The Imaginary World of Monika: September 2022

Monday, September 26, 2022

Lee Min Ho for ESQUIRE Korea – October 2022 Issue Interview - 26.09.2022

part1. Lee Min Ho said that he’s currently feeling like an office worker nowadays

Actor Lee Min Ho said that a day like today (on the day of the interview) feels just like a holiday. He sat and positioned himself in a comfortable way, gave of his laugh that is very characteristic and talked about his work the way like a fisherman talks about fishing. He shares on what he had learned on his last drama, his beautiful works and the joy of acting.

ESQUIRE: “There’s something unique in your greetings, and since it seems that we’ve never met before.”
Lee Min Ho: “Oh, is that so?”

ESQUIRE: “Yes. Just like the greetings that you did there, ‘Hello~’ and ‘Good job~’ at the end of filming. There seems to be a unique melody within.”
Lee Min Ho: *laugh* “That's right. Probably it’s because I'm currently filming the drama 'Ask the Stars'. It was like a greeting on the way to work. I'm commuting to and from work every day like an office worker. Since we had set a fixed schedule for the filming, we went out at a scheduled time to film and shoot and then get off from work, living like an office worker.”

ESQUIRE: “That is even more surprising to hear. It is not easy for an office worker to maintain such a refreshing energy like you.”
Lee Min Ho: “Hahaha. On the set of the drama, of course there’s some dark energy *boom boom*. Then I guess it's because today I have a long break. I consider these photo shoots and interviews rather like a break.”

ESQUIRE: “There are many actors who find this kind of schedule (interview and photoshoots) more burdensome than their main job, but it seems to be a relatively comfortable feeling for Lee Min Ho.”
Lee Min Ho: “I think that the direction and way of thinking, concerns then would be slightly different. Each time I went for filming drama and go to the set, I seem to be thinking a lot of how I can express myself better, what this character will think, etc. Nevertheless, this could be problematic and came with its own disadvantages. Actually, the most difficult thing for me would be going to a scheduled event. To a place where a lot of people gather. It’s been over 10 years since I’ve tried to get used to it but maybe because of my over tendencies, it’s still awkward for me.”

ESQUIRE: “We though you looked very natural even in such a place, but it seems that it’s still difficult on the inside.”
Lee Min Ho: “People have asked me, ‘How can you afford to look like that? You look comfortable’, but then I took it as I look like I’m a little more comfortable in comparison to other actors. Because there are some actors who looks uncomfortable, even to the extent as seeming awkward while they are looking at their seniors or actors of the same age”

ESQUIRE: “We think that Lee Min Ho has a unique charm, looking natural and comfortable, just by looking and the mood/feed of your SNS (Social Networking Service).”
Lee Min Ho: *laugh* “I actually don’t enjoy looking like I was preparing and planning everything too hard, and then finish it all just by one-take. So, it seems that I prefer to pursue natural things.”

ESQUIRE: “Just like the diving video uploaded a while ago, that is also very natural. In fact, I was thinking of the “Xiao Long Bao” meme update, and I was wondering about the behind-the-scene video. But then, you upload it by yourself on the social media.”
Lee Min Ho: “Hahaha, that is correct. I went to try diving, but it fell apart like that. I tried to take a picture of myself eating a dumpling deliciously, but I didn’t know how to eat it at that time, so the juices fell out. It’s not that I was embarrassed or anything, it’s just very much fun.”

ESQUIRE: “But even so since you have more than 30 million followers, don’t you feel some kind of an automatic filter coming out in your brain? Does it require some kind of effort to look natural, or you’re just good at it?”
Lee Min Ho: “I guess that I’m just a person who doesn’t enjoy seeing things go the way they should be. Even when an answer has been fixed, I am the kind of person who think about how many ways are there to get there. However, when I was working, I was seen in a public eye as someone who are well prepared and refined. It was unintentional, that kind of image but I don’t have any intention to change it either. Just like what I have said before, I am the kind of person who have already a had a hard time with stereotypes, therefore when there are interesting moments going on in my daily life, I choose them to be uploaded. However, I still post things that I feel have come out great.”

ESQUIRE: “Some fans have actually felt bad and apologetic towards Lee Min Ho for having that kind of image. There were always such long comments on You Tube when it’s related to Lee Min Ho. Everyone who doesn’t know you well will think that you’re being treated as a Global Star but, in reality Lee Min Ho is actually a person who’s very friendly, fun and thoughtful.”
Lee Min Ho: “Apparently, there are quite a few long-time fans among my fans. Those fans know a lot of different aspects of me, I think that’s what you’re trying to say and referring to by the previous statement. I think I can accept their feeling sorry for the image of being too serious, not fun or outrageous. Like I have mentioned before, I am very easy to get bored. Most people who personally know me are already aware that I’m such an easy-going person but instead, it doesn’t mean that I will show it to them or anyone again. I’m used to this pattern, and I’m not thinking of a way or being frustrated to get out of it. It flows naturally, and in those terms, I’m trying to be the best person I can while not losing the center of who I really am.”