[On The Record] Lee Do-hyun: "Even Mom and Younger Sibling Got Immersed in 'Bad Mama'"

Actor Lee Do-hyun Interview

'The Glory'·'Bad Mom' Back-to-Back Hits Establishing Rising Star
Feels Responsible for Overseas Popularity... Scheduled to Enlist This Year
"In a Supportive Relationship with Partner Lim Ji-yeon"

Actor Lee Do-hyun
Photo by Weihe Entertainment Korea

Actor Lee Do-hyun (28) was born Lim Dong-hyun. Since his real name was common for an actor, he and his agency came up with the stage name Lee Do-hyun. He said that during his childhood, his grandfather, who raised him, wished for the character '현' (Hyun), meaning 'black' or 'mysterious,' to be included in his name. Although it seems to mean 'black,' he preferred the Chinese character that means 'sky.' It perfectly resembles him, who carries an infinite and cool charm like the endless sky.

On the afternoon of the 13th, Lee Do-hyun, whom I met at a cafe in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, said, "My mother calls me somewhere between 'Dong-hyun' and 'Do-hyun' at home," and laughed, "After the JTBC drama 'Bad Mother' aired, she started calling me 'Gang-ho' (my character's name)." He added, "My mother was especially immersed while watching it."

Beloved Mother... Understanding All Choices Through Acting

The JTBC Wednesday-Thursday drama 'Bad Mother,' which ended on the 8th, depicted the story of Yeong-soon (played by Ra Mi-ran), who had no choice but to become a bad mother for her child, and the warm family of Gang-ho, who became a child due to an unexpected accident, and Jo Woo-ri. It gained popularity by surpassing a nationwide viewership rating of 10%. Lee Do-hyun delivered an impressive performance, portraying a prosecutor, a child, and a good son.

Lee Do-hyun said, "While acting, I understood a mother's love and actions for her son. The reason my son could become a prosecutor was thanks to the mother who taught him harshly. At the time, I might have hated it, but in the end, I understood all of my mother's choices."

He also said he understands his own mother. Lee Do-hyun said, "If my mother hadn't forced me to go to academies and study, I wouldn't be who I am now." He added, "Sitting at the desk studying was boring, but thanks to studying English then, I could communicate during overseas activities, and because I worked hard on math, filming the drama 'Melancholia' (2021) was easier. I am acting thanks to my mother's strength."

Actor Lee Do-hyun
Photo by Weihe Entertainment Korea

He shares a special bond with Ra Mi-ran, who played his mother in the drama. The two received praise for their touching family love. Lee Do-hyun said, "Just seeing Ra Mi-ran's face on set made me tear up." He recalled, "During the scene where we submit the adoption consent form and say 'food, please' at the door, I wasn't supposed to cry, but tears kept coming. After several takes, I managed to finish without crying."

Ra Mi-ran also played the role of a mentor, teaching Lee Do-hyun another acting method on set as a senior actor. Lee Do-hyun said, "I usually immersed myself deeply and focused on set, and it was hard to joke around with other actors. Still, I often felt my acting was lacking, and Ra Mi-ran noticed that and gave me advice."

He said, "She told me that the space (the set) needs to feel comfortable, and if I act otherwise, it would be hard to keep going for a long time. Ra Mi-ran plays around like she's at a playground, but when the camera rolls, she switches immediately. I learned that acting method. I tried it several times and figured out how to do it. That's why this work is even more meaningful."

Family is the Driving Force, Loving Mother and Sibling

Lee Do-hyun portrayed a 7-year-old child and a 36-year-old prosecutor. Although he has shown deep affection for his younger sibling with developmental disabilities, he said, "I don't bring personal emotions into choosing projects or acting."

His sibling usually doesn't watch his works, but this time the reaction was special. Lee Do-hyun said, "My sibling kept replaying the 14th episode's courtroom scene on their phone. Maybe because they like courtroom dramas, they kept watching that part in their room. I told my sibling, 'Yeah, you have to see how your brother makes money,'" and laughed.

'Bad Mom' stills [Photo by JTBC]

Lee Do-hyun debuted with the tvN drama 'Prison Playbook' (2017). He made a mark appearing as IU's bodyguard in 'Hotel Del Luna' (2019). Afterwards, he gained attention for his solid acting in major hits such as the drama 'Youth of May' (2021), the OTT Netflix series 'Sweet Home' (2020), and 'The Glory.'

He said, "A friend told me that their American friend wanted my autograph after watching 'The Glory.' They asked several times because they were so surprised. Last month, I attended an overseas event, and Japanese fans recognized me while eating takoyaki. It felt strange. I felt a sense of responsibility. Being recognized overseas made me feel like a national representative."

He also found love through 'The Glory.' Currently dating actress Lim Ji-yeon, who is five years older, he recalled, "Neither of us expected the dating rumors to come out, so we were surprised. We support each other and are meeting with good feelings. Thank you for your kind support."

The industry has paid attention to the birth of a 20-something actor with a neat image and solid acting skills. Recently, he gained domestic and international recognition through the Netflix hit 'The Glory.'

Lee Do-hyun said, "I think luck aligned well. When I told senior actor Jung Woong-in about this, he advised me not to think that way and said, 'You did well.' I was grateful for that advice. At that moment, I gained confidence, comforted myself, and praised myself. I did my best, worked hard, and received good results. I plan to continue doing so. I will keep acting with my best effort."

Actor Lee Do-hyun
[Photo by Yuehua Entertainment Korea]

Born in 1995, Lee Do-hyun must enlist this year. He said, "I can't specify the exact time, but I plan to serve. After discharge, I will work hard again."

Lee Do-hyun, who is also taking musical lessons, said, "I've long had a desire to perform on stage. Musical actors are amazing. Acting on stage in front of an audience and experiencing improvisation would help my acting more." He added, "I was recently introduced to a music director and am taking lessons. I have a severe fear of singing, but I want to learn hard and sing well."

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