Lee Hee Joon Opens Up About Playing a Comic Character in "Handsome Guys"

Actor Lee Hee Joon, famous for his villain roles, plays a comic character in the movie Handsome Guys.

Handsome Guys follows best friends Sang Goo (Lee Hee Joon) and Jae Pil (Lee Sung Min), who move into a new house dreaming of living in the countryside, only to encounter an evil spirit that had been long sealed in the basement.

Most of Lee Hee Joon's recent projects have been in the crime thriller genre. He often played charismatic characters. Seeing him perform comedy is new for his fans.

Was there a reason for this image change? The actor said, "I always wanted to do a comedy like this. I often did this kind of comedy with Lee Sung Min in theater, but I never had the opportunity in films. I was so excited and couldn't resist."

Above all, the trust placed in him by director Nam Dong Hyeop was significant. He said, "The director had never seen this side of me but trusted me with the role. I am very grateful for that. Having directed a few short films myself, I know there are times when you cast an actor with trust, but they don't meet expectations. I'm very grateful that he took such a risk and made [me] an offer, and I think it was a courageous choice." 

The actor revealed that he immerses himself in his roles to the extent that it affects his daily life. When playing villains, the lingering effects are so strong that he turns to meditation for healing. Therefore, working on a bright and cheerful movie like Handsome Guys was a particularly welcome project for him. 

Lee Hee Joon said, "Of course, there is a great thrill in playing villains because I get to do things I can't in real life," but added, "But working on something like Handsome Guys makes me very happy. On a personal level, there are fewer side effects. Sang Goo tries to see the world beautifully, avoids fights, and wishes for everyone's happiness. The process of making a comedy itself [brings] happiness and fun." 

Expressing his desire for comedy, he said he regularly watches comedy shows like KBS2's Gag Concert. He particularly enjoys comedy that requires acting skills rather than simply expressing it with physical appearance or making faces. 

Although he said he doesn't like using his appearance to make people laugh, his look is one of the comedic points in Handsome Guys. With his long hair and strange outfits contrasting his fierce expression, he shines in the comic role of Sang Goo. 

Lee Hee Joon humorously said, "It was hard to 'ruin' my appearance." "I thought of him [Sang Goo] as someone who I might have in my hometown of Daegu." He then introduced his character, saying, "He speaks a little slowly, and is kind-hearted but big."

The actor went through countless trials and errors to perfect funny scenes. Lee Hee Joon said, "I tried hard not to overdo it. Even when the director gave the okay, I always filmed three different versions to see if [the scenes] could be made even funnier."

Lee Hee Joon married model Lee Hye Jung in 2016 and has a son. This project was significant for him as the head of the household, husband, and father. The actor felt happy while doing comedy, and shared that it is the most important keyword in his life.

He said, "The most important keyword for me now is happiness. I want to live cherishing every moment and without suffering. I live with the thought that this time won't come again. The same goes for parenting. My six-year-old son's summer will not come again."

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