Lee Je Hoon Reveals Going Beyond His Physical Limits for ‘Escape’
Lee Je Hoon talked about the preparation and the challenges he conquered for his big screen comeback, "Escape."
After 4 years since the hit movie "Collectors," the K-drama heartthrob returns with an action-military movie.
In an interview, the 39-year-old heartthrob shared his experience filming "Escape," and his working relationship with co-star Goo Kyo Hwan.
Directed by Lee Jong Pil of the movie "Samjin Company English Class" and K-drama "One Day Off," Lee Je Hoon transforms into North Korean sergeant Lim Kyu Nam, who plans to escape their country.
Unfortunately, he gets caught while trying to stop a soldier, Dong Hyuk (Hong Xa Bin). While on the verge of execution, Lim Kyu Nam is recognized by State Security Department Major Hyun Sang, whom he knew from childhood.
From being a defector himself, Major Ri Hyeon Sang transforms Lim Kyu Nam into their country's hero.
Lee Je Hoon Reveals Treating 'Escape' as the 'Last Work' of His Life - Here's Why
During the interview, Lee Je Hoon shared how he mentally and physically prepared for the role.
(Photo : Plus M Entertainment)
Showcasing his passion for the work and delivering a striking performance, he considered "Escape" as one of the most challenging works he has ever done.
"I thought it would be a great challenge physically. I think my determination was stronger than any other work I've done."
One of the notable scenes in the movie is Lee Je Hoon's running scene in a muddy swamp as he crosses the forest amid the bad weather.
According to him, other than going on a diet and working out, he pushed beyond his physical limit.
Lee Je Hoon added that it was the first project where his "entire body silhouette is shown."
As for the character, particularly the running scene, he made sure to express Lim Gyu Nam's feelings through his desire to escape.
"If I don't overcome my limitations, I will be caught here. Then, I ran desperately and desperately with the mindset that the audience would lose interest."
Lastly, the top star saw to it that the audience would feel the character's extreme despair by putting himself in the situation.
"I immersed myself in it by repeating to myself that 'Escape' is my last work."
Meanwhile, "Escape" director Lee Jong Pil praised Lee Je Hoon for exceeding his expectations and showing a "passionate performance."
According to him, upon watching the edited version, he was amazed by the actor's hard work.
Is Lee Je Hoon's Movie 'Escape' Worth Watching?
(Photo : Plus M Entertainment)
Officially released on June 3, "Escape" was pre-sold to 163 countries, which include Taiwan, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, Australia, and more.
As mentioned, it focuses on the journey of North Korean sergeant Lim Gyu Nam, who dreams of escaping to South Korea to seek a better life.
Other than the undeniable chemistry between Lee Je Hoon and Goo Kyo Hwan, "Escape" promises a thrilling narrative filled with intense drama and tension.
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Written by Geca Flores
