[VOGUE KOREA] CEO Soyoung Lee, “When Recruiting Actors, I Look for Their Unique Soul and Philosophy”

중요한 것은 인간다워야 한다는 점이다. 시대와 취향이 달라지고 콘텐츠 지형도가 급변해도 사람엔터테인먼트 대표 이소영의 눈길이 한결같이 ‘사람’에 머물러 있는 이유다.

The Key is to remain human. This is why CEO Soyoung Lee of Saram Entertainment always focuses on ‘Human’ (Saram means Human in Korean).

The actors from Saram Entertainment who participated in the ‘VOGUE Leader: 2024 Woman Now’ cover project, such as Junghwa Uhm, Hanee Lee, Minha Kim, and Gyu Young Park, all exude their own unique personalities and auras.

When recruiting actors, we look beyond conventional beauty and focus on their unique soul and philosophy. We appreciate those who can express that in their own distinctive way through their acting. Gradually, such distinctive actors have come together.

Do you consider first impressions important?

I tend to see the beauty in everyone and appreciate all types of people, which can be a problem. Once I like someone, I stay committed. This is why my employees don't show me new talents. Because I want to sign them all (laughs). I genuinely like people. Everyone has a beautiful aspect, and when I engage in conversations with them, everyone is affectionate. That is why our company name is ‘Saram’. In the end, whatever we do, people are the essence.

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Marketing and management are both people-centric fields. How have you managed to maintain your humanity amidst it all?

When you spend a long time with someone, expectations naturally arise, and sometimes disappointments follow. Some people get hurt in such situations, while others, like me, prefer to wish them happiness and support them. From experience, letting go well has often led to better opportunities. As the saying goes, relationships heal through other relationships. Even in disappointing times, I've always been surrounded by good people who helped me move forward. 

Actress Yeri Han, who made a surprise appearance to cheer you on at the end of today's shoot, described you as “someone with lots of love”.

Love grows the more you give. If I had worked soley for my own success, I wouldn't have come this far. Looking back on my nearly 30 year career, I feel I have grown tremendously. I have studied and worked just for myself, I wouldn't have pushed myself this hard. The desire to help others and succeed together is a tremendous driving force. That desire has accelerated my own growth.

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What do you envision for Saram Entertainment in 20years?

I haven't looked that far ahead, but when I started in management, I thought about starting a school if I ever experience burnout. A school where we could study marketing, branding, and production together and dream of challenges. However, I haven't experienced burnout yet.

Full interview and photoshoot : https://www.vogue.co.kr/?p=466083