Korean screen star Lee Dong Wook talks to ‘Outlook’ about success, stress and military service
Written by Writer on Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008
THE KING OF KOLLYWOOD
Bangkok Post
Wednesday October 22, 2008
Korean screen star Lee Dong Wook talks to ‘Outlook’ about success, stress and military service
Story by ONSIRI PRAVATTIYAGUL Photos by JUTATHORN PRAVATTIYAGUL
Lee Dong Wook turns heads. The entire swish restaurant fell into the kind of silence you can hear a pin drop in when the Korean actor rose up from his chair. His entourage orbited and scuttled around him like little mice smelling cheese as the statuesque actor sauntered across the room with one hand in his pocket. All eyes followed him through the glass door until he casually hopped into a van with tinted windows. The door closed swiftly and mumbles and girlish snickering quickly filled the silence.
You can’t presume that it was only the entourage that made the whole restaurant notice Lee Dong Wook. There isn’t anything remotely captivating about a group of squeamish people. Don’t assume that every single one us seated in the fine dining place are consummate followers of K-pop, for neither a murder-scream session or a photography frenzy occurred, and the restaurant wouldn’t have allowed it anyway. All right, the entourage might have attracted a bit of attention, but it was definitely his charismatic air that set the ambience of the room. His towering height also played an integral part, while his confidence and tantalising facial features must have helped too.
Lee Dong Wook is a testament to the belief that star power exists, and that “they” are of a different breed who stand maybe two levels up the evolution ladder. The 26 year old was briefly in town on invitation from the Bangkok International Film Festival, and apparently extended his stay to meet the press and some of his fans. Lee Dong Wook, or “Wookie” to his fans, became hugely famous and drooled over throughout Asia with the phenomenal popularity of 2005’s romantic comedy drama series, Mai geol (My girl), where he portrayed a stern, aloof, yet warm hearted second-generation mogul who eventually fell for a very pretty con artist played by the equally well known Lee Da Hae.
The slightly tired-looking star changed outfits three times in order for the Thai press not to have the same pictures or telecasts of him, exemplifying the professionalism of the Korean entertainment industry. His outfits ranged from tailored suits to a youthful cardigan. A tad brash at times, Lee Dong Wook appeared playful and childlike, while at the same time serious and with eyes that sparkled when questions were directed towards work. He joked with the overly attentive Thai staff, imitating their “Okay Khaaa” and “Krub Krub” perfectly while running around finding an appropriate spot to smoke. His management team was nowhere near as uptight as those of the boy band camp. Maybe it’s his work etiquette that commands a relaxed atmosphere - the classic trait of an actor who has a firm grip on his own steering wheel.
“Eighty per cent [of the decisions about my work] is my say. Of course I have to consult my management team, but they never force me to do anything. They usually give suggestions and advice. They bring me the kind of scripts that they think will good for me and that I might be interested it, and if I like them, I do them,” he said.
Having been on the go ever since getting off the plane, Mr Lee remained a ball of energy and positivity with an added naughtiness. Still, the slightly over-efficient, overly concerned interpreter gave out an advanced warning that Lee Song Wook “might not talk much” because “he’s very quiet and introverted”. But he answered every question at length, made numerous jokes and laughed frequently. Rather, it was the interpretation that seemed to be shortened. While awaiting his answers to be translated back and forth, Lee Dong Wook tilted his head with interest, and naturally pouted with amazement like a little kid.
“I’m a little tired, yes. I haven’t stopped since I got here. But I’m always happy to be in Thailand. Every time I come, I receive support from my Thai fans. It’s very encouraging. Thai people are so nice and smiley. I can honestly say that I haven’t seen anyone that looks like a bad person!” he said, adding that he would like to fly down to Phuket if his schedule permitted.
The soon-to-be-27-year-old actor started out as a model (no surprises there), and slowly gained recognition through smaller, supporting roles in various TV dramas since 2000. His role in 2002’s Honest Living was the one he still dearly recalls as it resembles his true self the most.
“The character even shared my real name! I think it was because I was still very new to acting, so basically I put a lot of myself in there. But now, I hope it’s not the same,” he said.
Lee Dong Wook’s big break came with Mai geol in 2005, when he caught the heart and soul of Asia. Dubbed as a “trendy drama”, Mai geol depicts romantic comedy movements in a Korean style - guy hates girl at first, girl hates guys too, then girl falls for guy, but something unfortunate happens, guy suddenly realises guy falls for girl, then something even more fortunate happens and girl disappears before being reunited with guy in the last episode - you know the drill. But with such conviction in Lee Dong Wook’s and Lee Da Hae’s acting, in addition to their perfect screen-couple cuteness and funky dialogue, Mai geol has reached “must watch” status for romantic Korean drama fans.
In the Korean entertainment business, successful TV actors and actresses typically move onto the big screen, and will descend to TV only for something they really want to do or for a sure hit. Lee Dong Wook starred in the acclaimed Arang in 2006 and The Perfect Couple the year after. His newest movie, That Man’s Book, Page 198, is set for release this Thursday in Korea. He co-stars with former teen idol, Eugene.
“It’s good to be working with her again. I don’t have any particular leading ladies that I want to be paired with. I like all of them. If they choose me specifically, then I’m honoured,” he said.
Where is he concentrating his career then: TV series or movies?
“Both,” he said in English. “I don’t base my decisions on whether it’s a TV drama series or a film because I want to do both. I’ve always wanted to do theatre too. I love acting so I want to do all. The only difference between TV, film and theatre is the system - the other things are the same.”
This year also witnesses the return of Lee Dong Wook to TV, but don’t expect him to repeat the “romcom” (romantic comedy), trendy drama formula that has earned him huge success in the past. In Bittersweet Life, Lee Dong Wook plays a man with a much darker edge - infidelity, depression, emotional breakdowns and even suicidal tendencies are part of his character. Nothing cutesey there.
“I decided to take the part [in Bittersweet Life] right away. I didn’t even go through the entire script, the character was so captivating. It was something I had wanted to do for a long time. It was different; a challenge. As an actor, I really wanted to do the part as it displayed the depth of human nature,” he said. “About returning to the cute, romcom parts? Hmm, I’m not so sure yet, but for the time being I don’t think you’ll see me doing much romantic comedy stuff,” added Lee Dong Wook.
The reception from his “serious” movie works and Bittersweet Life have been better than good. By taking on more substantial roles and being more selective, while concentrating on acting rather than riding a 15-minute fame wave, Lee Dong Wook has been able to prove himself as a capable actor rather than another fleeting pretty face.
“For Bittersweet Life, the reception from fans was good. But the response was even better from the critics, who said I had crossed over from lighthearted acting to a more serious career successfully. I was really happy about that,” he said.
But fans will possibly have to wait a lot longer to see Lee Dong Wook back in the spotlight. He’s now planning to start his compulsory, two-year military service soon, and during the period his face can’t appear in the media at all. There is no way to keep Lee Dong Wook “alive” by spanning his series or movies over his absence. It is, in a way, a test to see if he can really last in the tough Korean entertainment industry. In this situation, some stars have come back gracefully while others have never really regained their former glitz and glam.
“Military service is something all Korean men must do, so it’s not a big deal. It’s not something to be overly excited about! But it’s just a shame that I’ll have to stay away from my family, friends and be a bit cut off from the outside world. The upside is that there will be many things for me to learn while I serve my term,” he said.
But even if things fizzle out for Lee Dong Wook after his military service, he will still have an opportunity to follow his interest in film-making and story telling.
“I am really interested in directing and scripting. They’ve been my interests for a long time. But for now I really want to concentrate on acting. When I am working as an actor, I observe others and how they work, like cinematographers, for example. Sometimes I shoot scenes myself, and they end up being used! Basically, I am collecting experiences. I also have a script that I’ve been working on for a while now. What is it about? Oh, I can’t tell you. It’s a secret,” he said, laughing.
Now that a handful of Korean actors and actresses such as Jang Dong Gun, Jang Hyuk, Daniel Henny, Denis Oh and even Rain, are making their way to Hollywood, maybe it’s possibly for Lee Dong Wook to follow suit too.
I am very proud of the Korean actors who have crossed continents and worked in other countries. I am very happy for them too. Of course, I am interested in going to Hollywood, but there are many things to prepare before I get to that point. For example, the language barrier. There are many more things to consider. If it’s gonna happen, it won’t be before at least five years from now. Then again, I wouldn’t mind if it took longer than five years because that means I would still be acting at that time.
Asked what he sees himself doing if he weren’t an actor, Lee Dong Wook gave a mischievous smile before answering: “My childhood dreams included studying hotel management and teaching Korean language. I wanted to teach at an all-girl school, so that I could receive all the love I could get. But I don’t know if I would be any good at either of those jobs now,” he said, laughing.
Korea is known to have one of the most critical medias. Netizens (highly active internet users), in particular, have driven stars off the stage, and some even to suicide. They rage, rant, and express their discontentment openly, and public opinions can make or break careers. How does Lee Dong Wook handle all this?
“You have to ignore it. You have to forget that people are watching your every move - what you do and what you wear. Surely, not everyone likes me, so there will always be harsh judgment and criticism. Do I get upset over it? Yes, I do sometimes, but I am not the type who hangs on to other people’s words or holds grudges. I am starting to be used to [all the attention]. But every time I hear my fans screaming or calling out my name, I still feel excited and happy. Now I think I understand why musicians like performing on stage. It’s the exhilaration,” he said.
Then we’ll see you belting out soulful tunes very soon? “Never ever,” he quickly said in English. “I can’t sing!”
As with every other job in the world, acting comes with stress. But Lee Dong Wook has his own way to unwind.
I talk to my friends. I drink sometimes. I also like to drive fast - sometimes over 200km per hour,” he said. “But that’s a secret too!”
