 |
| Actor Lee Jong-won played the role of Tae-yong in MBC's fantasy drama series "The Golden Spoon." Courtesy of Echo Global Group |
Model-turned actor takes first lead role with 'The Golden Spoon'
By Lee Gyu-lee
Actor Lee Jong-won has been building a promising portfolio since making his way into acting from modeling in 2018, starring in well-made series like "My Unfamiliar Family" and "Hospital Playlist 2."
 |
| Actor Lee Jong-won / Courtesy of Echo Global Group |
"It still feels surreal that people are recognizing me and responding (to the series)," Lee told The Korea Times during an interview at the office of his agency Echo Global Group in Gangnam District in southern Seoul, Tuesday. "This is the first time that I've gotten this much popularity and also the first time I've put in so many emotions (to portray the character). This series is special as I've had so many firsts with it."
Based on the webcomic of the same name, the series, which ended on Saturday, revolves around two friends, Seung-cheon (Yook Sung-jae) and Tae-yong (Lee) who are from opposite backgrounds, switching lives.
Seung-cheon, who comes from a poverty-stricken family, gets a magical spoon that allows him to switch lives with his wealthy friend Tae-yong, the son of a huge conglomerate owner.
Despite living the life he always wanted, Seung-cheon starts to become overwhelmed as he faces life-altering decisions between money and his loved ones.
The series ends with the message that anyone can have a meaningful life regardless of how much money they have. Lee said that was the message he kept in mind when portraying his character.
"When I was acting, I kept in mind that 'The Golden Spoon' is not about the pleasure money and fame offers, but is rather about following what you really like," he said. "I've always pursued what makes me happy, rather than money … and I hope the viewers can feel the message that the series gives."
 |
| A scene from the series "The Golden Spoon" / Courtesy of MBC |
The actor said that he used his own background to portray the character after he switches lives with Seung-cheon, who has a close-knit family despite their financial struggles.
"When I was playing Seung-cheon, I thought of the times I lived in a semi-basement house when I was young. The character reflected the time that (my family) and I were financially struggling but were happy," he said. "My family was supportive and we were always there for each other. My mom always had faith in my decisions, which also taught me to have a strong sense of responsibility."
Lee, who started out as a model, came across acting by chance. "I found my interest in acting after starring in a music video by chance. It was a pleasant experience to find a side of me that I didn't know. And I started to get curious about other sides of me that I can channel through acting," he said.
"The characters I've played so far were all part of me … I'm excited to find out more about myself."
He added that he wants to take a stab at a villainous character role. "I've always been curious about playing villains … I wonder if I have a vicious side to me. Anyway, I would find it and put it into acting but I want to enjoy the process."
![[INTERVIEW] Partnerships with Korean companies help Delta Air Lines' post-pandemic recovery](https://img.koreatimes.co.kr/upload/thumbnailV2/892c5f8b83fc45018380807ff3c3d42b.jpg/dims/resize/178/optimize)
![[VIDEO] Do Koreans know K-pop idols well?](https://img.koreatimes.co.kr/upload/thumbnailV2/230126_koopstreet_web_3be4f49481002.jpg/dims/resize/178/optimize)
