While fulfilling his defense duties, actor Lee Jae-wook made a surprise appearance. From a standee to a video, it was enough to make people feel as if he were on site.
On the 26th, at The Saint in Sindorim-dong, Guro District, Seoul, a production presentation was held for ENA's new Monday-Tuesday drama "Doctor on the Edge" (writer Kim Ji-su, director Lee Myung-woo, planned by KT Studio Genie, produced by The Studio M).
Director Lee Myung-woo and actors Shin Ye Eun, Hong Min-gi, Lee Soo-kyung and Kim Yoon-woo attended the event, while lead actor Lee Jae-wook was absent. Born in 1998, he enlisted on the 18th to fulfill his defense duties. Although filming was completed, he was inevitably unable to attend the production presentation held ahead of the broadcast.
Lee Jae-wook's absence was filled by a standee. The standee of Lee Jae-wook, which appeared during couple photos with Shin Ye Eun, wore a doctor's coat over military uniform like a public health officer. Shin Ye Eun brightened the scene by posing with a bolheart next to the standee of Lee Jae-wook. The standee of Lee Jae-wook, with arms crossed, even stayed in place during the group photo, minimizing the void left by the "real" person.
Before the Q&A, Lee Jae-wook appeared once more. This time it was via a video rather than a standee. Lee Jae-wook said, "I really want to attend the production presentation, but I am fulfilling my defense duties, so I'm greeting you through a video," and expressed his apologies to Shin Ye Eun, Hong Min-gi, Lee Soo-kyung, Kim Yoon-woo and others with whom he shared scenes.
In particular, Lee Jae-wook said, "I've heard many really good things about the director; he is very delicate and there was much to learn emotionally, so I depended on him a lot and it was a happy set," introducing his character and explaining how he came to appear in the project.
Lee Jae-wook transforms into public health doctor Do Ji-ui, who has trauma related to the sea and islands. Filled with caution, Do Ji-ui is a character who grows as he experiences various incidents and accidents on Pyeongdong Island. Director Lee Myung-woo said, "He is so lovely, calm and tender and also has charisma. I think he is one of the few young actors with those qualities. It's a pity he cannot be here because of his defense duties. Lee Jae-wook is, needless to say, a perfect fit for Do Ji-ui."
Director Lee Myung-woo said he regretted Lee Jae-wook's absence because he was the mood-maker on set. The director said, "Lee Jae-wook always arrived on set first and greeted the staff. He was a mood-maker who led the set so the staff would not feel burdened. He played the mood-maker role among staff and actors. Perhaps that is why this place feels empty without him."
The actors said they would visit Lee Jae-wook in person and take commemorative photos regardless of the success of Doctor on the Edge. Shin Ye Eun said, "If we get good results, we'll all go visit Lee Jae-wook and take a commemorative photo." Originally Shin Ye Eun wanted to discuss target ratings, but director Lee Myung-woo said, "Let's go regardless of ratings," and Shin Ye Eun accepted, making the visit pledge come together.
Lee Jae-wook remained present until the end. Through the video he shared viewing points for "Doctor on the Edge" and said, "I cried a lot while reading the script after receiving it. I cried just from reading the text, and since I think it's a drama that can give that kind of emotion, I want to hear that viewers were moved or healed. I received a lot of comfort while filming, and I hope it becomes a comforting drama."
Meanwhile, ENA's new Monday-Tuesday drama "Doctor on the Edge" will premiere on ENA at 10 p.m. on Jun. 1 and will also be available on KT Genie TV and Disney Plus.
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