Marie Claire Korea July

Since "The Time Between Dog and Wolf", it's been 10 years since you portray an officer

Yes, and it's a modern drama after a long while. Compared to earlier works, I feel that this drama will portray the real facets of Lee Joon Gi., So I am filming happily. Although it is a criminal investigative drama, but it also encompasses elements of basic human emotions. Rather then being a character from the original drama, it is more appropriate to describe "HyunJoon" as a character created based on Korean settings. 

He is selected as a cool-headed member of the profiler team. He is highly considerate with strong empathy, and is a rash, hot-blooded busybody. At the same time carrying inner pain with him. This personality enables him to become the link between victims and the investigative team, it also causes conflicts between him and other team members initially.

Based on Hyun Joon's character, it seems this drama is about development and growth.
In the gradual process of understanding how to help the various victims, HyunJoon becomes more cool-headed and calm, eventually, he becomes a person that is helpful to the team.

This is a character that grows after going through painful experiences during teenage years, the aftermath and joining the special investigation team. Hopefully, through the humanistic part of HyunJoon, viewers will be touched.

Ah, painful teenage days. Hasn't Joon Gi portray "man with a story" in many projects? There is a saying that once JG is mentioned, an unique sense of sorrow can be felt.

Yes, that's right, the writers always write me as such...with lost of parents. (Laugh). Perhaps they think I am an actor that could portray two sides of a story and they want to narrate stories with extreme emotions.  Although I am grateful for their recognition in this ability of mine, but it has always been tough for me.

Every project seems to be tough, even this time round there will be many action scenes.

It is not that I seek out these hardships on purpose, it seems that when the writers were writing their scripts, they just wanted me to go through some rough and rumble suddenly.  (laugh). And viewers seems to enjoy watching me doing these? I do like to showcase some lively stuff. As time goes by, I will start giving my suggestions on set and the directors are also willing to accept my suggestions.

In this case, even if it is a romantic comedy, if Lee Joon Gi is the actor, the scenes will become grand.

I really wished to act as a Chairman's son or a director who is always in an air-conditioned room. Every year I dream about this. (laugh).

Not long ago, you said you wanted to film a project a year.

To be specific, it is a "must" and not a "wish".  If possible, I want to film even more projects than ever. I also wish to film at least two works a year but usually it takes almost half a year to finish a drama and not all projects begins in January and ends in June. When the timing is uncertain, it's a pity. 

For an actor, a comprehensive CV is very important, sometimes I will think if I am wasting time. I have very strong desires towards projects. I want to act as different characters. Even if I am not the lead, it doesn't matter. I also wish I could act in as an character with impact from a movie, to impress viewers so I have been contacting some folks in the movie industry. Most of them will say " of course I know Lee Joon Gi is famous", then I will volunteer myself and said " I havent showcase such and such acting etc."

Have you been living your life too earnestly as an actor? Focusing only on work, you must be lonely at times.

Because I have always lived with a sense of responsibility so I feel lonely. However the thinking of "As actor Lee Joon Gi I should work hard while as a regular person Lee Joon Gi I should relax and enjoy life" these thoughts doesn't gel with me. Other than work, I will think assess myself objectively and ask "what other things should I do?" or "what things have I not done right". I have gained the love of many people, so certainly I have to spread positive vibes to others. Sometimes when I cant fulfill the wishes of the public, as compared to being sad with the public's disapproval, I will reflect on myself and think about why I cant keep up with the changes of the public. This process flow of reflection has now become very natural.

To be an actor for life

I often get asked if I want to be an actor or a viewer's actor? Although I am not really clear the definition of being a viewer's actor but I am an actor that is very concerned about the viewers. The seniors have also warned me not to be too concerned about the public's reaction and I will get very tired if I am too concerned about the opinions of others around me. They told me not to restraint myself but it seems that I cant help but worry about my relationship with the masses.

A considerate person will care very much about relationship with others. The Lee Joon Gi we see today is an actor that is concerned even with the public's demands.

Yes, I am such an actor. Such personality cannot withstand the slightest hurt, and will waver due to such hurt. Fortunately, I will try my best to think positively. At the moment, I dont any specific great pressure, but I be 100% relax. Dont people say that as you get older, you are not so strong. Recently, I realize there are different aspects of me. In the past, I could have finished thinking a matter after a week but nowadays I may still be thinking about the same thing after a month.

Being overly pessimistic will result in spending much time to select the next work. Does your uniquely energetic personality enable you to overcome all the difficulties when you make your choices?

Some people suggest that I take a rest. They tell me even if an actor did his best, it doesn't mean that a project will be successful. It requires many elements to create a legendary work and some commented that I am too anxious. However if I rest and focus on thinking, it will seems like a waste of time. Rather than examining the failure on my own, I find it more suitable for me to find answers on site. Some things can only be understood during the filming process. "Why did I do this again?"" Why didn't I make any improvements?" Such reflections can only be done at the film set, and the answers can only be found there. I want to always be at the film set, constantly.

It seems understandable now the extent of your love for the film set. You even said you like short films. Are you a workaholic? (laugh)

Because I like to memorize the scripts. (laugh) Because I cant be performing at every moment, so when I am resting, I will analyse concerts or record albums or organised fan meets that are like concerts. In this way, not only can I express my thanks to fans, I can also be stimulated in the process and enrich myself. Doesn't an actor need to have more of their own flavors? From this perspective, it is also an extension of the performing career.

Diverting attention would seems to dissipate energy, but looks like it has a opposite effect.

Many fans worry if I will constantly be filming and doing fan meetings and said actually I dont have to thank them so much (laugh), no it is not so. Every actor has a way of relaxing when they are resting, this is just my way of doing so.

You managed your daily life very well.

Isn't it boring?

As compared to being boring, you seems to be the type who knows clearly how to utilise your time.

I used to be proud of myself for this. However, actually my friends dont have good things to say about this. They want me to do more travelling, cultivate hobbies and encourage me to experience more stuff. However, truly besides my home, film set and work related places, I dont really go to other places. As such, even though I have been to Taiwan many times, I dont really know Taiwan. I didn't go anywhere else besides the hotel and the working venue. My staff encouraged me to go sight seeing or shopping, but I just find it unnecessary to stay behind with other people's funding and troubling the people around me. I didn't like it so I decline to do so and I will also tell everyone that it is already very interesting to me. There are very few people in the world who can create such good memories with fans.

So you feel happy now?

Of course, because I have never thought of other things.  However, my interviews are hence very boring. Some reporters have ever asked "we have understood the actor Lee Joon Gi" " What about the Lee Joon Gi in normal days?" I should have interesting daily stories like other actors but its awkward that I dont have any. I have also think whether I should do some special stuff for the sake of interviews, perhaps doing paragliding. (laugh) then during interviews I could say "oh i nearly broke my leg" etc. Magazine readers will also feel that the article is more interesting due to such stories.

However we heard you like to drink in daily life.

Hence fans are very worried. Usually I am very alert so I like to have time to relax. I like to chat with people around me and reflect on myself while listening to their stories because I job requires me to present stories. I dont have much time to do observation or listen, but I will also talk about myself.

You turned the drinking session into such a heartwarming occasion.

Because eventually we will chat about work. (laugh) Recently I even cries after drinking. I used to criticize others being such an embarrassment when they cry.  Now that I am older, even if I am not drunk, I can start crying if I hear any words that moved me.

Do you regret the next day and kick the blanket?

Initially I did, however now everyone knows. They say " you are an actor, so its understandable" So I am no longer embarrassed. (laugh) In a way, it is better than getting angry after drinking? Since I am going to cry, I must as well cry beautifully like an actor.

You even need to look like an actor when you are drunk, you are really a born actor.

I dont think I am a born actor. I am not sure if I am a skilled actor. I am just trying my utmost efforts to immersed myself and me a good actor, so I make immense efforts to do so. Even If I can be a born actor, I will try to gain the love of the public.

End.

Translated based on the Chinese translation of Zhunxingtianxia (准行天下）on weibo.