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allaboutjoongi · 4 years ago

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Lee Joon Gi’s post-Flower of Evil interview (2020/09/29) - Part 2

Most memorable scenes and lines

I really loved all of them. Each and every single one of them. But if I had to choose just one, the scene that lingers in my memory is one where Hyunsoo realizes his feelings and bursts into sobs. I remember the director and I were so worried and did a lot of thinking to create this scene.

We spent about an hour discussing even during the rehearsal. We spent about an hour discussing even during the rehearsal. The more we thought and talked about it, the more blocked we felt. We thought, if we failed to keep [the emotions] in balance and convince viewers, we might end up breaking the whole emotional continuity we’d built thus far. Eventually, I told the director that I wanted to stick with the initial feelings I had when I first read the script for that episode. Like a baby who bursts into their first tears letting the whole world hear. In short, so much thinking and discussion went into creating that scene. I remember I had such a hard time getting my emotions under control even after I’d finished shooting it.

I was so happy when viewers started calling Do Hyunsoo ‘Baby Flower’ after watching him realize his feelings for the first time and cry like a baby. During the filming, I hoped Hyunsoo in that scene would remind people of Eunha letting out her first tears. So I was so grateful that viewers related to the emotion I tried to convey. I found that [nickname ‘Baby Flower’] so cute as well.

The most memorable line is the one Hyunsoo says to Jiwon in the finale: ‘I will be really good to you. I will give you lots of love.’ It shows Hyunsoo, who lost his memory, reciprocating the warm love Jiwon gave him in the past, which his heart vaguely remembers. I thought it meant a new love and a new life for them, so I couldn’t stop crying on set.

There are two major scenes in which Hyunsoo breaks into sobs. I worried a lot about how to portray Hyunsoo crying in those scenes.

First, as for the scene where Do Hyunsoo realizes his feelings for the first time when he is about to lose everything he wanted to protect, I hoped Hyunsoo would look like Eunha letting out her first tears so the whole world hears. After I finished the filming, though, I actually worried a lot it might come across as over the top. Thankfully, lots of viewers understood what I meant to do and related to the emotion.

(In Episode 15) Also, I thought of this image of an animal licking his/her baby’s cold dead body and wailing so desperately when I tried to come up with how to portray Hyunsoo thinking he’d lost Jiwon. I wanted to express his feelings of loss through some primitive way of crying. Right after that, he becomes an animal that’s out of control. I discussed the scene thoroughly with the director and we went for a lengthy take to film it. I cried so much I couldn’t keep my emotion under control. So after shooting that scene, I spent the next few days working with my eyes all puffy and swollen. Hahaha.

(More on the same scene in Ep 15)

In that scene, Hyunsoo is like an animal out of control, assuming he has lost Jiwon. If Hyunsoo knew that Jiwon would be there to say (to Jung Misook, who says ‘It’s not Do Hyunsoo’s fault even if he committed murder), ‘Murder is murder,’ while still believing or desperately hoping that Hyunsoo did not commit murder – then Hyunsoo wouldn’t have gone to such extremes. I think he just wanted to be held in Jiwon’s arms.

(In the Episode 15 scene that looks like a fantasy after Heeseong has shot at Hyunsoo, Jiwon tells Hyunsoo, ‘You’ve lived your life as best you could. Thank you.’ Have you ever wanted to be comforted like that?)

Maybe at some point in my life, there’ll come a time when I hit a major slump. When that happens, I hope I’ll feel confident enough to say that [Jiwon’s line] to myself. Also, if I have someone say that to me as I approach the end of my life, and if that someone is the people I love most and the people who have walked by my side the entire path of my life as an actor [*], then I think I can close my eyes happily, without a single regret.

[*He seems to refer to his fans]

In Flower of Evil, which character do you feel the most sympathy for? The overall theme (message) of the drama.

Every character that appears in this drama: all the characters in it go through changes in their lives. Some feel this emotion called ‘malice’; some become victims and some offenders. Having watched it all the way to the finale, I felt sympathy for all of the characters. To me, Flower of Evil is a drama that made me think about what kind of flower we end up making our lives into – whether it’s a flower of evil or a flower of good, and what it means to us. In the end, I don’t think there was an absolute evil here. I just feel sad that some of the characters ended up becoming evil. I hope this drama made you ask yourself, ‘Has there ever been a moment when I felt malice towards anyone?’

I think what made ‘Flower of Evil’ even more interesting was the fact that there is no absolute evil here. It made me ask myself fundamental questions about the interior of the human mind and reflect on myself. I hope it also made you ask yourself such questions watching the drama: ‘Has there ever been a moment when I felt malice towards anyone?’ (updated & article dated 2020/10/18)

Thoughts on the ending of Flower of Evil. What does the ending mean to you?

When I look back and reflect on it [later], I will definitely find something I feel regretful about, but now, I am very satisfied with the ending as it is. I felt like the ending – in which the new life of Do Hyunsoo has begun and gets accepted – is a process whereby the most painful petals of his life have fallen off and another beautiful bud has started to grow. I think it was a great ending.

In those two years when I was taking a break, I had a lot of worries. Each time I get an offer, I always wonder, ‘Am I an actor that’s capable enough to convey the message and the depth this project is trying to convey?’ Of course, worrying can be also motivating. I am just truly grateful that Flower of Evil got so much love from so many people and turned out so well, putting to rest all those worries I had. In fact, even after I finished the project, I still wonder: ‘Did I really do a good job [of conveying the message, etc. of the drama]?’ One thing I’m sure of is that this drama gave me the opportunity to broaden my horizons. No matter what project I work on, I’m always left with things I find valuable, and the whole process makes me feel happy. Above all, I am grateful that I made great memories with great people and that I made a great drama with them.

In the finale of Flower of Evil, Do Hyunsoo loses his memory and doesn’t get it back. But it ends by showing Hyunsoo trying to live again with Jiwon and their daughter Eunha. To Hyunsoo, Lee Joongi sends this message: “Hyunsoo, I hope you live this new life you just found and love Jiwon as much as you want, for you’re the only one for her and she loves you so much. Cherish her and love her so much so she can forget the hurt you caused her. Same goes for Eunha. I truly hope you’re happy.” (updated, article dated 2020/10/18)

Thoughts on getting so much fan support. The live chat rooms were full of people praising your performance each time an episode ended. Did you feel yourself how popular you were?

It amazed me how I gained more fans from more diverse age groups than before because of the very romantic (melodramatic) aspects of this drama. From the outset of the drama, my global fans organized various types of ads across the city of Seoul. During its run, I was deeply touched by the way fans compared Jiwon and Hyunsoo to Juliet and Romeo, feeling their pain together and loving them. I also saw a video of overseas fans watching Flower of Evil in real time. Their genuine expressions and reactions were so cute and lovely I even teared up. I was so grateful.

(What do you think makes actor Lee Joongi so attractive?)

I don’t really know what makes me attractive. I am only grateful that fans love me unconditionally for the way I fully immerse myself in my work as an actor and relate to it. I am always thankful for the endless love my fans show me even when Lee Joongi is being just an ordinary human being.

The ratings fell a little short despite the drama’s popularity. Did you feel disappointed?

Everyone on the staff, including the director, had absolute confidence in [the quality of] the drama. That’s why we were always brimming with passion on set, regardless of the ratings. Of course, even if they say a drama should not be judged by the numbers only anymore, I was a tiny bit disappointed because the ratings were not as high as I’d hoped.

But I knew there were so many people showing love for the drama, on the internet or off, and that this was becoming a ‘drama of my life.’ That’s why I worked even harder and did the best I could. The drama got a ratings boost because of word of mouth, and I think this was made possible by everyone on the staff and the cast doing their best in their positions, keeping to the flow of the great script. We conveyed to viewers what makes the drama so touching and convinced them. From the bottom of my heart I thank everybody.

I worried so much because this was my comeback project after a long time. But the satisfaction and gratitude I felt through the work put those worries to rest. Also, we owe the dedicated fans of Flower of Evil a lot for the love they showed from start to finish. Thank you.

(Because of the committed performance from Lee Joongi, Flower of Evil got more word of mouth from viewers with each episode. Even after it ended, the drama is still getting so much attention, encouraging binge-watching)

The thing I was most often told during the drama’s run was that the best way to appreciate ‘Flower of Evil’ is by binge-watching it. Some people I know were deliberately not watching it while it aired because they wanted to binge-watch it after it ended. Haha. But there’s nothing special to keep in mind when binge-watching Flower of Evil. You just enjoy the emotions contained in this ‘suspense melodrama’ – like the love between Do Hyunsoo and Cha Jiwon, for a start. The greatest strength of our drama is that there is not an episode that feels dragged out. So it won’t take you long to finish binge-watching it. Right. Also, our drama is jam-packed with foreshadowing. I can assure you you are going to enjoy it even more the more times you watch it. Hahaha.

Thoughts on receiving a great deal of praise for your role in the drama.

It’s true I feel good about it. But at the same time, it puts a lot of pressure on me. (Laughs) I do think I still have a long road ahead of me as long as I live as an actor. I’m serious. It takes so much hard work from so many people, as well as my own hard work, for me to continuously grow and evolve with each project and create a great character in it. That’s why I am particularly happier this time. This drama made me wish more than ever that ‘I want to live a better life and more happily as an actor, having great people around me.’ I want to say hi in advance to all those people who will be there with me. Nice to meet you.

I am only grateful. It’s just much more than I deserve. I tried to create a meticulous and sensitive personality in Hyunsoo who disguises himself and hides his true identity. I guess that side of my character made me look good as I immersed myself in the role (laughs). During Lawless Lawyer, I lost weight to look sharper and edgier. This time, I tried to stay at a certain weight and not lose any more. Thankfully, I got positive feedback from viewers because the effort I made helped me build my character effectively. I will return your love with even better performances as actor Lee Joon Gi. (updated 2020/10/16; article dated 2020/10/12)

You’re famous for being a ‘mood maker’ on set and also for being an extraordinary leader.

My job is essentially about being in a community of people creating together. As a member of that community, I only do what I have to do – fulfil my responsibilities.

Especially if I play the title role, I think I should work even harder and ensure that every member on set is in their best condition so they will make good memories working on this project. I guess it varies from person to person, but no matter the project, I go to work hoping that everyone will have fun on set.

The very act of creating something together with passion is, in and of itself, a joy and happiness for me. It’s my principle and my value – that I do my best to give and receive good energy with people I work with and enjoy myself. That way, I will evolve and learn a lot.

On the actor who plays younger Do Hyunsoo looking so much like you

While working on the drama, I always felt director Kim Chulgyu had every little detail in mind and prepared. The most unforgettable moment that gave me goosebumps was when the younger version of my character made his appearance.

He really does look like me. On top of that, he has exceptional acting skills. An actor who plays the younger version of my character to tell his backstory plays such a major part in my work. That’s why I was so, so grateful to the director and actor Park Hyunjoon (Rue), who played younger Hyunsoo. He was so brilliant.

On creating Hyunsoo’s hairstyle (e.g. blonde hair)

It really took a lot of thought from many people to come up with that blonde hair. I had to put on a wig due to the [tight] shooting schedule. I’d been asked to look mysteriously handsome, instead of looking awkward. So I did a lot of research with my staff. While it’s important to create a feeling of being in the past, there was also concern over it coming off as too flamboyant, ruining the emotion in the character. So it took a lot of hard work from so many people.

Early in the drama, I had this hairstyle on covering my forehead to hide Baek Heeseong’s facial expressions. Then, as my character started to realize his feelings and became more expressive, I gradually changed my hairstyle.

On difficulty filming due to COVID-19.

The biggest challenge was that we worried so much about losing focus because when the filming is halted, it causes a break in emotional continuity. Even during the filming, we had a hard time finding filming locations due to COVID-19. So it’s a shame that we couldn’t create an even better look for the drama. But I realize that we were not the only people having difficulty, but everyone in this country is experiencing (COVID-19-related) inconveniences, and what we had is nothing compared to people’s suffering. So we did the best we could under the circumstances.

You had a long shooting schedule. How did you manage to lead the drama staying energized and not getting tired?

As you know, I love exercise. I went to jiu jitsu glasses regularly at least until February this year. But due to COVID-19, which brought hardships to everyone, I couldn’t go to the gym any more. Still, my motto in life is, ‘The mind rules the body.’ So I always try to think positively. By giving and receiving good energy with those many staff and cast members on set, I could make good memories without getting exhausted despite the lengthy filming.

What does ‘Flower of Evil’ mean to you?

With each project I work on, I feel this sense of responsibility that as an actor playing the title role, I should contribute to making the story as best as possible. I really gave a lot of thought to this matter particularly when doing this drama. I’m only grateful that we were able to finish it successfully.

I feel even happier because this is the result of constant communication and interaction with all staff members and actors, as well as the director and the writer.

Actually, for me, in life, it is more important to feel fulfilled and happy that I am doing things I’ve dreamed of doing with people I love – than just me growing and becoming more successful. That’s the meaning of life and an important value for me.

That’s why Flower of Evil was yet another source of nourishment for my [personal growth] and it strengthened and enriched Lee Joon Gi as a human being. Once again, I think I am such a blessed person. I really want to say thank you to everyone.

On continuously playing characters that experience so many hardships (shedding blood, sweat, and tears)

Personally, I prefer playing characters that experience such emotions as sadness, hurt, loneliness, and pain, than those in cheerful and lighthearted stories. I’ve filled my filmography with ‘blood, sweat, and tears’ without even realizing it. Hahaha. Of course, I can do well in roles that are really cheerful and fun, but as an actor, I still want to do roles that allow me to express deep emotions I very rarely experience in everyday life. I think I still have a long life ahead of me as an actor. I will equip myself and wait. Please reach out to me if you have great roles to offer.

It’s so hard to rank my characters in terms of the hardships they go through. They all go through a lot of hardships, but since it’s Flower of Evil that I’ve recently put all my passion into, I will rank Do Hyun Soo at the top. I will leave it to viewers who love my work to judge for themselves.

Any specific genre or type of character you want to take on in the future?

The sageuk (historical drama) is a genre I absolutely love so much so I have personally mentioned it a lot. Nowadays, there are such diverse subjects that allow us to express a lot more than we did before and that capture our imagination. It’s such a shame, though, that it is now so hard to get a sageuk made because of the current challenging circumstances. I will do a great sageuk someday when the right opportunity comes along. Please continue to show support and look forward to it.

Ever thought about making appearances on variety shows?

By now, it’s a well-known fact that I am such an energetic and upbeat person so I have actually gotten a lot of offers and suggestions. But when I did make an appearance on a variety program, I just ended up trying too hard probably because I got anxious. Hahaha. So I’ve been cautious [about appearing on variety shows] because I’m afraid I might make viewers feel uncomfortable seeing me like that. Right now, I don’t really have a strong desire to appear on variety programs. But it would be fun if I get a good opportunity to appear one of those naturally.

On the ‘Exceptionally Shy Lee Joon Gi’ meme

From time to time, it gets talked about a lot. I’m grateful because I personally love that photo so much. Hahaha. I’ve always had a great sense of balance ever since I was a child. I think because my father helped me develop that sense of balance, I was able to have so many people coming to see me in King and the Clown.

People don’t believe me when I say this, but I am actually very, very introverted at home. I am also very introverted when I meet someone for the first time, but I try extra hard to make myself more approachable. But Lee Joon Gi as a person is, by nature, an introvert. It’s just that you can’t see it.

You’ve had so many expressions describing you, such as ‘pretty boy.’ Which one particularly made you feel good, and how would you like people to describe you in the future?

Probably the ‘trustworthy / dependable actor’ is the best description I’ve earned. I think feedback like this creates a lot more opportunities for me to try new things. That’s why I am grateful for [such a description]. It also makes me more determined to be more responsible and more dedicated to my job.

Well, I haven’t really thought about what I would like people to call me in the future – although I do wonder what people who will work with actor Lee Joon Gi will call me in the future. So I want to live a better life.

What kind of father and husband do you want to be?

Like Baek Hee Seong, it’s my dream to have a warm and happy family of my own, and I want to be a good husband and father. During this project, the staff I worked with kept telling me, ‘When married, Lee Joon Gi will really live a great life,’ or ‘He will be a complete fool for his daughter.’ Of course, I don’t know what my future will be like, but when I do have my own family, I will do my best to give love to them. There is a scene in which Hyunsoo sees Eunha crying after her birth and asks with an expressionless face, ‘Why is she crying?’ It was a situation where I was supposed to look emotionless, but I kept tearing up. I just couldn’t take my eyes off of the baby and kept staring at her during the filming. Seeing me like that, the cinematographer told me, ‘Joongi, maybe it’s time for you to get married.’

Tips for taking care of yourself [beauty tips]

Every time I work on a new project, there are a lot of things I keep under control to stay in character. When I immerse myself in the emotions my character feels, certain facial expressions and gestures show, which I didn’t even know existed. I think those new sides of me were well-received and I’m grateful. Other than that, I don’t have special tips for taking care of myself. Sure, I get [basic] skincare treatments, but when I’m on a break, I don’t really go out because I’m such a homebody. I get so lazy I don’t even get those treatments that often (laughs). I just force myself to get rest and try to think about good things only.

On experiencing a slump

I haven’t really had a slump per se, but I have experienced loneliness that would come to me after I finished a project. At times, I felt so enervated. I looked really hard for ways to overcome this, but ultimately, the answer was: getting back to the set. I often hear I look like the happiest person on earth when I am on set. So my secret is to stay committed to work and do a great job on the set that I love so much. I will equip myself physically and mentally so I can enjoy myself on my next project as well.

On being careful in choosing a project

Actually, I worried a lot while taking a break last year. It’s true that I was being careful in choosing my next project, but I also had this great fear that I might become a parody of myself - of ‘actor Lee Joon Gi’ I had in me. So I spent the whole year worrying like that.

Once I started working on my new drama Flower of Evil, I came to the conclusion that I should not think more than necessary. The time I spent staying away from the set actually gave me more worries than good things.

On getting more fans through Flower of Evil

I was deeply touched to hear my fans started binge-watching my previous works after watching Flower of Evil. It is such a shame I can’t see them in person due to COVID-19.

From King and the Clown, which helped me establish a certain set of values as an actor, to Time between Dog and Wolf that helped me learn how to express the fervor and passion I felt at work, and to Iljimae, which received so much love from viewers and helped me get recognized for my passion as an actor – each and every one of these works has been a ‘work of my life’ and a ‘character of my life.’ So nothing makes me happier than my fans showing love for my previous works.

Each project was a turning point in my acting career. Of course, fans have their own favorites among my works, but I consider every single work of mine to be a valuable part of me. All those times made me who I am now, and I am enjoying and loving every single moment I live as an actor – and I will continue to do so.

One of the biggest joys of my life was to meet my fans and express my gratitude before I choose my next project, but I can’t do it this year due to COVID-19. I hope the pandemic ends soon so we can make great memories together.

How do you feel when looking back at your 16-year acting career? How would you score yourself (out of 100)?

I do think that I have worked hard and diligently all my life. Of course, I have regrets. But just as small dots gather and become a line, all those moments I have lived and spent working diligently have gathered and made me the way ‘Lee Joon Gi’ is now. I don’t think there is such a thing as a wasted life. Every single moment has its own value and is a source of great strength that encourages me to try new things as I move forward.

Also, my single greatest source of strength that has allowed me to keep ‘running’ is my fans, who understand my true value and give me love. When I’m tired or exhausted, every single word they say [to cheer me on] gives me lots of energy. If I had to score my life so far, I guess I’d give at least 60. I want to fill in the remainder as I continue on [making up for where I fell short]. I have so much time ahead of me to create and try new things.

In the future, as an actor, this is how I want to be remembered by people: ‘He is so consistent and diligent. He brings good energy. Watching his work, I learn many different emotions and lessons. So he is a good actor.’

I saw some comments like ‘Sorry I didn’t know there was an actor like you’ from people who got to know me for the first time through Flower of Evil. Reactions like that made me so happy.

I want to be the kind of actor who keeps people curious and wanting to know more about me, even when I get older, even after being around for long as an actor. Of course, the kind of actor who builds such curiosity on the basis of trust. I want to continue my acting career diligently, one step at a time.

On future plans

In the past, when I finished a project, I would tour different countries to express my gratitude, present my fans with good shows, and interact with them in various ways. So it’s a great shame I can’t do that now. I hope the current situation ends soon so I can laugh and cry with my fans and make new memories with them.

(Any plans on working in Hollywood; he starred in 2017 movie ‘Resident Evil: The Final Chapter’)

I want to experience and feel a lot of new things by working with artists from different countries, in addition to working in Hollywood. When the coronavirus dies down and things get better around the world, I would never hesitate to take a good opportunity when it comes up. I am always keeping an open mind and waiting. If you have any good opportunity you can offer me, please reach out to me anytime.

Right now, so many people are suffering due to COVID-19, so I want to do whatever I can do to bring you joy, happiness, and hope. Since I am an actor, the best way for me to bring you joy is to be in a great project. I will stay diligent and get myself prepared physically and mentally so I can come back with my next project as soon as possible.

END.

Sources:

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아시아뉴스통신 (https://www.anewsa.com/detail.php?number=2249409&thread=07)

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