'Manager Kim' Director Lee Seung-young: "If only Max-hoon and Kyung-ho had won the Best Couple Award... They are actually best friends" [Interview 2]

*This content was translated by AI.

• SBS Saturday-Sunday Drama 'Manager Kim' Interview with Director Lee Seung-young

Director Lee Seung-young of 'Manager Kim' expressed gratitude toward the actors he worked with and shared behind-the-scenes stories.

On the 30th, an interview with Director Lee Seung-young was held at a café in Jongno-gu, Seoul, to commemorate the finale of SBS's Saturday-Sunday drama 'Manager Kim'.

'Manager Kim,' which concluded on the 25th, is a father-universe revenge action drama about a father who becomes "the most dangerous man in the world" to reclaim his only daughter, described as "the most ordinary dad."

According to ratings survey company Nielsen Korea, the final episode achieved a viewership rating of 23.4% in the Seoul metropolitan area and 23.0% nationwide. Notably, the peak viewership soared to 27.1%, once again shattering its own record.

Director Lee Seung-young said, "There were so many actors that I cannot mention them all individually, but even after the second episode aired, I received calls from minor role actors who participated on set." He added, "Everyone involved in 'Manager Kim,' whether lead, supporting, or minor roles, participated with a strong sense of ownership."

He continued, "Their character was so kind that it was impossible to tell whether they were acting or being sincere. Many were like workaholics. I saw them deeply immersed in their roles. They were even more perfectionists than me, and their sincerity was palpable."

Director Lee Seung-young also praised So Ji-sub, who played the title role. He stated, "Actor So is great at action scenes and delivers an excellent performance as a father, so there's much to praise. I had the opportunity to offer him casting invitations for different projects in 2019 and 2024, but neither came to fruition. When casting actors, we conduct extensive research, so I thought I knew Actor So well."

He then shared, "However, during the first day of filming, he displayed a depth and detail I had never seen before, which surprised me greatly. By the end of that first shoot, I even felt compelled to say, 'I didn't know you like this until now—I'm sorry.' Seeing new sides of Actor So was truly surprising." He added, "At the wrap party, we decided to rewatch all of Actor So's previous works. When I told him I wanted to confirm whether it was because I hadn't seen them before or if they had become deeper this time, he laughed."

He also shared his honest thoughts on the upcoming year-end acting awards and the possibility of winning. Director Lee said, "I have never won an award myself, so I am not particularly interested in awards. Actor So also expressed a desire to focus on seasons rather than awards—he is truly that kind of person. He wants to keep working. While he would be grateful if awarded, it seems he has no greed for them, and I feel the same way."

However, he added, "It would be fun if Max-hoon and Kyung-ho won the Best Couple Award. It would be great if they made everyone laugh once more at the awards ceremony. In reality, the two are best friends and spent the most time eating together during filming. They constantly discussed the drama's story and exchanged ideas about their scenes. That is why they truly seem like a best couple."

Director Lee also shared a lighthearted behind-the-scenes story about Kyung-ho, who undertook a vow of silence as part of a ratings pledge. He said, "Kyung-ho is someone who talks nonstop. I had the chance to talk with him in the makeup room for 30 to 40 minutes, and his conversation topics were incredibly diverse—ranging from work to family. Rather than being noisy, he was cheerful, and I consider it a wonderful talent." He smiled as he spoke.

He added, "On a day when viewership exceeded 15%, Actor Kyung-ho was traveling in Japan but still contacted me. He expressed concern about the vow of silence. Given his usual high volume of conversation, it must have been difficult for him."

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*This content was translated by AI.