Lee Junho was a successful singer with the band 2PM before he landed his first movie role. But what his fans may not know is that he wanted to be an actor before he ever considered singing for a living.
"I've always wanted to act since I was young," he said in a recent interview in the Korean media outlet Sports Donga. "So I moved to a high school with an acting group. I was in a show called "Superstar Survival" as a singer because I like singing and dancing too. But I've always wanted to be an actor. I was too busy with 2PM so I didn't get to finish my studies well but I didn't let go of the chance I had to act."
His first film was "Cold Eyes" with Jung Woo Sung and Han Hyo Joo and his priority in that film was just to be noticed and not look too amateurish when compared to these veteran actors. He was surprised and happy when he got good reviews for his acting.
"That's when I decided, I'm going to show them this isn't luck."
Next he shot "Memories of the Sword" with Lee Byung Hun and Jeon Do Yeon but his second film wasn't released next. His third film "Twenty" is already out. In that film he co-stars with Kim Woo Bin and Kang Ha Neul. He plays Dong Woo, a comic book artist who can't make a living at his art. Because Dong Woo's family needs the money, he takes a few part time jobs. Trying to keep up with his art is discouraging.
The role was a challenge for Junho because he worked hard to stay in character as Dong Woo while he was also working with 2PM. He could barely sleep he was so busy, but he was highly motivated. At the time the group was working on the energetic single "Crazy."
He's not the only member of 2PM to launch an acting career. Ok Taecyeon has appeared in "Dream High," "Who Are You?" and "Wonderful Days." Hwang Chansung appeared in "Level 7 Civil Servant" and will soon appear in "Votre Noir." Wooyong has appeared in dramas and variety shows, most notably in 'We Got Married."
But Lee Junho did not ask his fellow 2PM members for advice. They don't get involved in each other's acting careers.
"We feel responsible for what we have chosen and unless there is a really big problem, we don't worry," he told Sports Donga.
He needn't have worried about making the transition to acting, as his reviews are quite positive.
