Lee Gyu-hyeong “I failed so many times that my self-esteem was ruined… I endured it and the opportunity came”

Actor Lee Gyu-hyeong (40) looked back on his obscure days, which were not easy.

On the morning of the 14th, Lee Kyu-hyung was interviewed by Ten Asia about the movie 'Noryang: Sea of Death' (directed by Kim Han-min, hereinafter referred to as 'Noryang') at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

At the end of the interview, when asked to give advice to juniors who are experiencing obscurity, Lee Kyu-hyung said, "It is difficult to achieve results in a short period of time. Of course, there are people who do that, but hoping for something like that in a short period of time seems close to a fluke."

He said, "In my case, I also appeared in the movie 'Silla's Moonlight Night' when I was a second year in high school. Although it was a small role. I continued to act without stopping. As I kept getting beat up, I am giving an interview like this with great emotion."

“I failed a lot of auditions. I experienced so many failures that my self-esteem was at an all-time low. But that’s what I’m going to do for the rest of my life. I just hold on to it, whether it’s a part-time job or working at a construction site, as long as I don’t starve to death. I think the right time for you comes once or twice. If you persevere, an opportunity will inevitably come along. Only those who are prepared can seize that opportunity and develop it into a better opportunity. Fair for everyone. “I think the opportunity will come once in a while.”

As mentioned in the interview, Lee Kyu-hyung has appeared in supporting roles in numerous works, starting with a minor role in 'Silla's Moonlight Night' in 2001. Lee Kyu-hyung, who has been prolific regardless of role and importance, stood out in the public eye by playing the role of Yoon Se-won, a reverse character in the 2017 tvN drama 'Secret Forest', and the character of Hae-rong in 'Prison Wise'. Since then, he has risen to the leading role and has received love calls from many works due to his solid and stable acting skills.

Lee Kyu-hyung was also selected to appear in 'Noryang' by director Kim Han-min, who noticed Lee Kyu-hyung's potential. 'Noryang' depicts Admiral Yi Sun-sin's final battle to completely annihilate the Japanese army trying to retreat from Joseon, seven years after the outbreak of the Japanese invasions of Korea. Lee Kyu-hyung played the role of Harunobu Arima, the right-hand man of Konishi (Lee Moo-saeng), the leader of the Japanese army. 'Noryang' is director Kim's last film following 'Roaring Currents' (2014) and 'Hansan: Emergence of the Dragon' (2022). It will be released on the 20th.

Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr