Lee Jin-wook shares insights on his role in 'Esquire', addressing age differences in romance and his acting challenges.

Actor Lee Jin-wook revealed that he adjusted the romance with the younger former DIA member Chae-young in 'Esquire: Lawyers Dreaming of Lawyers' (hereafter 'Esquire'). Lee Jin-wook passionately portrayed Yoon Seok-hoon, the head of the litigation team at the law firm Yuririm, in the JTBC weekend drama 'Esquire' that recently concluded in Korea (written by Park Mi-hyun, directed by Kim Jae-hong). 'Esquire' is an office growth drama where the new lawyer Kang Hyo-min (Chae-young), who is justice-oriented and reliable but inexperienced in social life, grows into a complete lawyer through her partnership with the top lawyer Yoon Seok-hoon (Lee Jin-wook), who exudes a cold aura yet possesses exceptional skills. Lee Jin-wook built a solid character as Yoon Seok-hoon, a 'complete strategist' who designs the courtroom and organizational structure, rather than just solving cases, earning praise from viewers. In a recent interview with Newsen at BH Entertainment's building in Gangnam, Seoul, Lee Jin-wook mentioned that many viewers were curious about the romance between Yoon Seok-hoon and Kang Hyo-min, saying, 'It's sad, but there is an age difference.' He added, 'Age is not important between the parties involved in a relationship. Nowadays, people don't care about such things, but I think there is still some rejection when it is broadcast as a work. I believe there is still some rejection in Korea, and we adjusted certain aspects accordingly.' He continued, 'Including my opinion, everyone agreed. Of course, there were differing opinions, but we discussed the need for adjustments. It doesn't necessarily mean that men and women have to end up together. Our drama is not one that advocates for that.' He stated, 'The content felt like it shouldn't lean towards romance. However, if we remove the romance, it becomes dry. In any case, it's not a romance between a man and a woman. When a capable junior comes in, it brings joy, and there are moments of kindness.' He also mentioned, 'I thought we shouldn't get ahead of the viewers. When the viewers are hoping for the two to hold hands, we should let them hold hands, and when they want a kiss, we should give them a kiss. Of course, there won't be a kiss scene.' He added, 'The age difference in the drama may be small, but in reality, there is a significant age gap. I think some people may have a rejection towards that, so I thought it would be better to express it that way. I believe it's better to step back a bit and follow the viewers, and we agreed on that direction.' Despite this, Lee Jin-wook responded to a question about whether he would decline roles due to such dilemmas by saying, 'I will challenge myself and find a solution,' eliciting laughter. He continued, 'I think I need to cover it through acting or find a way to manage it. As long as there is a response, the framework itself won't be an issue. Once cast, I can explore various methods, so I don't think I will be confused by that.' What kind of worries does Lee Jin-wook have as an actor? He expressed, 'I love the profession of acting, but there are parts that don't suit me personally. I'm not the type with innate talent. I worry countless times.' He added, 'I'm not really afraid of anything, but I have started to feel a fear of participating in good works. It's not about pressure, but a sense of 'fear' has emerged. 'What if I can't do it well?' 'If I can't, I have to quit.' I think I can no longer afford to do poorly.' He continued, 'When I was younger, I could grow while learning even if I was bad, but now I naturally feel that burden. It serves as motivation, but I have many worries.' He also stated, 'Personally, I don't want 'actor Lee Jin-wook' to be exposed. I think it's a negative for 'actor Lee Jin-wook' to come to the forefront. I think it's fine as long as there isn't a sense of 'that person's works are not interesting' when they hear that Lee Jin-wook is in it. I want to be seen as a character.'