Actor Lee Hyun Wook has recently been interviewed after the Netflix series “Song of the Bandits” was released!
Lee Hyun Wook, who played the character Choi Kwang-il, a young Japanese military officer with a complex relationship with Nam Hee-shin, a Korean slave, revealed various stories during the interview held at a cafe in Seoul.
“Song of the Bandits” is an action period drama set in the lawless land of Gando, where people from China, Japan, and Korea gather in the 1920s to protect their loved ones and their lives.
In the drama, Lee Hyun Wook portrayed Kwang-il, a Chosun native with a multi-dimensional face, who is cruel to Koreans but has affection for Nam Hee-shin [Kim Nam Gil]. Kwang-il’s anger towards Hee-shin is portrayed when he learns that Hee-shin is leaving.
Regarding this, Lee Hyun Wook explained, “There was a narrative about Kwang-il and Hee-shin becoming friends from being slaves, but now it seems like they are on the side of evil. If the narrative was explained, people would understand the reason for Kwang-il’s anger.”
He also added, “Hee-shin was someone Kwang-il admired and wanted to believe in and resemble. There was a scene where he said, ‘Call me Kwang-il.’ When the person he thought was the most precious was about to leave, it turned into a tragic relationship, and he became angry, saying, ‘Why are you trying to leave me when I’m thinking of you?’ There are some points that couldn’t be expressed, and it’s regrettable.”
Initially planned as a 20-episode series, “Song of the Bandits” was produced as a 9-episode drama, leaving the possibility of a second season open.
Regarding this, Lee Hyun Wook expressed his regret, saying, “If I say I’m not disappointed, it would be a lie. There are some parts that are not explained. We acted according to the script and in that direction, but there were acting moments that disappeared and were only visible to us due to the editing process.”
Previously, Kim Nam Gil expressed his desire for a second season of “Song of the Bandits” to resolve the unresolved storylines. Lee Hyun Wook also said, “I strongly advocate for it in my heart. It would be great if it happens. However, this decision is not something that can be made based on our own thoughts.”
However, not only the actors but also the viewers who have binge-watched “Song of the Bandits” are longing for a Season 2. At the conclusion that hints at a bigger story, viewers showed more reactions asking, “When is Season 2 coming?”.
Lee Hyun Wook understands this sentiment and said, “It’s a good sign that people feel there is enough narrative they want to feel from the characters. It is true that there are unfulfilled aspects. I think it’s a natural reaction. It would be a shame if ‘Song of the Bandits’ was only evaluated based on this.” He expressed his affection for the anticipation of a more grandiose story in the future.
Meanwhile, “Song of the Bandits” is available on Netflix.
Source: (A)
