Lee Seunghyo,known as Alcheon in "Queen Seonduk", became popular with his role as an honest and loyal Hwarang, leader of Bicheonjido and later close aid of Princess Doekman.

an interview from http://www.chosunonline.com/entame/20101106000041



I interviewed Lee Seunghyo, who came to his first fan meeting in Tokyo, held at C.C. Lemon Hall on the 24th.

Q : What part of Alcheon made you choose the role?
A : Because his role in the drama was important... (laugh).. That was a joke.
     I liked the role because he went through changes.
     For example, at war, he was a leader, and later, he became a guard, protecting the queen.
   I thought a role with room for change would be good.

Q : Before the war scenes, did you put any special effort into anything?
A : The role was a leader in the army, leading other people,
     but I didn't know how to act because I didn't have that experience.
   I watched lots of war films and dramas in advance and studied role models of war leaders.

Q : Do you find any similiarities in Alcheon and yourself?
A : I think the character of Alcheon is a strong warrior who likes wars.
     I don't have a large build and I think when I acted as Alcheon, that unexpectedness might have attracted viewers.
    Actually, Alcheon was a real person in history and performed feats like catching a tiger with his bare hands.
    The fact that I played him surprised people around me.

Q : How did your experience when serving in JSA help you?
A : Alcheon was called a soldier of Shilla, so he had many fighting scences. My military experience helped.
     In "Queen Seonduk" Alcheon fought with a sword, and I also had training in the military where I used a sword.
     Close-order, drill-like movement practice was useful, too.

Q : In what ways Alcheon is   b e t  t e r   than Yushin or Biddam?
A : His loyalty and consistency. I think that's why Alcheon was popular among women.
     They say Bidam is a guy they want as a lover and Alcheon as a husband;
     does it mean Alcheon is   b e t  t e r  ?  Maybe Bidam is   b e t  t e r  . (laugh)

Q :What was the hardest part in shooting "Queen Seonduk"?
A :Traveling to the sets was hard. Shooting itself was hard,
    but at that time I had to drive myself to different sets because I didn't have a manager.
    Shooting was so hard and took a very long time because of NGs
    and all the things the director had to take care of, like extras and settings as well as my acting.

Q : What changed after "Queen Seonduk"?
A : "Queen Seonduk" made me known to many people and it was a great drama for me.
    Thanks to it, I could have a fan meeting in Japan and have a wonderful time here. I'm so thankful.


His Interview in Japan, Part 2
Lee Seunghyo "I Want to Try a Romantic Drama Soon"


Q : Are there more opportunities for you to be in other dramas after "Queen Seonduk"?
A : Many actors, including me, are not in the position to choose a film or drama,
     but rather we are chosen for them.

Q : You played masculine roles in "Queen Seonduk" and your latest drama, "Legend of the Patriots". 
     Do you want to try a romantic one? Do you have any actresses on your mind to work with?
A : At first, I thought romantic dramas were not  my type, but I want to try one someday.     
     Only men were around me in my previous dramas, even though there are lots of actresses outside.
     If I happen to have a chance to try a romantic one, I want to meet many different actresses through it.

Q : How was Lee Yowon, who's coming to your fan meeting as a guest?
A : She is cute and womanly on the outside, but inside she is more like a guy,
     so I didn't consider her as a woman. I might get hit by her by saying this, (laugh)
     but it was fun to work with her.

Q : What did Deokman mean to Alcheon? How about love?
A : Alcheon was her subordinate. I didn't think about any love between us,
     but I rather think Alcheon might have loved Cheonmyung.

Q : You came down with H1N1 with Kim Namgil. Do you have anything to say about that?
A: I got along well with him at that time. One day, on the ourdoor set,
    he told me he came from the hospital for checks because of his cold
    and we didn't think it would be the flu. We tallked for a long time in his car,
    and the next day, his tests turned out to be positive. Then the next day, I also got the flu. (laugh)

Q : This is your first official visit to Japan, but  It seems like you visited Japan many times personally.
     What do you like about Japan?
A : Since I was little, I have listened to Japanese music and watched Japanese dramas.     
     Although there weren't any around me who liked Japanese culture,
     I had a favorable impression about it.
     I've been to "Southern All Stars"' 30th Anniversary Concert and Spitz's concert.
     I like hot springs and Kamakura (the coastal city in Kanakawa Prefecture),
     and I like the Enoshima train and places in "Slam Dunk".
     I like them so much that I want to buy a house there if possible. (laugh)


Having round eyes and gentle face, he has a somewhat slender figure,
unlike many Korean actors who are well built. That makes me think, "Did he really play a strong warrior?"
However, he was attractive, indeed.
It seems that between Um Taewing and Kim Namgil, his untypical individuality was his strength.
His next project is expected to be a drama, likely a romantic drama or a comedy.
"Queen Seonduk" DVD Box I-VIII starring Lee Seunghyo, Lee Yowon, Koh Hyunjung,
Park Yejin, Um Taewung, Kim Namgil and others is on sale through Fuji Pony Canyon.


Written by Nojaki Tomoko, The Chosun Ilbo
Translated by D-day and hyojan, dcinside