Through an exclusive interview with iQiyi, Ryu Jun Yeol expresses his realizations and moments in Lost!
An iQiyi original and exclusive, Lost follows the life of a man and a woman who realize that they have become nothing while reaching through the middle of their lives.
Ryu Jun Yeol portrays Kang Jae, who is a man who fears of becoming nothing while navigating to the near end of his youth. He meets Bu Jeong, portrayed by Jeon Do Yeon, and they both strive to escape the darkest bottom of their lives.
In an exclusive interview with iQiyi, actor Ryu Jun Yeol answers questions regarding his role in Lost, elaborating on his thoughts while portraying his role and more.
Joining the Cast of Lost
Explaining his feelings upon receiving the script, the actor recalls it as unforgettable, perceiving his character as a very charismatic person. He also expresses his gratitude on how his role opens the doors to collaborating with great people.
“Moreover, it was a chance to cooperate with an industry senior, Jeon Do Yeon, and film with Director Heo Jin Ho. All of this contributed to this opportunity to film the drama. I am very grateful for this production.”
In addition to that, the actor also feels happy on how this production is his comeback to the small screen.
“I don’t look at dramas and movies separately, but it just so happens that I’ve appeared on the big screen more often. I finally had the chance to return to the small screen this time. Since the news of my casting came out, not only my fans but all my friends and acquaintances were also very happy for me. That makes me very happy too.”
Working with Industry Senior Jeon Do Yeon
Praising Jeon Do Yeon’s charisma, the actor shares Jeon Do Yeon’s impact on him as an actor.
“She’s an actress who makes me want to reflect on myself. She also inspires me to show a new side of myself. No matter if it’s on the surface or the inside, she is like a fairy-tale character to me.”
Recalling his scenes with Jeon Do Yeon, the actor commends Jeon Do Yeon’s acting skills.
“Also, there were a lot of scenes that we barely rehearsed in advance, but when I observed the way she delivered her lines, her expressions, and her eyes, her acting skills would always surprise me. That really touched me and I found it very interesting. It hasn’t been that long since we wrapped up the filming of this drama, but it’s all still lingering in my memory.”
On Portraying Kang Jae
When asked to differentiate his role from himself, the actor prefers to discover his similar points with it. Like Kang Jae, the actor shares how he may look dull on the outside, but feels very relaxed when he is with people he knows well. In encountering problems also, the actor shares how he does not wait for stress to devour him.
“I’m like Kang Jae, who tries to break free from everything as soon as possible. Another thing is that when I’m by myself, I am very serious and stern, but if there are more than two people around, I do my best to get rid of that stern and serious vibe.”
Compared to his character Kang Jae who brings coffee milk back for his mother, actor Ryu Jun Yeol admits that he is more of the type that cooks dishes that his family usually likes.
“I personally really like the food my mom makes, so I also want to cook for my family.”
When asked about how one would respond if a similar scenario to Bu Jeong crying on a bus comes up, the actor answers that he’d definitely go and help the person.
However, he also acknowledges that there are people who do not want anyone to see them suffering, and notes the reason for Kang Jae’s gesture to Bu Jeong in the drama.
“They want others to pretend they don’t know. I would probably read the situation first before making a judgment. I think Kang Jae handed Bu Jeong a handkerchief probably because he heard what Bu Jeong said to her dad. Just like the line in the drama says, ‘He wants to be a good person.’”
Kang Jae’s Style
Kang Jae has long hair in the drama, and when asked about the actor’s preparations prior to the drama, he shares that he has been growing it for two years.
“That’s because I had to have a historical look when I filmed the movie “Alien.” This is the first time I had long hair for so long.”
While there are good sides in keeping a long hair, the actor also notes its downsides.
“Of course I preferred having short hair before, but after having long hair for such a long time, I realize I can have different looks with it and show off a versatile charm. The downside to it is that it takes too long to blow-dry my hair and I have to use double the amount of shampoo I used to use.”
Considering that Kang Jae’s look in the drama is very cool, the actor shares how he cares the most about his clothes since this is the first way he can express himself.
“Your mood, your personality, and many emotions can be shown through the clothes you wear. I don’t think it’s called judging someone by their appearance, but rather, you’re seeing someone’s personality through their style.”
The Youth and Kang Jae
Talking about how Kang Jae is a character in his twenties, the actor finds similarities in his role to today’s young people.
“They are at a loss and insecure as they get through each day. They pursue the supposed “concept of money” that the world talks about, believing that money equals love.”
Moreover, the actor adds that he resonates with the changes his character goes through given the experiences he had as the story develops.
Playing the character in his twenties, the actor wanted to display his experiences in his youth.
“I have my own philosophical thinking from the life I’ve been through, in addition to the many troubles that have arisen within all the relationships and interactions I’ve had with others. I wanted to do my best to show the process of my reflection on all this. It seems I’m still walking on the same path as Kang Jae.”
Instead of directly giving concrete advice and encouragement to the people in their twenties, the actor hopes viewers resonate or find comfort with the drama.
“I think if you watch this drama in-depth, you’ll find encouragement and advice in it.”
Watch Lost, now available on iQiyi.
INTERVIEW: Jeon Do Yeon Ponders on Her Emotional Character from “Lost”
KDRAMADIARY thanks iQiyi for the interview transcript
Photos: iQiyi & JTBC
