[Interview] Lee Sung-jin and Charles Melton from “BEEF” Season 2② “I can say it’s the highlight of my career”

※〈BEEF〉 Season 2 interview with Lee Sung-jin and Charles Melton continues from Part 1.

​The idea of casting actors Youn Yuh-jung and Song Kang-ho as a married couple was so fresh. It became even more of a buzz in Korea. I’m curious what it was about those two that made you want to cast them, and also about how the casting process for both of you went.

​Lee Sung-jin Before I even wrote the first word of this script, I wanted to incorporate a lot of Korean elements into Season 2, and I started with the thought that Korea should be a very big part of this story. The reason is that, around that time, Korea’s presence in my own life became much stronger. After Season 1’s success, I was traveling to Korea quite a lot. And then, after filming RM’s music video there too, I ended up going to Korea even more. So I had the chance to sit down with K-pop idols and Korean chaebol CEOs, and through that, I could glimpse the world of the upper class. But I found that world extremely captivating, and I wanted to bring those aspects into Season 2. Since I’d already made up my mind, I wanted to reach out to Youn Yuh-jung and Song Kang-ho—the kind of actors you could call among the greatest on Earth—not just Korean talent.

​But in fact, Song Kang-ho senior initially declined. I sent him the script and he politely said he wasn’t sure whether this role fit him well, or whether he was the right person for it. So I was disappointed, but I called Youn Yuh-jung and told her about it. And then, thankfully, she apparently called Song Kang-ho right away and said, “Hey, you’re Song Kang-ho. You’re Korea’s top actor—no matter what role it is, you’ll do it. You can do it.” Thanks to her convincing him, I was finally able to work with Song Kang-ho. I’m really grateful to Youn Yuh-jung. Honestly, I couldn’t even imagine this role being played by anyone other than Song Kang-ho.

​And at Amorepacific’s building, we filmed a scene together that you couldn’t see in any previous Korean film where both of them appear. That scene comes up in Part 3, and I can confidently call it the highlight of my career. When we filmed that scene, Director Bong Joon-ho visited our set as a surprise. He joked while tapping my side as he watched on the monitor, saying, “You’re really going to shoot this frame exactly like this? Are you sure?” I think that moment is one of the most amazing memories of my career, and it’ll probably stay with me for a very long time.

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​I’d like to ask actor Charles Melton a question. In this project, you worked alongside many actors, including Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, and Cailee Spaeny, among others. In particular, I’d love to hear your thoughts on working with Youn Yuh-jung and Song Kang-ho—two famous Korean actors.

​Charles Melton I think I owe Director Lee Sung-jin an enormous debt. He made it possible for me to realize my dream of working alongside some of the best actors of all time. And especially, being able to sit down and act with Youn Yuh-jung and Song Kang-ho—and actually witness their performances firsthand—that alone was an incredible experience.

​First of all, Song Kang-ho’s presence was extraordinary even without him saying much. I felt he was extremely humble throughout every step of the process—preparation and the entire work itself. And to be honest, there was a time when I had a line in one take, and Song Kang-ho started laughing, so we had to do another take. Personally, I don’t know if there was ever a better moment in my career than that one. I think Youn Yuh-jung is an actress who radiates a kind of profound dignity that I can hardly describe. When I heard the news that I’d be acting alongside these Korean legends, all of our family—my grandma, my uncles, my aunts, and even my cousins—were incredibly happy. (laughs)

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If there’s any question or theme you wanted to raise anew through Season 2, what would it be?

​Lee Sung-jin Season 2 begins with a showdown between a young man and woman who fall in love, and another man and woman who are a bit older than them—two couples, facing off. After that, as the story unfolds further, it evolves into more than just a story about love; it becomes a narrative that shows various stages of life. In our show, there are four couples. Each one represents a different season: spring, summer, fall, and winter. So as you watch these couples change, you can also see the different stages of life, intertwined with the changing seasons.

​And I think that in today’s world in 2026, when writing any piece, I can’t leave out topics that are right in front of us—things like capitalism and conflicts between social classes. I think those topics served as a big umbrella that holds everything in this Season 2 together.

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Lastly, please say a final greeting to Korean viewers who are waiting for the show.

​Lee Sung-jin Thank you so much for all the support you’ve given us—I’m deeply grateful to Korea. And even when we were filming, you provided us with a lot of cooperation and help, and I truly appreciate that. The time we spent filming in Korea will remain as unforgettable moments for the rest of my life. I want to go back to Korea again soon and film something else. When I think about how culturally significant things this small Korean peninsula has done for the world, I feel a great sense of pride. I just hope that 〈BEEF〉 Season 2 will be able to continue that, and I hope Korean audiences will be proud of it.

​Charles Melton One thing I’d like to say is that my name is Charles Melton, and I’m very proud to be Korean.