Korean star Lee Min-ho said he auditioned for his role in the Apple TV Plus drama “Pachinko,” which will have its global premiere on March 25.
“Pachinko” focuses on the story of a Korean immigrant family across four generations who leave South Korea to survive. The story starts in the early 1900s and is told through the eyes of Sunja (played by Youn Yuh-jung, Kim Minha and Jeon Yu-na), who triumphs against all odds.
In the drama, Lee Min-ho plays the role of Hansu, a Zainichi Korean or ethnic Korean in Japan. He said his character is a “merchant who travels between Korea and Japan, a character who lives as a Yakuza, and a character who meets Sunja and falls in love."
“Pachinko” is Lee Min-ho’s first OTT (over-the-top) video streaming project and his first audition in 13 years since the hit drama “Boys Over Flowers,” which was released in 2009.
“It was my first audition in 13 years. It was so good for me. It reminded me of who I was 13 years ago. It felt like being born again,” Lee Min-ho told Korean media during an online press conference for “Pachinko.”
When asked the reason why he agreed to be in “Pachinko,” he said, "This is a scenario where I felt a lot of power in the story. I definitely wanted to participate. As the times change to global standards, I'll be more aggressive in Hollywood if I have a chance to do well in the future."
Lee Min-ho and other stars of “Pachinko” attended the world premiere of “Pachinko” in Los Angeles on March 16 and had interviews with foreign media.
He said the most frequently asked question from the foreign media was about Korean content or K-content.
“We got a lot of questions about the global popularity of K-content. Foreign media are very interested in Korean culture. They are curious about what we are making. I was very proud,” he said.