Lee Kwang-soo Stars in 'I Am a Prince' – Is it Him or the Character?
The movie 'I Am a Prince', set to premiere on the 19th, is generating buzz for its unique premise. The film follows the comedic survival romance of top star Kang Joon-woo (played by Lee Kwang-soo), known as the 'Asia Prince', who finds himself stranded alone in an unfamiliar foreign land due to his manager's mistake.
The movie cleverly incorporates Lee Kwang-soo's real-life nickname, 'Asia Prince', which he is known by in Vietnam. Scenes where Kang Joon-woo signs autographs for fans at the airport or appears on advertisements naturally blend with the actor's actual public image, making it feel akin to watching a personal vlog.
Lee Kwang-soo showcases the peak of his comedic talent, reminiscent of his 'funniest when wronged' persona from shows like 'Running Man'. The character's misfortunes, such as being hit by a motorcycle and having his phone break, bring out Lee Kwang-soo's signature exasperated yet comically resigned acting.
However, some critics note that Lee Kwang-soo's familiar public image can be a double-edged sword. While the film aims to explore the life of a top star and his romance with Taro (played by Hwang Ha), a local Vietnamese convenience store worker, the audience often finds themselves thinking of Lee Kwang-soo the person rather than Kang Joon-woo the character. The significant height difference of approximately 30 cm between the leads is also cited as a hurdle for romantic chemistry, and the typical rags-to-riches romance plot between a famous male lead and an ordinary female lead feels somewhat cliché.
Despite these points, the story of two youths overcoming barriers of nationality and language, coupled with the exotic atmosphere of Vietnam, is expected to offer a fresh viewing experience.
Lee Kwang-soo's close celebrity friends reportedly burst into laughter watching the film, commenting, 'I thought it was really Kwang-soo stranded in Vietnam.' Netizens are reacting with comments like, 'Lee Kwang-soo's acting is hilarious, but the romance feels a bit awkward?' and 'Are they relying solely on his domestic popularity?'