Director Lee Ki-hyeok and cast members Lee Dong-hwi, Kang and Yoon Kyung-ho attended a press screening and news conference Friday afternoon at Megabox COEX in Seoul’s Gangnam district.
'’Method Acting’ is a black comedy about actor Lee Dong-hwi, who is eager to be recognized for sincere acting rather than being boxed in as a comedy performer, and the chaos that follows as he becomes overly immersed in a role.
Kang, who plays Taemin, Lee’s on-screen rival, said he was struck by the premise when he first read the script. “It felt really fresh and surprising that senior actor Lee Dong-hwi would play ‘Lee Dong-hwi’ under his own name,” he said, adding that he chose the project because he wanted to work with the veteran actors.
Known largely for upright, “model student” roles, Kang said he focused on making Taemin “annoying, but not simply hateful,” as he built the character.
Kang, who is active as both an idol and an actor, said he related to Taemin’s background of having started acting young and staying in the business. He said he anchored the character in feelings of loneliness and emptiness, and viewed Taemin’s small acts of revenge and on-set sparring as “minor deviations.”
Kang also described a warmer off-camera dynamic with Lee despite their sharp exchanges in the film. He said it was difficult because he is not the type to speak harshly on set, but credited Lee’s consideration for helping him finish the shoot smoothly.
Kang said the film captures a range of emotions and situations in ways that are both entertaining and moving, and he hopes audiences enjoy the novelty of watching Lee portray himself.
'Method Acting' opens in theaters March 18.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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