LJG: The Embodiment of Women's Fantasies

LEE JOON GI 

THE EMBODIMENT

OF

WOMEN’S FANTASIES

KOREA ELLE PHOTO SHOOT

Elle Photo Shoot Concept: Revolutionary, Compelling, Risque

Lee Joon Gi: Elle Photo Shoot

Sexy Asian Superstar Lee Joon Gi of late has been gracing the covers and pages of many glossy Korean, Japanese and Chinese fashion magazines. He, with his stylish and smouldering good looks and killer eyes, is the perfect magazine cover boy. His popularity has been on the rise and his inescapable media presence is unmatched. He is Korea’s as well as Asia’s number one entertainment wonder.  Recently, he posted one of his Elle June photographs on his Instagram. The visual impact of that particular photograph, to say the least, is absolutely stunning! Lee should have been on the June cover instead.

Lee: 'Come hither' look

Did it cross your mind when you first reached out to look at Lee Joon Gi’s sensational Elle June magazine photograph   that Lee Joon Gi is the very embodiment of women’s fantasies?

Lee: Hot, intense look

The image of that photograph, though revolutionary, compelling and risqué, is tastefully presented by Elle. Lee Joon Gi looks sophisticated and classy. He is presented as an Alpha male who knows who he is and what he wants. He is the very essence of masculine energy and the object of women’s desire. Is his portrayal that of a ‘bad boy’ who spells 'danger' and who attracts all the good girls or that of a sophisticated, intelligent and cultured male that many women dream of? That, of course, is subject to interpretation. But questions have arisen as to whether Lee Joon Gi and the female model have been objectified. If Lee is objectified, the objectification does not hurt him a bit. In fact, it boosts his reputation as the object of women’s fantasies and elevates his stature as a fixture for men about who they aspire to be. Let’s take stock of all these for a moment, shall we?

Lee: flirtatious smile

THE CLOTHES AND THE COLOURS  Lee Joon Gi and the female model don white clothing. Lee, not the sexy model, takes centre stage. Exuding confidence with a subtle alluring expression on his face, Lee Joon Gi looks effortless sexy in an off-white minimalist but sophisticated and chic shiny suit, the jacket of which opens to show a white buttoned shirt underneath. The shiny suit is a bit retro and belongs to the 60's or 70's, which might be reminiscent of the attire of the bad boys of that era. The female model, styled like a siren, confidently celebrates her body by wearing a matching white dress with a flimsy top that has cut-out sides showing two red bands that hold the chest together. The pleated skirt with side slits from the hip to the hem flows smoothly to the floor. White is inherently a positive colour and symbolises purity, innocence and goodness. In movies, the print media and television, white, as opposed to black, represents the good guy and good girl. A red pocket square or handkerchief is planted in Lee’s left pocket. It matches the model's impeccable crimson red stilettos and her gleaming red chest bands. Red is an intense colour and is the colour of blood and fire, and denotes love, passion, desire and lust. It has a huge impact here as it greatly contrasts with white. Red, in this image, represents confidence, energy and power in Lee Joon Gi. Lee’s blue shoes, despite not seeming to blend in, are relevant as blue is associated with trust, loyalty, sincerity, wisdom, sophistication and intelligence. Based on colours alone, this is a potent image of power, passion, sophistication and trust.

Lee: Smoking hot!

FULLY CLOTHED BUT SEXY The readers see Lee Joon Gi fully clothed and he is being seduced by a sexy lady. He oozes sex appeal. This is the stuff which makes up the fantasies of all adrenalin-charged men. The image is also tailored to appeal to Elle’s female readers. Lee Joon Gi, portrayed as a handsome, cool, powerful, warm blooded alpha male, holds court and is in full control. He owns and dominates the picture. He, the master, is a picture of power, virility, manliness, confidence, boldness, sex appeal, empowerment and competence.  But he is not looking at the seductive lady but is directing his inquiring gaze at something which is out of sight. Lee is being presented as a sexy male for women to seduce and tempt. It is the model’s body language that is important. The lady is in an enticing pose; her legs are apart. The lady places her fully exposed left leg on the armchair where he is seated, which is a very sexually bold and suggestive pose. Her long white pleated skirt falls off her silky legs. The temptress represents a dehumanised or just a faceless member of the opposite sex. Does this provoke controversy? The temperature rises but the real steaminess comes from the man himself.  Lee Joon Gi, not the model, is the desirable romantic interest. There’s no question about it. Being fully clothed does not prevent Lee Joon Gi from being objectified. The picture conveys the image of a very sexy, successful and powerful man who is highly desirable, highly masculine, highly appealing to women - one who turns them on. Is this image manufactured for the pleasure of men or for the pleasure of women? Is Lee Joon Gi someone women fantasize about, or is Lee Joon Gi someone who other men want to see themselves as or equate with?

CONCLUSION In the analysis of this spectacular Elle photo, one comes to the conclusion that undeniably, even with his hair smoothed down, that he is fully clothed, and also slightly on the slim side, Lee Joon Gi, has never looked better. He had probably shed some weight for his latest vampire drama, 'The Scholar Who Walks The Night', which he is currently filming. In fact, he looks sophisticated, charismatic, classy, smoking hot, but more importantly, an incredible aura seems to surround him. Lee Joon Gi indeed looks like a man who resonates with many women and whom women are wired to be attracted to.

LJG: Object of Women's Fantasies

LJG: Cool and In Control

LJG: Red-blooded Alpha Male with a stunning jawline

LJG: Sensual

READ the 'KOREA ELLE-LEE JOON GI' Korean Interview with English translation by Elly@JGFamily

English Translation

https://ko-kr.facebook.com/notes/jgfamily/elle-interview-qna-part-1/1054557701239267

https://ko-kr.facebook.com/notes/jgfamily/elle-interview-qna-part-2/1054558514572519

Interview in Korean

https://ko-kr.facebook.com/notes/jgfamily/elle-6%E6%9C%88%E5%8F%B7-%E3%82%A4%E3%83%B3%E3%82%BF%E3%83%93%E3%83%A5%E3%83%BC%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E8%AA%9E%E8%A8%B3-%E2%91%A1/1048957678465936

Interview

http://www.elle.co.kr/elletv/ELLETVView.asp?MenuCode=en0105&SubMenuCode=en010501&intSno=13096&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign

TSWWTN: The Title

THE TITLE

OF

THE DRAMA

 ‘THE SCHOLAR

WHO WALKS THE NIGHT’

Poster for 'The Scholar Who walks The Night'

Who wouldn’t wax lyrical about the title of Lee Joon Gi’s latest vampire drama, ‘The Scholar Who Walks The Night’? Lee Joon Gi: Delicious vampire  The title is clothed in poetic expression, mystic charm and pure magic with a halo of romance about it. Why ‘romance’?  Not many drama titles deserve such a description more than 'The Scholar Who Walks The Night' as it conjures a shadowy, mysterious image in one's mind and sends a thrill of excitement coursing through one's veins especially because Lee Joon Gi plays the titular role of the drop-dead gorgeous vampire scholar whose background is shrouded in mystery. Fans will surely swoon over his vampire looks, and those who are less than effusive should examine their head. drop-dead gorgeous Lee Joon Gi Sexy Lee Joon Gi Lee: Handsome Racy: LJG shows 'hugging' method Titillating: How To Hug Oneself Lee Joon Gi: Attractive Unique Phoenix eyes and sensual Cupid Bow lips Lee Joon Gi: King of Dance Lee: Seductive eyes Lee Joon Gi: Talented singer Would I be remiss if I did not mention that the title is redolent of the verses in the poem ‘Silver’ by Walter de la Mare? The one-stanza poem generates a vision of numinous scenic beauty which is created by the beams of the moon as it moves over the landscape. The imagery is absolutely amazing. Poet: Walter de la mare

Silver by Walter de la Mare

POEM	PARAPHRASE
Slowly, silently, now the moon Walks the night in her silver shoon;	The moon casts its delicate silvery light as it rises and moves (across the rural landscape). The lines convey a sense of tranquillity and peacefulness. (The moon is personified and seems to be a woman who walks the sky in her silver shoes which cast a rich silver sheen or glow on everything she touches)
This way, and that, she peers, and sees Silver fruit upon silver trees;	The moon has a visible magical effect as the night scene is bathed in moonlight. As the moon moves over the trees, the trees and their fruits appear silver in colour.
One by one the casements catch Her beams beneath the silvery thatch;	The windows and the straw roof glisten in the moonlight as the moon moves over them in turn.
Couched in his kennel, like a log, With paws of silver sleeps the dog;	The dog is sleeping soundly like a log in its kennel. The moonlight is reflected on its paws.
From their shadowy cote the white breasts peep Of doves in silver feathered sleep	The doves are sleeping in their shed and the moon casts its light on their chests.
A harvest mouse goes scampering by, With silver claws, and silver eye;	The (small) harvest mouse is running by, and the silver moonlight plays on its claws and eyes.
And moveless fish in the water gleam, By silver reeds in a silver stream.	The fish are motionless, and the moonlight glints off the surface of the water in the stream. The moonlight also reflects off the reeds (tall water plants).

'SILVER' by Walter de la mare

Explanation ‘walks the night’ means passes time or  spends time in walking at night, whether in the early part of the night or in the wee hours ‘the moon walks the night’ – the moon moves (across the skies) at night ‘The Scholar Who Walks The Night’ – The scholar who spends time or whiles away his time walking around at night Lee Joon Gi: Hot vampire Lee Joon Gi: Strong, sensual and well-defined jawline

The devastatingly handsome and seductive scholar, Kim Sung Yeol, played by Lee Joon Gi, is a solitary, reclusive vampire who ‘walks the night’. The world he lives in relates to a metaphysical world that blends with the real Joseon world. He spends or passes his time 'walking' at night or regularly takes his nocturnal 'walks'.  vampire with a withering glare But we should not confine the meaning of the word ‘walk’ to just one way of 'moving'. The vampire could be moving in other ways, like riding on horses.  Lee: probably practising to be a horse-riding vampire Lee Joon Gi, the Joseon scholar, rides a stallion https://instagram.com/p/25oOvkgoc4/ The moon Kim Sung Yeol, like other vampires who are the rejects of humanity, is lost in or blends with the shadows of the night and is probably compelled to kiss the sun goodbye. When the sun sleeps, the vampire, Kim Sung Yeol, comes out. It’s a nocturnal lifestyle. a moon-lit night What Kim Sung Yeol does during the night time is anyone’s guess. Is he walking or riding his horse aimlessly? No one knows the answer yet but fans know that an emotionally rousing plot is already in the pipeline.  Vampire in the night Kim Sung Yeol's life as a 120-year old vampire has probably caused him deep affliction.  He is most likely to be a ‘white’, 'lily-white' or almost ‘perfect’ character who is probably bestowed with ‘super powers’, and he does Joseon a favour by seeking out dangerous or diabolical vampires to be slain. Perhaps, he could be riding his horses leisurely in the night or he could just be walking around in circles waiting patiently for his beautiful lady love to appear. Seductive eyes: LJG  plays a long-suffering 120-year old vampire Gorgeous Lee Joon Gi: a 'good' vampire Lee Joon Gi's scripts: The vampire's super powers Since there is a question mark hanging over the vampire scholar's actual nocturnal activities, and since we are also not privy to all the drama's details, it is assumed that as the vampire cannot really enjoy the daylight hours, he might be compelled to enjoy the beauty of the night, walking around and appreciating the enchanting full moon, the canopy of luminous stars and the moonlit scenery in the dead of the night and at the same time, expecting to encounter perilous or hair-raising nocturnal adventures. The moon in the midst of the canopy of luminous stars Fans might wonder whether Lee Joon Gi’s vampire character bears a close resemblance to the magical and magnificent moon, in the poem, ‘Silver’? Does the vampire have the hallmarks of the moon who spreads her magic all across the land making them glow and appear enchantingly silvery? Lee Joon Gi's sunshine laughter Lee: Fun and lively Lee: Teasing fans at his fan meet Lee: 'Always happy' Lee Joon Gi: at his 33rd Birthday celebrations (2015) Lee, as Kim Sung Yeol, is indeed the moon, and he is likely to cast his magical spell and light as well as spread his pure and sacrificial love over Joseon and its population to protect the residents and keep them in one piece.  If one can mind-read the script writers, Kim Sung Yeol will not really restore Joseon to its former glory but will probably just be making an attempt at turning it around. It goes without saying that he will battle with or destroy the black underworld forces as symbolised by his evil archenemy and the villian antagonist, Gwi played by Lee Soo Hyuk.   'Dark' or 'black' character: Lee Soo Hyuk acts as Gwi, the evil vampire The drama is set in Hanyang (Seoul) in the summer time but will showcase the scenery of Jeolla-do in South Korea. Everything is hot and humid in historical Joseon. Monsoon rains might sweep in and who knows the residents might have to brace themselves and prepare for the attack of the vampire mosquitoes which may come in swarms! Lee announces the arrival of summer to his foreign fans LJG says, 'It's a hot summer' The drama will capture scenes in Jeolla-do Korea: North and South awesome Jeolla-do scenery Jeolla-do scenery: beautiful When the warm air creeps in, the vampires are in heat. They will be looking out for humans and other vampires ‘to bite’ or making themselves available ‘to be bitten’ or whatever is the case. Kim Sung Yeol’s sinister, depraved and malevolent adversary, Gwi, will also probably be out at night to wield his devastating power and influence over Joseon, and with his supposedly ‘wickedly’ handsome looks, he might even try to lure unsuspecting and naïve young ladies into his web or lair. Pure malice: evil vampire played by Lee Soo Hyuk Lee Joon Gi: Amazing jawline, and THE GLANCE that can freeze another vampire's blood (and also that of human beings!) Yummy jawline and lingering enigmatic smile But never fear, Lee Joon Gi’s vampire character, the gallant and all-conquering hero with the hypnotically alluring eyes, will sweep all the Joseon ladies off their feet. Or perhaps the ladies are falling all over themselves trying to vie for his love. One or two might be besotted or obsessed with him!  How lucky for Kim Sung Yeol, the vampire scholar, to have so many ladies competing for his affection! He’s spoilt for choice and obviously, he cannot complain: he has at least three delicious blood choices to feast on - Jo Yang Sun played by sweet Lee Yoo Bi, Soo Hyang played by the beguiling and delectable Jang Hee Jin, and the beautiful Kim Soo Eun who plays his first love from 120 years ago. Max Shim Chang Min who plays the role of the Crown Prince will have to compete with Lee for the love of of his beloved. Getting ready for: The Bite of the Vampire Jang Hee Jin: beautiful and sultry Jang Hee Jin: Sexy Lee Yoo Bi: Sweet Kim Soo Eun: Beautiful Good-looking: Max Shim plays the Crown Prince Are vampires ever good? It is only in recent history that some vampires are portrayed in a very positive light. This new interpretation casts a fresh and new light on vampires and dictates to us on how we should view vampires - not as frightening creatures of the night but romantic supernatural figures. As this is a fantasy drama, we suppose Lee Joon Gi will embrace the character wholeheartedly and will portray a superior and very deliciously appealing vampire, someone who is good enough to be allowed to bite, and also delicious enough to be bitten.  But, is there room for ambiguity? Would his character be straightforward or has his character to be deciphered like a puzzle, complicated and complex? Whatever the plot is, viewers will predictably find the drama riveting, especially with Lee Joon Gi in it, and they will expect poetic justice with an ironic twist in the end, with Lee Joon Gi’s Kim Sung Yeol emerging victorious. Well, isn't this drama about a battle between 'pure good' and 'absolute evil'?  And who can blame the viewers if they also demand that the evil vampires get their just deserts? Lee Joon Gi: Masculine good looks Lee Joon Gi: Delicious! Wonderful singer Dishy Lee Joon Gi: in high spirits Lee: Winsome smile Lee Joon Gi: Having fun with fans