Lee Sung-wook: The Secret Behind His Dual-Faced Performances Straddling Good and Evil
Actor Lee Sung-wook consistently imbues his characters with duality, captivating audiences with each project. His portrayal of multi-faceted individuals, where good and evil coexist, oscillates between seemingly villainous roles and unexpectedly benevolent sides, amplifying the dramatic tension. This characteristic is prominently displayed in his recent works, including the Netflix series 'The Bequeathed' and the SBS drama 'Troll Factory'. In a recent interview, Lee Sung-wook shared, "Humans are not made of just one facet," revealing his continuous contemplation on character depth and his rigorous preparation process. He explained that he meticulously analyzes scripts and engages in extensive practice to breathe life into his characters.
His acting prowess, honed on the theater and musical stages, lends realism to his characters and enhances audience immersion. Lee Sung-wook highlighted the demanding training process of constantly thinking about acting and observing each other's performances as essential for actors, referencing his former castmates from the play 'Laundry'. This experience has injected explosive power into his performances.
Lee Sung-wook's acting often presents fresh perspectives that appear correct yet deviate from the conventional. He attributes this to his university days in the theater and film department, where he trained to find answers collaboratively with professors and students in a less structured environment. Furthermore, through numerous works like the musicals 'Maria Maria', 'Subway Line 1', and 'Laundry', he sharpened his acting and singing skills. He carries the director's advice to act "as if it's the first time you're alive" close to his heart, dedicating his best effort to each moment. With a humble mindset that he is yet to be complete, he consistently strives to overcome his shortcomings, aspiring to become a master craftsman.
Lee Sung-wook is an alumnus of the inaugural class of Soonchunhyang University's Theater and Film department, where he learned acting through collaborative efforts between students and professors in a less structured environment. His acting career began with numerous musical productions, including the play 'Laundry', during which he simultaneously developed his acting and singing abilities. He states that the director's advice to act 'as if it's the first time you're alive' is central to his acting philosophy.