Gratitude to Hyc, ylin & Ping for this wonderfully translated interview & article

Interview of "3rd May Tokyo Dome Event" organizer and Mr. Song Wan Mo (BH's Japanese Agent & manager)

Source: HOT CHILI PAPER PLUS6 - 2006



Many thanks to jp angel ~ horang for sharing and typing out the Japanese text, and Ping for the chinese translation at bhjwlove.com.

Translation based on the Chinese translation by Ping, ylin and Hyc @bhjwlove.com


Interview article on P017 of the magazine.

Text by Hoshikawa Naoko

The other side of Lee Byung Hun in TOKYO DOME large scale event

This is the interview of the Japanese adviser organizing the Tokyo Dome event on May 2, talking about Lee Byung Hun's personal affair and persons close to him

How about Lee byung Hun's dedication towards this event?
¢As a Korean actor to have such a large scale event in Tokyo Dome, there seemed to be lots of pressure when making the decision. After that, to make it successful, there had been many rounds of discussion with production manager Yasushi Akimoto.£

How many times did you discuss with LBH?
¢Long meeting was done three times in Seoul. The final meeting is
done today (May 2), and the rehearsal immediately before this.£

What are the difficulties faced in the event?
[It's been discussed often, the extreme width of the dome. It's hoped that fans who are sitting far away will return home with the same satisfaction as those sitting in the front seats.]

How about your feelings as the organizer of the event?
[Organizer: This is an honorary job(laugh). All the staffs that were involved in the meeting have all become fans. Anyway, hope that it will be successful. Because of the large venue, there may be some empty seats, so they might have to get their friends to fill up the space.]

What kind of preparation has been done by Lee Byung Hun since his arrival in Japan?
[Not really drinking, and not sleeping at all yesterday. Today there is no proper meal time due to rehearsal (note by author: Tonight they are drinking wine in the hotel to discuss feedback about stage event).There is no time to eat out. Although he felt like eating sukiyaki, but he only made do with lunch box at the hall together with the staff (laugh).]

This time, there are many guests stars.
[It seems that Lee Byung Hun have had a telephone call from Choi Jiwoo when he was in Thailand for his photograph collection filming. It might have been that time he invited Choi Jiwoo to be the guest star.]

Was Choi Jiwoo's appearance as guest star decided in Thailand?
[He said: Must think about it uh.(laugh.).It looks like they are close friends.]

It was not a request from the event organizer side, was it?
[The organizing side didn't plan to invite any guest.We organizer had promoted the preparation of the Dome event. If without the guest, we have no problem. Is it because Mr. Lee Byung Hun feels nervous surely? LBH wished to have someone who can understand his feelings to be nearby during the 2 hours event.I heard that Mr. Song Seong Hun who co-starred with him once had become his best friend since then. He recorded a congratulation message vod for him during his 100 days vacation break from his military service. Singer Shin Seung-Hoon seemed to be a close friend of LBH too.]

In this event, the fans are very supportive. Is there anything that is not to his liking?
[Definitely no. We wish to express our gratitude to the fans. Basically, there is sure to be some excessive action. For example, this time when coming to Japan, there was a fan sitting in the business class of the same airplane, kept looking back (smile). It looked pathetic for a moment. Isn't the gentlest fan a fan that leaves him alone?]

Lee Byung Hun personally took part in the planning, carefully checking the details of programs, and with strong determination he finally accomplished what he set out to do. It can be said that he is showing his strength that combined with the confidence of an actor, good relationship with friends, and love from fans to make this event a huge success.




***Interview with Mr. Song on the 4th, after TD event.***

Interview article at P028-029 of the magazine.

Had a conversation with Mr Song to know some behind the scene details and the true personality of Lee Byung Hun

On the day after the event.
4th May, Mr Song is in a relaxing mood, can't really feel (see) the tiredness from the day before. For those fans who have attended the event, they would probably remember seeing from the big screen that Mr Song was the first person whom Lee Byung Hun has hugged when he went to step down to the backstage after the fan meet .
5 years as Lee Byung Hun's right hand man, continuously providing support, event producer - Manager Song spoke frankly about the event on the 3rd.

We have been preparing for five months for this event. While doing it we can feel how serious the matter is. I do not have a confirmed work plan to move ahead. Luckily the partners are experienced people in this kind of event; especially I think that the production manager Yasushi Akimoto is wonderful. Yesterday, when the grand show can be carried out smoothly to its end was really very touching moment for me. I couldnft stop my tears from flowing quietly at back stage, it happened to Lee Byung Hun too.

After the event, the screen projected the touching scene of two people embracing each other on the back stage.
[When we embraced each other we were really moved by the heartfelt emotions. Lee Byung Hun and I always confer, exchange ideas, and then confirm the decision on any trifling thing. None of the decision made is my own, or his alone. Yesterday when the event ended, the embracing moment is full of such feelings of having carried it out together.]

I felt that this event of Tokyo Dome might give considerable pressure to Mr. Song and LBH?
[It's like this. If the event goes well, it will give a positive effect. But if it's a failure, it will cause the negative image and considerable loss. After the plan of having the Tokyo Dome fans meet there was no end to the worries. Would it be successful? From my point of view, this TD is BH fans affair too, using this chance to reignite the cooling Hanllyu fever. Japan and Korean media also pay much attention to the event, whether it would be a successful. The accomplishment yesterday was just like finishing an assignment.]

Can you describe Lee Byung Hun's situation when he was backstage?
[(Laughted) Actually, Byung Hun is quite nervous, he is not a singer and does not have any stage experience. Although nervous, he is not someone who shows his feelings. As such, whether he's 'not nervous' or 'very nervous', will not be seen on his facial expressions.

He is extremely nervous on the stage but the audience did not notice, this is probably his strong point. But before this he can feel the pressure. Hence, to relieve his stress, good friends were invited backstage to chat with him while waiting for the event to start. We also had some jokes to help him feel more relaxed]

Hope you are not angry after listening to this. 42,000 people attended the Fan Meet, ticket priced at 9,800 Japanese yen each and good seats were sold at 430,000 Japanese yen through online auction.. Lee Byung Hun's name probably rolled the Japanese yen. What's your view on this?
[This comment is regrettable. All tickets were priced at 9,800 yen and itfs free seating, whereas for ordinary performance, the front seats are usually more expensive. We took into consideration that the price must be affordable for all the fans. We are angry with what happened outside but this is beyond our control. No matter what, this is much to our regret. Also, not only there were problems with the ticket price but there were also a lot of illegal selling of commodity. Some would think that this is because Lee Byung Hun is famous. I think this should however be properly managed.]

Mr Song, how long have you known Lee Byung Hun?
[ In 2001, after working in an Advertising Agency for 9 years, I switched to the Entertainment Company . It was 5 years ago when I first met Byung Hun and was assigned to take care of his overseas marketing plan, ites 5 years of collaboration.]

What was your reason to change from an Advertising agent to a Entertainment Art business associate?
[A senior relative who knew the boss of the Entertainment Company introduced me to this job. As I love movies, I thought it would be great if my work is related to Entertainment Art and it would be fun. But all works are the same. Previously I sold products using plans and strategies regardless of the quantity. The difference now is that I manage performance, which is to sell a person! (Laughed) This ggoodsh that I have has personality and dissatisfaction (Laughed), which is a new experience and very interesting! ]

Fantom Entertainment has other artistes, different types of stars. From Mr Songfs viewpoint, what is Lee Byung Hunfs character?
[Yes, there are lots of actors who are famous in Korea but not many are known outside the country. But of course, each actor has his/her own charisma. Byung Hun is someone who is cautious and has strong personal view. Hence there is a need to continuously discuss with him when working. Even though discussion was carried out, explanation done but finally his opinion and decision would be accepted. He has a strong sense of obligation and responsibility towards people, not only as an actor to his manager, but also as man to man. I often think that he is very good-looking, gentle and affectionate.]

Mr Song, please talk about Lee Byung Hun's weaknesses?
[Let's talk about interesting things. In a year, there will be about 2 months we are eating and sleeping together with him. As he is an actor, we spent a lot of time together.
He will usually switch to wearing slippers when he is on board the plane and removes his socks.
He also removes his socks when traveling in the car (laughed) as this is more relaxed. But on normal days he will not remove the socks because he feels that it is not presentable.]

Are there matters that you were angry with him?
[A lot. Byung Hun and I have close relationship but at times we will quarrel. However, I will always lose to him. I 100% respect his views on projects as he has 15 years of acting experience. But on the business side, such as this Fan meet, this is my expertise which he agrees. I made decisions for this event but will have to put up with suggestions, need ample time to explain, will not give in to him for the sake of work and not personal matters. Finally a resolution is decided from the discussion which is worth it.]

The type of woman that Lee Byung Hun likes?
[Let's not mention about the type, but he is already 35 years old and it's just right for him to get married if he meets the right one].
Hopefully someone pretty, but other than this, most important is that his job is special as an actor, the person he marries must be able to build a happy family with the husband, take care of home life, support him, and help him to become a successful actor. This is my view as a brother. Maybe I am married; sometimes he will say that he is envy of me.

Is there any changes in your collaboration compared to the beginning?
[I think there are changes, 5 years is a pretty long time, has grown closed to Byung Hun. From working together, we got to understand one another. It took 1 year for Byung Hun to entrust work to me. From there onwards, our exchange of opinions and views has progressed to higher level.]

What dreams do you have with Byung Hun?
[It's a real dream].. Walking down the red carpet at Oscar Awards with Byung Hun. Last year, A Bitter Sweet Life was invited to participate in the Cannes Movie Festival. If I am not in this job, I will not be able to excperience this which money cannot buy. I hope I will be able to walk the red carpet at Oscar with Byung Hun when he wins the Best Male Actor award.

Last but not least, can you say something to the fans of Lee Byung Hun?
[Me? (laughed) I may be a bit exaggerating
Byung Hun will continue on his path to be a good actor. Most Japanese fans would love to see more of him. But I believe we should move together with him towards the way of being an excellent actor. Although we may not meet often, at times when we meet, we will feel happy and still be good friends, and this is what I am looking forward to. We wish to express our gratitude to all the friends who have come from all over the world to gather at Tokyo Dome.]

Lee Byung Hun always questions the director about the character he portrays, and is called <the one who makes the director cry>. Regarding the event this time, there's such happening too. But there is no regret to have such considerable, truthful and insistent conversation because as the strong <right hand>, he is great for LBH. If there is no strong companionship and collaboration between the two, <Tokyo Dome> would not be a success.