Director Yang Wooseok Talks About Lee Seung-gi's Commitment in 'Big Family'

On December 4, director Yang Wooseok shared insights about his collaboration with Lee Seung-gi during an interview at a café in Samcheong-dong, Jongno, Seoul. The upcoming family comedy film 'Big Family' (대가족), which Yang wrote and directed, is set to release on December 11. The story revolves around a dumpling restaurant owner, played by Kim Yoon-seok, whose family ties are tested when his son becomes a monk, leading to an unexpected cohabitation with his adorable grandchildren.

In the film, Lee Seung-gi portrays the son, Ham Mun-seok, who has taken the monastic path. Notably, Lee shaved his head for the role, which drew considerable attention. Yang revealed that casting Lee was a natural choice, stating, "Lee Seung-gi has been involved with our film for about two years, and the character of Mun-seok is tall, handsome, and a model student. He was the perfect fit in my mind."

Yang also mentioned that many have noted the resemblance between Lee and his on-screen father, Kim Yoon-seok, adding, "I wanted their relationship to appear both strong and at times, pitiful."

Discussing Lee's commitment to the role, Yang expressed initial concerns about the shaving process, considering Lee's endorsements and public image. However, he noted, "Lee Seung-gi is a Buddhist, so he is accustomed to seeing monks. For him, shaving his head was not a big deal. He initially didn’t think it was a significant issue until the filming day arrived, when he realized it was a big deal."

Yang humorously recounted how he approached the topic of shaving Lee's head during casting, saying, "At first, I suggested, 'Shouldn’t you shave your head?' but later I felt it was necessary. When I mentioned it, he didn’t seem to hesitate much, although I think he was a bit surprised internally. Once he actually shaved his head, he realized, 'This is a big deal!' which made his performance even more authentic."

The film promises to deliver a heartwarming and humorous take on family dynamics, with Lee Seung-gi's dedication shining through in his portrayal of Mun-seok.