[Interview②] Lee Hyun-wook: "Yoo Ah-in amazed me with his acting and won me over with his honesty"

Hyunwook Lee / Photo by Taeyoon Kim

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Iseul] Actor Lee Hyun-wook said that he reflected on himself through acting with Yoo Ah-in.

Lee Hyun-wook recently shared various stories in an interview with our publication after the conclusion of the drama "Search" at a cafe in Seocho-dong, Seoul.

"Search" (written by Gu Mo and Jo Myeong-ju, directed by Lim Dae-woong) is the fourth project of OCN's Dramatic Cinema, combining the formats of film and drama. The drama depicts an elite search team assembled to uncover the mystery behind a mysterious disappearance and murder case that began in the front-line Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

Lee Hyun-wook played the role of Lee Joon-sung, a true soldier with a humane side. He portrayed the deputy team leader of the special task force, demonstrating impressive performance as a possessor of genuine military spirit.

On the day, Lee Hyun-wook said, "It has been seven years since I was discharged. I served at the age of twenty-seven. Since it wasn't long after my discharge, acting as a soldier was not difficult. The subject matter is fresh, and there aren't many military dramas, so I think it will be memorable."

As the eldest among the "Search" cast, Lee Hyun-wook said, "I wish I had embraced the actors more warmly, but I feel a bit regretful for not doing so. I try to take comfort in the fact that we quietly finished without any accidents."

Lee Hyun-wook added, "Genre works and contemporary works differ in atmosphere and filming environment. I don't think I can say I've done one field for a long time yet. The characters and backgrounds are different, so isn't the fun in watching them different as well?" He continued, "Recently, I have been filming the drama 'Sunbae, Don't Put on That Lipstick.' It is a work that portrays not only romance between men and women but also the emotional conflicts felt by humans, so please look forward to it."

Previously, Lee Hyun-wook left a strong impression with the drama "Strangers from Hell," and has been continuously taking on various roles across both the small screen and the big screen with works such as "The Good Detective," "Search," and the film "#Alive" (directed by Cho Il-hyung).

Photo by UAA, Taeyoon Kim

In "#Alive," which was released last June, Lee Hyun-wook played Sang-cheol, the neighbor of Jun-woo (played by Yoo Ah-in), the sole survivor. He was the first person Jun-woo encounters, who cannot believe the city has become uncontrollable, marking a powerful start to the film.

In a previous interview with our publication, Yoo Ah-in said, "For the first time since my debut, I approached acting in a new way. I was cautious about trying it, but Lee Hyun-wook accepted it and gave me the energy to participate more actively. If there had been serious conflicts then, it would have been difficult, but the older brother accepted the previously unused communication method without resistance. From then on, I was able to decide and shape my attitude as Jun-woo," adding, "I realized there is no right answer in acting."

When this was mentioned, Lee Hyun-wook recalled, "Before filming started, I did have some prejudices about Yoo Ah-in. I thought he might be a bit prickly and complacent with his innate talent. But once filming began, I was really surprised."

He continued, "During the first rehearsal shoot, I felt Yoo Ah-in pouring out his emotions with great concentration. Even though it was a rehearsal, I didn't expect an actor like Yoo Ah-in to work so hard, and I was truly amazed," adding, "I was embarrassed to realize I had misunderstood Yoo Ah-in."

He expressed affection, saying, "Yoo Ah-in, whom I worked with on set, was truly an amazing actor. He was honest with his emotions and honest with himself."

After filming, Lee Hyun-wook sent a message to Yoo Ah-in, who replied, "Shine the world with your beauty, hyung." He conveyed his gratitude, saying, "I felt the sincerity."