Korean-American actress Greta Lee, active in Hollywood, expressed her unique pride in Korean culture, stating, “The world is just waking up late,” leaving behind a refreshing quote.
On the morning of the 15th, at the press screening and conference for the movie ‘Tron: Ares’ held at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall in Seoul, Greta Lee introduced her role by saying, “I played a character who is chased after discovering an innovative code that allows a virtual being to exist permanently in reality.”
She mentioned, “Since I played a character who is being chased, there were particularly many running scenes,” adding, “My running skills have improved to the point where I could compete in the Olympics. I never thought I would run this much, but as I ran for my life, I got better. I was surprised myself,” she said cheerfully.
The film depicts an uncontrollable crisis that begins with the emergence of Ares, a highly intelligent AI weapon that crosses over from the virtual world to the real world, featuring overwhelming visual action. It is the third feature film in the ‘Tron’ series, and it is a sequel that comes 15 years after the release of ‘Tron: Legacy’ in 2010. It is raising expectations among global movie fans by foreshadowing a tremendous clash between the virtual and real worlds.
She stated, “The ‘Tron’ series is a large-scale franchise that dates back to the 1980s, and I do not take it for granted to be part of such a film,” adding, “I have been acting for decades, and during that time, I have witnessed many changes in Hollywood. It is amazing to be the first Korean-American actor to take on such a character in a large-scale project.”
It is the first time an Asian actor has taken on the lead role in the ‘Tron’ franchise. When asked if she felt any pressure, she replied, “I do feel a significant burden in being the ‘first,’ but I think it is something I must willingly accept. Rather, I feel more excitement.”
She continued, “If I think of this as a true beginning, it is hopeful and exciting. I believe it is a starting point that opens up opportunities for many actors and creators, not just myself. I naturally feel the pressure, but I am willing to accept it,” showing a sense of responsibility.
In particular, she said, “I try to focus on humanity and the person itself before every movie and character I play. I am Korean, Korean-American, and a woman, but before that, I think about how I can make the character relatable to the audience as a human being,” and shared her deep thoughts, saying, “I think those efforts have brought me to this point.”
Regarding the recent attention on many Korean-American actors, she said, “Isn’t it true that we all already know how great and the best Korea is?” and added, “I think the world is just now waking up and seeing it properly,” bringing smiles.
She continued, “It is a very joyful thing that we can receive such great love culturally, regardless of genre, whether it be movies, music, or dramas,” and smiled, saying, “I feel even happier as it seems to affirm the values I believed in.”
Additionally, she mentioned, “It is an incredible fortune to take on two characters with contrasting charms both genre-wise and character-wise,” and added, “Being able to portray such a diverse range of characters is very meaningful and an honor.”
‘Tron: Ares’ is set to be released on October 8.
