[Lily's Take] Lee Soon-jae Filmed "Stand By Me" Without Pay

Actor Lee Soon-jae is one of the most respected veteran actor in K-drama world and it's not just because of his age or the amount of experience he has in the field, but because of his character and integrity.

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In a short interview held for the movie "Stand By Me", Lee Soon-jae repeatedly answered the importance of the duty of an actor for every questions being asked. Movie "Stand By Me" is the first movie Lee Soon-jae decided to star in since "Late Blossom" 7 years ago. "Stand By Me" has already established a reputation of a tear-jerker just by the trailers released so far.

The movie focus on a grandfather and his two grandchildren, where Lee Soon-jae is raising the two kids by himself and he prepares their farewell when he realized he doesn't have much time left to live. The topic of this movie maybe a cliché, being used many times in different shows, resulting in the story being predictable. However, Lee Soon-jae's appearance is what will make this movie very special. Lee Soon-jae shared his first impression about the movie:

"When I read the script, it sounded decent. Whether it be the dramas or the movies, the most important thing is the sensational feeling. The story about human being, that is what's important. There are not many shows out there talking about it nowadays. "Stand By Me" is ordinary, but there's something that hits you in the heart. People like me will know just by glancing through it, since I've done a lot of work. Director Bang Soo-in was both the director and the scriptwriter and he is talented".

According to the studio, Lee Soon-jae chose not to get paid for the movie, and it was a decision based on his judgement of this move holding a great value. At first, he joked saying the studio seemed like it was running low on budget, but he also shared that he has a standard where the show is worthy and the character has a good impression on him, he doesn't care if he is not paid. He said:

"Nowadays, when we talk about top actors, it is given that they are highly paid. Though, it wasn't like that back in the days. When I was younger and inexperienced, I was often not paid at all. At that point, the goal for the actor is just one thing: to participate in a good show with a good character. Even putting the money issue aside, that really is the most important thing for the actor".

This great actor has appeared in over 100 movies, over 120 dramas, and numerous plays. It's odd to say, but there's absolutely nothing Lee Soon-jae can prove in the field of acting anymore. There's not a single person out there who'll doubt or complain about his acting. Even though he can be considered a master of acting in K-drama world, he is still seeking after learning as he simply said, there's no completeness in acting.

By. Lily Lee