[Naver Star Column] Lee Seunggi talks acting and variety, singing, the future, and his agency family

[Lee Seunggi] Part 2, In between Variety and Acting, the Real Me is…

Naver Star Column, May 29, 2013

Written by Lee Seunggi
English: LSGfan

In 2004, Lee Seunggi captured the hearts of noonas all over the country and brought about the popularity of the older woman – younger man coupling.  Active as a singer with handsome features and singing ability, he stepped into the domain of acting.

As lead actor in “Brilliant Legacy,” which reached 47% TV ratings, he was commonly referred to as “the ratings guy,”  And as he participated in “1 Night 2 Days,” “Strong Heart,” and other cream of the crop variety shows, his existing sincere image and on top of that, his “heodang” image became a character that fans felt close to. 

The younger brother to noonas has become a full-fledged adult.  Where he is today, those who were together with him in the past, and the approaching future of Lee Seunggi will be shared in this last story by ‘articulate entertainer’ Lee Seunggi. //

Everyone, how have you been?  I worry whether all of you are doing okay since the days have been hot and then cold.  Not having noticed how tiring things were due to the support and encouragement all of you sent me through this Star Column, this is Lee Seunggi greeting you once again. ^_______^

If the previous column was primarily about “Gu Family Book,” I’d like to think more about the stories ahead and the foreseeable future from hereon.  Things I’ve had to suppress and haven’t been able to say.  Starting now!

This was supposedly me before I transformed into Choi Kangchi^^

# In between Variety and Acting…

As a high school band member, even just the title of singer was daunting to me when I was first introduced to the entertainment world upon meeting the president of my current agency.  The president of my agency said there would come a time for various activities as a singer, variety personality, and even as an actor, and recommended that I take acting lessons.

Since I had never thought or dreamed that I could become an actor, I politely refused her suggestion.  However, since I was unable to break the president’s sheer will, I began practicing acting and participated in the top reigning star-making “Nonstop 5.”  Nevertheless, even still, the idea of actor was unfamiliar territory for me.

Even now, when the president and I reflect back to that time, we wonder what things would be like now if I had remained stubborn or if the president had easily given up.  Now, actor has become something I dreamed of when I was younger and something I am slowly feeling a sense of accomplishment about.

Unforgettable memories as an actor provided by 47% TV ratings “Brilliant Legacy”

The people around me worry a lot about my parallel involvement in variety and acting.  Although I think it is important now, it was something I had overlooked in the past.  Before, I simply thought ‘As long as I do a good job.’

Since variety is about showing ‘our real selves,’ it reveals a lot of information.  Senior actors have advised me, ‘acting tends to grow and mature when people don’t know a lot about ourselves.’  If you do variety programs while also acting, it seems like you have to view the image with one eye closed.  This is primarily because the impact of variety is very strong.  You can’t immediately erase the image of ‘1 Night 2 Days’ Lee Seunggi.  That’s why I think the selection of a character in a project is important.  However, as the world is full of diversity, I think there are advantages associated with the mystery of actors, as well as the familiarity and wellness of variety.

I was really thankful and sorry to Mina noona. This is the first time I’ve called her noona~

In relation to acting, I remember something Lee Soonjae once said.

“Be concerned about it until you die.  No matter what, be concerned about it.  Analyze it and be concerned about it.  The moment you relax, ‘non-weighty’ acting, void of tension, is on display.”

After all, in regards to concerns about variety and acting, I believe competence is above all things.  These days, whether one thing turns out great or ten things turn out great, people who do an exceptional job receive the limelight.  Since I’ve already stepped into both acting and variety, and taking into account my original job as a singer, I feel a sense of responsibility to do a good job in all three.^^;;

Movie?  Of course, I would like to do it.  When I hear stories on set from seniors or colleagues who participated in movies, I want to learn about the system and feel of such things.  I want to confirm whether the things I studied and realized and learned are correct.  After gaining a lot of experience, I’d like to direct later on.  For this… studying in itself may not be sufficient ?^^

“The King 2 Hearts” which provided a big turning point in my acting. Together with Jiwon noona,’V~!’

# Loyalty to ‘also another family’

The fact that I’ve made it this far is because of my agency president and agency members who have become like family.  In the past, I didn’t know what it was like in other agencies because I didn’t interact much with other colleagues.  Gradually, I realized, ‘our agency is quite unique.’  Once, I asked the president, ‘Shouldn’t you look for new rookie talent?’  She responded by saying, ‘If I expend my energies in other areas, the energies I need to pour into you will diminish.  Since you haven’t risen to the foundation yet, I’m not raising other talent.’

From my perspective, I’m really thankful.  My agency president is someone who can make me get on my knees through my capacity to only follow my opinions no matter what.  You can understand, as my my mother even referred her as the ‘god of our household.’  The president is someone who has bestowed within me goals, not as entertainer Lee Seunggi but rather how to live as Lee Seunggi the person.

The president told me that when she first met me, she thought five years of learning was needed.  However, despite working together with about ten years having passed until now, I can sense my own lacking.  Every time my album is released, we worry together and I learn a lot of things.

Since I have these things to learn, my agency family members put wholehearted support into making sure I don’t have to worry about other things.  Honestly, if it were not for me, my agency family members would not get criticized nor have things to fight about.  They’ve gone through a lot over the years.   I think about that even more considering how they’ve probably had to compromise and offer suggestions to those around me in order to protect and allow me to grow.  Even though I don’t get involved, I feel strong knowing that I have the president and agency family members who put aside their own selves and fend for me.

Even receiving a lot of love from you all, as well as support from a lot of people^^ Thank you!

I feel, as does my agency family members and those around me, that it would be great if there was a person who was a good match for me now.  Since the agency family thinks that visuals are important, or course being pretty… (just kidding!) I think a person with a lot of thoughtfulness is well-matched with others.  One’s occupation does not matter.  I have at times thought that it could be comfortable if the person was an entertainer as there could be a lot of healing brought upon by shared understanding.  I am not particularly partial about one’s work.

There’s that kind of thing for everyone.  You know, the more people tell you not to do something makes you only want to do it even more ‘frog tale’ story.  Previously, if I tended to be careful about or refrain from all things dating, now I tend to worry about it less since I’ve become more free about such things.  Don’t misunderstood!  I’m not saying that I won’t date, I’m just saying I won’t try as hard like in the past.  Haha.

Thank you to all of you from the bottom of my heart~

# Dream, and also goal.  Singer Lee Seunggi.

I think I’ve done a drama almost every time I’ve worked on an album.  On top of that, while I was filming ‘My Girlfriend is a Gumiho,’ I was also doing ‘1 Night 2 Days’ and ‘Strong Heart’… When I think about it now, I really believe that saying ‘you’re brave because you don’t know better.’  In the past, I would sing songs provided for me on the drama OST, but this time I participated in the OST with a song that I wrote and composed.  I think things happen that way when you end up having a lot of ambitions.  As my understanding for dramas were heightened, my feel for things got better, and I wanted to immediately take hold of those things.  And you end up studying more because you don’t want to start lagging.

Before, I didn’t want to be embarrassed by others because I felt strongly about having to be manly.  Thus I didn’t like things that were embarrassing and could only work hard so that wouldn’t happen.  Now that I think about it, I believe those  thoughts were the driving force that motivated me.  Now, my thinking is more about doing my best to bring about a good outcome, rather than trying to come off manly.

Please anticipate many different sides of me in the future~

It’s great to reach #1 on music programs through activities as a singer, more than that, I was hugely surprised while watching Cho Youngpil sunbaenim recently.  It’s been decades since he released an album, yet his ability to communicate with people everywhere through his music was so impressive.  Once again, I could feel the same sentiment which had been conveyed through Lee Sunhee sunbaenim’s albums.  I too, will continue to become a person who can communicate and identify with others.

While I’ve been busy up until now under the moniker of ‘multi-entertainer’ as singer, actor, and variety personality,  I don’t think I’ve ever had the time to reflect seriously about myself before as I’ve been able to now.   And I’m really happy because I feel as if I’ve found another window for communication.  It’s my honor to talk with you through this great opportunity.

I will continue to do my best to show you an Lee Seunggi that doesn’t run counter to expectations.  I will wait for the warm interest and affectionate admonition from many of you.  Please show a lot of love for Lee Seunggi and Gu Family Book.  You promised?  Then, I’ll see you again on TV~!

Whoa……………. so many feels after reading this…………….

Now it kinda makes sense why he didn’t write a message to fans prior to the start of Gu Family Book or before his drama OST release, like he’s always done in the past.

As usual, Seunggi is sincere as always.  I love that about him! But also feel a little frustrated, like he’s TOO nice and understanding sometimes.  And shoulders all things on himself.  huhu.  Expectations in K-culture can seriously suck sometimes.

Like come on, President Hook is SO living in the stone ages when it comes to understanding how popular music works in today’s industry.  So, I really hope she doesn’t pull that guilt sh*t that Korean parents and seniors love to do with us.

And seriously, criticism of Hook’s female and male Codys are SO well-deserved.  Case in point, what the heck with the ensemble for this outing?! *sigh*

Seems he is purposely not doing variety, mainly to downplay the strong image the public has of variety Seunggi over that of actor Seunggi.  For now, smart move.

He SO loves and admires Lee Soon Jae sunbaenim!  Well, he is one of the top most respected and beloved elderly actors in Korea.

I think he’s sorry to Shin Mina because he was so crazy busy during My Girlfriend is a Gumiho filming, with 1N2D, Strong Heart, and album stuff!  Crazy, when we think about it now!  Yet, they are my most fave OTP!

Hmm. interesting talk on dating and finding a match… Hope he gets to date and be in love soon, at least before his military service!

See related posts:

• [ENG] Gu Family Book OST: Lee Seunggi – Last Words [MV, Piano version]
• Seunggi talks what to expect for upcoming Gu Family Book
• Seoul Music Awards backstage interview with Lee Seunggi
• [Star1 Jan.2013] Lee Seunggi – All About HIM from A to Z ③
• [Star1 Jan.2013] The Possibilities for Lee Seunggi ②
• Lee Seunggi: 5.5 album production story with Epitone Project
• Lee Seung Gi & Lee Soon Jae’s father-son pose backstage
• [InStyle 2012 Interview] Lee Seung Gi – Man of the Moment ①
• Lee Seung Gi talks The King, manly charm, donuts, military readiness, and 1N2D vs Strong Heart PDs

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