Lee Je-hoon Tried to Emulate Choi Bul-am's Spirit in 'Chief Detective 1958'

연합뉴스 / 2024-05-20 16:40:58

▲ A profile photo of actor Lee Je-hoon, provided by Company On on May 20, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, May 20 (Yonhap) -- Playing the younger version of the iconic character Park Young-han from the legendary drama 'Chief Detective,' actor Lee Je-hoon shared his apprehensions and experiences.

"I was honestly terrified and wondered if I could do it justice," Lee confessed during an interview at a café in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 20th. The recently concluded MBC drama 'Chief Detective 1958' depicts the early days of the beloved detective, originally portrayed by Choi Bul-am.

"Initially, I aimed to mimic every detail of Choi Bul-am's performance, including his gestures, speech, and voice," Lee said. The actor emphasized the immense pressure of playing such a significant role in a prequel to a show that once boasted a 70% viewership rating.

Lee Je-hoon's commitment to the role led him to meticulously study not just 'Chief Detective' but also other works and commercials featuring Choi Bul-am to capture the essence of his portrayal.

Despite his fears, Lee received praise for his nuanced performance, balancing a strict enforcement of the law with empathy and compassion for those with unfortunate circumstances. His recreation of Choi Bul-am's distinctive laugh also delighted viewers.

Lee explained, "I watched many of Choi Bul-am's works and observed how he fully immersed himself in his roles. I tried to adopt his mindset and spirit, which gave me the strength and courage to perform."

▲ These images of actor Lee Je-hoon, including the still photos of MBC's new series "Chief Detective 1958," are provided by the TV broadcaster on May 20, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

'Chief Detective 1958' premiered with an impressive 10.1% rating, the highest first-episode rating for any MBC Friday-Saturday drama. Reflecting on this achievement, Lee expressed his surprise, attributing it to the nostalgic connection many older viewers have with the original series.

"Many seniors who remember the original show shared their stories, saying it felt just like the old days," he said. Lee believes the series resonated with a wide audience, allowing people of all ages to connect with the storyline.

Lee Je-hoon is known for portraying characters seeking justice, as seen in his role as taxi driver Kim Do-ki in the 'Taxi Driver' series and as detective Park Young-han in 'Chief Detective 1958.' He explained his attraction to such roles, stating, "These dramas offer viewers a sense of catharsis and stress relief by depicting the triumph of justice. I believe that's why these roles appeal to me."

Comparing his two roles, Lee noted, "If Kim Do-ki is like Batman, then Park Young-han is akin to Superman. Park Young-han inspires the belief that such a person could make the world a cleaner, better place."

As an actor who portrays righteous characters, Lee admitted that he has become more conscientious about his actions in real life. "I find myself wondering if someone might see me if I jaywalk or spit. It's not difficult; it's just the right thing to do," he reflected.

Lee Je-hoon remains a prolific actor, with his film 'Escape' set to release in July and a packed filming schedule through next year. He also founded the entertainment agency Company On in 2021 and recently launched a YouTube channel, 'Je-hoon's Cinema,' to promote independent films.

Expressing his desire to return to romantic roles, Lee mentioned his successful turn in the romance film 'Architecture 101' (2012), which attracted 4 million viewers.

"I don't know why I haven't received any romantic role offers lately. I want to portray love and youthful expressions while I still can. I'm eagerly waiting for such opportunities," he said.