On May 20th, Lee Je-hoon talked with Ten Asia at a café in Seoul about the entertainment industry, focusing on his role in the MBC drama “Chief Detective 1958.”
“Chief Detective 1958” serves as a prequel to the series “Chief Inspector,” focusing on Detective Park Yeong-han (played by Lee Je-hoon). The story revolves around his efforts to catch petty thieves alongside three unique colleagues, aiming to dismantle corrupt power structures and evolve into a detective for the people.
During the interview, Lee Je-hoon candidly shared his concerns about the current downturn in the industry. From his dual perspective as an actor and a company representative, he noted, “It seems the same for dramas as it is for movies. Over the past few years, the number of productions has noticeably decreased.
While we need to look at the whole industry to pinpoint the cause, as an actor, I simply think it might be due to a lack of good stories. As someone who participates in storytelling, it makes me feel a sense of duty to create good stories. There needs to be content that people want to see, but it seems like things are becoming more standardized, which is something I reflect on.”
Lee Je-hoon also spoke about the changes brought by the pandemic, emphasizing the irreplaceable experience of watching films in theatres. “During the pandemic, it became easier to access movies. However, the most moving experiences for me came from watching films in theatres. The focus, lingering emotions and impact were some of the greatest joys and happiness in life. It’s unfortunate that such opportunities are becoming rarer,” he said.
Moreover, Lee Je-hoon discussed the importance of personal passion in selecting projects for actors in his company. He emphasized, “My main criterion is whether the actor genuinely wants to do it. From a company’s perspective, you can’t ignore the financial returns for the actor, but I hope that money is not the primary reason for their choices.”
In a rapidly evolving industry, Lee Je-hoon’s reflections underscore the need for compelling storytelling and the preservation of unique cinematic experiences. His commitment to fostering passion-driven projects highlights a path forward in an increasingly standardized.
