'Be different' (Interview with Lee Jung-hyun)

A scene from singer Lee Jung-hyun’s latest single “V,” the music video of which was directed by Park Chan-wook and Park Chan-kyung. / Courtesy of AVA Films & Entertainment

Singer Lee Jung-hyun spills beans on life

By Park Si-soo

A female solo singer in Korea is not usually forthcoming about their romantic life or about wanting a boyfriend. But hallyu star Lee Jung-hyun was direct and frank. At 33, many friends of her have already married or, at least, have a person who they are dating seriously.

Yet she is still single and unattached ― officially.

“I really want to have a boyfriend,” Lee said with a bashful smile. “I had my last boyfriend three years ago. He was not an entertainer.” She didn’t elaborate. Lee said she doesn’t care much about age, nationality and career; instead she is looking for a person with a strong sense of responsibility and commitment.

“Even if I have a boyfriend, I will keep it a secret until marriage,” she said.

The veteran entertainer said she finds herself increasingly vulnerable to feelings of loneliness, but that it was inappropriate to express it since her fans still want her to look like a “bright, cheerful party lady” who is likely to delight them forever.

Renowned movie director Park Chan-wook, who earned international fame with the Cannes award-winning film “Oldboy” and many other hit movies, is her mentor and best friend who she can reveal her inner feelings without hesitation, she said. The 50-year-old Park and his brother Park Chan-kyung directed the music video of her latest song “V” for nothing.

Singer Lee Jung-hyun, right, sits next to film director Park Chan-wook, center, while monitoring recorded scenes of her music video “V.” Lee said Park is her best mentor and friend who she can reveal her inner feelings to without hesitation. Park and his brother Park Chan-kyung directed the music video for free. / Courtesy of AVA Films & Entertainment

Lee said her work on “Night Fishing” (2010) directed by the Park brothers allowed her to grow in leaps and bounds

“Our talks are usually centered on career stuff,” Lee said. “I usually speak and he listens. His answer is always short and simple, but really helpful.”

She portrayed herself as a “perfectionist” in her early years in the entertainment world, but it only caused clashes with co-workers and then she realized the importance of compromising ― to a degree.

“Well, now I know I cannot get everything done the way that I want,” she said. “But it doesn’t necessary mean I do it to the level where my core value is at risk.”

Perhaps Lee may be freer with her talent agency now, unlike other K-pop stars that belong to large and powerful talent management agencies. She demonstrated love and affection for the K-pop stars, but cautiously added that they need to show more individuality.

She said she always wants to show a different side to the public and that is the “core value” of her that will never become subject to a compromise.

“I want myself to be different in every single album or film,” she said. “I will uphold this forever ― regardless of age or popularity.”