actor has portrayed in his eight-year acting career.

"I've always wanted to do a macho action noir but thought it might be too early to do so because I knew what I had in me very well," the actor said. He was shooting a Chinese television drama when he received an offer to be in the new film by director Park Hoon-jung, best known for "New World," early last year.

After reading the script for "V.I.P.," Lee wasted no time to fly to South Korea and say "yes" directly to the filmmaker. "I was driven by the idea that I might rather use what I have as a strong point."

Questioned why he wanted to do an action noir, he said it is his favorite genre, and he's always looking for a chance to show his manly side since he has mostly played bright and Prince Charming roles in coming-of-age or romance dramas.

"Gwang-il is a person who regards himself as superior to all others. He frowns for the first and last time when Chae insults him before many people, asking him if he is impotent. For him, Chae is the only person who dares to grate on his nerves."

Asked if he based Gwang-il on any movie villains, Lee said there were lots of films that he saw to prepare for the role. "I studied a lot to figure out how to create a different character and concluded that mine should feel like an innocent child who kills people just out of fun and does not think he is evil."

With two days left before the movie's premiere, however, the top star with a large following both at home and other Asian countries, said he is afraid his violent and cruel image shown in the film might scare his underage fans.

Lee unveiled a recent anecdote in which he unusually answered instantly to an SNS message from an underage fan who asked if it would be OK to watch the R-rated movie featuring her favorite star.

"I immediately sent a reply out of the thought that I must prevent her from seeing the movie. I said, 'Thank you so much for your support but please watch it when you've grown up,'" he said.

The former fashion model conceded that his motive of pursuing acting was simply to appear on the television like popular singer-actor Rain.

But as time went by, it became increasingly more difficult to act because of his introverted personality in real life.

"I like monitoring the dramas and the films that I have appeared in. I found my acting was far smoother in recent titles but that I surely stopped growing as an actor at some moment. I found myself acting mechanically because I already knew the skills."

He said he fell into a slump when he played a genius doctor who defected from North Korea in the 2014 SBS TV drama "Doctor Stranger."

"I received much acclaim for my acting at that time, but I suffered a lot because the doctor character clashed with my own personality. I'm a very shy and introverted person, but the character is a very playful and carefree type of person. I felt some sense of shame after delivering the character."

What cheered him up was a simple text message from veteran actor Song Kang-ho whom he worked together with in "The Face Reader" (2013). Song said he happened to watch some episodes of the drama and said that Lee's acting was good.

After doing so many TV dramas recently, acting became a major part of Lee's daily life.

"When I'm at home, I do nothing. So, these days I try to figure out what else I can do without acting in my life," he said. His newly found joy is meeting his old friends who attended the same elementary school and listening to their life stories. "Before, I had no interest in other people's lives at all but now I just like listening to their stories."

Asked if that change is because he faces entry into the military, he laughed and said, "Maybe that's because I'm getting older."

All able-bodied South Korean men are subject to compulsory military service for about two years, as the country faces North Korea across a heavily fortified border.

Earlier this month, Lee received a notification from the military that he should be in the Army.

The actor said he asked for a delay to finish promotional activities for his new titles: "V.I.P." and a new SBS drama set to air next month.

YONHAP NEWS AGENCY

sshim@yna.co.kr

By Shim Sun-ah

(END)

[leejongsuklogs]

[Herald Interview] Lee Jong-suk on playing a delicate serial killer

Actor Lee Jong-suk has very pale skin. It’s so milky white that for his television drama roles, his makeup artist uses a darker foundation to give him more color, Lee says.

But in the new thriller “V.I.P,” which opens in local theaters Wednesday, director Park Hoon-jung decided that Lee’s pearly complexion would suit his role as the chilling North Korean serial killer Kim Kwang-il.

“I was filming a Chinese drama when I came across the script for ‘V.I.P.’ I wanted the role so badly that I sought out director Park and told him I really wanted it,” Lee said in an interview in Palpan-dong, Seoul, Monday.

With delicate features and a tall, slender frame, Lee has starred in numerous K-dramas as the romantic male lead. The 27-year-old is known for shows like “I Can Hear Your Voice,” where he played a mind-reader suffering from a traumatizing past, and “Pinocchio,” which saw him as a reporter fighting for justice. Last year, Lee won best actor at the MBC drama awards for his performance in “W.”

Though Lee does not object to his boyish image, he had always yearned for more charismatic roles, he said. “The kind of gravitas that people like Jang Dong-gun have when they’re in front of a camera, scowling and smoking a cigarette -- I don’t have that,” he said, referring to his costar in “V.I.P.”

Lee Jong-suk (YG Entertainment)

Lee is 80 percent satisfied with his acting turn, he says. “That kind of powerful expression was fun. It felt like I had done some proper acting.” In “V.I.P.” he’s a haughty member of the North Korean “nobility” who views all people as beneath him and sneers at his captors. He enjoys classical music and classic novels. Killing is nothing more than a hobby for the character, who shrieks with mirth after murder. Lee had sought to portray a different kind of psychopath. “You see a lot of killers in movies who feel euphoria after killing. Director Park said it would be really new, and would suit me better, if I would rejoice like a little boy who’s gotten what he wants.” But the actor was not without worry over his radical transformation. “I’ve received a lot of love for my kinder characters. And I was worried that I wouldn’t be convincing as a villain.”

Lee Jong-suk (YG Entertainment)

He was also concerned about his fans, mostly young Asian teens.

“I get so many messages on social media, but I came across one from this one fan who seemed young. She asked if she should see the movie. I rarely reply, but I wrote back, ‘Thanks for the support, but I think it would be better if you waited until you were older.’ I wouldn’t want to traumatize her.”

Lee has been taking on back-to-back projects for the past few years, but he’s not ready to stop just yet.

“I plan to consume my image and my acting as much as I can. After I’ve shown so much of myself, I might be driven to find new aspects of myself. Or I might slowly stop getting offers. People might stop being curious about me. Then, I might just disappear (from the acting scene). I think that would be okay,” said Lee, describing himself as melancholic and introverted.

Next month, Lee is set to star in the SBS drama “While You Were Sleeping” alongside Suzy.

The Korean Herald By Rumy Doo (doo@heraldcorp.com)

[leejongsuklogs]

OhK TV Asia Star Lounge Interview

This is a filmed Interview. 

Lee Jong Suk - Star Lounge Pt 1 (Original Video from Facebook)

Lee Jong Suk - Star Lounge Pt 2 (Original Video from Facebook)

Lee Jong Suk - Star Lounge Pt 3 (Original Video from Facebook)

[leejongsuklogs]

CECI KOREA (June 2016) Interview

Translation note: Editor is major fangirling. Jongsuk is eloquent as usual. Busy tonight, so actual interview to come tomorrow. :)

The moment that the studio door opened, we were met with a deep and charismatic voice that matched the rainy weather on that day. It was a peculiar moment when you fall in love with his voice even before seeing the person. Although he had collaborated many times with Ceci, this editor was meeting him for the very first time. From the greetings they exchanged, the editor could feel his shy nature. How is it that such boyishness could somehow exist in a 28-year-old man?

In his first interview after returning to Korea, he chose to work with Ceci. When asked, “Why did you choose Ceci?” He replied, “I am partial to Ceci’s particular aura; I want to greet everyone through shooting with Ceci, which fans have always liked.”

Since it is the first photoshoot in a long time, he is especially aware of all the details. The concept of the photoshoot was decided through previous discussions and multiple rounds of adjustments. On the day of the shoot, he got a haircut from his new staff members before coming to the studio. In order to create a new aura, he even personally asked to work with a different set of staff and photographers.

Every time we finished a series of shots, he would monitor the pictures carefully. When the editor asked him to come closer to the monitor to watch, he would simply answer, “I can see clearly even from here”, showing his thoughtfulness in not wanting to get in the way of the work of the editors.

This photoshoot was based on concepts like ‘youngster and man’ and ‘reality and fiction’, which are difficult concepts to grasp, but he manifested the ideas perfectly through his facial expressions and body movement. Halfway through the photoshoot, he came over to the editor who was monitoring the shots and patted her on the shoulders, asking “Is it okay?”

A star who understands the direction of a magazine, captures the particular concept of a photoshoot, and even carefully watches over the production results during the process. It is such a rare sight to see; thus it is not hard to understand why magazine editors keep offering to work with him.

Suddenly, there is a commotion at the studio. Lee Sungkyung had come to visit; she is a friend since his model days and now a colleague in the same company, YG Entertainment. Living near the studio, she decided to drop by to see her friend Lee Jong Suk and also cheer him on. After her brief visit, her positive energy caused the atmosphere in the studio became brighter. Upon restarting the shoot, even Jong Suk, who was shy with the new staff, gradually began to smile more. His genteel smile that appeared from time to time was like a surprise present to each of our staff.

Since he changed his outfits at the speed of light, we were able to finish the photoshoot earlier than expected. After the photoshoot staff departed, all that is left in the small studio was him and the editor, plus one or two close personnel. In this space that felt similar to his dream cafe, we had a conversation like a chat between old friends, our words stretching until night fell outside the windows.

His feelings during the one year of not working, the memories of filming in China for three months, the feeling when he first flipped open the script, the confirmation of his contract with YG just a few days ago… as I write this article, I listen to our interview recording and once again am astounded at how pure he is. His charismatic voice always seem to be telling a story, as if speaking to a girlfriend. If he was your boyfriend, you would probably never want to hang up the phone.

LJS: When being interviewed, I try to be as honest as absolutely possible. During an interview, I will have the feeling of going through a counselling session.

He is really honest enough to give you a shock… I believe this 1.5 hours of recording must be more valuable to fans than any B-cut, but it is a treasure that cannot be shared. Some day in the future, the sweetness of the vanilla latte that I sipped on that day would probably remind me of this day – just like how in Marcel Proust’s ‘Remembrance of Things Past’, the main character recalls the past with a bite of magdalene cake. I would remember how the sun cast its last rays on the windowsill, in a room where we forgot to turn on the lights, the pure moment of losing ourselves in a cup of coffee and the stories we shared.

Ceci: Since ‘W’ is going to air on July 20th and ‘Jade Lover’ is set to air in China near the end of the year, it seems that Lee Jong Suk is ready to sweep up popularity in China and Korea. Let’s talk about ‘Jade Lover’ which you worked on first. What kind of drama is this?

JS: ‘Jade Lover’ is set in 1930s and filmed at Hengdian, which is known as the Hollywood of China. The city itself is an enormous studio; it’s amazing to see. The drama itself is a tight-knit fantasy romance, giving off the slight feeling of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ in China. It deals with the love story and rivalry between two great merchant families that deal in jewelry. The script was written by a Chinese writer and director by Jin Hyuk PD.

Ceci: Given that it’s a script written by a Chinese writer, there would probably be difficulties when dealing with dialogue with other actors?

JS: Since I decided to do a Chinese project, I felt it would be better to pick a writer who understands the Chinese sentiment. I already knew what the dialogue of my partner meant through a Korean translation of the script. To be able to act together just through the actions and cooperation, it is a fresh new experience.

Ceci: ‘Jade Lover’ is a production of more than 40 billion won in investment. What kind of charms do you wish fans to see through this project?

JS: This is the first time I’ve done a role that is rich (laughs), so I can change outfits all the time. We brought over complete sets of outfits from Korea. So you should be able to see a different side of me. Since Jin Hyuk PD is directing, the visual cinematography is also outstandingly beautiful. I worked with Zheng Shuang, an actress that is very popular in China; the chemistry between a Chinese actress and a Korean actor should also be quite interesting.

Ceci: You are seen as one of the ‘New Four Heavenly Kings of Hallyu’ in China; this time Ceci is releasing your cover in China and Korea simultaneously. During filming ‘Jade Lover’, did you feel your popularity on that level?

JS: I agree that those actors I respect are the ‘Four Heavenly Kings’, but to add me on that list is an exaggeration. The city I was filming in, Hengdian, is actually quite far away from civilization. When fans came to the jotel every weekend, they would always bring Korean food, perhaps because they felt that I would miss Korean cuisine. Also, the nearest Starbucks was about an hour from where I lived, but every morning, there would be fans who bring me Americano or iced latte because they know I like it. I’m really thankful for them; I was well taken care of.

Ceci: Was there any particular actor you cooperated well with in ‘Jade Lover’?

JS: There was an actor-hyung who played my secretary in the drama, the character’s name was “Zhao Meng”. I learnt a lot from him. In Korean dramas, we focus a lot on upper-body shots, so actors tend to lean on facial expressions when acting. However, Chinese actors have more actions scenes that make use of the whole body. I learnt a lot through our scenes together.

Ceci: Let’s talk a bit about your comeback drama in Korea, ‘W’. This is your first time to work with Sung Jae-jung, the writer of ‘Nine’, and Jung Dae0yoon, the PD of ‘She Was Pretty’. People are curious about your reason for choosing this project.

JS: The script was just fascinating! Although it may not be easy to understand, I promise it is a drama that you would not be able to let go once you start watching.

Ceci: The first script reading was on May 4th. How did you feel?

JS: The writers have prepared for such a long time, so the structure is very tightly-constructed. Since my character belongs in a fictional world, so the writers will tell me scene-by-scene how they want me to act.

Ceci: The previous work of the writer, ‘Nine’, was such that if you missed out on one episode then it is hard to catch up, so you really have to watch all the episodes.

JS: I feel that this project is even better than ‘Nine’. Even through reading the script, you can feel that the writer really prepared a lot.

Ceci: In the drama, you act as Kang Chul, a Olympic gold medal sharp-shooter who turns into a young chaebol. Since you always prepare so well for your roles, you must have worked hard at learning to shoot as well?

JS: I had my first target practice yesterday. The gun was heavier than I thought. I am working hard with the gold medal as my goal. (laughs)

Ceci: Hm… shall we turn to a more personal topic? Actors who started as models seems to have a different perspective when it comes to choosing clothes.

JS: Not necessarily. Normally, I’d just wear sports clothes and flip-flops. When I was younger, I would like those brands like Undercover or Lad Musician (T/N: both Japanese fashion brands) but now, when I give my clothes back to my stylist, turning back into a self that is not labeled as anything, I will feel empty. Whenever I’m done with my schedules, I have to dress more comfortably. (During the photoshoot, he talked about each outfit we gave him with interesting and unique descriptions, bringing laughter to the staff and crew. He was imagining what scene would match that particular outfit.)

Ceci: But you must have a look you like more than most, if you think about it more deeply.

JS: Hm… Since young, I’ve always been told that my body line is more slender and delicate. Perhaps because of that, I really admire sunbaes like Cha Seungwon and Lee Minho, who have overwhelming masculine charisma. Therefore, lately, I’ve been enamoured with suits that can accentuate masculinity. Off-the-rack suits tend to fit me poorly in the arms and legs, so I prefer to have it tailoured and made of silky fabrics that feels smooth against the skin.

Ceci: So far, the characters that you’ve acted as are those with a lot of background story, but you’ve never really acted as the typical rich chaebol son. What is Lee Jong Suk’s reasoning for choosing roles?

JS: I always preferred tragedies. My characters would often have lost his parents; his emotions would tend to run to extremes under unique circumstances. I am hooked by these characters.

Ceci: So this means you haven’t thought of acting in a traditional romantic drama?

JS: I have. A passionate romance. Deadly romance.

Ceci: That would probably fit you well. Who would you want to work with?

JS: Since my debut, I’ve said that I am a fan of Lee Na Young-sunbaenim.

Ceci: Why would you, an extreme Type-A introvert, decide to open Instagram and V App?

JS: In every romance, someone has to be the one to pick up his courage, right? This relationship is actually similar to a romance. Sometimes when I write something for the fans, I would suddenly remember it after three months and regret so much that I’d kick my blankets. ‘Why did I write it with that tone?!’ When in love, a person tends to be juvenile… seems like it’s the same way with the fans.

Ceci: What have you been thinking about during that one year of no activity?

JS: I worried about a lot of things that I wouldn’t even remember the following morning. When I took a break last year, I realized that I am a person who doesn’t know how to do anything at all. So I decided that I have to work in as many projects as possible while I am still young. I must do four projects this year. (T/N: I thought he said three before…?)

Ceci: For awhile, you liked ‘Sherlock’’s Benedict Cumberbatch, right? You are well-known for being a ‘television otaku’, is there any show that you are watching right now?

JS: ‘Neighbourhood Lawyer Jo Deul Ho’. Park Shinyang-sunbaenim is just so amazing at acting. One of the crying scenes was so sad that you could feel his sadness even just watching still pictures from that scene.

Ceci: If you were in Korea at that time, would you have joined Park Shinyang’s ‘Actor School’?

JS: I may really have gone. I’m the type to easily become obsessed with male actors. Recently I’m really into Park Shinyang-sunbae and Ma Dongseok-sunbae.

Ceci: Oh, Ma Dong-seok?

JS: He doesn’t go overly strong in his acting, but is natural and interesting. There’s a great grasp of rhythm and control. It’s a macho aura that I like.

Ceci: You’re the type to think “everything outside my blanket is dangerous”. What do you do at home?

JS: I watch dramas and also SBS documentaries. I would also watch UFC Highlights (boxing show) in the middle of the night. Lately I’m into those scenes with pouring blood. I want to try out that kind of role.

Ceci: I don’t think the fans would like it very much…

JS: Nope~ they’ll like it.

Ceci: Have you considered doing variety shows?

JS: Variety is for those people who are smart and have that special sense. Most singers don’t become nervous when doing varieties and dramas; they can do very well… I’m envious about that.

Ceci: You don’t think you have a strong heart then?

JS: If any situation goes even slightly off-course from my expectations, my sweat just starts to pour.

Ceci: Do you still have a dream to own a cafe like before? What kind of cafe would you own?

JS: A cafe with no customers. A cafe with only me as a customer. A cafe with no customers, where I can chat with my friends like now.

Ceci: That reminds me of ‘My Lips Are Like Warm Coffee’. (T/N: Eddy Kim’s song, recently remade into a duet with Lee Sungkyung)

JS: I drink at least three cups of coffee a day.

Ceci: You used to be unable to drink alcohol, right? But you had the experience of drinking a lot at once.

JS: There was a time when I thought I became more accustomed to drinking but it turns out that alcohol is just not for me. I only drink some champagne when I am with people I’m close with.

Ceci: Like Lee Sungkyung who suddenly visited today, you seem to be closer with female friends, like Hyoyeon and Kang Sora.

JS: Conversations with female friends seem to be deeper and more realistic. Like if you asked a guy ‘how was that movie’, he would reply, ‘it was fun’ or ‘it was cool’ and that��s the end of that. But a woman would start talking about ‘why that scene was acted that way?’ or ‘I particularly like that line’ so the conversation can continue.

Ceci: How did you become friends with Lee Sungkyung?

JS: From model era, we’ve been friends for around 10 years now. We weren’t close back then because Sungkyung is a good girl who goes home once the sun sets. I remember thinking that she was a person with a beautiful soul. When she started working as an actor, we became closer.

Ceci: There are a lot of dramas airing in the latter part of the year. Would like to make a declaration of ambition?

JS: It’s great that there’s going to be more good dramas to watch. Actually, before I decided on a project, (Kim) Woobin had asked me to do a cameo for his drama. I was going to do it but then had to tell him, “I’m sorry but our dramas are going against each other”. Casting is really one of the main points to attract people to watch the first episode, so as a drama fanatic, the combo of ‘Kim Woobin and Suzy’ is a must-watch. I always watch the dramas acted by actors our age, since I want to catch all those scenes that are especially pretty because we are at this age.

Ceci: It would be lovely if ‘Lee Jongsuk and Kim Woobin’ can become another ‘Jung Woosung and Lee Jungjae’ and continue for a long time.

JS: Woobin is the only same-age friend who has come with me from the model era so we became close, then we acted in ‘School 2013′ together. Among male actors, he’s the only one I keep in contact with. When returning to Korea, we announce our arrival to each other first. Whenever there’s news, we contact each other first. I think that this can be called good fortune.

Ceci: You also said that you like Lee Minho-sunbae just now, right?

JS: I didn’t used to have contact with Lee Minho-sunbae but when I was frustrated about choosing a new agency, he gave me a call. He also went through the same process so he understands that feeling of being emotionally exhausted no matter how you choose. He said, “If you need any advice, we can meet up.” I am really appreciative and thankful for his sincerity.

Ceci: You decided yesterday that you would sign with YG Entertainment. May I ask why?

JS: I had no idea how so many people got my private phone number, but many of them called and gave me various advice. When I returned to Korea, I was thinking about a place which could afford me a stable environment to focus on reading scripts.

At that time, CEO Yang Hyun Suk gave me a call and directly asked, “What can I help you with?” So I said, “Allow me to only focus on acting.” Although a lot of people offered various terms and conditions, he was the only one to ask what he could do for me.

Ceci: When deciding your agency, was your role model Kang Dongwon a deciding factor?

JS: The fact that sunbae had chosen this company also gave me a sense of security, I guess. I always read the interviews of Cha Seungwon-sunbaenim and Kang Dongwon-sunbaenim. For me, the words of these people who had walked this path before me serves as good guides for my life.

Ceci: Do you read your own interviews?

JS: I read every single one. I may have low self-esteem but I also have a lot of love for myself. (laughs)

Ceci: One last message for the fans?

JS: I think this is first time I’ve made everyone wait this long. Since you’ve waited so long, I’ll try my best to make it worthwhile with quality acting. (ending the interview in a Macho Guy way)

On the last day of 2016, I hope I can say to myself, “You’ve done quite well this year.”

SOURCE: HITORITABI Part 1 || Part 2 || Part 3 | Part 4

[leejongsuklogs]

[JAMBANGEE 2013] Park Shin Hye and Lee Jong Suk interview on MBC’s Section TV