Appearing in the episode of June 3 of KBS1TV I am a squareLee Je Hoon reflected on his journey of almost two decades in the sector. Although he was introduced as an actor “without scandals” with 19 years of experience, he revealed that his path was not without challenges.
Lee Jesus reflects on his first struggles
The actor jokingly joked the recent titles on “clash” with his colleague actor Yoo Hae-Jin, saying, “Yes, I collided with Yoo Hae-Jin-Su Soju,” a reference to their newly published film Big deal.
Set during the FMI crisis of 1997, Big deal He sees Lee assume the role of In-BEOM, an employee led by the results in a foreign-una contrast investment company with the character of his co-protagonist Yoo, Jong-Rok, a financial director whose life revolves around Soju.
But it was Lee’s candid narration on his initial career that left the greatest impression. He recalled his first foray into acting, stimulated by the unusual in his university engineering program and a strong desire to pursue his dream. “I joined a theater company in Daehak-Rro before entering the army. I did humble jobs and I learned everything from scratch as I worked part-time to support me.”
The refusal that has become a turning point
His most humiliating experience came when he was initially chosen as the protagonist in a comedy – just to be asked to resign during the tests. “The director and the senior actors said they did not yet have the skills or mentality to play a leading role”, Lee admitted. “They asked if I would consider a smaller part of an 80-year-old man. I was so shocked that I couldn’t speak, but I said I would do my best.”
That smaller role has become his debut on stage and a basic lesson in perseverance. “Even if he was just a minor character, I gave everything,” he said.
Today, Lee Jes is celebrated for his weighted performances and the constant increase in the sector. His latest movie Big deal He is now playing in cinemas throughout South Korea, receiving praise for his convincing portrait of characters who sail in personal and social crises – an appropriate reflection of Lee’s journey from refusal to recognition.
