Actor Lee Seo-hwan

A warm and encouraging alumni gathering took place between students of the Department of German Language and Literature at Incheon National University and actor Lee Seo-hwan, creating a heartfelt atmosphere of connection and support.

“Meeting Actor Lee Seo-hwan and listening to the stories of an alumnus working in a field that is not easily encountered was an unforgettable experience from my university years. As an Incheon National University student preparing to enter society and facing many concerns, his sincere advice and stories were a great help in setting the direction of my life.”

— Seok-min Nam, Student, Department of German Language and Literature, Incheon National University

Actor Lee Seo-hwan, known for his powerful performances portraying the everyday lives and emotions of ordinary people through numerous dramas and programs such as Squid Game, Concrete Utopia, and The Story of Manager Kim Who Lives in Seoul and Works at a Major Corporation, met with Incheon National University students on Monday, November 24, at Simstory Studio.

Lee Seo-hwan is a Class of 1992 alumnus of the Department of German Language and Literature at Incheon National University, while the participating students were from the Class of 2022. Despite the 30-year gap between their graduating classes, the difference felt merely symbolic, as warmth and camaraderie filled the meeting throughout.

Recalling his days as an undergraduate student, Lee Seo-hwan shared entertaining anecdotes and memories, explaining in a candid manner how participating in theatrical productions during departmental academic festivals ultimately motivated him to pursue a career in acting.

“At the Department of German Language and Literature, we held an academic festival once a year, and theater was always at its core. I performed in plays at the festival starting from my freshman year, and after completing my military service, I even served as the general coordinator of the festival in my junior year. I think that was when I first experienced the feeling—almost a kind of thrill—of being on stage.”

Students who now play key roles in the department’s theater club listened intently, eyes wide and ears perked, engaging seriously in the conversation and carefully absorbing every word of advice, acting philosophy, and encouragement from their senior alumnus and accomplished actor.

“When actors perform and deliver lines, I believe there should be a strong sense of everyday life embedded in the acting. I try to apply that sense of realism to myself as much as possible. The ordinary things we see and feel in daily life often become the material for acting. Perhaps that’s why people perceive my performances not as ‘acting,’ but as ‘showing everyday life.’”

As the conversation continued, Lee Seo-hwan also spoke honestly about the hardships and challenges he faced before reaching his current position, creating a moment of reflection and sincerity among the audience.

“After graduating from university, I tried to become a singer and faced setbacks there as well. Then I spent about a year unemployed, feeling uncertain about the future. However, drawing on the joyful memories of performing with others during academic festivals and my limited experience with acting, I applied after seeing an audition poster. I passed, and once I stood on a professional stage, I realized what I truly needed to learn.”

“For me, perhaps it sounds a bit grand, but my source of strength is this realization: ‘At last, after turning thirty, I finally found what I truly wanted to do.’ I discovered what I genuinely wanted and loved—not someone else’s expectations or dreams—and by starting it, it eventually became my profession.”

When students asked him for final words as an alumnus and senior in life, Lee Seo-hwan initially waved off the request, saying, “I understand the realities faced by people in their 20s and 30s today, so I’m not sure if it’s appropriate for me to give advice.”

However, as the students continued to ask with youthful charm, he added, “Then I’ll share a few thoughts by reflecting on my own life.”

“It’s important for young people to live realistically. But if simply getting by becomes the goal, doesn’t life become too meaningless? I hope my juniors will look further ahead and discover what they truly want to do as early as possible.”

“And even if you feel that what you are doing right now is meaningless, I hope that, over time, it will become nourishment for your dreams. Above all, don’t forget why you are doing what you’re doing at this moment. If you lose sight of that, each day may end up being just another day lived without purpose.”

As the interview concluded, students presented Lee Seo-hwan with a small university souvenir prepared by the Office of External Relations and the Department of German Language and Literature at Incheon National University. Surprised by the thoughtful gift, he broke into a broad smile and warmly patted the students on the shoulders.

When students shyly asked for commemorative photos, Lee Seo-hwan put his arms around their shoulders, looked into the phone camera, and said, “Thank you so much for visiting. I truly had a delightful time after such a long while,” before shaking hands with them.

Hyo-sang Lee, a student from the Department of German Language and Literature who participated in the meeting, remarked, “Thanks to the thoughtful arrangements by Simstory and the Office of External Relations, I was able to meet Senior Lee Seo-hwan from the Class of 1992. Through his advice, I gained many insights and renewed confidence. As the head of our department’s theater club (Hagemime) next year, it was an especially meaningful time to receive guidance on stage directing and acting.”

Perhaps because the hour-long meeting passed too quickly, the students promised to meet again. As he saw them off, Lee Seo-hwan said, “Please invite me to your academic festival next year. If circumstances allow, I will do my best to visit the campus and greet you all.”

With smiles on their faces, the students cheered, “Lee Seo-hwan, fighting!”