Actor Lee Je-hoon (41) talked about his life as both an agency representative and an actor.
The film ‘Soju War,’ which was released on the 30th of last month, depicts the story of the 1997 IMF financial crisis, where the financial director Jong-rok, for whom the soju company is everything, and In-beom, an employee of a global investment firm who only pursues results, confront the fate of soju for the people of South Korea. Lee Je-hoon plays Choi In-beom, an employee of a global investment company trying to swallow the national treasure soju.
Lee Je-hoon is leading his agency, Company On, as both an actor and its representative.
He stated, “While working as an actor, I also manage the agency. It feels like my work is me and I am my work. There’s not much I can say about Lee Je-hoon as a person apart from being an actor. While that can be regrettable, it’s also the life I chose, so I’m contemplating how I can move in a better direction. Thinking of the family I’m with, I hope they can enjoy sufficient rest and work-life balance. Looking back at myself, even though I’m actively working now, I’m anxious about having no schedule next year. So, it’s a confusing situation. I’m thinking about how to navigate this wisely,” he said.
He continued, “I’m trying to think of ways to ensure that the agency employees receive their salaries well and that we can move towards a stable structure regarding rent and such, while putting aside personal ambitions. I still feel that I’m lacking and that I need to work harder,” he expressed as a representative.
Currently busy filming the dramas ‘Taxi Driver 3’ and ‘Signal 2,’ Lee Je-hoon wants to show his diligent efforts as both an actor and the agency's representative.
He said, “I think that being actively engaged as an actor will bring satisfaction when I look back at my footprints over time. Regardless of the results of the works, I hope I’ve given my best and poured all my capabilities and talents into them. When managing, I think it’s important for actors to dream while being in this company with other artists. I also feel that I should not settle and should show efforts towards a better self. I hope the agency can be a place where the staff can project themselves without feeling anxious. I’m curious about how to settle down while working not only as an actor but also in management,” he shared.
He also shared his thoughts on being recognized as a successful investor. Lee Je-hoon is known to have participated as an ‘angel investor’ in Market Kurly during its early startup phase in 2015, achieving returns of 150 to 200 times.
He said, “As an actor, I hope to live purely and uncompromisingly with different values until I die. That’s why I try to broaden my perspective,” adding, “There are also bad failure cases. So, I think of myself as being in a transitional phase. I have various interests, but if they hinder my activities and create a negative image, I think I should refrain from them,” he cautiously stated.
Of course, what’s most important is Lee Je-hoon as an actor.
He mentioned, “I will appear on social media, YouTube, and variety shows, but I believe my core is as an actor,” and added, “The moments I feel happiest are when I watch good works in theaters. I feel alive then. I think about wanting to create such works. I feel I need to work harder. I’m nurturing my dreams and keeping my passion alive. That’s the reason for my life,” he revealed.
He continued, “When asked what makes me happy, spending time with family and having conversations about everyday things gives me stability and comfort, but what allows me to dream is watching good works. As long as that passion remains, I want to keep working. Honestly, I still feel quite lacking. I’m very grateful to be able to continue the ‘Signal’ series after 10 years and to show ‘Taxi Driver 3.’ I want to create and present this important moment well,” he expressed his passion.
[Yang So-young, Star Today Reporter]
