2021.02.24 | Interview
After "Goblin", there were many fantasy proposals, but he did not accept a single one. "Gumiho" was a fantasy film between fantasy, but was there a clear attraction that made you decide to appear?
It's been 4 years since "Goblin" ended. Instead of having a chance, I thought I could do it now. The male Gumiho is a very cool character that I have never seen before so it came to me in a unique way. It was a job that I filmed for almost a year, and Lee Yeon's character was very attractive in many ways, so many lingering impressions remain.
It was an open ending with divided opinions. You like me?
I really liked the ending. And more than anyone, I thought it was a close ending. It's a happy ending full of Lee Yeon and Jia. In the end, my eyes changed and I thought that catching samjae was just an outage. The main story of "Gumiho" ended with the narration of "And forever, my first love" as Lee Yeon and Jia looked at each other from the balcony. The focus of the last meeting is that Lee Yeon returns to Jia and lives happily with each other. Not just me, but the director and writer also thought it was a happy ending, so I think I was more surprised by the viewers' reaction that it was an open ending.
What kind of ending do you prefer when working on a project?
I think it varies from drama to drama and character to character. It is not easy to satisfy the needs of the viewers, the intentions of the producers and the wishes of the actors. The production team wants a sad ending, but sometimes the viewers don't. The most important thing is what kind of story the author wants to convey through his work. I am the person who has to make that story come true. I think "Gumiho" was an appropriate and satisfying ending when viewed as a whole.
You said that you recently finished filming the movie "Single in Seoul". How you feel?
It was filmed for about 3 months. A good director, actors and staff worked together, so I think we were able to finish it happily. It's been a while since we've been together for a movie, so I was able to work with a more relaxed mind. In particular, the director is very open-minded, so we had a lot of conversations during filming, so I'm looking forward to a good movie thanks to him.
What was the scene in the movie that he returned to after a long time?
Movies are definitely more relaxed than dramas. Compared to the "Gumiho", where I was busy running and rolling, I didn't use my body much, so my body and mind were a bit more comfortable. You seem very close to the director.
The director is three years older than me and he jokes and jokes a lot, so I felt like I was working with a friend. Since I had known myself for a long time with actress Im Soo-jung, I was able to get to know each other easily, and it was comfortable and fun to film.
On tvN's 'Search WWW', he briefly worked with Im Soo-jung. We got to know each other well through this movie, how was your breathing?
(Im) Sujeong noona is a person who has many cute and charming appearances in private. But when he works, he becomes very professional. He was very meticulous and detailed, even the parts he hadn't thought of. Thanks to her, I also thought a little more about her character. It was great to have a lot of conversations to find a new direction and to think hard to achieve a better performance.
"Single in Seoul" is a genre of romantic comedy. Is there any special charm compared to Rocco's previous works?
It is a romantic comedy, but it has a lot of melodrama. If you go to movie theaters these days, thriller and noir genres take up a big chunk. I think love is the most important thing in life, but it's always been a shame that there aren't many genres like that, so I think that's why I chose it. I also wanted to capture the romantic history of people my age and my age.
What kind of work can you expect from Lee Dong Wook?
The character is "Park Young-ho", a well-known academy instructor who teaches essay writing. When he published a book by chance, he meets a lot of related people. It is a story that unfolds in relation to them. I think it will be a movie that a lot of people can sympathize with, as it is a story that everyone has experienced and can go through.
What do you think is the most important thing to maintain a relationship?
I think it is a sincere heart. I feel that more these days, but if we don't treat each other with pretenses and lies, I think we can get to know each other's sincerity even if we don't contact each other or see each other often.
When is the moment when you feel confident that the other person is yours?
When I'm in a relationship where I don't have to put my energy and exaggerate, I feel confident that I am my own person. There are people who feel comfortable even if they do nothing and let it flow. It always gives me strength to have people like that around me.
What is Lee Dong Wook's single life like? Do you have an established routine for a perfect lifestyle?
It does not have anything special. I exercise regularly and always try to keep my surroundings clean and orderly.
In the past, you said, "There is still no judgment on what kind of acting suits you." Is it now at the stage where you can say judgment has been rendered?
This is the scenario I keep looking for. Still, I think I have now gained some confidence in the fantasy genre. I've done the fantasy genre twice already, which other people say is hard to do once, so I think I've gained some knowledge. Actually, in the fantasy genre, even if you want to prepare something in advance, there is nothing to prepare. It's about creating something completely new. The most important thing is the freedom with which I can express myself and find something new within the worldview that the author wrote. These days, the diversity of materials is increasing, and it is an era where you can portray all the stories that you have vaguely dreamed of through videos. If good stories and opportunities present themselves, I have a desire to work together again.
What do you think is actor Lee Dong Wook's greatest charm?
Persistence and sincerity. To be consistent, you have to be sincere, and sincerity is always working hard. I don't think it is easy to work in a field for more than 20 years. I was able to continue acting like this because I worked hard, and now is the time to be recognized for my sincerity (laughs).
Now that I think about it, he has been working non-stop for the past few years.
It wasn't my intention, but I couldn't help but accept the interesting scenarios that kept popping up in my eyes. To be honest, I am very grateful for the continuous love calls of various works, but now I want to take a little break even if it is for a while.
Filming is over, is there anything else you want to do?
Even for 3 or 4 days, I want to turn off all alarms and cell phones and do nothing. It's been a while since I slept without setting my alarm. After a break, it seems like it will be a week at most, but I want to give it a complete break for myself. In fact, I really wanted to go fishing. It's a shame that all routes are blocked like now.
You said that "Lee Dong Wook wants to talk" was a meaningful and unrepentant experience. If the opportunity arises, will we see Lee Dong Wook again as a talk show host?
I haven't thought about it specifically, but of course, if the opportunity comes and I can work with good people, one day I will be able to see Lee Dong Wook on a talk show.
The host is someone who has to get something out of the guest. Do you have a secret from Lee Dong Wook that eased the other person's tension and prompted responses?
We have regular meetings with the guests two to three weeks before the broadcast. From the final meeting to the selection of questions, we analyze vast amounts of data about our guests. Before the broadcast, I read nearly 200 pages of guest information. Sometimes there were people who did not continue the story according to the set questions, but since I already know a lot about the guest, I was able to work out various stories together depending on the situation. For me, having enough understanding of the other person, I think the guest first filled the talk show more abundantly when the boundaries were relaxed. Above all, I tried to avoid asking questions that would make the guests uncomfortable. I wanted to create a talk show that can be enjoyed together in a comfortable environment.
It's been more than 20 years since he debuted, but he always talks about something new in every interview. Is there something new that you are looking forward to knowing?
Right now, I'm not thinking of anything but acting. For the moment, I want to focus on acting alone.
Is there any pressure to show you something new every time?
Nothing special. Instead, I learned to wait patiently. Waiting with the expectation of knowing more interesting and new works. OCN "Strangers from Hell" was also a job I got after waiting, so it was more fun to shoot.
If there's one thing that makes Lee Dong Wook's heart beat more these days.
The cold OK signal from the director. It's a sign that we can go home now (laughs).
What is the most valuable thing that he has earned during his 22 years of acting debut?
Of course, it is the love of the public. Without the love of the fans, I don't think existence has any real meaning. Because the public loves me and recognizes me, I can continue to act. Last Christmas, after he finished "Gumiho", he was very upset, but it was really comforting to talk and get support through the V-App communication. They are so thankful.
In the interview, you said that it was good to be able to look back at Lee Dong Wook at that time. How do you want him to remember 2021?
I hope it's a year where you can see the light at the end of the dark tunnel. There are many times when I feel upset that we all seem to be going from a difficult stage to a surrender stage. It's been so long that I can't even remember the last time I saw a movie in a theater, and it was so awkward to wear a mask to the awards ceremony. These days when daily life is so difficult, I hope the situation improves soon.
Source: Star1 @ Style Magazine
Translation: Latin Fan Community
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