Exclusive Interview! "I’m the Most ‘Me’ when I’m a Singer," says Korean Star Lee Seung-gi

Early this month, Lee Seung-gi visited Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for his fan meet ONEderful Day with Lee Seung Gi. The 36-year-old heartthrob demonstrated his enduring popularity by filling the four storeys of MyTOWN shopping mall with screaming fans, charming them with his timeless boy-next-door appeal. Lee Seung-gi took the stage on 4 November, playing games and surprising the audience with simple phrases in Bahasa Melayu, much to the delight of his adoring fans, also known as Airen. The singer also treated them to a live performance, captivating them with his warm, honey-like vocals.

Famously regarded as a “Triple Threat” for his skills as a singer, actor and MC, Lee Seung-gi’s first foray into the entertainment industry came when he was just 17 years old. He debuted as a singer and then later made his mark as both a sincere host and a celebrated actor. In this exclusive interview with L’Officiel Singapore, the Korean entertainment star shares snippets of his new venture into the world of YouTube and what we can expect from him in the near future.

You were travelling all over the US for your first-ever concert tour in the States earlier this year. How did it feel to meet your fans from across the globe?

I was so happy. I felt that I made a good decision to tour, and when I met the fans on stage, what went through my mind was, "Oh, I'm the most ‘me’ when I'm a singer”.

In the last few years, you've been very active on your YouTube channel, with a number of content series such as Table Concert and Human Table. How does YouTube enable you to connect more with your fans and do you approach YouTube content differently from variety programmes?

I think I’m still a beginner as a YouTuber, and I don't have a clear idea of what exactly I should be showing, but we're constantly meeting and thinking about how to create elements that are different from a variety show. We're constantly trying to create fresh content that is rarely seen on air.

You were recently a cast member of the variety programme Bro & Marble. How would you say your persona on reality shows differs from the sides of you that we've seen as an actor and singer?

The reality show literally shows Lee Seung Gi as his own person in real life.

Over the years, you've become well-known as an all-rounder, as an actor, singer, MC and more. What exciting projects can your fans look forward to seeing from you soon?

I'm carefully choosing my work, and I'm also preparing an album. Next year, my goal is to work on both acting and singing projects at the same time. But I think it's hard to guarantee a clear timeline on when these projects will materialise, because I’m focused on making sure that it’s something I’m satisfied with.