In the upcoming series, Lee Jung-jae plays Master Sol, a well-respected Jedi Master. Photos: Handout
Special footage mainly starring actor Lee Jung-jae from the new Star Wars series The Acolyte was unveiled in celebration of Star Wars Day, which takes place every May 4 as a play on the famous phrase "May the Force be with you".
In the special footage released on YouTube, Lee -- dressed in traditional Jedi Master apparel with a hairstyle reminiscent of the venerable Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn -- delivers a thrilling action performance and discusses behind-the-scenes moments.
"I still can't believe the fact that I'm in Star Wars. I can still remember, as a kid, being in awe seeing Star Wars for the first time on the big screen," Lee says in the video.
The new original series titled The Acolyte is an eight-part live-action series slated to be released on Disney+ on June 5.
Set 100 years before the events of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, the series explores events that unfold as a string of murders of Jedi occur during the High Republic era.
The series is helmed by Emmy-nominated creator Leslye Headland and features Lee -- who is known for his roles in a slew of hit titles such as Squid Game, The Face Reader and Hunt -- as one of the main leads Master Sol, a well-respected Jedi Master who investigates the murders.
"Sol has a great sense of responsibility," Lee explains in the video.
"As a Jedi master, he is a highly skilled fighter, but he is also someone who is willing to risk everything to protect peace," he adds.
"In Korea, I've had quite a lot of experience in sword fighting action sequences. But I soon realised the skill of working with a lightsaber is a unique challenge."
Lee Jung-jae says working with a lightsaber is a 'unique challenge'.
Creator of The Acolyte says: "I was writing the character of Sol when Squid Game came out. (Upon seeing Lee,) I said that's Sol
"(Lee) just ran the gamut of every single emotion.
"(Lee) knows how to switch from being formidable and then switch to being heartbreaking. I don't know many actors that can do that."
In celebration of Star Wars Day, Disney Korea held various fan events in Busan's Haeundae-gu for two days on Saturday and Sunday. The events included a Star Wars-themed drone show, fan parade, sand art exhibitions and orchestra performances from the Star Wars soundtrack.
Lee also participated in the events to discuss the upcoming series during a special talk event. Within the session, special video featuring Master Sol was screened, followed by a discussion on Lee's thoughts on appearing in the franchise, according to Disney Korea. – The Korea Herald/Asia News Network
