Lee Sun-kyun Comments on His Role in 'Paju'
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Actor Lee Sun-kyun, who plays Jung-shik in Park Chan-ok's movie "Paju", was never known as a romantic guy. Jung-shik is a man who has to live with his deep wounds and sense of guilt. Lee describes his character as a "big person" who he didn't want to approach in an emotional way.
To Lee, "Paju" is a milestone, which he set by portraying Jung-shik, a former athlete who falls in love with his sister-in-law. It was Lee's first big-screen leading role, which has also become his favorite one and which demanded a higher degree of responsibility. "It was the most fulfilling role by far, " said Lee.
Lee said, "I wanted to play a more 'film-y' and inspirational role. I wanted to approach acting from a more serious perspective. Director Park Chan-ok has a very keen eye. I wanted to work with her and I made the right decision".
Lee says he was unable to study his character in more detail because of a time limit. His scenes were shot in an apartment building that was subject to demolition. He said, "The scene where I confess to Eun-mo felt special to me when I read the script and I worried about it a lot. But since we had to finish shooting as soon as possible, we had to shoot for 36 straight hours, so I didn't have a chance to give it as much thought as I wanted".
Lee also says the scene made him feel grateful to the production team.
He said, "I didn't feel satisfied even when I heard the director wrap a scene. But I didn't have the courage to suggest that we re-shoot the scene, because everyone was tired after working all night long. But I ended up saying it because I couldn't concentrate on the other scenes. Just then, someone from the production crew said that he was ready to shoot as many times as was needed. He adjusted the lighting and we began shooting again. I was moved to tears".
Director Park Chan-ok discussed every scene with Lee in front of the monitor and the two almost never disagreed. Lee said, ""Paju" is like Ms. Park. It's slow and quiet, but it makes you listen to it. Ms. Park has lucid and shy eyes. She's like a girl yet sometimes she is like your big brother who is always ready to listen to you and give you good advice".
Worried about Jung-shik's safety, Eun-mo (played by Seo Woo) asks him why he demolishes buildings for a living. Jung-shik says he started doing it to look cool, then to pay off his debts, but now he doesn't know why he does it. Lee said, "That's Jung-shik's way. He joined a club because his older friend Ja-young looked cool. He was attracted to fights. Then he waited for Eun-mo. Because of the time pressure, I didn't realize the profound meaning of that. It might look the same on the outside, but to me it's a huge difference".
When asked the same question as "actor Lee Sun-kyun", not Jung-shik, Lee said, "I have no greed. No ambitions. Acting is the only thing that makes me move when I don't feel like doing anything. Acting is not my ultimate goal. I act because I want to be happy. Once it loses its meaning and becomes simply a way to make a living, I will hate it".
To Lee, "Paju" is a milestone, which he set by portraying Jung-shik, a former athlete who falls in love with his sister-in-law. It was Lee's first big-screen leading role, which has also become his favorite one and which demanded a higher degree of responsibility. "It was the most fulfilling role by far, " said Lee.
Lee said, "I wanted to play a more 'film-y' and inspirational role. I wanted to approach acting from a more serious perspective. Director Park Chan-ok has a very keen eye. I wanted to work with her and I made the right decision".
Lee says he was unable to study his character in more detail because of a time limit. His scenes were shot in an apartment building that was subject to demolition. He said, "The scene where I confess to Eun-mo felt special to me when I read the script and I worried about it a lot. But since we had to finish shooting as soon as possible, we had to shoot for 36 straight hours, so I didn't have a chance to give it as much thought as I wanted".
Lee also says the scene made him feel grateful to the production team.
He said, "I didn't feel satisfied even when I heard the director wrap a scene. But I didn't have the courage to suggest that we re-shoot the scene, because everyone was tired after working all night long. But I ended up saying it because I couldn't concentrate on the other scenes. Just then, someone from the production crew said that he was ready to shoot as many times as was needed. He adjusted the lighting and we began shooting again. I was moved to tears".
Director Park Chan-ok discussed every scene with Lee in front of the monitor and the two almost never disagreed. Lee said, ""Paju" is like Ms. Park. It's slow and quiet, but it makes you listen to it. Ms. Park has lucid and shy eyes. She's like a girl yet sometimes she is like your big brother who is always ready to listen to you and give you good advice".
Worried about Jung-shik's safety, Eun-mo (played by Seo Woo) asks him why he demolishes buildings for a living. Jung-shik says he started doing it to look cool, then to pay off his debts, but now he doesn't know why he does it. Lee said, "That's Jung-shik's way. He joined a club because his older friend Ja-young looked cool. He was attracted to fights. Then he waited for Eun-mo. Because of the time pressure, I didn't realize the profound meaning of that. It might look the same on the outside, but to me it's a huge difference".
When asked the same question as "actor Lee Sun-kyun", not Jung-shik, Lee said, "I have no greed. No ambitions. Acting is the only thing that makes me move when I don't feel like doing anything. Acting is not my ultimate goal. I act because I want to be happy. Once it loses its meaning and becomes simply a way to make a living, I will hate it".
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