Lee Je-hoon “Filming ‘Signal 2’ and ‘Taxi Driver 3’ at the Same Time—It’s a Shocking Schedule, But I’m Happy”
On May 9, Lee Je-hoon appeared as a guest on SBS PowerFM’s ‘Joo Hyun-young at 12 o’clock’ ahead of the release of his new movie ‘Big Deal’.
During the broadcast, Joo Hyun-young said, “Lee Je-hoon is called the icon of hard work. I heard your schedule is packed until early next year. You’re filming two dramas. I love both ‘Taxi Driver 3’ and ‘Signal 2’-how is your health these days?”
Lee Je-hoon replied, “I’m fine. These days, I fall asleep as soon as I lie down. I’m sleeping well. In the past, when things were really hectic, I often had to pull all-nighters, but it’s not that bad now, so I’m trying to appreciate and enjoy this moment.”
When asked if he ever feels overwhelmed or reaches his limits, he said, “There are moments like that from time to time, but I have an ideal version of myself that I dream of and aspire to. I’m working towards that goal. There’s a set date for reaching my target, so unlike an endless task where you don’t know when it will end, I know when I have to finish. Until then, I want to give my all and do my best so I won’t have any regrets.”
Besides, in a recent interview with Herald POP at a café in Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Lee Je-hoon asked fans to look forward to both series.
“People are shocked when they see my schedule,” he shared. “But I had somewhat anticipated this and mentally prepared myself. Wherever I go, I’m committed to giving my best each day.” Still, he admitted, “One regret I have is that if my schedule were more flexible, I could’ve done more variety shows, stage greetings, and had more chances to connect with fans.”
He continued, “Filming two dramas at once makes scheduling coordination on both sides quite challenging, and I feel really sorry about that. I haven’t had a single day off, and of course, it’s exhausting. But above all, I’m grateful. My hope is to complete everything without injury or illness and stay healthy through it all.”
Regarding the two series, Lee said, “Since both shows are continuations of popular franchises, there’s a certain comfort in returning to familiar characters. But at the same time, I feel pressure to deliver upgraded performances and more compelling stories.” He added, “People around me tell me I really need to rest, and I agree. But since I’m also running a company, I feel this constant sense of responsibility not to take a break.”
Lee expressed his high expectations, “Once ‘Signal 2’ and ‘Taxi Driver 3’ are complete and aired, I’m confident fans will love them. I can proudly say both projects will live up to expectations. I’m truly enjoying the filming process.”
Meanwhile, the movie ‘Big Deal’ is set during the 1997 IMF financial crisis and tells the story of Pyo Jong-rok (played by Yoo Hae-jin), a finance director whose life revolves around a soju company, and Choi In-beom (played by Lee Je-hoon), an employee of a global investment firm who only cares about results.
The two face off over the fate of Korea’s national soju. The film was released on May 30.