Korean star Lee Jae Yoon on ‘The Season’ and branching out of K-drama

What initially drew you to playing Jon Kim in The Season, and how did you prepare to portray someone with such a menacing presence?
Jon Kim is a fixer who completely alters the dynamic of a room, making everything feel uneasy because you are never quite sure what he is up to. That element of mystery really drew me to the character. What truly stands out is that he is the only Korean character in the drama, which brings a distinct presence to the project.

I had a very clear mental image of how Jon Kim should talk, look and walk. Physically, he is an observant character who doesn’t openly display emotion. He is always reading people and calculating ways to solve problems. The director and the showrunner saw Jon Kim in me from the beginning, so he didn’t want me to change my natural appearance or demeanour. I just focused on keeping my lines prepared and projecting a calm, lake-like disposition.

How much of your personal self is reflected in Jon Kim?
I am certainly not a real-life fixer. However, I am a very organised person who likes to prepare for things well before they happen. In that specific manner, Jon Kim and I are very similar. I always try to relate to my characters and find the good in them, so transitioning into his headspace wasn’t too difficult.

Earlier in your career, you often played professional and kind figures, but you have transitioned into darker, antagonistic roles. How do you navigate that creative shift?
When I was younger, I played a lot of good sons, professional businessmen and doctors. As I have grown older, I suppose the mood of my face has changed a bit, and I tend to be cast as the antagonist in the majority of my recent projects.

To prepare, I do extensive research and draw inspiration from brilliant villainous performances by actors both inside and outside of South Korea, such as Gary Oldman, Johnny Depp, Robert De Niro and Al Pacino. If a role is based on a true story, I dive into documentaries, articles and books to study the real person. If it is entirely fictional, I find similar cinematic characters to build upon. Because Jon Kim has an ex-military special forces background and is very quiet, I was able to develop him from the foundations of similar intense characters I have portrayed in the past.

How has your definition of a compelling character changed over the last two decades?
Early in my career, I focused heavily on visual appeal—how I looked, how I sounded and ensuring I was attractive. I realised that there are much deeper ways to express a character. I no longer hard-target the audience’s affection or beg for attention. Now, I am focused on stripping things down, keeping it simple and letting my performance shine.

What has been your favourite memory of filming The Season on location in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is an amazing city with a diverse mix of ethnicities, cultures and wonderful food. Beyond my work in front of the camera, there is so much to explore. I made great friends here who helped me navigate the city. I love how it beautifully balances its urban and rural sides—you have hectic, busy city environments right alongside tranquil mountains and scenery. It shares a high-energy vibe with Seoul, but Hong Kong feels incredibly relaxing.

The Season features a highly international cast, including Toby Stephens and Jessie Mei Li. Did this global environment change the way you approached your craft?
This was my first time acting entirely in English, which was nerve-wracking because I don’t want to embarrass myself. However, the setup allowed me to feel free and comfortable compared to what I am traditionally used to in South Korea. The international set felt more like a gathering of friends making something fun. Everyone was deeply respectful yet playful, which completely removed any anxieties I had.

As someone who grew up in Canada before returning to Seoul, how do you perceive the global explosion of Korean and Asian culture?
I moved to Canada during elementary school and returned to South Korea in 2003. Back then, people in Canada didn’t know much about Korea and would ask basic questions about where it was and if I was from North or South Korea. Today, our culture—our dramas, music, sports and food—is recognised globally, which makes me immensely proud.

Growing up, Hong Kong cinema was a massive inspiration for me. I watched Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Jet Li and Donnie Yen. Bruce Lee, in particular, was a monumental figure for me as an Asian man, a martial artist and a philosopher. He taught a young kid like me to take immense pride in being Asian, and visiting his resting place in Seattle was a deeply emotional milestone for me.

Your athletic condition on Netflix’s Physical: 100 Season Two – Underground stunned fans. What was the mental pressure of that show like?
To be completely honest, I initially did not want to join the show because I knew how intense it was. In South Korea, there are often public rankings of athletic entertainers, and I was ranked near the top, which created immense pressure to prove myself against elite athletes. I was terrified of potential embarrassment or early elimination. A respected director convinced me that because it was a global platform, it was a necessary challenge to break out of my comfort zone. Once I made it past the initial cage fight round, the pressure vanished; I realised I had nothing to lose and could just enjoy the experience.

What is your personal philosophy on wellness?
True wellness is simple: it starts with eating well and sleeping well. From there, it is about dedication and building consistent habits. Even on days when I am completely exhausted and lack the motivation to leave my bed, I force myself to get dressed and show up. Surrounding yourself with friends who offer a positive, active influence is a great way to stay on track. This disciplined athletic mentality directly benefits my acting, because filming requires immense physical energy and mental focus.

What upcoming projects can you share with us?
I have recently wrapped a movie filmed in Thailand with Arden Cho. The film explores the cutthroat rivalries and envy within a K-pop management agency as performers fight to become the next star. I like to describe the project’s vibe as K-pop Demon Hunters meets Black Swan—it is going to be incredibly intense, and I cannot wait for audiences to see it.

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