Lee Min-ho's Long-Awaited Return in 'All-Round Reader'

Lee Min-ho, the renowned Hallyu star, is making his long-awaited return to the big screen after ten years with the film 'All-Round Reader' (전지적 독자 시점). In an interview held on July 17 at a café in Jongno, Seoul, he shared insights about his life as a global star, his marriage plans, and his role in the upcoming movie.

'All-Round Reader', directed by Kim Byung-woo and produced by Lotte Entertainment and Smilegate, is based on a popular web novel that has captivated fans for over a decade. The story follows Kim Reader (played by Ahn Hyo-seop), who becomes trapped in the world of a novel on its final day, teaming up with the protagonist Yoo Jung-hyuk (played by Lee Min-ho) to survive in a post-apocalyptic setting. The film has a production budget of approximately 30 billion KRW and features a star-studded cast, including Ahn Hyo-seop, Cha Soo-bin, Shin Seung-ho, Nana, and BLACKPINK's Jisoo.

The film has already secured pre-sales in 113 countries, including Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Europe, and North America, signaling a strong global interest. Notably, it is set to be released in Germany, where Korean films rarely hit theaters, showcasing its competitive edge.

In his role as Yoo Jung-hyuk, Lee Min-ho portrays a character with extraordinary skills and resilience, capable of resetting his life upon death. This marks his first film appearance since 'Gangnam 1970' a decade ago. When asked why it took him so long to return to film, he explained, "I believe that actors in their 30s should convey deeper emotions than those in their 20s. I felt the need to wait until I could bring that depth to my performances."

Lee Min-ho expressed that he has never felt the need to appear 'cool' in his roles, stating, "I think the character's appeal comes from the story itself. I've always played characters with significant flaws, which I believe makes them more relatable and interesting."

Before the film's adaptation, Lee Min-ho was the top choice for the role of Yoo Jung-hyuk. Director Kim Byung-woo praised him, saying, "There was no one else in my mind for this role. Lee Min-ho can naturally deliver the character's lines and create a strong impact with his presence."

Discussing his connection to the character, Lee Min-ho acknowledged the challenge of embodying such a symbolic figure. He hopes that audiences will judge his performance based on their perceptions rather than his own self-assessment. He also mentioned that he did not read the original work before being cast, which led to some initial uncertainty about how to portray Yoo Jung-hyuk.

To prepare for the role, Lee Min-ho focused on enhancing his physicality, stating, "I worked out to build my physique. I had gained weight for my role in 'Pachinko' and had to lose about 5 kg for this film."

When it comes to choosing roles, Lee Min-ho prioritizes the character's significance and the story's message over the amount of screen time. He believes that as long as the character serves a purpose in the narrative, the length of the role is not a concern. He has maintained his position as the top Hallyu star for 12 consecutive years, enjoying global popularity without major controversies.

Despite his success, Lee Min-ho remains grounded, reflecting on the unpredictability of fame. He shared, "I think like Yoo Jung-hyuk, focusing on what I can control in my circumstances. I never aimed to be a Hallyu star; I just wanted to act."

As he embarks on new challenges with projects like 'Pachinko' and 'All-Round Reader', Lee Min-ho continues to embrace growth and change in his career. The film is set to be released on July 23, promising an exciting return for the beloved actor.