Lee Jun-young Opens Up: “There Were Many Moments I Wanted to Give Up”

Actor Lee Jun-young shared rare honesty about doubt, perseverance, and growth during a global interview project that brought together questions from editors across multiple countries.

Participating in Boldpage’s “Global Q’s” series, Lee responded to questions curated by editors from France, Japan, Mexico, India, the United States, Korea, and Taiwan — answering them in a single continuous narrative that reflected both his international reach and personal depth.

“I’ll Answer Every Question With Sincerity”

Opening the interview, Lee promised to approach each question with care and authenticity. Asked what he most wanted to do before his upcoming military enlistment, he replied simply, “There are many things,” signaling that he has no intention of slowing down yet.

The understated answer set the tone for an interview focused less on image and more on mindset.

Tokyo Memories, Japanese Fans, and a Moment of Honor

Responding to questions from Japan, Lee revisited his time in Tokyo, recalling filming Tokyo Taxi and his earlier days as an idol. One memory stood out clearly — driving a go-kart around Shibuya, an experience he said still feels vivid.

He also spoke warmly about performing at Budokan, expressing heartfelt gratitude to Japanese fans who have supported him consistently over the years.

On working with actress Aoi Yuu, Lee described her as deeply considerate on set. He added that acting opposite her — especially meeting her gaze felt like an honor, praising her expressive eyes and professional generosity.

When asked about ramen preferences, Lee kept things simple: no extra toppings, original flavor, and generous portions.

“Mexico Is a Place I Truly Want to Visit”

Questions from Mexico brought out Lee’s playful side. Asked whether he planned to visit South America, he answered without hesitation that Mexico was high on his list.

Laughing, he added that his Spanish vocabulary currently consists of little more than “Hola” — a lighthearted moment that softened the interview’s reflective tone.

Asked to name a meaningful song, Lee chose U-KISS’s When Love Stops, explaining that it’s the track that brings him the greatest sense of calm when performed in concert.

Choosing Scenes That Left a Strong Impression

From India came questions about his acting work. When asked about the most memorable moment in Weak Hero Class 2, Lee surprised fans by naming a scene he wasn’t even in — recalling the impact of senior actor Jo Jung-suk’s entrance, particularly the moment he removed his sunglasses.

On future collaborations, Lee avoided naming specific actors, explaining that singling out names might unintentionally disappoint others. Instead, he said he hoped to work with all the actors who have supported and believed in him.

“Dance Is About Flow, Not Technique”

American editors brought up Lee’s viral Missing You dance, prompting him to reflect on performance.

According to Lee, dance isn’t about technical perfection but about rhythm, momentum, and fully feeling the music. He emphasized that listening closely and trusting one’s instincts matter more than flawless execution.

“I Wanted to Quit More Than Once”

The most personal answers came in response to Korean editors.

Lee admitted that he had seriously considered quitting several times throughout his career. He explained that what stopped him wasn’t confidence, but the weight of effort already invested.

“Even when I hated it, I kept going,” he said, adding that if he stopped, the work and desire would eventually come back anyway.

Travel Tips, Food, and an Unusual Way to Address Fans

For Taiwanese editors, Lee recommended Namsan as a must-visit destination in Korea — suggesting visitors walk up rather than take the cable car to truly feel the surroundings.

When it came to food, he chose gopchang, acknowledging it might seem unfamiliar but noting that similar dishes exist in Taiwan.

Asked about fan culture, Lee shared that he affectionately calls fans “teachers,” joking that telling them to gather in the “staff room” before ticket sales might actually work.

“Let’s Walk Together Or Rest, If You Need To”

Closing the interview, Lee reflected on the meaning of being loved by fans across so many countries.

He admitted feeling both grateful and apologetic for the support, promising to continue living carefully, staying true to himself, and moving forward at his own pace.

“If you want to walk with me, let’s walk together,” he said. “If you need to rest for a while, that’s okay too. I hope we can see each other for a long time, healthy and well.”