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| yna@yna.co.kr 2024-12-24 07:20:20
SEOUL, Dec. 24 (Yonhap) -- "My decision-making process for roles is pretty impulsive. If it feels fun and fresh, I go for it. The idea of Korean merchants smuggling underwear in Colombia struck me as unique. It didn’t feel like a stereotypical movie, so I chose it."
Actor Lee Hee-jun shared this during a roundtable interview on Monday at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, while discussing his role in the film "Bogota: The Land of Last Chances."
Film "Bogota" portrays the fierce battles of ambition among Koreans in Bogota, Colombia, following the Asian financial crisis. Lee plays Soo-young, the "second-in-command" in a Korean smuggling market. Once a corporate expatriate, Soo-young transforms into a customs broker after the economic collapse.
To shape Soo-young’s look, Lee drew inspiration from Brad Pitt’s character in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, crafting a stylish and laid-back persona. His mustache was a deliberate choice to make him look like someone who had fully settled in Colombia.
"I imagined Soo-young as someone trying to appear powerful and relaxed in a place like Bogota, where there’s no safety net," Lee explained. "He carries a constant fear of falling behind but tries not to let it show."
Lee hoped to leave viewers with an impression of Soo-young’s masculinity.
"I hesitate to say this myself, but I don’t think I’ve shown a sexy side of Lee Hee-jun before," he laughed. "I worked on expressing masculinity because it felt fitting for this film."
Beyond masculinity, Lee aimed to depict the passage of time through Soo-young’s physical transformation. Coincidentally, a pandemic-induced production hiatus allowed him to gain weight, which he felt naturally conveyed the character’s evolving life stages.
In the story, Soo-young plays a pivotal role in guiding the protagonist, Guk-hee (played by Song Joong-ki). Their relationship evolves over time, illustrating the complex desires and emotions of the characters.
"It’s a complicated psychology," Lee noted. "Soo-young needed Guk-hee initially but grew to like him. Later, when the time came to let go, he likely wrestled with mixed emotions, trying to balance affection and detachment."
Lee highlighted the confrontation between Guk-hee and Soo-young as one of the film’s most memorable scenes. Reflecting on his acting philosophy, he shared that he now prioritizes ensemble harmony over standing out individually.
"If only I stand out, that feels like a complete failure. I believe a production should shine as a whole, so I strive to respond naturally to my co-stars’ performances."
Lee’s prolific 2023 included numerous projects, from the film The Guys Who Caught Handsome, which earned him a Blue Dragon Film Award nomination, to the drama Unintentional Murderer and stage plays such as Then, Today and The Flowers, Stars Passing By. He is currently performing in the play God of Carnage.
"I’m a workaholic by nature and find days off more stressful," Lee admitted. "I’ve never found anything as enjoyable as acting."
Recently, however, he has ventured into boxing, seeking new challenges outside acting. Laughing heartily, he revealed plans to compete in a boxing tournament next year if his stamina holds up.
"I’m grateful Bogota is finally hitting theaters. This reminds me to cherish the preciousness of such moments. Moving forward, I want to work happily, focusing on what’s given to me rather than chasing after more."
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