Actor Lee Jun-hyuk has taken center stage in TVING’s original series “Good or bad Dong-jae,” a spin-off of the popular tvN drama “Secret Forest.” The 40-year-old actor reprises his role as the enigmatic prosecutor Seo dong-jae,a character who captivated audiences in the original series.
“Good or Bad Dong-jae” delves into Seo Dong-jae’s journey as he strives too shed his past as a sponsored prosecutor and earn recognition for his present-day abilities. The 10-episode series, writen by Hwang Ha-jeong and Kim Sang-won and directed by Park Geon-ho, offers a thrilling glimpse into the world of a prosecutor navigating complex moral dilemmas.
Lee Jun-hyuk admitted that he initially hesitated to reprise his role as Seo dong-jae. “I’m not someone who likes to play the same role again,” he confessed.”I prefer to explore a variety of characters. It was progressing without my knowledge, and it was an incredibly burdensome process.”
However, the actor ultimately decided to return to the role due to the overwhelming support from fans. “since the fans wanted it, I thought, ‘Should I do it?’ I started it because of the fans, so I went into it with the mindset of showing them everything they wanted to see,” he explained.
Lee Jun-hyuk emphasized that “Good or Bad Dong-jae” is not simply a continuation of “secret Forest.” He described Seo Dong-jae as a unique character who stands apart from the main protagonists of the original series,Seung-woo Cho (played by Hwang Si-mok) and Doo-na Bae (played by Yeo-jin Han).
“It’s very burdensome,” Lee Jun-hyuk said of taking on the title role. “There are roles like this and others, and Dong-jae is the title role, but not the role of any protagonist.In musicals, the ensemble performs and there is a main character who receives the spotlight, but in Dong-jae Lee, the ensemble also has to act. It is a character that is not cost-effective because it is a supporting role in all scenes,” he said. “There was also pressure about box office success. Still,I think our work was relatively free because the favor of fans was much more crucial.”
With “good or Bad Dong-jae,” Lee Jun-hyuk has solidified his portrayal of Seo Dong-jae as a truly memorable character, captivating audiences with his nuanced performance and undeniable charisma.
Actor Lee jun-hyuk, known for his portrayal of Seo Dong-jae in the hit Korean drama “Good or Bad Dong-jae,” recently opened up about the pressures he faced taking on the role.He confessed to feeling overwhelmed by the success of the original “Secret Forest” series, which starred Cho Seung-woo and Bae doo-na.
“I felt pressured because Cho Seung-woo and Bae Doo-na did well,” Lee Jun-hyuk admitted. “So I thought, ‘I don’t know why I have to do this. I made a lot of phone calls saying, ‘I don’t think I can do it.’ then he said, ‘Just do it,’” he added, referring to cho Seung-woo’s encouragement.
The spin-off series “good or Bad Dong-jae” has captivated audiences with its unique blend of black comedy and compelling storytelling. The character of Seo Dong-jae, affectionately nicknamed “Neug Dong-jae” and “Our Dong-jae” in the original series, has resonated with viewers for his multifaceted personality.
“The strength of the character Dong-jae is diversity,” Lee Jun-hyuk explained. “It’s a character that doesn’t exist well. “I also really like that kind of character and want to see something new or different,” he said. “I think it’s something like Gosu or Durian.” “I think that’s as food enthusiasts go there at some point,” he added.
Lee Jun-hyuk further elaborated on Dong-jae’s appeal,stating,“I like the shamelessness. It’s shameless, as if you’re doing something you do at home when no one is watching. And yet, I like it like a child. “I wonder what it feels like to be the owner,” he said. “I feel pressured and stressed, and I feel like I’m going to die, but Dongjae likes me so much that I’m so amazed and envious of him. “I think a lot of people like that part,” he explained.
With the success of “Good or Bad Dong-jae,” fans are clamoring for a second season.Lee Jun-hyuk acknowledged the demand, saying, “The reason ‘Good or Bad Dong-jae’ came out was as fans liked it. If the fans want to see it again, wouldn’t it be possible? “I don’t want anyone to see it, but I can’t,” he said. “If I get to play Seo Dong-jae again, I want to play Dong-jae with a completely new feel. “It won’t feel like it dose now,” he added.
Lee Jun-hyuk’s candid reflections shed light on the challenges and rewards of bringing such a beloved character to life. His portrayal of Seo Dong-jae has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on audiences, and the possibility of a second season continues to generate excitement.
## From Ensemble to Spotlight: Lee Jun-hyuk on Embracing teh Complexity of Seo Dong-jae
**World Today News Exclusive Interview**
Returning to a beloved character can be a daunting task, especially when that character is as complex and morally ambiguous as Seo Dong-jae. Actor Lee Jun-hyuk, widely praised for his nuanced performance in TVING’s “Good or bad Dong-jae,” recently sat down with World Today News to discuss the challenges and rewards of revisiting this intriguing prosecutor.
**World Today News(WTN):** Mr. Lee, you’ve been candid about your initial hesitation to reprise the role of Seo Dong-jae. what ultimately convinced you to return?
**Lee Jun-hyuk (LJ-H):** I’ve always been drawn to exploring a variety of characters,so instinctively I resist playing the same role twice.It was an incredibly burdensome decision, something I didn’t anticipate happening. Ultimately, it was the overwhelming support from fans that swayed me. Their enthusiasm and anticipation pushed me to give them what they desired.
**WTN:** “Good or Bad Dong-jae” delves deeper into Seo Dong-jae’s journey, exploring his past as a sponsored prosecutor and his present-day struggles. how did you approach this character in the spin-off, considering he’s no longer just part of the ensemble cast, as he was in “Secret Forest”?
**LJ-H**: That’s right, Dong-jae isn’t simply a supporting character anymore. He is the focal point, facing unique challenges and complexities while also navigating the world of “Secret Forest,” albeit from a different outlook. It was crucial for me to capture the essence of his past while allowing him to evolve into a more self-reliant and nuanced figure.
**WTN:** You’ve mentioned the pressure accompanying this “title role” despite Dong-jae not being the traditional leading man. Can you elaborate on that?
**LJ-H**: Absolutely. It’s a unique position, almost paradoxical. In musicals,everyone shines,but the lead gets the spotlight. Here, Dong-jae is the namesake, but every character contributes to his story.It’s a constantly balancing act, striving for individuality while honoring the ensemble dynamic. And yes, the pressure of box office success is always there.
**WTN:** Despite these pressures, the series seems to have resonated with viewers. What do you believe draws audiences to Seo Dong-jae and his story?
**LJ-H:** I believe Dong-jae’s complexity is what captivates viewers. He’s flawed, he’s ambitious, and he grapples with moral dilemmas. Ultimately, he’s a character constantly striving for redemption and recognition, something many people can relate to.
**WTN**: Thank you for sharing your insights, Mr. Lee.
**LJ-H**: My pleasure.
