[Interview] "I Will Draw It One by One" Lee Je-hoon, A Special Dream of Chungmuro's Young Talent

Movie 'Dogul' Lead Actor Lee Je-hoon
Production Company Hardcut Established
"Film Is a Longtime Dream and Ideal"

Lee Je-hoon / Photo by CJ Entertainment

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Iseul] "Making movies is like a dream and an exciting utopia."

Actor Lee Je-hoon has set his long-held dream in motion.

In his early twenties, Lee Je-hoon worked on his first short film with director Yang Kyung-mo and producer Kim Yu-kyung, and last year they established the production company Hardcut. Based on trust beyond mere partnership, they share the same dream of filmmaking.

Whether it’s clothes or cars, once something reaches him, it’s not easily discarded. On the SBS variety show "My Ugly Duckling" aired on the 1st, Lee Je-hoon revealed that he has been driving his own car for 11 years and is carefully considering buying a new one.

On the show, Im Won-hee mentioned that Lee Je-hoon has been wearing the same padded jacket for years, referring to it as a "sagol padding" (literally "beef bone broth padding," a Korean expression for something used repeatedly). This shows that Lee Je-hoon is known for being cautious even when buying things.

The same applies to his relationships. It is said that Lee Je-hoon carefully builds human relationships with fellow actors and creative staff when working on projects.

With his serious and thoughtful personality, he likely did not decide on partnerships lightly. What encourages him is precisely film. His deep love for movies fuels his creative drive. That is why his production activities naturally draw attention.

There is a saying that film is the art of the director. No matter how hard an actor tries to convey a message, it is only possible within the director’s direction. This limitation creates a thirst for creation and soon a desire to direct.

Lee Je-hoon recently shared his thoughts on establishing a production company during an interview ahead of the release of the film "Collectors" (director Park Jeong-bae). He stated, "My main job is acting, and producing is a dream."

Lee Je-hoon expressed his affection, saying, "The act of making a movie itself is a dream and an exciting yet elusive utopia." He added, "It’s a process I am drawing step by step. Even if it takes a long time and is not easy, I didn’t start it with the mindset of ‘if it doesn’t work out, so be it’ after a year or two."

He continued, "I want to participate in good projects and create stories together, and I have a strong will to be involved in any part. I can’t say I will show something immediately, but I hope there will be opportunities," showing his expectations.

When asked if we can expect him to direct, Lee Je-hoon replied, "I do have that dream as well." He added, "I currently don’t have the capability or knowledge for that. I think I need to study and learn a lot."

Earlier, director Park Jeong-bae mentioned at the "Collectors" press screening that "Lee Je-hoon is an actor whose mind is full of movies." Lee Je-hoon is famous as an actor who enjoys and loves films so much that he has said his dream is to establish a cinematheque.

Regarding this, Lee Je-hoon said, "I have no hobbies or special skills. I don’t enjoy drinking or singing and dancing. I enjoy and feel happy talking about movies over a cup of tea," laughing as he added, "Sometimes I wonder if I’m living a boring life." He happily said, "Talking about old movies is the most exciting and pleasant thing."

Lee Je-hoon, who plans to watch the recently re-released "Whiplash" (director Damien Chazelle), said, "I tend to enjoy watching re-released films."

He said, "When 'Whiplash' was released, I watched it three times in the theater. It was great. I also watched it on TV, but the thrill and emotion in the theater were different. It’s the magic of the cinema."

He also urged people to watch the upcoming film "Collectors," which opens on the 4th. "I challenged myself with a crime entertainment genre. There are parts that can provide fun and excitement. The setting of stealing cultural assets is portrayed carefully and convincingly. I hope you enjoy the film in theaters with thorough quarantine measures."

In Hollywood, there are actors who have established production companies based on their love for movies and present interesting films. From Clint Eastwood, who fulfilled his dream of directing in his fifties, to Brad Pitt, who founded Plan B and transformed into a golden-handed producer, they are expanding their domains and creating synergy.

In Chungmuro as well, many actors are stepping up as directors and producers. Among them, the young talent Lee Je-hoon, full of infinite potential, is starting out with great caution, which makes him even more noteworthy. There is a growing chorus of support hoping he will cherish his dream for a long time.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.