Embark on journey through time with Lee Jung-jae. Under the lens of renowned photographer Wing Shya, the South Korean Squid Game superstar is transported to the late 1800s at the historic Casa da Cheang residence in São Lourenço, Macau, once home to late Chinese reformist Zheng Guanying and his family.
How does it feel to work with renowned Hong Kong photographer Wing Shya, who takes his inspiration from Hong Kong cinema?
Because of the worldwide reputation Wing Shya has built, I was curious about how it would feel for me to work with him and was a little nervous in the beginning. However, I could put myself together during the shooting in a comfortable atmosphere, thanks to his lead on the mood at each location. He actively explained the circumstances and lighting in detail, rather than requesting something to me.
What are your thoughts on Hong Kong cinema? Are there any Hong Kong films you have watched that you particularly enjoyed? Or any Hong Kong directors you like?
Hong Kong films have served as a representative pillar of the Asian film industry for a long period. Still, lots of Asian film fans enjoy many Hong Kong movies. I’m a huge fan of Wong Kar-wai, Johnnie To, and John Woo. I love to check up and dig into their works.
This is your first photoshoot in Macau. Have you been here before? What is your impression of the city?
I used to visit Macau for shootings rather than vacation or trips. I first visited Macau during my shooting for Firebird (1996), and then revisited for my film The Thieves (2012). So, this is my third visit here. I hope to come here again and spend my time not for shooting but for my vacation.
Your highly lauded performance in “Squid Game” capitulated you to global fame overnight. What does success truly mean to you? Has this meaning changed since “Squid Game”?
The meaning of “success” might differ between actors and actresses, but the successful result of Squid Game is especially meaningful to me with various “Korean-first” titles it achieved. It gained huge popularity as a Korean series; it is internationally the most-watched Korean series. I think the meaning of Squid Game’s came from this aspect. Also, I gained huge love and support from global fans as an actor through my role of Gi-Hun.
Do you see any similarities between you and your “Squid Game” character Seong Gi-hun?
The similarity between me and Sung Ki-hoon is that he doesn’t mind helping others.
You stand at the forefront of the Hallyu wave that’s taking the world by storm. What are your thoughts on the impact of Korean culture on the world? And how does it feel to be leading it?
I take great pride in the power of Korean culture, and as someone working in the cultural sphere, I think I should strive to create even more outstanding content. Thanks to the Hallyu wave, Korean products and brands are loved by people all over the world. The influence seems largely due to the hardworking nature of Koreans, who are also inquisitive and have the courage to try new things that others haven’t done before. It is because we are willing to work diligently and never rest on our past success that we can achieve great results. The virtues of our people seem to shine brighter than ever.
In that sense, those characteristics seem to play a big role in creating content. There are many seniors who have worked hard to promote Korean culture for a very long time. While the rise of our culture is now a prominent phenomenon, we still have great respect for those who have come before us and everything they have achieved. At the same time, we are striving to open up new paths for the next generation to continue building upon our legacy.
You made your directorial debut with the 2022 spy action film “Hunt”, which you also starred in. How did your role as director inform or influence your approach to acting in “Hunt” and vice versa?
You’re probably asking if directing and acting at the same time is helpful for the acting, right? Sometimes it’s helpful, but other times it can leave you stretched too thin. The biggest advantage is having a full grasp on the work and the characters. As for the downside, I still think it would be more effective to focus solely on one role, either directing or acting. However, I think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, so if I have a chance in the future, I’d still want to direct and act at the same time.
How do you define being a good actor? Has this definition changed over the course of your career?
I think an actor who consistently works hard is a good actor. The principles of “diligence” and “perseverance” are important. If I don’t work hard because I received fame after a specific work, that’s a big problem. And if after success I stop taking on new challenges, that too would be a problem. Being grounded, earnest and hardworking is the most basic and simple requirement. While it seems easy, living it out is another thing altogether — you have to control your time and desires well in order to stay true to those two principles.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your acting journey? How did you overcome it?
I view every project and role as a challenge, and treat each one as if it were my last. That way, I hope to bring something fresh, show new sides of myself and take on new challenges. When I’m filming I have no way of knowing how people will respond to this work, and whether or not their response will rewrite my life and career. That’s why I view each project as it were my last, so I can fully commit and do my best. In short, I see every job as a challenge.
Can you describe your personal fashion style? What is the typical everyday outfit for Lee Jung-jae?
I normally dress comfortably, but so much so that people think I’m a minimalist. When I get dressed, I consider a lot about the venue, people, and purpose, and try not to be boring.
You are also an avid art collector. What do you look for in a piece of art? What is your favourite artwork and why?
Sometimes, I think it is a matter of destiny when it comes to encountering good works of art. There’s definitely a fateful aspect to it. It’s a reciprocal, equal relationship between the work and myself, where both parties choose each other rather than it being one-sided. That is why, when seeing new works, I think the most important thing is how it makes me feel in that moment. Of course, there’s a variety of other factors that I consider too, like colours, creativity, harmony, and even perfection. But more important than that is that fateful feeling of whether the work chose me or not. There are so many artists that I like. For example, Edrusha Rudolfstingel, Gerhard, and Ritter Donald, to name a few.
How would you like to be remembered as an actor? What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
I honestly don’t have such vague expectations. However, it is just my wish that there will be more works that can be thought of immediately when others think of Lee Jung-Jae. Some people may remember the “New World” when they think of Lee Jung-Jae, or others who think of ” Assassination” or “Hunt,” but it’s just my personal wish that there are more of those other works. That’s the desire I want to be remembered and the legacy of my career that I want to remain.
What is something you would say to your younger self?
I’d like to tell him to work harder for what you are doing now. Be more prepared, think more deeply, and try harder.
Photography: Wing Shya
Creative and Fashion Direction: Sean Kunjambu
Executive Producer: Katherine Ho
Stylist: Hwang Geum Nam
Makeup Artist: Kim Ha Na
Hair Stylist: Kim Tae Hoon
Producer: Wendy K. Stoker @CIRRUS Productions
Set Designer: Karson Liu
Gaffer: Samuel Chan
Lighting Assistants: Li Chun Kit, Sun Wing Chung, Ho Kin Kui & Fox U Heng Wa
Fashion Assistants: Foxla Chiu, Timothy Tse & Pianca Ngan
Set Design Assistants: Lydia So & Fung
Production Assistants: Tony Tam & Kiwi Im @ CIRRUS Productions
Seamstress: Cheong Im Long
Editor
VOGUE HONG KONG
