Lee Jun-young, "Forehand" writes new history... "I will complete my military service well and return" [Q&A]

*This content was translated by AI.

Actor Lee Jun-young wrote a new chapter by captivating viewers with his wide-ranging acting in the drama "Forehand."

In tvN's weekend drama "Forehand," which concluded on the 4th, Lee Jun-young portrayed Choi Jung-yo, a conductor who was once a prodigy pianist, expressing the 10th-year transformation from a 17-year-old boy to a 27-year-old conductor.

In the final episode, Choi Jung-yo learned late that Kang Bi-o (played by Song Kang) had been searching for him, and let go of long-held misunderstandings and resentment. The two reconciled through their performance of "Forehand," and Choi Jung-yo chose a new path in search of music to comfort others. Three years later, the story concluded with Choi Jung-yo, who was conducting children's choir in Czech Republic, reuniting with Kang Bi-o.

Lee Jun-young displayed a free-spirited demeanor with his playful smile and bold attitude during his school days, yet revealed loneliness in moments when he was alone. He portrayed the Choi Jung-yo of nine years later with a gaze that did not easily reveal emotions and a restrained tone of voice.

In scenes where he pretended to have lost his memory to deceive Kang Bi-o, he acted out showing sorrow and confusion before the other person, then shifting to a cold expression after being left alone. In piano and conducting scenes, Choi Jung-yo reconciled with Kang Bi-o by playing together again using his right hand, which he had regained after rehabilitation.

▶ What are your thoughts on completing the work "Forehand"?

- Since it was a work I gave my best to, I believe I finished it without regret. I would like to express my gratitude to the director, all the staff members, and the actors who worked hard together with me.

▶ What aspect of the character Choi Jung-yo attracted you most strongly when you first read the script?

- Jung-yo was a character who appeared free yet very lonely, which drew my attention even more. The fact that he harbored deep sorrow behind his exceptional musical sensibility and bright demeanor in the early stages was also why I felt drawn to Jung-yo.

▶ There were many piano performance and conducting scenes. What practice and effort did you put into preparing for them?

- I think I tried to memorize the music itself by constantly playing related pieces even in my daily life. Of course, there are still parts I am not fully satisfied with, but I would like to express my gratitude to the instructors who guided me well without giving up until the end.

▶ How did you try to express Choi Jung-yo's changed gaze and emotions?

- For both 17-year-old and 27-year-old Jung-yo, I prepared by thinking of him as a "character who lives while acting" so that others would not notice his true state.

17-year-old Jung-yo is a character who acts as if nothing is wrong and tries to be cool, but thinks a lot inside. 27-year-old Jung-yo, I thought, faces the person he believes pushed him to the brink of death while suppressing surging emotions, acting with the mindset of "this will make them believe it." We worked with the director to create moments where he would act as if nothing was wrong and calm down again even when emotions rose.

I also thought that 27-year-old Jung-yo is still a young character. I tried to incorporate many of the ways I used to think, "If I act like this, I will look like an adult," when I was younger. I wanted to express both the awkwardness felt when a child imitates an adult and the aspect of becoming completely immersed in that appearance at some point.

▶ What are your thoughts on working with actor Song Kang, who played Kang Bi-o, his friend and rival, and actor Jang Gyu-ri, who played Hong Jae-in?

- I was grateful to be able to work with truly wonderful actors. I am also very grateful that we were able to exchange good feelings while acting. I am happy that I could finish my last work before enlistment well with good people.

▶ If there is a scene, line, or on-set episode that you remember most from filming, please share it.

- It would be difficult to pick just one scene. However, while acting following Jung-yo's emotions in the script, the surrounding staff members comforted me a lot. Each time, I felt grateful because everyone on set truly cared for Jung-yo, and I think that memory will last a long time.

▶ Please give a final message to viewers who supported Choi Jung-yo and loved "Forehand."

- I really worked hard filming so as not to let the work down. Although I have not enlisted yet, by the time this Q&A is released, I will likely be in military service. It would be beyond grateful if many people could pat Jung-yo's head gently.

I will complete my military service well and return. Until the day I greet you again, I hope everyone stays healthy and peaceful. Thank you sincerely for watching "Forehand" until late hours and loving it.

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*This content was translated by AI.