With enthusiasm for his character in Again My Life, Lee Joon Gi reveals details about his decision to take on the role.
Set to broadcast starting April 8, SBS’s new Friday-Saturday drama Again My Life follows the second life of Kim Hee-woo portrayed by Lee Joon Gi. His character is a competent and driven prosecutor who destroys evil to its inner core.
Based on a web novel of the same name by author Lee Hae Nal, the drama has been raising anticipation for its adaptation.
Moreover, actor Lee Joon Gi, who has come back to the small screen after two years, also draws attention. In an interview, the actor shares his thoughts on his acting career and experiences in his role, Kim Hee-woo.
Taking on the Role of Kim Hee-woo
Sharing the reason why he chose Again My Life as his comeback work, actor Lee Joon Gi praises its story, even stating that it came to him like fate.
“The material itself of ‘Again My Life’ was interesting, and I was drawn to the story. In fact, I couldn’t decide to appear in ‘Again My Life’ at once, but I was offered again for the second time and it was fate in that it was a script that came to me again.”
Having said that he met his character like fate, the actor was motivated to draw and portray Kim Hee-woo.
“In particular, I had a strong interest that it would be fun if I put the strengths I like and enjoy in the character Kim Hee-woo…”
For Lee Joon Gi, the drama is light and easy, wherein various events and situations unfold in a cool way. He has a strong drive and hope for Again My Life to become an interesting drama.
“In the realization of justice that people dreamed of and desired in this drama, there seems to have been a strong wish, ‘Wouldn’t it possible to provide fun, hope and cider-like exhilaration as well as joy to many people at this tedious time?’”
Reflecting on His Acting Career
Reacting to his character Kim Hee-woo, who sheds blood, sweat and tears as a passionate prosecutor that persecutes evil, the actor is attracted to the emotions and experiences his character has, and desires to portray them well.
“I’ve been mainly acting as a changing character who lives a difficult life with a turbulent life history. Personally, I feel a lot of attraction to the various emotions and the transcription of the characters drawn in various situations….So it seems to me that I am looking for and choosing a character with an eventful life without my knowledge.”
Thinking about the characters he played so far, Lee Joon Gi mentions his worries about the image that might have stuck to him.
“Before, I was like, ‘Won’t I be seen as an actor who only plays characters that are sad and heartbreaking? There were a lot of worries about whether the image would be imprinted on me, and I spent a lot of time before choosing a work due to these burdens.”
Continuing what he has said, the actor recognizes the effects and strengths of the limitations, which he then shares that he is striving to bring life to the character entrusted to him.
“However, recently, I have been worried, ‘Is it possible that I am being restricted in my work time as an actor because I have a wall that is too thick?’…. If I can draw it well and do it well, I want to try various things.”
Now when asked if he had a similar situation with his character Kim Hee-woo, who can go back to the. past in his second life, actor Lee Joon Gi states his satisfaction, and recalls his roles before.
“Actually, I am very satisfied with my life now, and for the life I have lived so far, I sincerely thank everyone who made it possible for me…There is no life without regrets, but if you evaluate it right now, it seems to be a happy life.”
Acknowledging the challenges he has overcome so far, the actor gladly includes these in the milestones of his career. He also wonders how he could have improved his past works that were loved by many.
“Various failures and challenges came together as dots, and it was drawn as a line of life that connects Lee Joon Gi today. However, if I go back to the past as an actor, I want to challenge my past work again. Among them, I wonder how I can show you ‘Time Between Dog and Wolf’ and ‘Iljimae’ with my current acting skills…”
Active Involvement for His Character
Participating actively in drawing his character, actor Lee Joon Gi shares how he used references in shaping his image as a person of intellect, wealth, and force.
“I wanted to create a style of a hot-blooded man who is smart, passionate, affectionate, warm, soft, but straightforward while talking with the director. These days, it’s easy to find related videos, so when a work is selected, I look for references to get ideas such as information, behavior, and speech related to the person, and I train my image.”
Noting that his character has to also use his body, the actor recounts the creative process of the action scenes with the martial arts director.
“I constantly think about various ideas in the action part and deliver it to the martial arts director. Rather than memorizing the design of the martial arts director unconditionally, I am actively participating with the thinking about the idea of action styles and techniques together and create them together.”
Scenes to Anticipate
Revealing the scene that should be most anticipated, the actor chooses scenes from the first and second episodes.
“I’m curious and looking forward to seeing how the combination of acting with senior Lee Kyung Young in the role of Jo Tae-seop will be shown and what kind of dramatic fun it will bring…”
As the story revolves around the tension that comes from the various situations brought about by the bad relationship between Kim Hee-woo and Jo Tae-seop, the actor hopes for the continuous interest and curiosity of the viewers about the future story of the two.
Meanwhile, recent teasers from the drama showcase the first meeting of the characters of Lee Joon Gi, Kim Ji Eun, and Jung Sang Hoon at the university pub.
In order to catch the tycoon in the political world, Jo Tae-seop, who is filled with evil, building power connections at the college level is necessary for Kim Hee-woo.
Praising the passion of Lee Joon Gi, Kim Ji Eun, and Jung Sang Hoon during filming, the production staff shares how they seriously analyzed their characters while rehearsing.
Joining also the cast members are Kim Jae Kyung, Hong Bi Ra, and Ji Chan, who also come back for their second life, standing beside Lee Joon Gi’s character Kim Hee-woo.
Lastly, the remarkable lines such as, “You have to be stronger to protect everyone,” and “You need power to realize justice,” shall continue to raise anticipation for the upcoming drama.
Again My Life is scheduled to broadcast on April 8 on SBS. International fans may watch it on Viu.
Source: SBS | Xportsnews
Photos: Samhwa Networks | Kross Pictures
