Actor Lee Je-hoon, in a conversation with Ten Asia at a café in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, on May 20th, touched upon the current situation in the entertainment industry. The discussion took place in the context of MBC’s period drama “Chief Detective 1958,” where Lee stars as the main character.
In the drama, Lee’s character is Detective Park Yeong-han, known for tracking down minor criminals. He and his team tackle the corruption of those in power, using wit and determination to serve justice and becoming heroes to the common folk.
The actor, who is also a representative of his company, voiced concerns over the downturn in the industry, “Both drama and film production numbers have dropped significantly in recent years. To identify the exact causes would require a broader analysis of the industry, but from an actor’s viewpoint, it seems to stem from a shortage of compelling narratives. As someone involved in the art of storytelling, it instills in me a responsibility to contribute to better storytelling. Despite the need for content that resonates with audiences, there seems to be a trend towards more formulaic offerings, and that is something I take to heart.”
Lee also spoke about the changes in movie consumption due to the pandemic, “The accessibility to movies increased vastly during the pandemic times. Still, the profound experiences I’ve had were predominantly in the movie theaters. The unparalleled focus, the lingering feelings, and the impact it has are amongst life’s true pleasures. Unfortunately, such moments are dwindling. Launching my YouTube channel was a small effort to capture personal experiences. The fading away of independent cinemas is disheartening and documenting them seemed meaningful, despite not being certain about its entertainment quotient, it was personal to me. “
When discussing the criteria for choosing projects for actors at his company, Lee emphasized, “The primary consideration is whether the actor is passionate about the project. While financial success is an aspect that can’t be overlooked by the company, it’s my wish that money doesn’t serve as the principal motivation behind their decisions.”
FAQ Section
- What is “Chief Detective 1958” about?
- What did Lee Je-hoon say about the entertainment industry’s downturn?
- How did the pandemic affect movie consumption according to Lee Je-hoon?
- What is Lee Je-hoon’s criteria for selecting acting projects for his company?
“Chief Detective 1958” is a prequel to the series “Chief Inspector” and follows Detective Park Yeong-han and his colleagues as they combat corruption and fight for justice during the year 1958.
Lee Je-hoon expressed concerns about the decrease in the number of productions and mentioned a lack of compelling stories as a significant challenge in the industry.
The pandemic increased the accessibility of movies, but Lee Je-hoon believes that the best experiences come from watching films in theaters. He also started his YouTube channel to document the importance of independent cinemas.
For Lee Je-hoon, the most critical factor is the actor’s genuine interest and passion for the project. He hopes that financial incentives do not become the main reason behind choosing roles.
Conclusion
Lee Je-hoon’s insights into the entertainment industry reveal the complex challenges faced by actors and producers during an era of declining production and standardized content. His commitment to preserving the essence and joy of storytelling, whether through selecting meaningful projects or supporting independent cinemas, demonstrates a dedication to his craft that goes beyond the screen. As the industry navigates these challenges, the role of passionate artists like Lee becomes ever more integral to ensuring that the art of cinema and television continues to evolve and inspire audiences around the world.