Lee Min Ho Talks About Filming 'Gangnam 1970'

Lee Min Ho had a lot to say about his first experience at filming a movie during the recent press conference for his first film, "Gangnam 1970," also known as "Gangnam Blues."

At the press conference in Apgujeong he did not talk specifically about how hard it was but he did say that it had aged him.

"They're airing reruns of "The Heirs" on TV but that's already been a year," he said. "When I see it, I look younger."

Even his friends commented on how much older he looked after he had not seen them in six months. The 27-year-old actor thought it was funny.

"I'm currently recovering," he said. "I will work hard to get younger again."

His first film role was not an easy one, but in previous interviews he has said that it was his most meaningful one and that he was happy he met his character.

The noir film takes place in the 70s, a darker, poorer and less glamorous time in the now-fashionable Gangnam neighborhood. It was a time when gangs and politicians got involved in the often-bloody battle for real estate.

In the film Lee Min Ho plays Kim Jong Dae. His character grows up as an orphan, sharing his struggles with his best childhood friend, Yon Ki, played by Kim Rae Won. They both get caught up in the battle for power raging in the quickly developing Gangnam District. The fact that they are on opposite sides of the battle tests their friendship. It's a dark story and Kim Jong Dae is a troubled soul.

A bright spot in the filming was working with AOA's Seolhyun, who played his younger sister. Their characters danced and smiled together.  

"It was the moment that I smiled the brightest in six months," said Lee Min Ho. "I think the influence on the character was great too. He′s actually a very dark character, but on that day, I was allowed to smile."

 Lee Min Ho almost did not get cast in the film. It was the intervention of the director's wife that sealed the deal.

"I had a very hard time at home being brainwashed and pressured to use Lee Min Ho as the main lead," said Director Yoo Ha at the press conference. "My wife is a huge fan of Lee Min Ho. After two years, I just accepted that working with Lee Min Ho was just my fate."

Lee Min Ho thought this was funny.

"The director said he didn′t like me before."

The film premieres on January 21.