"It was a complete reversal from 'Oxygen lady'"
From Leeyoungae.net
Lee Young-Ae betrayed the audience. She, who we thought would stay as the 'oxygen-like woman' forever, turned into the incarnation of vengeance wearing heavy makeup. In her hand, which used to hold cosmetic bottles, was held a cold-blooded gun. It's incomparable to her past change into the aloof woman who had melted Yoo Ji-Tae's heart in 'One Fine Spring Day'.
We met Lee Young-Ae with about a week left until the theater release of 'Sympathy for Lady Vengeance' on July 29th. She was holding a yellow-covered notebook in her hand. She said she reads all articles that talk about her, and carefully writes down noteworthy remarks from journalists. Thus began the interview between the innocently smiling Lee Young-Ae and the slightly nervous reporter.
- I hear praises after praises about you, saying that the movie rediscovered the actress inside Lee Young-Ae.
= It's true that I hear less criticism than before. I'm satisfied that I did all I can to perform the character. It certainly feels good to be able to exhibit aspects of me that were previously unseen. I enjoyed the experience, and that's sufficient to satisfy myself.
- Director Park Chan-Wook even said that it was a movie made solely for Lee Young-Ae.
= That's his lip service. (laugh) I believe it was a synergic effect between us. We built up the character together from scrip writing stage. We also actively digested each other's opinion during the filming.
- You have completely turned over your familiar image from the past 10 years.
= The ability to change is the attraction of being an actress. Apart from whether audiences like it, I found the process highly enjoyable. I acted out the ugly scene at the end, literally according to the instruction that says 'the most grotesque possible looks of Geumja'. It's an image that naturally follows out of the story.
- Your way of talking particularly stands out, for example, when you blurt out, "mind your own business, dear."
= I read out the script many times before the shooting began. Some say Geumja's swearing is awkward, but that's how it's meant to be. Her unnaturalness was intentional. It appears simple, but in fact, I had a hard time concentrating in that scene. It still looks surprising to me, and fun.
- You'll probably admit that you have stayed at a distance from the audiences as an actress. Is that intended to be a mystfying strategy?
= Lately in a conversation with audiences, I was asked, "how many meals do you have per day?" I was surprised that I had felt so distant to the fans. Looking back, I have gone through the usual steps that all new faces do. I have exposed my private life through TV programs like 'Star Docu', and I have done many interviews--I have done a variety of things to let myself known as a new figure. It could be due to the elegant image shown through TV commercials. But I'd rather not deliberately employ a mystifying strategy or make efforts to demystify myself. If you keep following the likes and dislikes of the public, you end up not satisfying anyone.
- You cover all genres, including TV, commercial and movies, and don't seem to favor one against another.
= The charm of TV dramas lies in the fact that it's loved by people of all ages and gender. It's an undescribable feeling that an old grandma on a small faraway island watches and likes my drama. On the other hand, I usually resort to movies for a chance to delve deeper into acting. But genre doesn't matter too much. It's most important to find a character that I can challenge.
- You have been acting for 10 years already.
= My debut as an actress was through 'Love and Marriage' in 1995. I can't say I'm totally satisfied but there's nothing I can do about it. In hindsight, though, I think I did the best I could. There were many trial and errors, but I think I spent an earnest 10 years so I have no regret. You could say I have gotten 'rounder' with ages. My perspective has become deeper and more comprehensive. At least my acting has improved since when I was in my twenties, hasn't it? If not, I should quit my job. (laugh)
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