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Lee Min-ho’s me2day interview

IS Plus is the media outlet that does interviews outside of the norm, which I always enjoy, whether it’s “drinking interviews” or an “SNS interview” like the following one, which is basically a Twitter interview.

This exchange was conducted between the interviewer and City Hunter’s resident justice-seeking avenging hero Lee Min-ho over a few days earlier this month on me2day, a Korean service that’s pretty close to Twitter in functionality.

Hello, this is Lee Min-ho. This is my first time doing an interview through me2day, so it’s new to me, but that makes it fun. Actually, I was using a different type of SNS [social networking site], but recently I started on me2day. While I was doing this interview, the response from you fans has been good, so I found myself going on me2day whenever I found time while shooting City Hunter. These days, I’m really working hard on shoots. I hope you’ll all love City Hunter, which will allow you to see a variety of appealing sides to Lee Min-ho.

On June 4, 2011

Lee Min-ho-sshi, thank you for chatting with us on me2day.

It’s nice to meet you. This is Lee Min-ho. Starting now, I’ll begin uploading the interview in bits when I have time. Please don’t be confused. ^.^

Are you taking any particular care with your appearance or style for City Hunter?

With my preparations for the role, I started with the appearance of agility and strength. I also worked on fitness with the action scene training. Then, as the story began to unfold, I turned to expressing my character Lee Yoon-sung’s inner emotions and his development, like his loneliness and pain and the dual sides of his personality that he uses to cover that up.

There are a lot of action scenes. How much training did you receive? Are there more difficult stunts to come in the future?

Starting with the basic rolls, I moved on to overall physical training and martial arts, and learned a lot of diverse skills. There are a number of unusual sequences hidden in City Hunter like the “spoon action scene.” Please watch for yourselves in the broadcasts. ^^ The first-run broadcasts!

You shot in Thailand for a while. Did you have any difficulties adjusting to weather or food?

I’ve visited Thailand several times before, and I’ve been treated really well so it’s comfortable. There were some really hot days. The temperatures got up to 37 degrees in the daytime, and we all struggled to adapt to it.

How did it feel to ride an elephant? It didn’t look easy, sitting on one without a saddle.

The elephant was so bit, it took several steps to get high enough to sit on it. The broadcast didn’t show this, but I rode the elephant through a river. It was awesome~ Maybe it felt a bond with me, but it used its trunk to spray something refreshing at me, which is when I first realized it was saliva. -_-

Of your projects so far, what character has the image you like best?

Lee Yoon-sung, who I’m busy filming now. Ah… It’s difficulty to distinguish between them. I’m attached to all of them.

On June 5

Is there anything you’d like to erase from people’s memories, of everything that you’ve encountered since your debut? Perhaps your red-carpet fall at the [2009] Baeksang Arts Awards?

I can’t think of any particular incident, but a lot of people talk about me falling at the Baesangs. Whew, I was really startled then. But the photos were fun. Ke. Now, it’s become such a good memory.

When you monitor your past works, do you see a lot of differences between now and your early projects?

I haven’t compared myself to how I was at the beginning of my debut, and I usually monitor my scenes on the set in between shoots, but there are times when my expressions come off differently than I think. It’s like recording your voice, and thinking it doesn’t sound like yourself. When that happens, I check carefully to see if there’s a part that’s gone wrong. It allows you not to get stuck looking at it subjectively.

Do you tend to get deeply into character?

I think so. However, after a drama has finished and I’ve rested and moved on to other work, I’m able to shed that character naturally.

How do you spend your time when you’re not working? I wonder who are the celebrity friends you mix with.

There’s nothing in particular that I do, I watch movies and work out and play games. I also go out to eat with middle school friends or Jung Il-woo or Kim Bum, and also my family.

Most of the actresses you’ve worked with have been noonas (Gu Hye-sun, Sohn Ye-jin, Park Min-young). How well do you work with Park Min-young these days?

Is it because I’m still pretty young? I’ve had a lot of opportunity to work with actors older than me. Actually, I shot a CF with Park Min-young when I was 20. Fortunately there are a people younger than me on the set of City Hunter, so there’s a bright atmosphere.

Who’s the cast member from Boys Before Flowers who you’ve called or been called by most recently?

Kim Bum-sshi. Hehe.

What has Kim Bum said about City Hunter?

We both know the difficulties when doing a drama, so rather than talking a lot about it, we tell each other, “Let’s not get hurt, and do our best till the end.” It’s looking after each other. Those words provide a lot of support.

When are the times when you think to yourself that you’re good-looking?

Before filming, after makeup and preparations are done? Keke. Depending on the situation, I might think I look good, and at other times I think, “You’re so ugly.”

While keeping up a busy daily schedule, do you have your own ways for keeping in shape?

When it’s time to sleep, I sleep well, and when it’s time to eat, I eat well. Ah, and I’m really thankful when the fans send their wishes not just to me but to the staff as well. It’s such a support.

On June 6

If, like in your dramas, a woman showed her interest in you who was the daughter of a president, or from a chaebol family, or from a powerful background, what would you do?

First off, it makes me feel good to have someone of the opposite sex liking me. Keke. But, you have to meet people directly, you know? At first, I think I’d just like it. It would feel like the dramas.

Did you eat a proper meal at the set today? What do you usually eat while you’re on set?

Today, fans sent us snacks so I ate those… Usually I’ll go to a restaurant nearby the filming location. If I find a good restaurant nearby, I’ll zero in on it.

Aside from props, did you buy model guns to practice with?

I did. In the original City Hunter manhwa, the lead, Saeba Ryo, uses a Colt Python .357. I have a few in that class. I also tried shooting practice with targets, but cleaning up the scattered BB’s afterward is a chore. Ke. After that, I went to the shooting range for live ammunition.

Do you like toys?

I like them. I like flying helicopters and driving cars. I’m recalling destroying my manager hyung’s wireless-controlled helicopter. Ke.

For gunfights, the Hong Kong noirs of the ’80s were the best. Have you seen the action movie A Better Tomorrow?

Of course. The A Better Tomorrow series, they call it every man’s fantasy. Ke. I remember buying a toy gun to play with and humming the theme song.

After Boys Before Flowers, have you ever walked on a main street without any problem? Have you used public transportation?

At the time of Boys Before Flowers, it was tough. Afterward, I had gone abroad for overseas promotions, and as I was walking with the staff, a Korean person asked, “Aren’t you Lee Min-ho?” “Why would Lee Min-ho be here?” It was fun, and I remember also feeling strange about it too. These days, I can travel around alone fine. Ke.

When you’re not feeling well, what do you do to recover?

When I’m not feeling well, I don’t talk much, but if I sleep I tend to feel better. While I’m working, there’s nothing I can do about it. I try to think of the positive side, and forget about the bad stuff quickly.

Please tell us how you feel about participating in this me2day talk, and also what your plans are for the future.

Wow, I’m more tense than when talking in person. Seeing what I’ve written, I feel really awkward. Keke. I thought I’d be able to do it easily, but it turns out I ended up thinking even more about it. I haven’t written this much in real time before, and it feels interesting and new. Thanks to all the fans who’ve come along the way. For now, my goal is to do well with City Hunter. And later, I’d like to try taking on the challenge of a film.

The following is a set of me2day posts by Lee Min-ho that the article culled into a “Best Of” list:

1. “Today at the City Hunter production press conference, I received some awesome encouragement! ^^ City Hunter fighting!! Everyone, fighting!!” 2011.5.17

Lee Min-ho smiles with a drawing of the original City Hunter manga hero, Saeba Ryo, which he received from a fan. The common “V” pose looks cool when Lee Min-ho does it.

2. “Feels like flying in the sky… It’s dangerous so Do! Not! Try this~~~” 2011.6.1

Lee Min-ho shoots an action scene using a string of nation’s flags linked together. He’s hooked up to a wire, but it’s dizzying to see him midair. Don’t try this at home.

3. “Thanks to fan support, I’m enjoying filming for City Hunter ^^ Thank you for the hot response. Watch the broadcast tonight!” 2011.6.2

Wearing a white shirt and necktie, with bulletproof vest. With goggles too, he looks like an action star for sure.

Tracing Lee Min-ho’s SNS tracks, here are some from the past.

1. “In the elevator, on the way to rehearsal for my fanmeeting” 2010.6.7

A photo shot casually in front of an elevator. Honestly, just holding up a camera to him turns everything into a photo shoot.

2. “I want to go bike riding” 2010.7.1

Lee Min-ho wearing a top hat, on a bicycle, in a meadow while shooting a photo spread. With his tall hat, he looks like a magician.

3. “In Prague” 2010.9.1

A photo shot by a staff member while shooting a CF in Prague last year. It was taken as a souvenir, but it was talked about for looking like a real shot.

4. “Good weather, beautiful Han River” 2010.9.21

Lee Min-ho enjoys riding his bike along the Han River. In interviews abroad, when talk turns to sightseeing in Korea, he recommends the Han River. Lee Min-ho’s “Han Kang love” is strong!

5. “Not long till Christmas~~ Have a nice week. ^.^” 2010.12.19

Last December, a Christmas greeting to fans. How did you spend your Christmas, Lee Min-ho-sshi?

Via IS Plus

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He's so sexy :)

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soooo sexxxyyy *drools* O__O

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this is awesome. thank you for the interview! :D

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He's one YUMMY dude! <3

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I love him... really like him... :)
the photos are so cute... i most like when he is riding...
so cool...

thank you JB

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Me too heethi, I love him...

I cant thank JB enough T__T, it makes me cry

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He looks good all the time.

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Blah..blah..blah... Whatever you said dear. I can't hear a thing. Only see your face and your moaning. aaaaaa....

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Ooh! The.Moans

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Hehe..even the elephant loves Lee Min Hot! City Hunter's one of the best dramas I've seen so far this year. It's breezy and fun.

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What a GREAT FACE!!!!! Soooooo preeeettttyyyyyyy! <3
"These days, I can travel around alone fine." We'll see about that. (mwahahaha)

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He's so adorable when he speaks! He sounds like an innocent, naive kid. I want to hug him! <3 Lee Min Ho hwaiting! saranghae!

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elephants usually spray water(not saliva!) on their backs to cool down and get rid of pesky flies in hot weather. lol maybe it thought he's a fly. a damn hot one for sure

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Wah! I loved that pic, LHM with Saeba Ryo the legend.
Thanks JB.

As much as I love the drama and LMH as CH, truth be told, I still haven't felt he is the City Hunter yet...not yet, may be that part will come soon, when he will emerge as the real City Hunter in the episodes to come.

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"I had gone abroad for overseas promotions, and as I was walking with the staff, a Korean person asked, “Aren’t you Lee Min-ho?”

Does he know that he has a huge fan base of Non Korean fans world wide?

This non Korean Texan would spot him in a nano second and he couldn't fool me with "why would LMH be here" response. Especially if he's moaning :D

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This boy-man photographs so beautifully. Has anyone ever said of him, "He's more beautiful in person?"

I guess he could be.

How does one walk around in the world with that much beauty-power without being an a77hole?

Somehow he manages to be just goofy enough and comes off sweet and honest and, well, normal.

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Saw him 3 times in Singapore (he's really popular here, paralysing the whole shopping mall on his first visit that he had to cancel his appearance!). He really IS waaaaaaay better looking in person! Some have commented his nose is huge, but strangely, when he's standing there in flesh, all you could see is his big big big brown eyes...

sign, he really is a BEAUTIFUL being.

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Very true Jomo. You can feel it in his answers. That's why I love him more... lol :D

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Glad to see the Han Kang love is still going strong ;)

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Lee Min Ho loves Han Kang!!!! <3

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err.. han kang?

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i paused reading for a moment there

'Lee Min-ho’s “Han Kang love” is strong!'

does Kang means river..?

it cannot be that Han Kang right? LOL so out of nowhere hahaa

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yes, Han Kang means Han River.
Sorry, i just miss 49 days so much, I can't help spazzing it. Even tough It's so out of topic. kekeke...

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haha...my first thought was 49 Days too. then it clicked and i realised it was the river =D

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Yipee! Another Lee Min Ho post! I was secretly hoping Javabeans could translate this when it first came out and you really did!!! I love Javabeans and Lee Min HOT!!!

But really, thanks for the the trans. I went through various trans versions at a few portal sites but I really think some do not do him any justice by mistranslating his answers. For example, his answer to whether he thinks he is good-looking was "Yes, I think I am good-looking!"

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Lee Min-ho is ALWAYS hot, but oh wow -- that pic of him in white shirt! Just. <333

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Lee Min-HOT! I'm loving City Hunter these days. Wish you get more and more success in future. But promise me that you would never stop moaning!

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and don't stop making dramas once u got films and became a film-star.

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LEE MIN HO - need i say more !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Min Ho is a funny & yet cheeky boy, haha.

Saw him once 2years ago at incheon airport & the fans started following him behind. I stopped when I realized he was going to the restroom but his Korean fans didn't know & continue to follow. He gave that cheeky look 'you want to follow me into the restroom too', haha.. He wasn't alarmed nor agitated by all this & can still react well & makes his fans blushed instead..

Very nice guy and a good actor.

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I like it that he seems genuinely appreciative of his fans. He's always smiling when when he's being mobbed and followed around by fans.

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This boy doesn't have a bad angle. It's like he's living in a perpetual photoshoot.

HESAHUNKOHUNKOFBURNINGLOVE!!

:) :) :)

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LOOOOOL Cynthia....sooo true I totally agree. :D

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ikr, i've yet to see a bad picture of him.

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sooo hot! swoon! I'm melting into a puddle of mush >_>

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this interview made me love him more...didn't know that was possible.
gah he's adorable! and really hot in city hunter!

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he's so nice..and i didn't know about his fall at the awards, i loved his carefree reaction.

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"First off, it makes me feel good to have someone of the opposite sex liking me. "

Oh, I find it sexy that he's clueless of all the girls drooling, dreaming, fantasizing about him! hehe!

Like the way he answered the questions, not so much from a big star ha! :)

Love his pictures where he's playing with a toy car! keke!

LEE MINHO= Total package

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I bet ALL his sides are appealing. ;) Muahaha.

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I adore the guy. I am so thoroughly involved with City Hunter. I love everything that he's bringing to Yoon-sung. It's encouraging to see that Lee Min-ho is a wonderful guy in real life too.

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he is so sweet and humble. but pretty funny too. :P

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Thanks for this JB!

reading his interview reminds me back of his age.
he sounds like a naive outgoing boy in real life, yet in his drama, his acting is sooo mature and full of intensity. it just proves what a good actor he is.

btw, i dont think the drawing of Ryo there was from a fan. i remember reading it was from the author of the original manga which he signed and gave to LMH to show his support. we can see 'Tsukasa' name on it. no?

anyway, loving City Hunter so sooooo much!

all the best to LMH and all the casts and crews.
please be safe and take care! please!

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Odd the only person younger than him on the CH set that i can think of is goo hara but he makes it sound like there's more than one xD, unless he counted those kids....

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Thanks for translating this for us!!

I love the "In Prague" shot!

"Lee Min-ho’s “Han Kang love” is strong! " - -- LOL!

That also makes me wonder if he's ever riding by when dramas film their Han River scenes.

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He did the midnight Han Kang (river) ride with Kim Bum! Too bad Jung Il Woo wasn't with them that day...

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If only this had the facebook link. LIKE.

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Hi LMF, I went to all his 3 events in s'pore too! & also went to the airport every time he came and leave s'pore.. I went to the extent to buy the Hp when he came here as the spokesperson, hehe.

Even when fans was very close to him and touched his clothes, he doesn't show any sign of displeasure.. He loves the attention (that's what he said before if I didn't remember wrongly), haha.

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Yesyes, he never showed the slightest hint of displeasure. Always smiling and acknowleding his fans. Haha I remember in an interview after he returned to Korea from Singapore, he complained jokingly that his fans tore his 'quite expensive' sweater in the airport (cue: his first visit to Singapore, looks like a Burberry to me). He even impressed our local press who wrote that although he's shy and all his sincerity came across strong as he would always look you in the eyes and smile when he's listening and answering your questions.

And yes the phone! I had to delay my plan of getting an iphone4 last year because of him and can you imagine how mad I am seeing everyone, I mean EVERYONE with an iphone4 in CH! If he were to come to Singpore for another of those LG smartphone endorsement my hope of an iphone5 would very well be dashed as well!

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can you guys vote lee min ho for THE URBAN APPAREL'S COOL STAR AWARD 2011...here's the link
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150303885724688.414139.153657484687

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Until I read this interview, I thought Lee Minho was clear from the FlowerBoy curse, but considering how much BOF came up in this interview, I guess not.....

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Swoooooooon.

Thanks for posting this!

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Thanks for the interview! ^_^

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Lee Moan Hot! :-)

Period.

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hahaha! i like that new name! Lee MOAN HOT!

ABSOLUTELY!

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hahahahaaa omg poor LMH

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Click this video, you will know Hojo Tsukasa gave his drawing as a present to Lee Min Ho

http://youtu.be/OwQbCiz731g

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thank u so much for this article ! love it.

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I loved your website. and i loved this interview ! Minho is so sweet. Thank you for everything :))

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omo...looking at this superb specie makes me wish am 2 decades younger than I truly am... sigh...

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He's beyond gorgeous!! *swoon*

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Thank you for translating this article!

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Ohhhhh, come on...he was in Prague!!!! when i think i could have met him!!!!!!!!!!! I live there!!!!!!!!!!!! wuaaaaa

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I want him! he too need girl

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thank you for sharing this interview! nice, fun read. lee moan hot huh?! hahaha! i think he is making a LOT of females wishing they were younger!

i love dramabeans! thank you everyday for having this website!

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they keep bringing up BOF characters. are they trying to fish out something fishy like he and goo hye sun being on real dates? the way min ho looks into her eyes on set and off set are soooo loving...... unlike the way he looks into na na. or i m just too preoccupied with him and the characters in BOF?

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thank you for posting this! i enjoyed reading <3

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I like that he and Kim Bum are close =)

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I got a little Jung Il woo vibe from the third picture where he's holding an ipad....he looks very good in sunglasses :)

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It's Lee Min-ho, THE flower boy...he looks good in everything xD

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