'Manager Kim' Lee Dong-ha: "So Ji-sub, who kept me grounded, is a true actor" [★FULL Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

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

Actor Lee Dong-ha, who left a strong impression with 'Manager Kim', expressed his deep respect for So Ji-sub.

Recently, Lee Dong-ha held an interview with StarNews at the StarNews building in Seorin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, to commemorate the conclusion of SBS's Friday-Saturday drama 'Manager Kim' (written by Nam Dae-jung, directed by Lee Seung-young and Lee So-eun), sharing various topics with the outlet.

Concluding on the 25th of last month, 'Manager Kim' is a father-universe revenge action drama in which a father, described as "the most ordinary dad in the world," becomes "the most dangerous man in the world" to reclaim his only daughter. According to viewership research firm Nielsen Korea, the final episode achieved a 23.4% rating in the Seoul metropolitan area and 23.0% nationwide. Notably, the peak viewership reached as high as 27.1%, setting a new record for the series and concluding with great success.

Lee Dong-ha portrayed Manager Nam, the secretary to Kang Kang-chan (played by Ju Sang-wook). He convincingly depicted the character through restrained expressions, cold eyes, and ruthless actions, significantly enhancing viewer immersion.

Reflecting on completing the drama amidst overwhelming love, Lee said, "It feels like a dream. It's so unreal that I can't tell whether it's reality or a dream; it feels as if a new world has unfolded. Happy and moving moments keep coming. It's truly amazing and heartwarming that family members, high school friends, and even my mentors have reached out to me."

The character of Manager Nam, portrayed by Lee Dong-ha, had no revealed name or specific background details, deepening curiosity about the role. Regarding the character, Lee stated, "Since the script didn't mention Manager Nam's name, I came up with one myself. I imagined Manager Nam as someone possessing 'intelligence' and a 'solid physique,' so I assumed his name would be 'Nam Ji-seok.' I was cast through a video audition; the director remembered my appearance in Netflix's 'Square.'"

As an enigmatic figure, Manager Nam stood out for his restrained expressions and chilling charisma. Explaining this further, Lee said, "In the original webtoon, Manager Nam belongs to an international special mercenary organization that fights for money and leads victories. Among them, he is the top agent who earns the most money at the end. Considering this setting, I believe Manager Nam is someone who acts both for Kang Kang-chan and for money."

He continued, "To make the character more convincing, I constructed my own narrative. I imagined him as a globally formidable individual with an arrogant mindset: 'No one in Korea can defeat me.' Regarding his family background, I assumed his grandmother was his only remaining relative. Having grown up in difficult circumstances, he likely became hardened and fierce out of a need to protect himself."

To handle the demanding action scenes in 'Manager Kim,' Lee Dong-ha dedicated himself day and night to practicing karambit techniques. He even gained weight for the role.

He explained, "When I read the script, I realized that Manager Nam becomes increasingly formidable as the story progresses. Three months before filming began, I bought a karambit and practiced constantly, attended boxing sessions six days a week, and gained 6–7 kg. I felt it was essential to become physically stronger first."

How was his acting chemistry with So Ji-sub (who played Manager Kim), Choi Tae-hoon (Sung Han-soo), Yoon Kyung-ho (Park Jin-cheol), and Ju Sang-wook? When asked, Lee immediately replied, "It was truly a learning experience." He added, "This was the first time I worked on a set where there was so much communication, intense research, and consideration. It made me realize, 'This is what acting is about; this is how happy it can be,' recalling the warm atmosphere on set."

Especially regarding Ju Sang-wook, Lee joked, "Whenever I had doubts about a line, Senior Ju would say, 'I watched you on the monitor, and you looked so cool. Just do it.' It made me think that (not just in the drama but) in real life too, I should take good care of him," eliciting laughter.

Given the show's phenomenon-level popularity, questions about a second season were natural. Lee smiled and said, "I want to appear in Season 2." He then added, "I hope to return with a role that shows complete redemption. In the original work, there is indeed a continuation for Manager Nam. I would love to appear again."

Lee further expressed, "Thinking of 'Manager Kim' brings me deep emotion and overwhelming feelings. I feel like I should bow deeply to everyone who watched the drama. Above all, it's a work that introduced me as an actor named Lee Dong-ha, so it will remain unforgettable forever. It also gave me insights into communication and consideration, becoming a driving force to 'work harder,' making it even more precious." He expressed his deep affection for 'Manager Kim.'

So Ji-sub (who played Manager Kim) and Lee Dong-ha are colleagues under the same agency. Both belong to Fifty-One K, a production company founded by So Ji-sub.

Regarding So Ji-sub on the set of 'Manager Kim,' Lee said, "I met him only once. We had worked together before, but this time he came to the set again and checked the surrounding environment, keeping everything centered. I thought, 'Indeed, he is a true actor,' and felt even more respect. Like Senior So Ji-sub and other seniors, they constantly monitor not just acting but also the surrounding situations. Observing this, I learned a great deal."

Asked about their usual relationship, Lee replied, "We don't meet often, but whenever we do, he tells me, 'You're doing well,' attends my performances, and always silently supports me. That is truly moving. Also, as someone who loves films, I am genuinely grateful and deeply respectful that he imports and promotes lesser-known good movies."

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

Regarding this, Lee said, "He didn't give the gold directly to actors but quietly handed it through managers or agency staff." He added with a joke, "Since it was given by my senior, I won't sell it; I'll keep it as a cherished souvenir," bringing smiles to those present.

Given 'Manager Kim's' record-breaking success, interest has already grown regarding whether it will win awards at the upcoming 2026 SBS Drama Awards in year-end. Lee humbly stated, "I never even imagined receiving an award." He then added, "However, I hope Senior So Ji-sub wins the Grand Prize. Since everyone worked hard together and enjoyed filming simultaneously, I also hope we receive other good awards."

Lee Dong-ha married actress Park So-jin, formerly of the group Girl's Day, in 2023, receiving many congratulations. During the broadcast period of 'Manager Kim,' Park So-jin posted on her SNS: "Refreshing Manager Nam, reliable Manager Nam, stylish Manager Nam, teddy bear Manager Nam, warm Manager Nam, long-haired Manager Nam, subway Manager Nam, innocent Manager Nam, lovely Manager Nam, summer Manager Nam, cautious Manager Nam, driving Manager Nam, pajama-clad Manager Nam. We support you!" Her enthusiastic support for her husband generated significant buzz.

Responding to this, Lee expressed his affection for Park So-jin: "From the first broadcast, she told me, 'It's so fun; I want to cheer for you.' Since I had been preparing before filming and saw her doing it from the side, she posted a supportive message on SNS. For me, that is truly something I am grateful for."

He added, "(Park So-jin and I) always look out for each other carefully. She constantly checks on me, saying, 'Oppa, you're doing well; keep going; is anything hard?' We've been like this since our dating days, and nothing has changed since marriage. I truly feel we made the right choice marrying each other. Thanks to my wife, every day is happy and grateful. She enables me to endure and becomes a driving force that makes me want to work even harder."

He continued, "I naturally think, 'I must work harder for this person.' We are each other's steadfast support," revealing his deep affection for Park So-jin.

Park So-jin, who transitioned to acting, is also appearing on various stages beyond television dramas. When asked what advice he would give as a stage senior, Lee replied, "We don't often discuss acting in depth." He explained, "Sometimes we check lines together and talk about whether the feeling I intend to convey comes across. Rather than deep conversations, we briefly show each other acting; if questions arise, we answer them sincerely."

Lee Dong-ha has consistently appeared in numerous works including films 'Ghostrick Mansion,' 'Iron Man,' 'The Ethics of Anger,' and dramas 'Made in Korea,' 'Square,' 'The Agency,' and 'Doctor Lawyer,' while also regularly performing on stage. He is scheduled to meet audiences again through the play 'The Seagull' on the 9th.

Regarding successfully pursuing both media acting and stage acting, Lee stated, "I love the stage and acting too much. Since I began my career on stage, I will continue performing there until I die."

When asked about his criteria for selecting plays or musicals, he humbly replied, "Fortunately, I have been offered good works at various times. It wasn't that I chose them; they were proposed to me, and I read the scripts. They were always excellent works. Thanks to this, I believe I have had the luck to grow artistically."

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*This content was translated by AI.