'Manager Kim' Lee Dong-ha on His Respect for So Ji-sub: "I Won't Sell the Gold; I'll Keep It as a Memento" [Interview 2]

*This content was translated by AI.

• Interview with actor Lee Dong-ha, who plays Manager Nam in SBS's Saturday-Sunday drama 'Manager Kim'

Actor Lee Dong-ha expressed his deep respect for So Ji-sub.

Recently, Lee Dong-ha held a wrap-up interview for the SBS Saturday-Sunday drama 'Manager Kim' (written by Nam Dae-jung, directed by Lee Seung-young and Lee So-eun) at StarNews headquarters in Seorin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, where he shared various stories with StarNews.

The drama 'Manager Kim,' which concluded on the 25th, is a father-universe revenge action series about an ordinary dad who becomes the world's most dangerous man to reclaim his only daughter. According to ratings survey firm Nielsen Korea, the final episode achieved viewership ratings of 23.4% in the Seoul metropolitan area and 23.0% nationwide. Notably, the peak rating soared to 27.1%, shattering the show's own record.

Lee Dong-ha portrayed Manager Nam, the chief secretary to Kang-chan (played by Ju Sang-wook) in the drama. With his restrained expressions, cold gaze, and ruthless actions, he convincingly brought the character to life, heightening viewers' immersion.

In the drama, Lee Dong-ha and So Ji-sub, who plays Manager Kim, are colleagues from the same production company. Both actors belong to Fifty-One K, a management firm founded by So Ji-sub.

Regarding So Ji-sub on the set of 'Manager Kim,' Lee Dong-ha said, "I met him only once. He had worked with me before as a senior actor, and this time too, he came to the set early, checked the surrounding environment, and kept things centered. I thought, 'This is truly what a real actor looks like,' and felt even more respect for him. Like So Ji-sub sunbaenim and other seniors, they constantly monitor not just their acting but also the overall situation on set. Watching them, I learned so much."

Asked about his usual relationship with So Ji-sub, Lee Dong-ha replied, "We don't meet often, but whenever we do, he always tells me, 'You're doing well,' attends my performances, and silently supports me. That deeply moves me. Also, as a cinephile myself, I truly appreciate and respect him for importing and promoting lesser-known but excellent films."

Earlier, it was revealed that So Ji-sub gifted each of the 300th cast and crew members of 'Manager Kim' one won of pure gold, sparking widespread discussion. It is reported that he spent approximately 100 million won from his own funds for this gesture.

Responding to this, Lee Dong-ha said, "He didn't hand the gold directly to actors but quietly slipped it through managers or staff members at their agencies." He then added with a joke, "Since it was given by my senior, I plan not to sell it but keep it as a memento," drawing laughter from everyone.

Given 'Manager Kim's' record-breaking success, attention is already turning to whether it will win awards at the upcoming 2026 SBS Drama Awards. When asked, Lee Dong-ha humbly stated, "I never even imagined receiving an award." He then added, "But I truly hope So Ji-sub sunbaenim wins the Grand Prize. Since we all worked hard together and enjoyed filming this project, I also want it to receive other great awards."

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*This content was translated by AI.