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| yna@yna.co.kr 2024-06-13 15:38:55
SEOUL, June 13 (Yonhap) -- Actor Lee Sung-min (56), who previously portrayed the weighty role of Chairman Jin Yang-cheol in the drama 'Reborn Rich', has returned as a rough and foul-mouthed character. This transformation occurs in Nam Dong-hyub's film 'Handsome Guys', which is set to release on the 26th of this month.
"Appearance was particularly important this time. I once saw a documentary about wild boar hunters and suggested to the director that this style would be suitable," Lee recounted on the 13th at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, reflecting on the process of developing his character Jae-pil in 'Handsome Guys'.
'Handsome Guys' tells the story of Jae-pil, who buys an old house in a remote rural area with money he saved as a carpenter, and Sang-goo, portrayed by Lee Hee-jun. The duo finally achieves their dream of country living, only to face unforeseen terrifying events when a long-sealed ghost awakens in the basement.
Lee Sung-min and Lee Hee-jun lead the narrative with their strong on-screen chemistry. "We paid a lot of attention to the ensemble," said Lee Sung-min, highlighting their synchronized performances.
The rapport between the two actors is seamless. Scenes where the rough-looking Jae-pil and Sang-goo compliment each other on their looks naturally elicit laughter from the audience. "Having previously performed in comedic plays with Lee Hee-jun, our ensemble work feels familiar. Like football players each with their positions, we smoothly navigate who takes the offensive and defensive roles, making the work easy," Lee noted.
Lee praised Lee Hee-jun's steadfastness and dedication, qualities that have remained unchanged since their early days in theater. He expressed enjoyment in working together again.
In 'Handsome Guys', Lee delivers a performance that seems determined to break from his usual serious roles, like Chairman Jin Yang-cheol in 'Reborn Rich' or General Jeong Sang-ho in the hit film 'Spring in Seoul' (2023). This comedic role represents a bold shift.
"I have never thought about shaping my image to be a particular type of actor or influencing how the public perceives me. I only consider whether the character is something I can perform," Lee explained.
Expressing a desire to continue exploring comedy, Lee also acknowledged the challenges of the genre. "There’s always uncertainty about whether the humor will resonate with the audience, which is the most frightening aspect. If a scene meant to be funny falls flat, it sends chills down my spine."
'Handsome Guys' marks director Nam's debut. Lee praised Nam for his thoughtful direction, stating, "He had all the groundwork laid for the events in the film, and seeing everything come together like a puzzle, I thought, 'This man is clever'."
Originating from Bonghwa, North Gyeongsang Province, Lee began acting in a small theater group in Yeongju at the age of twenty. After honing his craft on Daegu's theater stages, he moved to Seoul, where he gained recognition in both theater and on-screen roles.
Lee remains critical of his past performances. Reflecting on his role as taxi driver Oh-taek in the drama 'Unlucky Day', he confessed, "Oh-taek was meant to be a very timid character, and I feel I didn’t fully reach that level."
However, he expressed satisfaction with his work in 'Handsome Guys'. "I am quite pleased with the performance I delivered. It even surprised me, thinking, 'Was I this good?'," he concluded with a smile.
[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]