From the cold cases of Signal to the vigilante justice of Taxi Driver, Lee Je-hoon has spent two decades proving there is very little he cannot do. Most recently he stepped into 1950s Korea as the young Park Young-han in Chief Detective 1958, the prequel to the classic MBC series Chief Inspector.
We spoke with the actor about researching a forgotten era, what directing taught him about acting, the genre he wants to try next and, of course, whether South Africa might be on his travel list.
On Chief Detective 1958
We enjoyed watching Chief Detective 1958 when it aired. How did you prepare for the role of Park Young-han?
Since this series takes place in an era even earlier than the original Chief Inspector, I thought about it a great deal. There wasn't much material left from that period, but I think I managed to go through nearly everything available. When filming the documentary, I was shown a wealth of reference materials, and Choi Bool-am himself spoke with me in person, which helped enormously.
Chief Detective 1958 is set before the period covered in the original series, so it was largely unfamiliar territory for me too. As I watched footage from that time, what I paid the closest attention to was how people's expressions, speech and mannerisms differed from those of people today.
On a career built together
You've been a successful actor since 2006. What do you think has helped you focus on your craft despite the challenges that come with success?
A lot of time has passed since my debut, but I think the attitude of always trying to learn, and the passion to do my best at every moment, are the strengths that support me. I've also been able to overcome many difficulties through steady communication with directors, writers and fellow actors, all in the effort to raise the quality of the work.
The fact that I've been able to keep acting for so long is something I could never have achieved alone. As time goes by, the more I realise the importance of "togetherness".
Looking back on your career so far, what has been the most exciting experience since you entered this profession?
The moments I found most exciting and thrilling were all the "firsts" that come with growing as an actor: the first time I landed a leading role, the first time I won an award, the first time I went to a fan meeting overseas, and the first time a project I appeared in was invited to an international film festival.
I'm especially grateful because I believe all of this was possible thanks to the interest and support of so many people. I felt the best way to repay that gratitude was to keep delivering good work, and perhaps because of that mindset, I'm truly happy to have been able to meet audiences through my work for so long.
“If South Africa invites me, I’d be truly happy! Please call on me anytime!”
On action, versatility and what comes next
We've seen you take down bad guys in dramas like Signal and Taxi Driver. Do you have any unique know-how when it comes to acting?
I approach every project as a chance to research and learn something new, so rather than claiming I have a particular know-how for a certain genre, I'm always asking myself how I can portray my character in a way that will resonate more with viewers.
In both of those dramas, my characters worked to help people carrying unjust and painful stories, so I deeply hoped that the sorrow of those situations would come across to the audience. As for action scenes, I stay in shape by exercising diligently every day, and I put in effort at every moment to execute them flawlessly.
Your versatility as an actor is extraordinary! Having played so many characters, is there a new role you'd particularly like to take on?
I'm very interested in the romance genre these days. I'd also like to try a masculine noir.
Which do you prefer: romantic drama or action-packed adventure?
Since you've seen me in so many action roles lately, I'd love to make a lot of people's hearts flutter in a romantic drama next!
On directing and a love of film
You made your directorial debut in 2021 with the short film anthology Unframed. What did you gain from that experience?
I think my experience as a director on Unframed had a major impact on Lee Je-hoon the actor, too. During the shoot, things didn't always go to plan because of on-set variables, and that made me feel how important time is.
Since then, whenever I take on a project as an actor, I've come to understand how important it is to communicate thoroughly about the work before filming, and then to capture on set exactly what we set out to achieve. I had always been on the same set as the director, but switching roles taught me even more.
You've said in the past that you enjoy watching movies. Do you still have time for them with your busy schedule?
I'm someone for whom the joy of watching films was the foundation of my dream of becoming an actor. So even with a packed schedule, the time I spend watching a film is truly happy time for me.
Without movies in my life, it's hard to explain myself or think about what kind of life I will live in the future. However busy my schedule gets, I think movies will always be with me.
On fans and South Africa
We enjoy watching your travel vlogs. Which fan meeting was your favourite, and would you consider visiting South Africa in the near future?
Thankfully, I've had the opportunity to meet fans from many countries up close. I can't say any one fan meeting was the best, because wherever I go, the fans respond with such enthusiasm and welcome me so warmly that I always come home filled with gratitude.
If South Africa invites me, I'd be truly happy! Please call on me anytime! I'd love to meet the fans there with a heart full of excitement!
Is there anything you'd like to say to your fans in South Africa and across Africa?
Hello, this is actor Lee Je-hoon. To my fans in South Africa and all across Africa: I haven't yet been able to visit and greet you in person, but thank you for always cheering me on and loving me. Thanks to your love from afar, I feel like I gain even more strength as an actor. I'll keep working hard to meet you through many more projects, so please continue to show your support. Thank you!
