It’s safe to say this, entering 2018 in just a month’s time, the Malaysian fanatical love for everything Korean (K-Pop, K-Drama, K-Cuisine) is going as strong as ever and who better to be the cover of our Festive issue (a bumper of Dec ’17 and Jan ’18) than the Korean heartthrob Lee Jae-Yoon.
Dressed a sleek Emporio Armani blue velvet jacket and Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean “Big Blue” watch, the dandy gentleman speaks to us about everything from his fitness regime to his all-time festive faves, just in time for the holiday season.
How would you sum up 2017?
At the beginning of the year, I was busy with Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok- Joo, which I acted in and loved. More recently, I got involved in the Puma Night Run in Malaysia as well as Singapore. People see me as this fit and athletic person, so it’s an image I need to maintain!
You’re known for being quite the fitness fanatic.
I was a track and field runner when I was in high school. I was about 16, and I was probably the fastest kid in school. People expected me to eventually make it to the Olympics [laughs].
Other than sports, how else did living in Canada benefitted you?
For one, it helped me to speak English – I might not have been able to do this interview otherwise. It also exposed me to a lot of different things – musical instruments, creative things, and the Western culture.
You mentioned the cult hit Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo. Of the projects you’ve done, which is your favourite?
There are a few I really like, but I’d say Heart To Heart. The team behind that show was amazing. We all still speak regularly and have become friends. In fact, the director (Lee Yoon-Jung) reached out to me recently, asking if I’d make a cameo in one of her new projects.
What have you got planned for the festive season?
Every Christmas, I end up working. I might be working this year, so I’m not planning anything just yet.
But I’d love to spend time with my family in Canada – my parents are there, and my brother is in medical school in the US. Otherwise, I’d love to be somewhere warm in December!
To read more of Lee Jae-Yoon’s interview and see his exclusive shoot with us, you can get your latest copy of Men’s Folio Malaysia December 2017/January 2018 issue now at newsstands and bookstores nationwide or get your digital copy at www.magzter.com.
Cover shoot credits
Photography: Joel Low; Styling: Titien Wang; Hair Grooming: Rick Yang / FACE3INC using Kiehl’s and Ouai; Production: Michelle Goh;
Outfits (in order of appearance): Emporio Armani, Saint Laurent, Dior Homme; Giorgio Armani. Watches: OMEGA
