INTERVIEW 'Single in Seoul' reminds Lee Dong-wook of his dating, single life

Actor Lee Dong-wook plays the lead character in the upcoming romance film “Single in Seoul." Courtesy of Lotte Entertainment

Actor Lee Dong-wook said that his character in the upcoming romance film “Single in Seoul” made him look back on his dating life, as well as his current life as a single person.

Actor Lee Dong-wook / Courtesy of Lotte Entertainment

“Before I first got the script, I had been mostly doing thriller and fantasy genre works, so I was looking for a story about the everyday lives of people. The lines were intriguing, the characters were interesting and had relatable parts,” the actor said during an interview with The Korea Times at a cafe in Jongno District, central Seoul, Tuesday.

“I share a resemblance with the character of Young-ho. He’s single and I’ve been single for a while, so I’ve gotten myself comfortable with this life like him. I’m also not the type of person who’s affectionate and sweet from the beginning like Young-ho, so we’re similar in that sense.”

The romantic comedy flick, set to hit the local theaters on Nov. 29, revolves around a writing instructor, Young-ho, who is also an influencer running a social media account about his single life. After a series of relationships and breakups, he has learned to do everything by himself, enjoying tasteful hobbies, with a small social life.

One day, he gets an offer to write an essay on his single life and meets his college alumni, Hyun-jin (Lim Soo-Jung), who is a chief editor of a publishing company. Working side by side with the hopeless romantic Hyun-jin, Young-ho faces changes in his deep-rooted perspective regarding being single.

Lee said that he resonated with Young-ho’s previous relationships, recalling his style of dating.

“As I shot the movie, I found myself reflecting on my past relationships. People tend to remember things to their favor but objectively speaking, I, too, would had an immature and awkward side like Young-ho,” he said.

“He repeatedly experiences heartbreak and starts to build walls around himself, thinking that being alone is better. And the starting point of that, I think, is his distorted memory of his first love.”

A scene from the film “Single in Seoul" / Courtesy of Lotte Entertainment

The actor added that he learned from his relationships, sharing what he looks for in a partner.

“I’m not the type of person who’s warm and overtly caring. So I reflected on (past relationships) and thought my exes may have been very understanding,” he said. “I believe the crucial part of my relationship is having the same sense of humor. I have the fondest memories of dating those who I could engage in enjoyable conversations with.”

For Lee, a single life is like a double-edged sword that he wants to throw away but also keep.

“My single life is not any different. I eat and sleep when I want and watch movies if I’m in the mood. I think that is the perk of being single,” he said.

“When I get home after enjoying drinks with friends, I feel comfortable being alone rather than feeling empty. Dating is about sharing my time, space and feelings. And I find myself wanting to share these with someone else, but at the same time, I also feel comfortable by myself despite being lonely. So (my thoughts) are going back and forth.”

However, the actor shared that he wants the right person to appear, although he feels he is not yet ready for marriage.

“I'm waiting for a good person to come along someday. Although I want to get married, I don't feel it’s going to happen anytime soon,” he said. “I don't think I'm mature enough to fulfill those responsibilities as a dedicated member of a household.”