There was a man. He had no name or dream. He was struggling for his life because of his low social status. There was nothing he can do as the lowest class. He was forbidden to do anything. That’s why he couldn’t stop the death of his father too.
"Justice? Law? There’s no such law for lowest class people.” (Lee Sun)
He just wanted to live as a normal human.
This small wish of his
turned into desire
and finally became mad.
This problematic character of “Lee Sun” was successfully acted by L or Kim Myung Soo.
Kim Myung Soo’s last story of “The Emperor” starts now.
▶ Becoming Lee Sun
It happened December last year. Kim Myung Soo began his practice for action scenes in MBC-TV “The Emperor: Owner of the Mask”. He prepared in advance to act the dark side of Lee Sun.
"Be serious in action scenes”
"in one sword,”
"I overpower the enemy”
It’s not easy to become Lee Sun. He practiced riding horse too. He’s totally different when it comes to learning. He becomes a different person when the practice starts.
"All right, shall we go now?”
"Practicing as if it’s real”
"Good boy”
Training for techniques is done here. It’s time to look into his character. He had a unique determination for this drama.
"It was my first history drama. So I thought I shouldn’t practice or learn right at the site. I prepared in advance to become Lee Sun.” (Kim Myung Soo)
▶ The burden as a fake king
Actually, “Lee Sun” is not an easy character. He had to act from his childhood to adolescence. He also had to show the change in his social class from lowest to loyal.
"I put details on facial expression, the way I speak and my actions. I studied about them while watching ‘Moon Embracing the Sun’ and movie ‘Masquerade’.”
He especially put effort in acting while wearing the mask. This mask was special to Lee Sun. It was the shield that hid his identity and also a thing that revealed his desire.
"When I wear the mask, you could only see my eyes and hear my voice. That’s when Lee Sun’s dark side comes out. I emphasized more on my emotions rather than facial expression.”
▶ Darkening
Kim Myung Soo became darker as the story went on. With his strong desire, he tried his best to become the real king. The viewers also fell into the character made by Kim Myung Soo.
Jealousy and obsession towards
his lover.
He also stared and watched
the death of Yoo Seung-ho.
The reason why he could let down this burden was because of his co-actor. Lots of actors and actresses cheered him up.
"I miss you, Daemok”
"The energetic Woobo”
"Cutie pie”
"Hyun Sun, why…”
▶ The end of Lee Sun
Lastly, it’s the scene when the fans of this drama cried a lot. It was the end of Lee Sun. Kim Myung Soo died instead of Kim So-hyun. He went to Gochang, a country in Jeolla province, for this scene. The shooting site was filled with nervousness from early morning. Shall we take a peek into it?
"I will protect you, my lady”
"Lee Sun falls down”
"Was I good?”
He monitors his acting. This is the real scene:
"Don’t cry, my lady”
"I was happy that I earned my name and had a dream because of you.”
"Thank you again for your love for Lee Sun. I was supported too much compared to my poor acting. I will come back to you with a better acting and healthier look.”
Article = Kim Soo Ji (Dispatch)
Picture = Woollim Entertainment
(Starcast)