Actor Lee Jong-Suk on what's next for his career

Lee Jong-suk needs no introduction. The leading man in South Korean television and film has been making waves since the beginning of his career. Lee, who made his runway debut at Seoul Fashion Week in 2005, also became the youngest male model to have ever done so. 

Five years later, Lee made his acting debut in the South Korean television series Prosecutor Princess (2010). But his breakthrough only came in 2012 when he started in School 2013. Since then, Lee has starred in various high profile South Korean dramas: I Can Hear Your Voice (2013), Doctor Stranger (2014), Pinocchio (2014), W (2016), While You Were Sleeping (2017), Romance Is a Bonus Book (2019), and Big Mouth (2022).

To say that his roles on television and films have garnered him a huge fan base would be an understatement. With 26.3 million followers (and counting) on Instagram, it’s safe to say that he’s one of the biggest stars of his generation. Apart from working and spending time with his beau, South Korean singer-songwriter IU, Lee is also busy with his tour. 

Lee embarked on his “Dear, My With” fan meeting tour in July this year across 11 Asian cities, with the Singapore leg in October. Brought in by Hatchery and 54 Entertainment, Lee’s fan meeting in Singapore took place at the Esplanade Theatre. 

We caught up with the South Korean actor to find out more about what he’s been up to. 

You’ve done romance, action and thriller films. What other genre would you like to try?

I’ve been wondering if I should continue doing romantic dramas, even though my fans love them. But if I get the opportunity, I’d like to try acting in a historical drama at least once.

Having worked alongside several successful actors, what is one lesson each of them have taught you and what would you pass on to a newcomer?

Not quite a lesson, but through observing how other actors interpret the same lines in a script in different ways has always been inspiring to me. I often find myself thinking about how they managed to muster the emotions and expressions from those words whenever I see them acting the lines out. 

I’ve learnt a lot by watching my co-stars act. I am someone who believes I still have a lot to improve on, so I’m apprehensive about giving out advice to someone else. That said, I would like to emphasise on the importance of hard work in whatever you do. If you have a solid foundation, you will be able to conquer anything — just like in sports. 

In my case, I’ve been actively working in this industry for about 10 years. And upon reflection, I feel that I could’ve built a stronger foundation. So, my advice is to build up your basic skills and have a good foundation before starting on anything you’d like to do.

How do you spend your time outside of work? What helps you relax and unwind?

I usually spend most of my time at home. I love watching dramas. When I really decide to rest, I don’t leave my bed. That’s why I like resting at home.

If you weren’t an actor, what passions would you explore?

I feel very happy as an actor, I did many things I wanted to do in the past, and I am very satisfied with my life now.  

Would you rather eat Kimchi Jjim (Braised Kimchi) or Doenjang-jjigae (Soybean Paste Stew)?

Soybean Paste Stew. I especially like Soybean Paste Stew with freshwater snails. 

Of your awards from 2005 till now, which is your favourite?

All my awards are meaningful to me, and I appreciate every single one of them. One award [Grime Award] that I received in 2014 from camera directors was very special and meaningful because this award came from the staff that I worked with. It also meant a lot to me when I received it along with the Best Actor award for Pinocchio.

What is your favourite coffee order?

Ice Americano. I don’t usually add an extra shot. 

Which character, that you have played, would you like to have lunch with?

This is an interesting question. I would like to have lunch with Kang Cheol from W (2016). He is a character with a lot of stories, and he is the kind of friend who achieves his goals once he sets his mind on them. So, I feel that having lunch and a conversation with him would be really insightful.

*This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

This article was originally published in Harper's Bazaar Singapore.