Seven years ago, South Korean singer-actor Lee Joon-gi became a hit for his role in the film, The King and The Clown, in which the 1.8-meter former model plays the historical figure Gong-gil, a female clown during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

Fans across Asia were wowed by the handsome actor and his acting skills. His reward was the 5th Korea Film Awards Best New Actor Award and the 10th Annual Shanghai International Film Festival's Overseas Star Award.

"After my performance in The King and the Clown, I found myself at the forefront of this 'pretty boy' trend, whether or not that was my intention," Lee says.

"Suddenly, people were interested in me and there was all this praise and criticism all at the same time. Everything was just so overwhelming. I felt like floating on air."

Then he starred in movies like Fly, Daddy, Fly, and action drama Time Between Dog and Wolf, a first lead role that showed he is more than just a pretty face.

In 2006, he released his debut album, My Jun, My Style, and three years later he released J Style.

After two years in the army, Lee, 30, announced his return in February 2012, which was greeted by more than 2,000 fans in Seoul. A new album, Deucer, was also released.

Lee's official website suggested that his first concert in Seoul, in December, sold out within one minute. He then toured Japan.

Now Lee is coming to Beijing with a concert titled JG Time. He has chosen a relatively small venue with seating for just 2,000, so his fans can get up close and personal.

He says army service has made him stronger and he claims to have practiced for up to 10 hours a day for the tour.

Lee recalls an anecdote about his good friend Psy, a popular South Korean singer, who was just ending his military service when Lee joined up.

"He gave me two chocolate pies in front of many people and told them to take good care of me. At the time, he looked even bigger than he is right now," he says.

chennan@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 01/20/2013 page15)