Ryu Jun Yeol On his Role as Kang Jae in "Lost" - Men's Folio
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Ryu Jun Yeol On his Role as Kang Jae in “Lost”

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Ryu Jun Yeol On his Role as Kang Jae in Lost
Ryu Jun Yeol as Kang Jae in Lost, photo credit: iQiyi

Lost, the drama that’s airing on iQiyi represents the new wave of Korean shows as of late: less about the dramatics and more about the reality of our paparazzi free lives. In Lost’s case, this reality hits a little closer to home. It depicts the stories of average people who realise that they haven’t achieved much in life, the spotlight of success turned dim on them.

In Ryu Jun Yeol’s case as Kang Jae in Lost, he runs a service where employees act out any roles client request while his co-star Jeon Do Yeon stars as Boo Jung, a ghost writer in her ’40s who is facing an existential crisis. Lest we bore you with our attempts at revealing the plot without spoiling it, here, an interview with Ryu Jun Yeol himself to explain it all.

What was the key reason that made you decide to play the role of Kang Jae in “Lost”?
When I first read this script, I already found it very unforgettable. I think the character of Kang Jae is very charismatic. Moreover, it was a chance to cooperate with an industry senior, Jeon Do Yeon, and film with Director Heo Jin Ho. All of this contributed to this opportunity to film the drama.  I am very grateful for this production.


I don’t look at dramas and movies separately, but it just so happens that I’ve appeared on the big screen more often. I finally had the chance to return to the small screen this time. Since the news of my casting came out, not only my fans but all my friends and acquaintances were also very happy for me.

That makes me very happy too.

Ryu Jun Yeol On his Role as Kang Jae in Lost
Ryu Jun Yeol as Kang Jae in Lost alongside his co-stars, photo credit: iQiyi

At a press conference, you mentioned that Jeon Do Yeon is a senior whom you respect very much. How did you feel when you actually acted with her? Please share a memorable scene that you and Jeon Do Yeon did together. Is there anything you found surprising about Jeon Do Yeon compared to her on-screen image?
I think Ms. Jeon has a charisma that’s hard to describe in words. She’s an actress who makes me want to reflect on myself. She also inspires me to show a new side of myself. No matter if it’s on the surface or the inside, she is like a fairy-tale character to me.

Also, there were a lot of scenes that we barely rehearsed in advance, but when I observed the way she delivered her lines, her expressions, and her eyes, her acting skills would always surprise me. That really touched me and I found it very interesting.

It hasn’t been that long since we wrapped up the filming of this drama, but it’s all still lingering in my memory.

Kang Jae is actually someone who is cold on the outside but warm on the inside. He pretends to go home to borrow money so he can see his mom and even especially brings coffee milk back for her. Are you also the type that will especially bring food that your family likes back home?
I’m more of the type that cooks dishes that my family usually likes. I personally really like the food my mom makes, so I also want to cook for my family.


In the drama, Kang Jae kept his hair long the whole time. How long did it take to grow your hair to this current length? Do you find it troubling to have long hair? Between long hair and short hair, which do you prefer? How did your family and friends react to your long hairstyle?
I think I’ve been growing it out for two years. That’s because I had to have a historical look when I filmed the movie “Alien.” This is the first time I had long hair for so long. Of course I preferred having short hair before, but after having long hair for such a long time, I realize I can have different looks with it and show off a versatile charm.

The downside to it is that it takes too long to blow-dry my hair and I have to use double the amount of shampoo I used to use.


Ryu Jun Yeol as Kang Jae in Lost alongside his co-star Jeon Do Yeon who plays Boo Jung, photo credit: iQiyi

There is a scene in the drama where Kang Jae sees Bu Jeong crying on a bus and he offers her a luxury-branded handkerchief to comfort her. If you run into the same situation in real life, what would you do? If you saw a stranger crying on the bus, would you go and comfort them?
If I saw someone crying really hard or looking sick, the first thing I would think of is definitely to go and help. However, some people don’t want people around them to see that they’re suffering. They want others to pretend they don’t know. I would probably read the situation first before making a judgment.

I think Kang Jae handed Bu Jeong a handkerchief probably because he heard what Bu Jeong said to her dad. Just like the line in the drama says, “He wants to be a good person.”

 

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How similar are you and Kang Jae? What do you think is the most similar and the most different between the two of you?
Rather than looking at us separately, I prefer to discover our similar points as I try to understand the character. For example, I look dull on the outside, but when I’m with friends and people I know well, I’m very relaxed. Also, when I encounter problems or feel stressed, I personally wouldn’t just accept it and wait for the stress to devour me. I’m like Kang Jae, who tries to break free from everything as soon as possible.

Another thing is that when I’m by myself, I am very serious and stern, but if there are more than two people around, I do my best to get rid of that stern and serious vibe.

Ryu Jun Yeol On his Role as Kang Jae in Lost
Ryu Jun Yeol as Kang Jae in Lost alongside his co-star Jeon Do Yeon who plays Boo Jung, photo credit: iQiyi

The role you’re playing in this character is in his twenties, which is younger than your actual age. As you’ve entered your thirties, what about Kang Jae’s character resonates with you most and what is the hardest for you to understand?
Kang Jae’s character is like most young people’s. They are at a loss and insecure as they get through each day. They pursue the supposed “concept of money” that the world talks about, believing that money equals love. I resonate with the changes Kang Jae goes through due to all the things he experiences as the story develops. When I was playing the character, I wanted to display the youth I experienced.

I have my own philosophical thinking from the life I’ve been through, in addition to the many troubles that have arisen within all the relationships and interactions I’ve had with others. I wanted to do my best to show the process of my reflection on all this. It seems I’m still walking on the same path as Kang Jae.

 

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Many young people in their twenties nowadays still feel uneasy about their future and dreams. Do you have any advice or encouragement for them?
Rather than directly giving them concrete advice and encouragement, I hope people can resonate with the drama or find some comfort from it. I think if you watch this drama in-depth, you’ll find encouragement and advice in it.

Kang Jae’s look in the drama is very cool. In real life, is there a part of your look you care the most about before you go out?
I usually care the most about my clothes. I think the first way I can express myself is through my clothes. Your mood, your personality, and many emotions can be shown through the clothes you wear.

I don’t think it’s called judging someone by their appearance, but rather, you’re seeing someone’s personality through their style.

 Stream Lost starring Ryu Jun Yeol today on iQ.com and the iQiyi International app or, click here to catch up with our November 2021 issue!