ARENA HOMME+ February 2024 Issue
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English Translation of Interview:
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1. During the filming, you recommended to order Frank Burger for lunch, and it was really impressive. When you recommended a brand for which you are an advertising model, the first question was, ‘What do you think of your image as a model student?’ But after seeing you ordering the burger, your image as a model student became even stronger.
(Frank Burger) is really delicious. Should I have ordered something else? (Laughs) I think the image of a model student came about unintentionally when I was president of the school in high school, made my debut around that time, and entered university into the Department of Social Sciences. Thanks to that image, I feel like I had a good time in my 20s, so I have no discomfort with it.
2. As I was researching in preparation for the interview, I became curious about why Lee Seung Gi wanted to become a celebrity.
Back then, there were quite a few cases where people entered the entertainment industry suddenly due to luck. Though now, it's thoroughly systematized. I loved singing. Whenever I participate in middle school talent show or go to karaoke after exams, my friends would say, "You really hit those (high notes) well." Enjoying singing, I joined the band club in high school, which eventually paved my way into the entertainment industry.
3. And you immediately succeeded with 'Because You're My Woman.'
At that time, everything seemed to fall into place. The producers, myself, Psy hyung, we all put our best efforts into creating the song and there was luck involved. It also resonated with the mood of the era. Back then, declaring love to older woman was quite a bold move. However, my song seemed to unleash certain desires in people's hearts.
4. It may be luck to succeed once, but it is not luck to maintain success.
That's right, just by looking at the numbers, there is a significant difference between successful people and those who maintain success.
5. At the beginning of your career, you worked with Kang Ho-dong. What did you learn during that time?
I can say that I have been inspired and learned almost everything, but the thing that still remains the strongest is “Don’t wear a hat during the opening.” Even now, unless it's unavoidable due to overseas shoots without hair and makeup staff, I hardly wear a hat during the opening.
6. What does that mean?
It's a courtesy to the viewers. It's about showing, 'We consider broadcasting and this job important. Similar to gearing up with armor and equipment before going to war, we should present the best condition and appearance.' (Broadcast makeup) is, in a way, a form of ritual. At that time, I filled up my energy by thinking, ‘I’m going to broadcast today.’ It's different from changing clothes at home, putting on a hat, and casually going out. The feeling of preparing, wearing the microphone, and standing in front of the opening camera is different. It's very rare for those who have been in the industry for a long time to go out in a comfortable manner during the opening.
7. You have gained experience as an MC through entertainment activities. How do you view your style as MC?
I belong to the generation below Yu Jae-suk and Kang Ho-dong seonbaenim (senior). While working with them, I try to absorb and learn the strengths I observed from them. As a result, I tend to aim for a flexible and balanced approach. However, I don't think I have solidified my position as an MC yet like my seniors. I consider being an MC the most challenging position.
8. When I interviewed Lee Gyeong-gyu, he said, "It's difficult to become an MC among star YouTubers."
It will be. When it comes to raising junior MCs, it's hard to even think about the process. MCs need to be lucky when it comes to the era [in which they find themselves]. Because you need hosting experience. There’s a certain level of experience that you feel when you’re on a national program that goes down in history [as a popular show] of that era. That's not something I can forsee. I wonder if I would have been able to become a variety show MC if I hadn’t encountered <2 Days & 1 Night>. It's important for a program that attracts attention to do well, but it's equally important to know 'when to be careful.' Unexpected challenges can arise, and it's only natural that various things happen on famous programs. I was very fortunate to be in a program where I could experience such a variety of things.
MCs need to be lucky when it comes to the era [in which they find themselves]. Because you need hosting experience. There’s a certain level of experience that you feel when you’re on a national program that goes down in history [as a popular show] of that era.
9. There have been comments around describing Lee Seung-gi as an "analytical person." It seems like that's genuinely the case.
Recently, I met (Kang) Ho-dong hyung and we had a chat during the day. At that time, Ho-dong hyung said something to me, mentioning, "Seung-gi, do you remember that?" He noticed me right away before I even became an entertainment blue-chip. At that time, we were filming <X-Man, Good Sunday> in Ilsan Tanhyeon, and we shared the waiting room like a soccer team's locker room. Being the youngest rookie, I sat at the end. Ho-dong hyung always makes sure to have pork rice bowl or ramen during lunch and dinner breaks. (Laughs) At that time, he called me and said, "Should you play with your hyung now?" I thought, 'Finally, they (hyungdeul) want to drink together.' However, I just became an adult so I was nervous and fearful, it turned out to be an invitation to join <2 Days and 1 Night>. Now that I'm getting older and meeting people from different fields, I often hear stories about <2 Days and 1 Night>. After sharing that story, Ho-dong hyung also felt proud. The opportunity my hyung gave me was a life-changing moment for me.
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10. Not missing opportunities is also one's own responsibility.
That's the most important thing. It's not just about what I'm good at, but the most important thing is oneself. No matter what you do, even if someone coaches you in a program that continues for a day or two or three, the ability to do well doesn't come solely from coaching. Your personal determination and capabilities are very important.
11. If it's not an area where you can receive coaching, what do you watch and learn?
I used to study by watching programs of other senior figures. I observed how they did the opening, how they interacted with guests, and then how they progressed. I would pause, think about what I would do next behind that, try doing it on my own, pause again, think about how I would handle it, and then play it again while watching the reactions of the senior figures. During the time of <2 Days and 1 Night>, it was the era when we recorded on videotapes. My parents recorded it, and when I came home, I watched it five times. Back then, I didn't have a entertainer's mindset, so the program was just entertaining. After watching it a few times, aside from the fun, I started noticing things like 'I should have said this there' or 'It would have been funnier if I did it this way.' Continuously watching, remembering, and thinking about how to react in similar situations were my thoughts during my 20s.
12. Did you plan to pursue both singing and entertainment from the beginning?
Initially, I intended to focus only on singing. However, when the opportunity to appear on <Nonstop> came, I tried acting, found it enjoyable, received compliments, and naturally continued in that direction. At first, entering the entertainment world was very scary . I wasn't sure what to say, and I wasn't someone naturally skilled in entertainment. The day before my first entertainment appearance, I felt so stressed that I even thought, 'I hope something happens at the broadcasting station tomorrow, so I don't have to come.' However, as I gain experiences on <2 Days and 1 Night>, and people started enjoying what I was doing, I realized it wasn't completely wrong. Then, I honed my skills as an MC with the experience I gained from <Strong Heart>. I was around twenty-five when I hosted <Strong Heart>. Being a 25-year-old MC for a talk show with 20 people coming out together was quite sensational. I learned a lot from that experience.
13. <Strong Heart League> was known for its long recording hours.
I think we recorded for about 11 hours, excluding the roughly 1 hour break for meals. So, it was around 10 hours excluding the break. Considering each episode's broadcast length is 70-75 minutes, a talk show typically records for about 3 and a half to 4 hours. Recording beyond that becomes impractical. Recording for 5 hours becomes too challenging for the guests, especially in the last hour. During <Strong Heart>, I realized that the most challenging thing in the world is active listening. Towards the end, even celebrities doze off. They are sitting there, not directly facing each other, and listening to the conversation. It gets quite tiring. I learned to use a lot of energy and developed a broad perspective on the scene, thinking about things like 'this person spoke, that person seemed a bit left out, should I ask that person who seems uneasy to try something,' and so on.
14. Was there a specific answer to creating an entertaining flow?
There's no answer. It's just about assessing each day as it comes. If I go home feeling more than 80% satisfied, then it's a success. I want to give 100% satisfaction, but the moment I think, ‘I have to satisfy everyone,’ it becomes difficult for me and it becomes no fun. If you set a goal of ‘just don’t miss this entertaining flow’, all you have to do is maintain that tension. It's about observing the margin of error in the atmosphere, not on the person.
If you set a goal of ‘just don’t miss this entertaining flow’, all you have to do is maintain that tension. It's about observing the margin of error in the atmosphere, not on the person.
15. Just like looking at the index rather than the individual stock price.
That's right, you just have to play within the range. (Laughs) It's important not to break out too much or not break down significantly. That way, everyone's satisfaction stays high. It's not about giving a voice to one out of N people. That's why it's difficult. It varies from person to person.
16. What is the key to your success that you analyze for yourself?
The key to my success, even after contemplating, is something I don't know. If I knew, my future career in the entertainment industry wouldn't be as uncertain. We still think a lot. Having so many meetings is a first for us. We even had meetings with our company members on Christmas Eve about what we should do in entertainment and acting, how we should approach music, and who would be a good producer. Communicating with the company and sharing visions while discussing is also an rare experience. If I knew the key to success, perhaps these meetings wouldn't be necessary. I think to myself, ‘Let’s not lose my authenticity and sincerity about my work.’ Even though the word ‘sincerity’ is used all too often. I believe that you need to take action no matter what. It’s important not to rest, and I want to keep moving forward and doing fun things. If I were to share a secret, it's about stepping up to the plate frequently. Instead of a batter going in five times and hitting four, it's about continuously stepping up and trying without hesitation.
I think to myself, ‘Let’s not lose my authenticity and sincerity about my work.’ Even though the word ‘sincerity’ is used all too often. I believe that you need to take action no matter what. It’s important not to rest, and I want to keep moving forward and doing fun things.
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17. What was the outcome of the meeting held on Christmas Eve?
The conclusion is, ‘Let’s do what Lee Seung-gi is good at.’ We originally decided to maintain what we thought Lee Seung-gi was good at and upgrade the details to create something deeper. For example, after discussing the concept of the 20th anniversary album for 7 months, we decided that it would be right to focus on rock ballads. The idea is to acknowledge the need for change, while consistently showcasing our strengths and gradually evolving. That has been the mindset until today.
18. After such strategies and analysis, what direction did Lee Seung-gi decide to take in 2024? There was a 20th-anniversary album.
It involves focusing more on dramas and variety shows, emphasizing what Lee Seung-gi has been doing. Getting married, establishing a company, and going through various experiences have contributed to significant maturity. Despite facing trials to gain these lessons, it was an important experience. I think, 'Without these realizations, could I have continued this job for another 10 years? It would have been risky without these experiences. Knowing this makes it much better. I've become much stronger.'
Without these realizations, could I have continued this job for another 10 years? It would have been risky without these experiences. Knowing this makes it much better. I've become much stronger.
19. It may be challenging to summarize all those experiences easily, but what did you learn throughout that process?
The most significant realization for me was acknowledging that I'm not always right. While working hard and gaining popularity and love, I gain confidence without knowing it. Confidence is very important because without it, I can't do my job. However, having confidence and thinking 'I could be wrong' is not as easy as you think. Especially from the perspective of someone leading or guiding others, admitting the possibility of being wrong might feel like a weakness. There are times when it seems necessary to push forward even if it appears I'm wrong. However, it is wise to leave open the possibility that I could be wrong. It allows me to listen to others' opinions and implement it.
20. Considering the job involves a lot of words and attention, now that you've experienced it, what is the charm of being a celebrity?
The diverse nature is really charming. I believe that once someone enters the entertainment industry, it's not easy to switch to something else. It's a stimulating, dynamic life, always full of tension, but the feeling of joy when you achieve something there is also tremendous. Because we don't lead patterned days.
21. As mentioned, how do you maintain composure in an unpredictable lifestyle?
I don't keep my composure. I think it's okay to be shaken. If I feel shaken, I discuss it with the people at the company. I'm the type of person who needs to do something immediately, so I can't keep things to myself. I have to keep expressing them. Lately, I often think that the total amount of happiness and unhappiness is almost the same towards the end of life.
22. Even though you are doing well in traditional broadcasting, you are also active on YouTube. As a star in the broadcasting system, I think you must have many experiences and feelings when engaging with YouTube. How has it been for you?
I think it's a completely different market. I can't easily apply the methods I've used so far. So, right now, I think I haven't figured out what YouTube wants. What I should do to make YouTube like it. I'm still studying that aspect.
23. Listening to your words, I'm not sure if Lee Seung-gi fits well with the current YouTube trends, but I don't think that's a bad thing. Personally, I hope celebrities avoid doing YouTube content related to drinking. It might be an old-fashioned thought, but I don't think it's good for influential figures to show themselves getting drunk to the public. So I like your statement earlier about not wearing a hat during openings. Don't you think we need celebrities like that?
We also have such thoughts. It's not necessary about following what's trending. I've had constant discussions with the company CEO about YouTube. To do or not to do, whether this market is coming or not. We didn't reach a conclusion, but I think YouTube is gradually becoming more channelized. It has been like that for the past three years. As expected, such a trend is coming, and I am thinking about it as well.
24. Is there any specific variety shows or dramas you would like to try in the future?
No, I just want to do well in whatever comes my way. Currently, what's important to me is how resilient I am in carrying out something and how mentally prepared I am to carry it out. The storyline comes next. In the past, I used to be triggered by the storyline, but now I feel the need to prepare myself and handle whatever comes my way. I want to engage in variety shows that I can do for a longer time, dramas that I can enjoy and excel in, and above all, I would like to try my hand at more movies. The movie 'About Family' is scheduled to be released this year, and from what I've seen of the edited version, it turned out well. When the movie is released, I want to explore diverse roles in the movie as well.
25. What kind of person do you want to be remembered as?
As a celebrity who showed another path. If people, upon seeing the path Lee Seung-gi walked, can think, 'Oh, there was such a path, and I could have taken it,' it would be enough. If my juniors or people in the industry can feel that the path Lee Seung-gi is walking is also a meaningful one and leave a precedent or reference, that would be enough.
26. There's a professional spirit regarding the job of being a celebrity.
For me, this has been a genuine profession since a long ago. It's a job that requires craft's spirit. If you want to stay in a profession for more than 10 years, you need to take it seriously. I see the spirit of the times changing. When I was young, I often heard things like 'Celebrities should be a bit reckless, have some fun, and gain experience in those places.' Now, these words seem outdated. Even idols professionally manage themselves, including their condition, health, mental well-being, and private life. It has changed in about 20 years. As the market grows, the number of watching eyes also increases. If you tell the younger generation nowadays to 'have some fun and live carelessly, that's where talent comes from, and that's being a celebrity,' they will respond with 'What are you talking about?' Nowadays, the younger generation puts their full effort into every stage and performances. Going global has raised their standards. Things will change again in the next 10 to 20 years, and we'll need to adapt to that.
27. Only the craftman's spirit won't change.
That's right. I think it's possible to endure as long as you have that.
NOTE: Please inform me if there's any wrong translation.
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