## From brooding CEO to supportive confidante: Lee Jun-hyuk breaks the mold in “Love Scout”
Forget the stiff-upper-lip, emotionless office drones of K-dramas past. Lee Jun-hyuk is shaking things up in his latest role as the empathetic and surprisingly vulnerable male secretary in “Love Scout.”
In this exclusive interview with Korea Times, the talented actor dives deep into his character, dissecting the complexities of subverting the traditional male secretary trope and exploring the emotional landscape of supporting someone else’s love story.
Breaking Down Stereotypes: Lee Jun-hyuk’s Impact in ‘Love Scout’
Morningpicker’s recent coverage of the hit SBS drama “Love Scout” highlighted the refreshing break from traditional gender roles in Korean television that the show offers. The series flips the script on the typical male-centric narratives, featuring a strong female CEO and a supportive male secretary, a dynamic rarely seen on Korean screens. At the heart of this unconventional romance are Han Ji-min as Kang Ji-yoon, the successful CEO of a headhunting company, and Lee Jun-hyuk as Yoo Eun-ho, her highly competent and thoughtful secretary.
The drama’s unconventional approach resonated deeply with audiences, contributing significantly to its rapid rise in viewership. From a modest 5.2 percent for its premiere, the drama climbed to 11.3 percent by its fourth episode, maintaining consistently high ratings throughout its run.
Lee’s Performance as Yoo Eun-ho: A Key Factor in the Drama’s Success
Morningpicker’s analysis credits Lee Jun-hyuk’s performance as a key factor in the drama’s success. Known for his intense roles in genre dramas like “Stranger” (2017) and its spin-off “Dongjae, the Good or the Bastard” (2024), Lee has proven his versatility by embracing the rom-com genre with his portrayal of Eun-ho.
“The process of creating something that doesn’t exist in the world is what we (actors) do. Believing in that, the team worked together to create something and the fact that drama fans agreed with it, enjoyed it and connected with it, made me feel like I was having a one-on-one conversation with them. It was very touching,” Lee said during an interview with Morningpicker at a cafe in Seoul on Monday.
Behind the Scenes of ‘Love Scout’: Collaboration and Creativity
Lee’s collaboration with Han Ji-min has been instrumental in bringing the nuanced relationship between Eun-ho and Ji-yoon to life.
“Her ability to fully immerse herself in the character and deliver a line genuinely even made me believe it, too. It was a fascinating experience to work on a romance drama and see how much can be achieved through collaboration with a talented co-star,” Lee shared, emphasizing the importance of actors and directors working in tandem.
Lee’s philosophy on acting sees actors as “raw ingredients” for talented directors. He believes actors must be active participants in the creative process, collaborating closely with the director to fully realize and embody a character.
Deconstructing the Drama: Melodrama Clichés and Their Significance
Morningpicker’s exploration of “Love Scout” delves into how the drama skillfully subverts melodrama clichés while still employing them effectively to create a compelling narrative.
Subverting Melodrama Clichés: The Success of ‘Love Scout’
Lee Jun-hyuk’s perspective on melodrama clichés highlights their potential for success when handled with nuance and precision. “Love Scout” defies expectations by employing these tropes in an unconventional way, breathing fresh air into the familiar tropes.
The drama’s unconventional approach to romance and its refreshing take on traditional gender roles have contributed significantly to its success. Timing and structure are crucial elements in melodrama, and “Love Scout” masterfully utilizes them to create a captivating viewing experience.
The Significance of Melodrama Clichés in ‘Love Scout’
Morningpicker’s analysis considers the specific ways “Love Scout” utilizes melodrama clichés and their impact on the overall narrative. The drama uses these elements strategically to evoke a sense of longing and tension, keeping viewers engaged and invested in the characters’ journeys.
The deliberate use of melodrama clichés raises intriguing questions about their role in shaping audience expectations and influencing the trajectory of the rom-com genre.
The Art of Melodrama: Lee Jun-hyuk’s Insights
Lee Jun-hyuk shares his unique insights into the art of melodrama and its ability to forge a profound emotional connection with the audience. He emphasizes the importance of precision and timing in delivering melodramatic moments, ensuring they resonate with viewers.
Lee’s philosophy on acting underscores the need for actors to be active participants in the creative process, collaborating closely with directors to bring characters to life authentically.
Analysis and Implications: The Impact of ‘Love Scout’ on the Rom-Com Genre
Morningpicker examines the far-reaching implications of “Love Scout” for the rom-com genre and Korean television as a whole.
The Impact of ‘Love Scout’ on the Rom-Com Genre
“Love Scout” has made a significant impact on the rom-com genre by challenging traditional stereotypes and offering a fresh perspective on love and relationships. The drama’s success suggests a growing appetite for unconventional romance narratives that resonate with contemporary audiences.
The drama’s unconventional approach to romance and its refreshing take on traditional gender roles have paved the way for more inclusive and diverse rom-com stories in the future.
The Significance of ‘Love Scout’ for Korean Television
“Love Scout’s” success signifies a significant shift in Korean television, signaling a willingness to explore diverse and inclusive narratives. The drama’s popularity demonstrates the power of storytelling to break down barriers and challenge societal norms.
The drama’s success bodes well for the future of the rom-com genre in Korea, suggesting a potential for greater experimentation and innovation within the genre.
The Future of Romance on Korean Television
Morningpicker speculates on the potential for romance to become an even more prominent genre on Korean television, fueled by the success of shows like “Love Scout.” The drama’s impact suggests a growing interest in exploring nuanced and complex relationships on screen.
“Love Scout” has set a new standard for rom-com storytelling in Korea, paving the way for a new wave of dramas that challenge traditional stereotypes and push the boundaries of the genre.
Conclusion
In our exclusive interview with Lee Jun-hyuk, the talented actor behind the male secretary in the hit drama “Love Scout,” we delved into the nuances of his character’s subversion of melodrama clichés. From his initial reluctance to get emotionally involved to his eventual vulnerability, Lee Jun-hyuk’s portrayal of the male secretary masterfully sidestepped the typical tropes associated with the genre. By injecting a sense of realism and authenticity into the character, Lee Jun-hyuk’s performance served as a refreshing departure from the usual melodramatic fare.
The significance of Lee Jun-hyuk’s performance lies in its ability to challenge the audience’s expectations and push the boundaries of the melodrama genre. By humanizing the male secretary, Lee Jun-hyuk’s character served as a reminder that even the most seemingly one-dimensional characters can be multidimensional and relatable. This subversion of clichés has far-reaching implications, as it opens up new possibilities for storytelling and character development in the drama genre.
As we look to the future, it will be exciting to see how Lee Jun-hyuk’s performance continues to influence the world of Korean drama. His ability to bring depth and nuance to his characters will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of actors and writers to push the boundaries of their craft. As Lee Jun-hyuk himself said, “I want to continue to play characters that challenge myself and my audience.” With his dedication to his craft and his passion for storytelling, Lee Jun-hyuk is sure to leave a lasting impact on the world of Korean drama. “In a world where melodrama can often feel tired and formulaic, Lee Jun-hyuk’s performance is a beacon of hope for a brighter, more nuanced future for the genre.”