Lee Joo-young has become a darling of sorts of Korean indie cinema. The actress, who studies film and theatre at the Kyung Hee University, started her cinematic journey with a debut in the short “Behinds” in 2011. But it wasn't until indie director Zhang Lu's “A Quiet Dream” in 2016 and her work in K-dramas like “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo” that her profile rose in prominence. Interesting roles in other Korean indies like “Jane” and “Maggie” followed, in which her performances were met with positive responses.
2020 has been good to her professionally. Beginning with her role of a transgender chef in the hit series “Itaewon Class“, which received a very favourable response, she also was the leading lady in the indie film “Baseball Girl” by Choi Yoon-tae, which released in the second half of 2020 and saw a high number of admissions, with her performance once again being applauded by critics, viewers and fans alike.
On the occasion of “Baseball Girl” screening at New York Asian Film Festival and Lee Joo-young receiving the Rising Star Award, we talked to the actress about “Baseball Girl”, “Itaewon Class”, her co-stars”, awards appreciation and more.
Q. 2020 has been a great year for you professionally. First an important role in the hit drama “Itaewon Class”, the release of Baseball Girl and now the Rising Star Award at NYAFF. Can you sum up your feelings on this for us, please?
I'm happy with the results, but this was also a difficult year for me. As an actor, I often worry if I am doing well, and there are many times when I wonder if I am truly happy with my achievements. But of course, thank you for all of the interest and love I have received. I hope to improve more in the future.
Q. To quickly touch upon “Itaewon Class”, it was a very risky and daring role that not many actresses might want to touch. Please tell us a bit about what made you decide to take it on.
I was a little worried that I had to act in a transgender role; usually, male actors used to play the MTF (male to female) transformations. As a result, I wanted to express the character beyond just gender conformities. Being a fan of artist Kwang-jin's original webtoon also contributed to my decision.
Q. How much did you research and how much training went into your role in “Baseball Girl?”
For teenager Joo Soo-in, baseball is her life. Understanding that mindset was of utmost importance, so I also threw myself into baseball. Even though I practiced for a month, it still wasn't enough. It was only possible thanks to Lee Joon-hyuk and his coaches, our practice buddies (who had actually trained for professional baseball before).
Q. Which was the most challenging scene for you in “Baseball Girl”?
While we were in production, there was a tryout scene that took three days to film. It was so cold, and the baseball uniforms were so thin. Most of the outdoor game scenes were hard work, but I remember that particular one was especially difficult because I was already worn out and had minor injuries by then.
Q. You have worked with two powerhouse actresses, Moon So-ri in “Maggie” and Yum Hye-ran in “Baseball Girl”. How was your experience and what were your takeaways from working with them?
It was a great honor just to be able to work with both of them. I am a little regretful though, since I feel like I am still not the best partner to work with yet. Of course I learned more about acting, but I also learned more from my seniors' attitude towards acting. There were many embarrassing moments. Even after we finished the film, I am so thankful that they have continued to look out for me.
Q. Both “Itaewon Class” and “Baseball Girl” feature Yoo Jae-myung. How has your experience working with him been?
Yoo Jae-myung is so cool. Whenever I meet him, he always greets me with a smile – he brightens my day. I was more nervous filming “Baseball Girl” than “Itaewon Class” since I am such a fan.
Q. You have been awarded the Rising Star Award this year at NYAFF, joining the likes of Gong Hyo-jin, So Ji-sub, Kim Go-eun and Ryu Jun-yeol, who have all been recipients of the honour in the past. How does it feel to receive this award and be in this esteemed company?
It's a shame I cannot visit New York in-person, due to the pandemic. However, I do not believe the future will be as dark as people say it will be. I hope everyone stays in high hopes – we can pull through this together. One day, we will be able to meet again.
