U-KISS's Lee Jun Young paid homage to his latest title as "Netflix's Favorite Star" and talked about the emotional struggles he went through when he was filming as the villain for the 2023 Wavve original movie Brave Citizen.

The part stretched him to his limits and caused him to produce a performance that would leave a lasting provision for both himself and the audience.

Over the past few years, Lee has been slowly building his acting career, starring in well-received Netflix shows such as When Life Gives You Tangerines and Weak Hero: Class 2.

Forthright in their sensuality and emotionality, his early work has been lauded for its sincerity and passion, and now he is touted as one of the streaming site's breakout stars.

However, Lee described his role as Han Soo Kang in Brave Citizen as his most challenging experience.

Han Soo Kang is an ominous figure — an unrepentant schoolyard bully propped up by a rich and powerful family.

Lee's portrayal of a man who is on the verge of becoming almost psychotic was highly regarded at the time of the film's release, and many have praised him for striking fear and yet eliciting sympathy.

In a recent appearance on KBS's variety show Problem Child In House, Lee shared the personal toll the role took on him.

He revealed that one particular scene, where he tormented an elderly woman, was brutal to film because it reminded him of his grandmother, who was unwell at the time.

"The scene in which I had to torment a grandmother was difficult," Lee said. "I thought I acted evil enough, but the director told me I still looked too nice, so I tried even harder to channel the villain."

He went on to describe an ad-libbed moment during filming where he stubbed out a cigarette on a piece of gimbap the grandmother character was selling.

"I was immersed in the moment," he recalled. "But when break time came, the emotions overwhelmed me, and I cried."

This unfiltered emotional response even caught Lee off guard, and it's a testament to how profoundly connected the character and the story Lee truly were.

Although it was uncomfortable and challenging, the experience "contributed to my growth as an actor," Lee said.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to take on roles that challenge me in different ways," Lee said during the interview. "Each character teaches me something new about acting and about myself."

Brave Citizen is streaming on Wavve; Lee's previous work is available on Netflix.