You are awaiting for the release of a new single, “Always”. Even though you are not a singer, we believe that the reason you continue to release music is for your fans. What are your musical ambitions?
[Laughs]
I do not have grand resolutions or aspirations for this single. I continue to
release albums as there are more people who don’t know about my albums than
those who do. This is one of the ways I communicate with my fans. That is why I
continue to release albums. To me, “Always”—as in the topic of the single—means
that we will continue to be together.
We
discovered that you are operating a donation platform called Promise and have
been making contributions and doing volunteer work. Is there a specific reason
behind this?
The
start of Promise also came from my fans. Even from the beginning, my fan club
has always taken the initiative to do good deeds. After many years of making
donations in my name, I came to see the people who are marginalised from
society and those who are in difficult situations. And I thought more and more
about donations, especially when there are huge social issues and accidents. I
came to the conclusion that continuous support is better than a one-time cash
donation. This was how Promise began.
Your
acting in The Legend of the Blue Sea is very popular
among fans. You used to play quiet and serious characters; this is completely
new. Would you say that you are closer to that specific character?
I
think it is correct to say that I am a collection of various characters. When I
think about it, sometimes I am childish and other times I act more mature than
my age. Because of my childish and playful side, I was able to act naturally
and convincingly.
How
do you concentrate when you have to say cheesy lines? It might be simple for
actors but there are lines that may come off as odd if viewers say it. We are
curious as to how you deal with these cringe-worthy lines?
First,
you have to take a deep breath. If you start laughing, it makes the acting more
difficult. You would think that I am completely used to saying these lines but
I still feel uneasy with cheesy lines and situations. Whenever I have to act in
those scenes, I try to focus more on the feelings rather than the lines.
No
one can say that your acting spectrum is narrow but it seems like you are
missing out because of the lasting impression of your strong characters in
romantic comedies.
It
is something I must work on and improve. If an actor starred in many romantic
comedies in their 20s, they should be able to show their skills in another
genre in their 30s. That is why, nowadays, I am trying to find my actual self. I
have been living a very restrained and controlled life until now. Trying to find
my true self is an important part of improving myself as an actor.
Then,
how will you describe a normal day for the real Lee Min-ho?
A
man-about-town? I think this describes me well. [Laughs]
What
does love mean to you?
To
me, ideal love is a relationship that has a positive influence on both sides. A
love that creates positive energy in all aspects of their lives through the
stability that love provides. But it does not mean that lovers must change or
accomplish something through love. It is important to maintain things as they
are. I try to accept her as she is, without adding or taking away anything, and
I try to show my true self.
If
you have to sacrifice yourself for love, as the mermaid did in The Legend of the
Blue Sea,
what will you do? Will you sacrifice yourself?
Love
in TV dramas all have the same context. They consist of protecting values
including purity, passion, and sacrifice. In real life, it could be very
difficult, but if I was in a similar situation, I think I will try my best to
protect my love.
What
kind of person would you like to be?
I
want to be an attractive person in every sense of the word—as an actor and as a
person. I want myself and many people to be happy and joyful.
Are
you happy now? What is “now” for Lee Min-ho?
I
think a huge blessing just came and passed by at this time of my life. It made
me stronger and allowed me to relax. I am happy now but I am going to try to
look for many different kinds of happiness that will make me grow.
If
you were given the ability to change just one thing in this world, what would
that be?
I
want to create a universal language. I think that would make the world a more
connected place.
This
article was first published in the print edition of Esquire Singapore, April
2017.
\m/
No comments:
Post a Comment