Famous for his charismatic roles in historic dramas, actor Lee Kwang-gi, 35, became famous as Do Won-goon, the royal prince of the Joseon Dynasty, in the KBS miniseries "The First Emperor" from 1995 to 1998. It was the longest-running hit miniseries in Korea.
After a roller coaster of career highs and lows, Lee is Mr. Comeback. Currently on the upswing, he appears to have shed his stoic, long-bearded Joseon prince image for good. He is co-host of the KBS variety show "Fresh Saturday"; a cast member on the KBS Saturday morning sitcom "Always Pita Patter" with actress Kim Hyeun-soo; and star of the upcoming sitcom "Da-lae's House", which will air starting May 17. Lee has also been cast in the Omnibus Productions film "Funny Fellows", to be released this fall.
"The general image is very strong, with charisma. I always thought that it wasn't right for me. It was like fate - directors saw that this was the kind of role that would make my career, or break it. I am famous as an actor for historical icons, but at the same time, I wish to develop my career in other character roles like sitcoms", Lee said in an interview with The Korea Herald.
With hard work and confidence, Lee has been focused on success since the age of 16. In 1985, his first role was in the drama "Hometown", but Lee wasn't cast in another role for 10 years.
"It was difficult, but I was determined to survive after Army service and university. So, I opened a small restaurant, and I worked nearly 24 hours a day for three years between 1995-1998, and I did well in business", Lee recalled.
In 1998, Lee was approached by the director of "The First Emperor", who encouraged him to act again.
"He told me that I had talent, and I had his support, so I was ready to go for it. I can speak for other actors when I say acting is addictive", he said.
Bitten by the acting bug once more, Lee was on a three-year winning streak on the cast of "The Last Emperor", but the popularity of his character proved to be a typecasting doubled-edged sword.
With his business instincts and entertainment industry network, Lee decided to start his own management company and launched the careers of other actors.
"I had a really hard time. I was newly married with a baby, so I was trying to find a way to support my family. I started a management company, where I began the careers of Cho Ahn, Jang Si-yoon", he said.
Hard times and survival instincts have seasoned Lee into an actor with street smarts - to which he attributes his recent career turnaround. Now this father of two is enjoying the fruits of his labor and an established, long-term career.
Lee cites Mel Gibson as his inspiration.
"I think as an actor, you must have business savvy. You have to know how to communicate with the public and promote yourself. We are a brand name".
By Krista Kim
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