Cover Story: Rising Star Sang-Heon Lee is Reaching New Heights
With the international success of Netflix’s XO, Kitty and his spot in the soon-to-be-released sports drama film Gran Turismo, South Korean actor Sang Heon Lee is the up-and-comer to watch.
If you don’t have a natural affinity for the romance genre or just haven’t managed to keep up to date with Netflix’s current smash hit, XO, Kitty (American author Jenny Han’s spin-off of the To All the Boys film series), you may not yet be too familiar with our cover star, Sang-Heon Lee.
We’re here to change that.
Testament to the breakout actor’s sterling performance in the series, a recent The Hollywood Reporter review of XO, Kitty said pointedly: “Lee steals every scene he’s in as Dae’s snobby best friend Min Ho, whether he’s bickering with Kitty in class or fussing over his elaborate skincare routine in his dorm.” The series has already been renewed for a second season by Netflix, with Lee set to reprise his role as Min Ho. The heartthrob will likely be kept busy with the upcoming film, Gran Turismo, which is based on Jann Mardenborough’s life and career as a professional race car driver. Although Lee’s role in the movie is expected to be small, it’s nothing to be scoffed at — as a new actor, he rubs shoulders with a star-studded cast, which includes Orlando Bloom, Geri Halliwell-Horner and Djimon Hounsou.
When Lee is not taking a giant step in his acting career, he will still be found scaling heights, and quite literally too. See the avid rock climber’s absolute resolve at his secondary Instagram account, @climb_nice, devoted to his regular climbing pursuits.
Congratulations on all the success that has come with XO, Kitty. Were you surprised by the show’s success? How did you celebrate when you found out how well it was doing?
Thank you so much! Definitely surprised by the love and support the fans are giving the show and my character. Honestly, I’m just really grateful for all the attention the show got me. I celebrated by having dinner with some close friends. And by making each day count.
Your sister, Gia Kim, is also in XO, Kitty. It is said that she got you to audition for the show. What’s your relationship with her like and what was it like to work with her on the show?
We have a good relationship and she was the one who suggested that I should go for the role and the audition when I was very sceptical about the whole process. So I thank her greatly for the opportunity. We grew up together and have a similar taste in films and series so naturally, we bonded well. I didn’t have a lot of scenes with her but every day, on and off set, we would tell each other that we had a good day or listen to one another if we had a stressful one. It was lovely to have a family member directly involved.
Your Instagram bio shows three countries’ flags: South Korea’s, Hong Kong’s and the United Kingdom’s. How have these three places shaped you to be who you are now?
I always introduce myself like this: born in South Korea, raised in Hong Kong, and experienced in the UK. That explains all the flags on my bio. Being able to experience different countries and being able to interact with different people with different cultural backgrounds has really shaped who I am. Culturally, I’m more aware of how big the world is and how interesting the world is. It has inspired me to travel more and see what’s out there.
In XO, Kitty, Min Ho is a privileged student with an extensive skincare routine. In real life, do you have a grooming secret?
Honestly, I don’t have a long list of products that I use on my skin. Toner, essence water, moisturising cream. When I leave the house during the day, I always put sunscreen on. I drink a lot of water and make sure to have a good amount of sleep.
Before acting, you modelled. What would you say is the key similarity of and difference between the two?
Being in front of a camera and pretending to be someone else or be a part of yourself.
You’re an avid rock climber. How did you get into it and how often do you work on your climbing?
It was actually after my “body profile”, which is something that’s very trendy in South Korea. It’s where you train your body to have a fit physique and then have yourself a photoshoot to keep as a memory. After the photoshoot, I just got really tired of going to the gym and was wondering what sort of exercise I should do to keep myself fit. That’s when my friend suggested rock climbing. And just like that, I got hooked [laughs]. I usually go three or four times a week and stay for four to five hours.
Your first movie, Gran Turismo should be out around the time that our issue of L’OFFICIEL HOMMES SINGAPORE is released. Is there anything about the film or your role that you can share?
Amazing! Impeccable timing [laughs]. Well, it was just an honour to see these great and experienced actors in real life and see how they work on set. Orlando Bloom had the best energy on set and David Harbour really just gives everything even in every rehearsal. Djimon Hounsou is the humblest person I’ve ever met and a wonderful human being. For me, I had just a small role and I played my part as one of the gamers who made it to the GT Academy. You can probably see me with a different hair cut? [laughs]
What kind of roles would you like to try next? And is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
I would love to try every film and series genre. I especially want to try something different from rom com for my next gig to show my fans and the audience a different side of me, to keep things interesting and colourful. It would be amazing if I could be a part of a Guy Ritchie film. I’m a huge fan of his work.
How would you describe your sense of style?
I could come out nice and easy or in something very neat. Mostly, I like my fashion to be nice and comfortable.
What will you be busy with for the rest of the year?
I think I’m going to stick to my routine. Rock climbing, watching films, eating good food, and being adventurous with things. I’ll also go travelling whenever I have the time and money to do so. And give it my all when auditions or castings come up, as other actors would.
Words and Creative Direction IAN LEE
Photography JEREMY CHOH / SEE MANAGEMENT
Styling BENJAMIN HOLTROP / THE WALL GROUP
Grooming SONIA LEE for EXCLUSIVE ARTISTS
using BALMAIN HAIR COUTURE
Photography assistant CHIR YAN LIM
On-set production KENNY WANG
