Just the Beginning: L'Officiel Singapore's May Issue Cover Star, Lee Da-hee
Congratulations on L.U.C.A.: The Beginning, which scored high ratings earlier this year. How was the filming process for you?
Filming L.U.C.A.: The Beginning was a new experience for me, as I had to take on action scenes that were much more challenging compared to the other action roles that I had done before. For the perfection of the series, I needed to fully devote myself to the role of a detective, and shot most of the action scenes myself without a stunt double, except for some of the really dangerous parts. It was physically challenging and wasn’t easy to perform such intense scenes, but the results were very satisfying and this sense of achievement hugely motivated me till the end of the series.
Since I had previously done a detective role for a drama Mrs. Cop from SBS few years ago, it was an interesting challenge to bring out a different type of detective for L.U.C.A.: The Beginning.
What else will you be busy with this year?
After shooting L.U.C.A.: The Beginning last year, I had a short break until earlier this year. Now, I am preparing to show another side of actress Lee Da-hee, through another piece of work.
What is it that you like about each: acting, doing variety shows, and hosting?
While being an actor is obviously my main career, I enjoy being outside of my comfort zone, and express different sides of myself as a person by being on various TV variety shows – and sometimes even by being an MC to host awards shows.
When people see me on a TV series, they are seeing actress Lee Da-hee, through a fictional character I’m playing. However, when I am on TV variety shows or hosting awards shows, I feel more natural expressing myself as a person and get closer to the audience. That’s why I’m really glad to have these opportunities to be on different shows, but of course, I’m an actor and the happiest moments for me are when I am acting on set. I feel really blessed to have this career and to also have the opportunities to be on different TV shows as well.
We’ve heard Your Eyes (the acoustic version), which you recorded for the soundtrack of L.U.C.A.: The Beginning. Did you enjoy contributing to a soundtrack, and will you be working on more music-type projects?
After my first drama OST experience in 2019 on the TVN drama series Search: WWW, it was my second opportunity to work on Your Eyes for L.U.C.A.: The Beginning, while also performing as the lead actress. It’s certainly a huge honour, and although I may not be as skilled as a professional singer, it still feels great to make a contribution to the series in a different way, as an OST singer. And I will always do my best whenever I have opportunities in the future.
What would you love to try next in your career?
As I like to binge watch Netflix on my off-days, I always thought it would be great to have the opportunity to be on a Netflix originals series.
Who are some artistes you admire?
I’m a big fan of K-pop artistes Mamamoo and Taeyeon – I love their music, and their visual aesthetics as well.
What are your hopes and dreams?
As an actor, my goal is to be a reliable actor who always delivers good performances through good pieces of work. As a person, I wish to keep making a positive and meaningful impact on people and the society.
Before we part, would you like to say a little something to your Singaporean fans?
Hello everyone, it is actress Lee Da-hee. Thank you for having me as the cover star for L’Officiel Singapore’s May issue, and it is a shame that I can’t go to Singapore myself and meet my fans in such circumstances. I hope everyone stays safe and happy during this difficult time. After the end of the pandemic, I wish to meet you in Singapore at the earliest opportunity!
