Lee Min-ho returns to the big screen after 10 years, discussing his role, marriage plans, and the pressures of being a star.

Actor Lee Min-ho conveyed various topics such as his return to the screen after 10 years, living as a Hallyu star, and marriage plans. Recently, an interview with Lee Min-ho, the lead actor of the movie 'The All-Knowing Reader's Viewpoint' (Director: Kim Byung-woo), was held at a café in Sogyeok-dong, Jongno District, Seoul. 'The All-Knowing Reader's Viewpoint' is a fantasy action film where the world of a novel becomes reality on the day the 10-year serialized novel concludes, and the only reader, Kim Deok-ja (Ahn Hyo-seop), struggles to survive in a doomed world alongside the protagonist Yoo Jun-hyuk (Lee Min-ho) and his companions. This large-scale production, with a budget of about 30 billion won (approximately 30 million yen), is based on a popular web novel loved by fans worldwide. The cast, including Lee Min-ho, Ahn Hyo-seop, Choi Soo-bin, Shin Seung-ho, Nana (AFTERSCHOOL), and BLACKPINK's Jisoo, has also attracted attention. This is the first new work in seven years for director Kim Byung-woo, who directed 'Terror Live' (2013) and 'PMC: The Bunker' (2018), collaborating with the production company REALIES PICTURES, known for the 'Along with the Gods' series. Lee Min-ho passionately plays the role of Yoo Jun-hyuk, the protagonist of the novel serialized for over 10 years. Yoo Jun-hyuk, the protagonist of the novel 'Three Ways to Survive in a Doomed World,' possesses overwhelming strength and resilience, able to clear any scenario due to his return skill that allows him to start over even after death. This film marks Lee Min-ho's return to the big screen after 10 years since 'Gangnam Blues.' When asked why it took him 10 years to appear in a film, he said, 'I go to the theater when I want to resolve some emotions or feel a deep story, but I thought I should be an actor who can convey deeper feelings than actors in their 20s. I decided to work on projects after turning 30.' He expressed, 'I feel a lot of pressure as the release approaches. I think films receive clearer evaluations.' He noted that if you gather all the cool settings in the world, it would be Yoo Jun-hyuk. Although he is envied by everyone in the novel, he is a character far removed from reality. Regarding this, Lee Min-ho said, 'I have never felt embarrassed while participating in works. This time was no different. Everyone says Yoo Jun-hyuk is a cool character, but I wondered, 'Was there anything cool about him?' I thought it was rather an intense role. I discussed with the director that it needed to be 'more intense.' He added, 'You might not believe it, but I have never wanted to look cool while acting. I think I appear that way due to the setting of the work. I have played many roles with deficiencies, but I think that appearance looked cool.' Lee Min-ho was already mentioned as the 'top virtual casting choice for Yoo Jun-hyuk' even before 'The All-Knowing Reader's Viewpoint' was adapted into a film. Prior to this, director Kim Byung-woo stated, 'No matter how much I thought about it, I couldn't think of anyone other than Lee Min-ho. He was the only actor who could deliver Yoo Jun-hyuk's lines naturally. I thought he could create a genre just by his presence and make an impact. I believe there is only one actor who can express a genre with just a bust shot. If that is the casting strategy, Yoo Jun-hyuk was undoubtedly the right choice.' Regarding the synchronization rate between Yoo Jun-hyuk and himself, he said, 'That was the biggest hurdle. I think the character has significant symbolism and meaning in the original work. Matching that was a heavy burden. As for the synchronization rate, I hope the audience evaluates it as 'this much is okay' rather than judging it myself.' He continued, 'When I first received the offer, I hadn't read the original, so I didn't understand it well. There were parts I needed to show through Yoo Jun-hyuk, and I struggled with that.' He added, 'Just like with other works, I don't judge by applying Lee Min-ho personally to the character. If a sequel comes out, I think Yoo Jun-hyuk will expand into the next story and show many more wonderful aspects. Regarding the film that has just been released, I don't think it's particularly cool.' He gave a calm evaluation. To express the character's overwhelming physicality and ability, he also trained his body. 'I exercised. I gained a lot of weight when I appeared in 'Pachinko,' but I struggled a bit to lose that weight. I gained about 5 kg and lost another 5 kg after filming.' He stated that he does not care about the amount of screen time when choosing works, saying, 'I mainly focus on the meaning of the character's existence and what function it serves in the story. As long as there is persuasiveness, the amount of screen time doesn't matter.' He added, 'If the series progresses, I think various emotions of Yoo Jun-hyuk will emerge. While working on the 'Pachinko' series, I certainly found many new fulfilling aspects, and I believe I can work in various directions in the future.' He also mentioned, 'The discussion about the amount of screen time is a preconceived notion of Korean audiences. When watching foreign films, there aren't roles like 'supporting someone,' right?' He said, 'I have never particularly cared about the amount of screen time. In my 20s, I couldn't even receive offers for supporting roles, so I never considered whether the amount of screen time was high or low. The story conveyed by the work is the top priority, and meaning is also necessary. If it is clear why I have to do this work, the role and amount are not that important.' He expressed his beliefs. Having worked as an actor for nearly 20 years without major scandals and being loved by fans worldwide, Lee Min-ho thinks, 'There is always a possibility of being dropped into the abyss.' He said, 'I think like Yoo Jun-hyuk. I quietly do what I need to do in the given situation.' He added, 'The value system I share most with Yoo Jun-hyuk. I never thought about becoming 'Hallyu star Lee Min-ho' since my debut.' He continued, 'I don't feel anxious about that, but I think there is always a possibility of that happening to me. (Discussions and scandals surrounding my private life) I feel that all of that arises from personal emotions and desires. During such times, I try to think about more important things. Ultimately, I believe that issues like privacy stem from personal desires.' He continued, 'I think about family, which is more important than myself, and the weight of the projects I am working on, and I try to suppress my desires while thinking about something bigger. Even so, it's a delicate matter, so I don't know when such problems will arise. On the other hand, I also think that if I always keep such things in mind, I can't live my life as myself. I try to exercise moderation as much as I can and maintain a healthy lifestyle.' He candidly shared his feelings. Looking at his recent activities, such as Apple TV+'s 'Pachinko' and the new work 'The All-Knowing Reader's Viewpoint,' he is taking on new challenges while discarding the desire for leading roles. When asked if he enjoys taking on challenges, he replied, 'I think I have always been like that. I am always doing new experiences.' He added, 'I think I have become more so since my 30s.' He expressed respect, saying, 'Recently, I have been getting along well with senior Lee Jung-jae, and I am inspired by how deeply he immerses himself in his work. I often think that living while being deeply engaged and clashing intensely generates tremendous energy within oneself.'