Welcome to the World of “FIGHTING! Girls”
Well, well, isn’t this a delightful little jaunt into the life of Lee Jung Ha as he dons the role of a lovable, clumsy football goalkeeper in the upcoming movie, “FIGHTING! Girls”? If you thought losing 30 kilograms was just for the likes of reality TV stars hiding under bathroom scales, you clearly haven’t met this kid!
From Chubby to Champion
Lee Zhenghe, known for his role in “Moving”, seems to have transitioned faster than a football on a slick pitch. Imagine strutting into an audition looking like a walking marshmallow only to emerge as the embodiment of a football dream! It’s the kind of transformation that has directors licking their lips and parents telling their kids, “See, you can achieve anything if you just put down that pizza!”
Director Park Beom-soo saw the charm in Lee from the moment he waltzed into that audition, presumably knowing that a cute smile could melt even the hardest of hearts. Let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to see this sweet boy pretend to become a football hero while pining over Lee Hye-ri’s character? It’s the kind of plot twist that makes you wonder if every goalkeeper needs a crush to function. “Oi, stop deflecting shots and start deflecting your feelings!”
A Case of Infatuation
Oh, and let’s not skip over the fact that our dear Lee Jung Ha endeavored to call his on-screen crush “Princess” after merely reading the script! Talk about playing your character a little too well. I mean, what next? Is he going to start serenading her with 90s boy band hits before they even have their first coffee? As if acting wasn’t already hard enough, now they’ve added emotional gymnastics!
The K-Pop Nostalgia Trip
The cherry on top of this already succulent pie is the film’s clever use of 90s K-Pop hits. You can almost hear the soundtrack blasting, with Lee Zhenghe likely moonwalking in his backyard, trying to channel the essence of Seo Taiji and the Kids. With the film promising a trip down memory lane, you can almost smell the nostalgic sweat of teenage disco balls filling the air!
But wait—there’s more! Lee admits his love for nostalgic music comes from his mother. Bloomin’ heck, is this going to be a rom-com or a tearjerker? Someone pass me tissues; I might just need them by the end of this flick.
Every Life Has a Protagonist
And here’s a delightful little nugget: there’s a line in the movie that says, “You are definitely not a supporting role, but the protagonist.” Now, that’s a message that could give even the most mediocre of us a burst of motivation—if only my Netflix binge sessions came with a motivational speaker for company!
Final Thoughts
As “FIGHTING! Girls” gears up for its release in Taiwan on November 22, it’s enough to make one wonder: if we all put down our fries and hit the gym, could we too star in our own romantic comedy? Probably not, but there’s certainly no harm in dreaming, right? So mark your calendars and get your popcorn ready—this film seems poised to deliver both warmth and charm, wrapped up in a cozy blanket of nostalgia.
As Lee Jung Ha reminded us, everyone’s the protagonist of their own life. Just remember, if your story involves a football pitch, charming co-stars, and a dash of K-Pop, you may just get more than your five minutes of fame!
So there you have it—the cheeky escapades of Lee Jung Ha in “FIGHTING! Girls”! Be sure to catch it once it drops in theaters and prepare for a cinematic ride filled with laughs, tears, and possibly a craving for takeout!
[The Epoch Times, November 9, 2024](Reported by Epoch Times reporter Zeng Weixin) Li Zhenghe, who soared to fame across Asia with his captivating performance in “Moving,” has recently made headlines once again with his new role in the highly anticipated film “FIGHTING! Girls.” In this movie, he portrays the character of Zhixing, an innocent and devoted football boy who has harbored secret feelings for the heroine, played by the talented Lee Hye-ri, for an entire decade. Having previously gained weight for other acting projects, he is making waves this time with his remarkable commitment to fitness and dieting, managing to shed an astonishing 30 kilograms for his role as a football goalkeeper.
In “FIGHTING! Girls,” Lee Jung Ha embodies the role of “Zhixing,” the endearing goalkeeper of a football school team. Despite his clumsiness and struggles in academics and sports, he consistently rushes to the forefront to safeguard his childhood sweetheart, showcasing the charming innocence of a big-hearted boy.
Director Park Beom-soo shared insights into the casting process, stating, “For the role of Zhixing, I met with numerous actors but failed to find a suitable fit. The moment Lee Jung Ha opened the door and stepped into the room, I knew he was the one! I was familiar with him from the talent show ‘The Unit,’ where he stood out with his adorable smile, even though his singing and dancing skills needed refinement. Such innate charm cannot be taught, and his unforgettable smile left a lasting impression.”
Park Beom-soo revealed that Lee Jung Ha had expressed interest in the role even before his rise to fame with “Moving.” It was only towards the end of the filming for “Moving” that he auditioned for “FIGHTING! Girls.” At that time, he weighed around 30 kilograms more than his ideal weight. However, Lee Zhenghe placated the director with a promise to shed the extra weight, and he certainly delivered. With a rigorous routine of fitness training, aerobic exercises, and a careful diet, he transformed back to his original physique and stepped into the shoes of the charming football goalkeeper Zhixing.
To truly immerse himself in his character, Lee Jung Ha affectionately began referring to Lee Hye-ri as “Princess” after reading the script, a gesture that left her feeling quite bashful. He even watched her celebrated TV series “Reply 1988” multiple times to better understand his character’s feelings for her while filming. Zhixing’s sole focus is on her, embodying the true essence of an infatuated and tender-hearted young man.
His lively and heartwarming performance in the film has been widely praised, earning him a nomination for the Best New Actor Award at the prestigious 45th Korean Film Blue Dragon Awards, while co-star Hyeri has also been recognized with a nomination for the New Actress Award.
Due to the narrative’s focus on the cheerleading club “Millennium Girls,” Lee Jung Ha found himself among a lively group of girls during the production. Expressing his gratitude, he remarked, “The girls were already well-acquainted from their dance rehearsals prior to my arrival. I felt apprehensive about how to interact with them, but Hyeri was incredibly welcoming, aiding my integration into the group.”
“FIGHTING! Girls” features an exciting soundtrack filled with K-POP classics from the 1990s, including beloved tracks from Seo Taiji and the Kids, Kim Won-jun, and others. The inclusion of the hip-hop girl group Diva’s “Why Call Me” has sparked renewed interest and discussion among fans, even resonating with music enthusiasts from Taiwan.
Reflecting on his love for nostalgic elements fueled by his mother’s influence, 26-year-old Li Zhenghe expressed how the movie beautifully melded timeless classic songs with the experiences of its characters. After viewing the film, he noted a profound sense of nostalgia, revealing that it inspired him to imagine what life would have been like had he been an adult during that iconic era.
When asked about the most memorable line from the movie, he cited: “You are definitely not a supporting role, but the protagonist.” He hopes that “FIGHTING! Girls” will impart warmth to its viewers, encouraging them to realize that everyone is indeed the protagonist of their own life journey.
With the resounding success of “Moving,” Li Zhenghe has rapidly ascended to the status of a sought-after actor. The director humorously acknowledged this change, saying, “I’m thrilled for him, but I’m also grateful I cast him early on. Otherwise, given his current popularity, he might have declined the role. Previously, I would invite him to my home for dinner, but now it’s a matter of me asking where it would be convenient for him to meet.” He also expressed joy for another young actor in “FIGHTING! Girls,” Zhao Yu, recognizing their shared journey in the industry.
Mark your calendars: “FIGHTING! Girls” is set to hit theaters in Taiwan on November 22.
Editor in charge: Liu Yuhan
### Interview with Lee Jung Ha: The Heart of “FIGHTING! Girls”
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Lee Jung Ha! Your role in “FIGHTING! Girls” is generating quite the buzz. How does it feel to portray Zhixing, the lovable goalkeeper?
**Lee Jung Ha:** Thank you for having me! It truly is a joy to play Zhixing. He’s such a sincere and sweet character, someone who wears his heart on his sleeve. I think a lot of people will relate to his clumsiness and passion.
**Interviewer:** You underwent a remarkable transformation, shedding 30 kilograms for this role. What was your motivation behind it?
**Lee Jung Ha:** My main inspiration was to bring authenticity to the character. Zhixing is a dedicated football goalkeeper, and I wanted to capture the athleticism required for that role. Plus, I had promised Director Park that I would work hard to fit the character’s physicality!
**Interviewer:** Speaking of Director Park, he mentioned in interviews that he knew you were the right choice for Zhixing the moment you walked into the room. What do you think made you stand out during the audition?
**Lee Jung Ha:** I was genuinely living in the moment during that audition. I think my smile and willingness to embrace the character’s essence came through. It’s wonderful to know he saw that potential in me even then.
**Interviewer:** You referred to Lee Hye-ri as “Princess” during filming—what inspired that affectionate nickname?
**Lee Jung Ha:** (laughs) It was just a playful way to dive into the character’s feelings! Zhixing has such deep admiration for her, and calling her “Princess” felt like a natural expression of his innocent crush. But it did make her a bit shy!
**Interviewer:** The film features nostalgic 90s K-Pop hits, which adds a lovely layer of charm. Are you a fan of that era’s music?
**Lee Jung Ha:** Absolutely! My mother introduced me to K-Pop when I was young, so it holds a lot of sentimental value for me. The music acts as a colorful backdrop to our story, making it even more relatable for audiences.
**Interviewer:** There’s a poignant line in the movie: “You are definitely not a supporting role, but the protagonist.” How does this message resonate with you?
**Lee Jung Ha:** I think it’s powerful because it emphasizes that everyone has their own story worth telling. We’re all protagonists in our lives, and it’s crucial to believe in ourselves. That resonated deeply with me while filming.
**Interviewer:** “FIGHTING! Girls” is set to release in Taiwan on November 22. What do you hope the audience takes away from this film?
**Lee Jung Ha:** I hope they feel a sense of nostalgia and warmth, and that it inspires them to embrace their own stories. It’s a light-hearted yet meaningful film that combines laughter, love, and a bit of chivalry.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for your insights, Lee Jung Ha! We’re looking forward to “FIGHTING! Girls” and can’t wait to see your performance!
**Lee Jung Ha:** Thank you! I’m excited for everyone to watch it and hope they enjoy the journey we’ve created together.