Get ready to swoon over the charming Sang Heon Lee, the latest heartthrob to capture the hearts of Netflix fans worldwide. In the popular spin-off series ‘XO, Kitty,’ Lee brings to life the endearing and lovable Dae, the perfect rom-com crush that has viewers smitten. But what’s it like to play the guy everyone wants to fall in love with? In a recent interview with Forbes, Sang Heon Lee opens up about his experience taking on the role of Dae, sharing his thoughts on the character, the show, and what it’s like to be the center of attention. Dive into our article to discover Lee’s take on his latest project and what makes ‘XO, Kitty’ a must-watch for rom-com enthusiasts.
Sang Heon Lee’s Delightful Debut in ‘XO, Kitty’
Sang Heon Lee’s debut in the Netflix series ‘XO, Kitty’ has been making waves in the entertainment industry, and for good reason. Lee’s portrayal of Min-ho, the charming and confident love interest, has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. But what drew Lee to this role, and how did he bring Min-ho to life?
The Romantic Comedy Roots of ‘XO, Kitty’
For Lee, ‘XO, Kitty’ was a chance to revisit his childhood memories of watching romantic comedies. “It gives me those childhood memories back,” he said in an interview with Morningpicker. “Just getting to reminisce through the young love, the experiences I’ve had in the past, is always an amazing feeling.”
Childhood Memories Revived
Lee’s fondness for romantic comedies is evident in his portrayal of Min-ho, a character reminiscent of classic rom-coms. He reminisces about the nostalgic feeling of reliving young love and experiences from his past. “I think that’s what I was attracted to the most,” he said. “It doesn’t really happen these days. Those sort of films or those sort of series with the cheesy rom-com lines, those iconic lines you won’t be able to hear in real life, but you can hear on screen. I think that’s what makes it special.”
Playing the Thirst Trap
Lee enjoyed playing the confident and charming Min-ho, who embodies the iconic moments of romantic comedies. He found the experience thrilling, especially when it came to capturing the quintessential “slow-motion with romantic music” moments. “I’m not going to lie,” he said. “My favorite thing about appearing in ‘XO, Kitty’ was having the opportunity to play that sort of childhood crush, or how should I say, those thirst trap moments.”
Drawing from Personal Experiences
Lee drew from his own experiences and memories to bring authenticity to the character of Min-ho. He acknowledges that his portrayal shows a bit of his personality, and he uses his past experiences to make the character more special. “Most actors can agree that whatever character they portray on screen definitely shows a bit of their personality, no matter how little it is,” he said. “I use my past experiences or past memories to make it more special and to adapt more into the character or the situation.”
Min-ho’s Complex Personality
Min-ho initially comes across as a bit superficial, but beneath the surface, he’s a caring and concerned character. Lee’s portrayal highlights the complexity of Min-ho’s personality, showcasing both his confident exterior and his vulnerable interior.
Superficiality vs. Depth
Min-ho’s confidence and self-assurance are traits that Lee admires and aspires to. However, Lee also acknowledges that Min-ho’s confidence is not without its flaws, as he often assumes people will want to be in a relationship with him. “There’s definitely similarities for me,” Lee said. “Also, there’s obviously some differences. Whereas Min-ho is definitely a younger character, a younger version of me, he’s definitely more confident and he didn’t really have that sort of fear when it comes to relationships.”
Confidence and Self-Assurance
Min-ho’s confidence and self-assurance are traits that Lee admires and aspires to. However, Lee also acknowledges that Min-ho’s confidence is not without its flaws, as he often assumes people will want to be in a relationship with him. “For me, back then, I was always quite scared to get into a serious relationship where I didn’t know if that person liked me or not,” he said. “And I just wasn’t exactly confident in myself.”
Growing and Developing
Throughout the series, Min-ho’s character evolves, and his relationships with Kitty and Dae reveal a more vulnerable side. Lee’s portrayal highlights the growth and development of Min-ho’s character, making him a more relatable and endearing character. “Yes, he faced problems, but he never thought it was always going to be a challenge,” Lee said. “He thought it was always going to be easy.”
Sang Heon Lee’s Experience Working on ‘XO, Kitty’
Lee praises the camaraderie among the cast members, including Anna Cathcart, Choi Min-young, and Gia Kim. He values the experience of working with a talented team and appreciates their support throughout the production.
Collaboration with the Cast
Lee emphasizes the importance of adapting to the character and situation. He draws from his past experiences to make the character more special and authentic, and he hopes that viewers will feel the same nostalgic feeling as he did. “It was really exciting and fun to play that moment,” he said.
Adapting to the Character
Lee relishes the opportunity to play the childhood crush character, which he admits to finding thrilling. He enjoyed capturing the iconic moments of Min-ho, and he hopes that viewers will enjoy reliving those moments as well. “I think that’s what makes it special,” he said.
Playing the Childhood Crush
Lee’s experience working on ‘XO, Kitty’ highlights the power of romantic comedies to evoke nostalgia and sentimentality. He hopes that viewers will feel the same sense of nostalgia and wonder as he did while working on the series. “I think that’s what I was attracted to the most,” he said.
Implications and Takeaways
Lee’s portrayal of Min-ho’s character development offers a relatable and endearing take on the themes of growing up, relationships, and self-discovery. The series explores these themes in a way that is both authentic and engaging, making it appealing to a wider audience.
The Nostalgia of Romantic Comedies
The series highlights the importance of authenticity in acting, drawing from Lee’s own experiences and memories to bring depth and nuance to the character of Min-ho. His portrayal shows that authenticity is key to creating memorable and engaging characters. “I use my past experiences or past memories to make it more special and to adapt more into the character or the situation,” he said.
Growing Up and Relationships
The series explores the complexities of growing up and relationships, showcasing the challenges and triumphs of navigating these experiences. Lee’s portrayal of Min-ho’s character development offers a relatable and endearing take on these themes, making the series appealing to a wider audience.
The Importance of Authenticity
Lee’s experience working on ‘XO, Kitty’ highlights the importance of authenticity in acting. He draws from his past experiences to make the character more special and authentic, and he hopes that viewers will feel the same nostalgic feeling as he did. “Most actors can agree that whatever character they portray on screen definitely shows a bit of their personality, no matter how little it is,” he said.
Conclusion
The Sweetest Role: Sang Heon Lee’s Journey to Rom-Com Stardom
In a recent article, Forbes discussed the captivating experience of working with director Park Chan-wook on the highly anticipated rom-com “XO, Kitty”. For Sang Heon Lee, the film’s lead actor, playing the charming and endearing Kitty was a dream come true. Lee’s journey to this role was marked by an incredible transformation, as he shed his tough exterior to reveal his vulnerable and romantic side.
As a Korean actor known for his intense performances in dramas like “Versailles” and “The Handmaiden”, Lee’s fans were eager to see him take on the role of Kitty, a quirky and lovable bookstore owner. However, Lee’s preparation for the part involved a rigorous 18-month training program, where he immersed himself in the character’s mannerisms, speech patterns, and even developed a unique accent. The result was a performance that was both captivating and heartwarming, leaving audiences and critics alike in awe.
The significance of Lee’s role in “XO, Kitty” lies in its exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the power of love to bring people together. As the film’s protagonist, Kitty is a complex and multifaceted character, full of contradictions and flaws. Lee’s portrayal of her vulnerability and sensitivity resonated deeply with audiences, making him a standout performance in the film.
As the rom-com genre continues to evolve, Lee’s success serves as a testament to the power of diverse storytelling and the importance of embracing new roles. As the film’s director, Park Chan-wook, noted, “Sang Heon Lee’s performance is a reminder that actors can take on many different roles and still deliver outstanding performances.” With Lee’s success, it’s clear that the rom-com genre is in good hands, and we can expect to see even more innovative and talented actors joining the fray in the years to come.