Lee Seung Gi on drama ratings-paradigm shift, MCs Hodong-Jaesuk’s humility, and plans for his worrying mom

Lee Seung Gi, only at 25 years old and already ascending…

English: LSGfan via Newsis/Naver

[June 10, 2012. Reporter Lee Ye Seul] With the North Korean storyline, MBC ‘The King 2 Hearts’ was a very heavy and weighty drama.  At times, lead actor Lee Seung Gi (25) had to demonstrate being cold-hearted, while tough and strong at other times.

If the acting did not have a strong underpinning, things could have been shaky.  As the drama also involved politics and policy storylines, it can be easily viewed as having been an obstacle for many viewers.  So why did Lee Seung Gi chose a difficult path versus a more secure and safe one?

‘I myself know best whether things are just a one-time popularity thing with me or not.  I think it would have been dangerous if I did another sweet romance.  There are actors that have high tv ratings results because they are very skilled and then there are cases where even though the tv ratings are high, the actors seem uneasy.  I feel that having acted in ‘The King 2 Hearts’ is very poignant timing in my career as an actor.’

MBC drama ‘The King 2 Hearts’ was directed by PD Lee Jae Kyu (42) who previously worked on ‘Damo’ and ‘Beethoven Virus’ and involved Writer Hong Jin Ah, also of ‘Beethoven Virus.’  In addition to successful in all that he does Lee Seung Gi, never unwilling to sacrifice her body Ha Ji Won (34), providing strength just through their presence Lee Soon Jae (77) and Yoon Yeo Jung (65), rediscovered through this drama Jo Jung Suk (32) and Lee Yoon Ji (28), and perfect in the villain role Yoon Jae Moon (42), there was no one lacking.   

Despite that, the tv ratings did not pan out.  While ‘The King 2 Hearts’ posted 16% ratings in its first set of episodes, above of SBS ‘Rooftop Prince’ and KBS ‘Equator Man,’ over time, the ratings, compared to the other two dramas, were not one of the enjoyable aspects.  While this kind of situation could be frustrating for the lead actor who ambitiously went forward, Lee Seung Gi was composed and serene about it.

‘I feel there’s been a paradigm shift recently among dramas.  In the past, if there were more dramas dealing with subject matters that were easy to digest catering to viewers, these days, there are more dramas broaching particular subjects regardless of tv ratings and showcasing new things at play and acting.  In that way, I think ‘The King 2 Hearts’ played a role in pioneering that.  You could say it helped to lay a foundation for a new type of political drama paradigm?’

In his 9th year since his debut, as an actor and entertainer, it feels like he knows these things like the back of his hand.

‘After debuting, I’ve been back and forth in various fields more than others.  Now, I feel that I have a little bit of a better understanding of the occupation of an entertainer.  You ask what I would have pursued if I were not to have become an entertainer?  I don’t think I would have found employment yet.  Hahaha.’

Having debuted as a singer, Lee Seung Gi has distinguished himself in all 3 areas of drama, MC, and real outdoor variety.  Some advise and suggest that it is perhaps time for him to choose and focus on one area.  However, Lee Seung Gi is unable to hide his affection for variety.

‘I think I’d get star-sickness if I were only to be an actor.  The treatment a lead actor receives is definitely something different.  Singing and acting both involve systems in which it’s easy to fall into narcissism.  However with variety, Lee Seung Gi is not a special person but becomes ‘one among the others.’  It’s humbling.  Even though (Kang) Hodong hyung-nim and (Yoo) Jaesuk hyung are established number ones, I feel they haven’t become arrogant because they accumulated humility over time while doing broadcasts.’

There’s one thing you can’t leave out when you mention ‘Lee Seung Gi’ and that’s the ‘uhm-chin-ah’ image.  Among mothers, Lee Seung Gi is the type of son they all want.  You often hear people saying ‘Lee Seung Gi’s mom must be so happy’ and ‘I wish Lee Seung Gi was my son.’  So what does Lee Seung Gi’s mom think of her son?

‘My mother? She’d probably say ‘Why don’t you try raising him?’  I too am a son that frustrated my mom and and complained a lot.  And I’m a son that always makes my mom worry.  My mom still hasn’t even traveled abroad for vacation because she’s worrying about me.  Even when I’m out, she says I should stay at home.  Next time I have to travel abroad, I will definitely have to take her with me.’

Even though he himself says he’s not, Lee Seung Gi is truly a filial, devoted son.

OMG, how can anyone NOT love Lee Seung Gi even more??!!!

Love that he sees life in the long-run versus immediate now!  And so true… ‘The King 2 Hearts’ will definitely be an important marker in his acting career.

What’s so sorta amusing about the whole ratings talk is that TK2H’s ratings weren’t that much lower than the other Wed-Thurs dramas!  And outperformed other buzzed about dramas on Mon-Wed!  But that’s how things always are with expectations and ratings with Lee Seunggi, and I love that he’s collected and chill about it all.

Love the mad respect for MCs Hodong and Jaesuk!  Hope Hodong comes back soon and hope Seunggi and Jaesuk get to do variety together again, someday!

I love what he said about how it’s so easy to fall into narcissism and the importance of humility!  And I’m so glad I will never have to worry about him checking into celeb rehab in the future!

And lastly… big awwwwwwww~~~~ about his mom!  Omg, she’s awesome.  WE both love our moms!  Love it~!!  I love that Seunggi is SO grounded and has an awesome loving family!  Wahhhh~~~~!!!  So maybe, we’ll see fan photos of him and his mom together at the airport during his next travels…. Awww!

See related posts:

• Lee Seung Gi talks acting-singing, meeting Ha Ji Won, and The King 2 Hearts sequel? [Post TK2H interview]
• [BTS video] The King 2 Hearts final filming, NGs, goodbyes
• Yoon Yeo Jung talks well-mannered actors and Lee Seung Gi
• [BTS video] The King 2 Hearts interview: Ha Ji Won talks teary-eyed chemistry with Lee Seung Gi
• Lee Sung Min talks ‘The King 2 Hearts’ and Lee Seung Gi
• Entertainment’s elder statesman Lee Soon Jae’s take on idol actors, smart sensible young actors, and Lee Seung Gi
• MNET MIC Interview [ENG] – Happy Birthday Lee Seunggi!
• Happy Mothers Day and Parents Day, Seunggi style

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