[Exclusive]Receiving 'Korean beef' from Yoo Jae-suk and going on a 'dance battle' with Park Ji-hoon: Lee Jun-young says, "My parents loved it" [Interview ③]

*This content was translated by AI.

• Interview with Lee Jun-young, winner of the Best Actor Award at 'AAA 2025'

-Following Interview ②

Lee Jun-young's formidable momentum was confirmed even in the notoriously difficult genre of 'variety shows,' which is nothing short of astonishing. Last year, he participated in the major project '80s Seoul Music Festival' on MBC's 'What Do You Do?' (hereinafter 'Nolmwo'), achieving a significant result by sharing the Grand Prize with Lee Jeok. True to his background as a former member of the idol group U-KISS, Lee Jun-young flawlessly performed the dance and vocals to Park Nam-jeong's 'Missing You,' stirring up living rooms across the nation.

In response to the overwhelming popularity, Lee Jun-young said, "My parents were so happy that I appeared on 'Nolmwo.' I am also grateful to Senior Park Nam-jeong."

He added, "In the past, I could go to the market without any trouble, but now people there recognize me a lot, which I appreciate. Many elderly people mentioned Senior Park Nam-jeong's name when they recognized me."

What were his thoughts on being with 'National MC' Yoo Jae-suk? Lee Jun-young expressed his admiration, saying, "I thought he was incredibly smart, thorough, and stylish. He hasn't had a single scandal in all these years and has come this far successfully. At that point, Senior Yoo is my role model. He already possesses the qualities I most want to emulate."

He further shared a heartwarming story, noting, "Senior Yoo Jae-suk even sent 'Korean beef' to my home during Chuseok. My parents were truly delighted."

Furthermore, Lee Jun-young also mentioned Park Ji-hoon, with whom he formed a bond through last year's must-see drama, Netflix's 'Weak Hero Class 2' (hereinafter 'Weak Hero 2'). Park Ji-hoon, formerly a member of the idol group Wanna One, has gained attention for becoming a 'million-selling actor' with the film 'The Man Who Lives with the King.'

The two became close friends, even going on a 'dance battle' together after the drama. Lee Jun-young revealed, "While filming 'Weak Hero 2,' Ji-hoon once asked me, 'Hyung, what's your hobby?' Since I usually find inspiration and healing through dance battles, I suggested, 'If you're okay with it, would you like to go together?' Ji-hoon agreed, so we practiced and went to the battle together. Ji-hoon's dance style is popping, and he was really good at it. Because I showed the world I live in, he liked it very much. That day, we became even closer."

Additionally, Lee Jun-young praised Park Ji-hoon, saying, "He is a lovely younger brother who loves me so much even when I do nothing. He is the only one who calls me 'Hyung.' He is so cute. It feels like, 'Oh my, you're busy, why are you taking care of me like this every day?' I am saying to Ji-hoon exactly what my older brothers used to say to me when I was young. Ji-hoon does his own things well and is responsible. That's why I can't help but find him even more lovely and like him more."

-End.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.