Lee Young-ae shares family moments, concert outings with 15-year-old daughter

Actress Lee Young-ae conveyed her affection for her family while promoting the play "Hedda Gabler."

On the 25th, actress Lee Young-ae appeared on SBS Power FM's "Kim Young-cheol's Power FM" in the "Chulpaem Special" corner to share various stories.

Having appeared on the radio for the first time in five years, Lee Young-ae said, "I have occasionally appeared on the radio to promote dramas and films, but it has been a long time since I've come to SBS." She added, "I truly wanted to see Kim Young-cheol. The publicity team recommended this as a top priority, so I chose 'Chulpaem.'" Lee and Kim have met several times in restaurants and have encountered each other at award ceremonies. Lee said, "It's amazing that I remember our meetings. The last time I remember meeting Kim was when I did 'Joint Security Area (JSA).' He had a strong presence during our gatherings."

Lee Young-ae is nearing the opening of her return to the stage in the play "Hedda Gabler" after 32 years. "Hedda Gabler" is based on a play by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen. It deals with the psychology of a woman yearning for freedom in the face of social constraints and oppression, and Lee plays "Hedda," who has a destructive inner life filled with anxiety and desire, despite her elegant exterior.

Lee noted, "Some may think the title will be difficult, but I tell young friends that it can be interesting for them too. It has a philosophical perspective that writers should definitely see. The play contains the desire of an oppressed woman to be liberated and various emotions, and I hope people don't just view it from a female perspective; rather, I hope they think of it in terms of those who experience oppression and stress in modern society."

Lee reminisced, "I remember performing in the play 'Jajangmyeon' 32 years ago when I was 25. It was a show I did when I was eager to try everything and full of curiosity, and I recall distributing flyers and putting up posters in Daehangno. The feeling of connecting with the audience has stayed with me, and while I did perform in a workshop when I studied theater in graduate school, I initially felt excitement, then worry, and now it feels like a burden. They say ignorance is bliss, and I was naïve, stepping on my own toes. But even though it's hard, it's fun. Studying and discussing things is very enjoyable."

Lee said, "I wanted to play a character that was strong, and I wanted to meet my fellow actors Kim Jung-ho, Ji Hyun-jun, Lee Seung-joo, Baek Ji-won, Lee Jung-mi, and Jo Jin. I felt like if I didn't do it now, I wouldn't have the opportunity again. The premiere coincided with my birthday, so I inadvertently decided to take part. Even though it was difficult, I realized it was something I had to do."

"Hedda Gabler" features actresses from "When Life Gives You Tangerines" such as Baek Ji-won, raising expectations. Since all actors are performing as a single cast, management is essential. Lee said, "I rest on Mondays and Tuesdays. On other days, I perform once per day. Maintaining my health is the most important aspect. Since I focus entirely on the play, I try to work out for about 30 minutes a day with dumbbells, aiming for at least 15 minutes, whether I watch YouTube or not."

Lee responded to listener requests. To a listener who asked for a morning call, she said, "What are you all doing not getting up yet? It’s time to go to work. Mind your own business!" About her morning routine, she said, "Since starting the play, I go back and forth between home and the rehearsal room. With the kids going to school and my husband going to work, I usually wake up around 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., then go back to sleep. I tend not to have breakfast with the kids since they go to school so early. Sometimes I can't even see my husband off properly."

Especially, Lee stated, "My daughter turned 15 and likes idols. So I know about all the idols. From Tomorrow X Together (TXT) to NCT, when I hear their songs, I know them. I'm also becoming younger by going to concerts together. I even pay tribute to them," adding, "When I was in my teens and twenties, I didn't have anything I was deeply into, but seeing my daughter get so into idols and watching how hard they work has taught me a lot." Lee requested "Nice Guy" by Boynextdoor, conveying her affection for her daughter.

Also, when Lee was asked about cooking and whether she cooks well, she said, "I enjoy eating and cooking both. I can manage quite a bit, but recently my son likes meat sushi, so I make that often. When I'm short on time, I tend to make pasta. I don't do it in a traditional way; I prefer to vary my approach." Lee humorously added, "When I ate tteokbokki during rehearsal, the cast was surprised. They probably thought I only eat organic food, but I also eat tteokbokki and instant food."

Meanwhile, the play "Hedda Gabler," featuring Lee Young-ae, will be performed at the LG Arts Center in Seoul from May 7 to June 8.

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