Digest

Lee Jung-jae, a renowned South Korean actor, director, and producer, shares his journey into the world of acting. He reveals that acting wasn't his initial dream, but rather a suggestion from a close friend who was a model. He was cast in a drama by a casting director who was also a famous model. Lee Jung-jae expresses gratitude for the encouragement he received from senior actress Oh Yeon-soo, who helped him gain confidence in his early days. He reflects on the sudden surge in popularity after Squid Game and the challenges of navigating fame. He emphasizes the importance of constantly challenging himself with new roles and genres, even if it means stepping outside his comfort zone. Lee Jung-jae also discusses his experience directing the film Hunt, a project that he initially envisioned as a screenwriter. He faced challenges in finding collaborators who shared his vision, leading him to take on the directorial role himself. He acknowledges the risks involved in directing, writing, and starring in his own film, but ultimately found the experience rewarding. He shares his perspective on the character of Seong Gi-hun in Squid Game, highlighting his relatable qualities and the audience's connection to his struggles and resilience. Lee Jung-jae's insights offer a glimpse into the dedication and passion that drive his artistic endeavors.

Outlines

00:00:00

Lee Jung-jae's Journey into Acting

This Chapter explores Lee Jung-jae's unexpected path to acting. He reveals that acting wasn't his initial dream, but rather a suggestion from a close friend who was a model. He was cast in a drama by a casting director who was also a famous model. Lee Jung-jae expresses gratitude for the encouragement he received from senior actress Oh Yeon-soo, who helped him gain confidence in his early days.

00:18:52

The Appeal of Seong Gi-hun in Squid Game

This Chapter delves into the reasons behind the character of Seong Gi-hun's popularity in Squid Game. Lee Jung-jae believes that Seong Gi-hun's relatable struggles, his kind heart, and his willingness to put others before himself resonated with viewers. He also discusses the challenges of playing a character who is not conventionally strong or capable, but rather someone who is constantly facing adversity.

00:21:36

Lee Jung-jae's Role in 'Acolyte'

This Chapter focuses on Lee Jung-jae's casting in the upcoming Star Wars series 'Acolyte'. He expresses his excitement about the project and shares his thoughts on the significance of Asian representation in Star Wars. He also discusses the casting process and his initial reaction to the opportunity.

00:30:35

Lee Jung-jae's Thoughts on Acting and Growth

This Chapter explores Lee Jung-jae's philosophy on acting and his approach to personal growth. He emphasizes the importance of constantly challenging himself with new roles and genres, even if it means stepping outside his comfort zone. He believes that taking on challenging roles is essential for an actor's development and that it allows them to push their boundaries and discover new aspects of their craft.

00:39:01

End of Interview

This Chapter concludes the interview with Lee Jung-jae. The host thanks him for his time and encourages viewers to subscribe to the channel and leave comments.

Keywords

Q&A

• How did Lee Jung-jae get into acting?

  Lee Jung-jae didn't initially dream of being an actor. He was suggested to try modeling by a close friend, and eventually, a casting director who was also a famous model cast him in a drama.

• What was Lee Jung-jae's experience like directing 'Hunt'?

  Lee Jung-jae initially wrote a treatment for 'Hunt' but struggled to find a screenwriter who shared his vision. He eventually decided to direct the film himself, which he found to be a challenging but rewarding experience.

• Why do you think Seong Gi-hun in 'Squid Game' resonated with viewers?

  Lee Jung-jae believes that Seong Gi-hun's relatable struggles, his kind heart, and his willingness to put others before himself resonated with viewers. He also discusses the challenges of playing a character who is not conventionally strong or capable, but rather someone who is constantly facing adversity.

• What is Lee Jung-jae's approach to acting and personal growth?

  Lee Jung-jae emphasizes the importance of constantly challenging himself with new roles and genres, even if it means stepping outside his comfort zone. He believes that taking on challenging roles is essential for an actor's development and that it allows them to push their boundaries and discover new aspects of their craft.

Show Notes