A good boy, a theatre idol, a dimple prince. South Korean actor Label Kim Seon-ho is the full package. The first time South Korean actor Kim Seon-ho had us glued to our television screens was in Hometown Cha-Cha- Cha. Transporting us to the imaginary seaside village of Gongjin, the 37-year old actor played the feel-good role of an multi-talented handyman who took on a variety of odd jobs to help his neighbours. Viewers quickly warmed to his character’s kind-hearted and self less nature so much so that the 16-episode rom-com ended up becoming one of the highest-rated shows in South Korean cable television history. A slew of awards followed as the star took home Outstanding Korean Actor at the Seoul International Drama Awards and Gallup Korea’s publicly voted Television Actor of the Year for his role. Before landing his first drama role as Seon Sang-tae, a shy rookie accountant, in the 2017 office series Good Manager, Kim had already created a name for himself in theatre. While pursuing a degree in broadcasting and enter tainment at the Seoul Institute of Arts, the blossoming talent joined the university’s theatre group, later venturing into professional stage act ing with the 2009 play New Boeing Boeing. While Kim is known to be introverted, it is perhaps this unique foundation in theatre that has gifted him an ability to convey his deep emotions. The star’s dynamic career took another turn in 2023. After a sudden year-long hiatus from the entertainment industry, the actor returned with a surprise: his first film. Titled The Childe, the neo-noir thriller saw him break away from the do-gooder image by playing Nobleman, a ruthless assassin. Unlike past projects, the actor’s infectious smile and puppy dog eyes exuded a cold-blooded wickedness rather than his typical charm. And yet, his performance, elevated by action-packed chase scenes, left audiences captivated. Beyond an impressive 94 per cent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film’s critical acclaim led him to take home five wins including Best New Actor at the 59th Grand Bell Awards. “I am really happy because I know it’s not easy to win the Best New Actor award in a debut movie,” Kim shared. “It’s such an honourable memory.” The actor isn’t slowing down in 2024. At the start of this year, he returned to his theatre roots by assuming the role of an aspiring photographer in the play Realise Happiness and he also has two highly anticipated dramas on the horizon. One is a mystery thriller, Mangnaein, alongside Park Gyu-young that tells the tale of a protagonist scouring the internet in hopes of demystifying her sibling’s sudden passing. Kim has also reunited with The Childe director, Park Hoon-jung, to play director Choi in The Tyrant, a four-part series currently in production. Believe it or not , there wasn’t a formative moment that inspired him to venture down the acting path. “It wasn’t a decisive moment, but it started naturally,” Kim reflected. “I’m not good at telling my story, but I think I was able to discover a different side of myself through acting.” [Left] Cotton sailor shirt, cotton knit jumper, and cotton denim ripped jeans (Polo Ralph Lauren), and canvas espadrilles (Ralph Lauren Purple Label) [Right] Denim shirt, cotton knit jumper, and cotton T-shirts (Polo Ralph Lauren) MANIFESTO: You visited Hong Kong last April. What was a highlight from this experience? KIM SEON-HO: The night views are the most memorable! I remember that the colourful lights of the buildings were so pretty and cool. M: We read that you’re a big fan of Hong Kong films Infernal Affairs and Chungking Express. Why? KSH: When I see the colours of Hong Kong movies and its film angles, it left an impression. While watching, I thought, when I do go to Hong Kong, I want to feel that kind of place or atmosphere. I wanted to see that era portrayed in Hong Kong movies and the streets where the actors walked. M: You’ve played many characters in your career. Which role pushed you the most out of your comfort zone? KSH: To be frank, I have always challenged myself when I decide to go for a character. Though, I do feel scared when I need to play a role that I’ve played before. Therefore, I don’t think there is a safe zone or a comfort zone when I pick a role. But I think it was more difficult to express my characters in The Tyrant and Mangnaein. [Left] Cotton indigo denim shirt, cotton T-shirt, and cotton denim jeans (Polo Ralph Lauren), and calfskin leather belt (Ralph Lauren Purple Label) [Right] Wool cashmere jacket, calfskin leather belt, and calfskin leather fisherman sandals (Ralph Lauren Purple Label), pique cotton polo shirt and cotton chinos (Polo Ralph Lauren) M: Earlier this year, you returned to theatre with Realise Happiness. Did you approach it differently than in television and film? KSH: Rather than changing my approach, I think that acting in silence in front of the audience on the stage required me to be very focused and immersed. I was able to grow without knowing it. Whenever I do a project, I think I am growing a little because I sometimes make choices that are different than before. M:Tell us more about your character as a bureau director in the upcoming The Tyrant. Do you relate to him in any way? KSH: There is still some time before the work is released, so I am careful about talking about it. Director Choi is the youngest director of the National Intelligence Service. To be honest, he is a complex character and it is hard to explain what our similarities are. M: How did you prepare for the role? Anything new that you had to learn? KSH: I tried to find as many references as possible. There were some things that needed to be learnt anew like a character’s emotions or by listening to them through interviews. [Left] Silk shantung jacket, cashmere knit jumper, and wool serge trousers (Ralph Lauren Purple Label) [Right] Silk jacket, poplin pleated bib shirt, silk linen trousers, silk bow tie, silk pocket square, and velvet slippers (Ralph Lauren Purple Label)  M: It seems like you’re always on the go. How do you spend your downtime? KSH: I go eat delicious food and take a lot of rest. I like to take a walk or exercise, but I tend to think rest is most important! (Laughs) M: What does fashion mean to you? KSH I’m not a good dresser so I’m careful in talking about it… but I like fashion! Fashion has its own taste and I think it’s fun. So, I think it’s another way to express myself. M: What’s a typical Kim Seon-ho outfit? KSH: The clothes I usually wear before going to practice or filming is like training wear such as tracksuits, sweatshirts and sweatpants! [Left] Silk jacket, poplin pleated bib shirt, silk linen trousers, silk bow tie, and silk pocket square (Ralph Lauren Purple Label) [Right] Denim shirt, cotton knit jumper, cotton T-shirts, and painted cotton chinos (Polo Ralph Lauren) M: Are you as comfortable posing for the camera as you are acting in front of it? KSH: Actually, I’m not comfortable. (Laughs) Acting in front of the camera also took a while and taking pictures is not easy… perhaps because it isn’t acting. There are still times when it’s difficult. (Laughs) M: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? KSH: “You’re doing well now.” When you’re not sure about your life, it’s more important to hear that you’re doing well instead of any specific big advice. I think it’s good to hear that. M: Do you have a specif ic story or character that you’d like to tackle next? KSH: I don’t have any particular characters or stories. However, my favourites are those who are the most ordinary. Like someone who lives next door. I think I like plots filled with stories where people love, have small quarrels in their daily lives and are trying hard to get on with their lives. M: When do you feel the most happy? KSH: I think it is this period of time. I realise what I’m thankful for and happy with in my daily life. www.ralphlauren.com Fashion Director JONATHAN YEE; Styling NAM JOO HEE; Video Director BANG EUN JIN; Executive Producer LEE KYUNG KIM AT BL CREATIVE HOUSE; On-Site Production LEE JIN KYUNG; Hair ANN HONG MOON; Make-up LEE YOUNG; Photography Assistants KIM JI YOUNG, JO YE JIN, JANG HAN BIT, AND EUM JI WAN

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