Lee Sang-min has revealed his firm production philosophy!
In a video released on May 6th on the YouTube channel ‘232 Project’, Lee Sang-min visited 1Million Dance Studio to check the dance skills of the trainees.
During the visit, Lee Sang-min asked dance mentor Lia Kim to carefully assess the trainees’ potential for growth. He specifically sought a cold, honest diagnosis of the current skills of trainees who lack professional training and how much growth could be expected after a month of intensive lessons.
First, Lee Sang-min agreed with Lia Kim’s high praise for Park Hye-na’s natural energy and confidence. He added that he noticed a complementary synergy when Yoon Su-min, who relatively lacked confidence and energy, met Park Hye-na. He also admired Lia Kim’s quick insight into Park Hye-na and gave her warm encouragement to do her best in practice.
Next, Lee Sang-min described Yoon Su-min as being like a “blank canvas.” He expressed high expectations, emphasizing that Yoon Su-min should be the undisputed top dancer upon debut. However, Lia Kim pointed out Yoon Su-min’s awkward hand movements and lack of upper body usage, advising that mastering the basics is the priority. To this, Lee Sang-min delivered a cold reality check, saying, “Strangely, you’re really bad today?” Despite Yoon Su-min’s excuse that it was due to nerves, he provided practical feedback, stating, “Based on what I’ve seen so far, this is a weakness Su-min has regardless of nerves.”
Meanwhile, Lee Sang-min smiled warmly seeing the two trainees standing side by side. He also firmly revealed his production philosophy of prioritizing style and character over visuals. Lee Sang-min explained, “My method is to first imagine the character that needs to be shown in the music and then train them as that character,” emphasizing the importance of a worldview that can perfectly embody a song.
Finally, Lee Sang-min shared his plans for intensive training with 1Million. He made it clear that the trainees’ own grit and will are necessary, showing his uncompromising professional side by stating, “What doesn’t work, doesn’t work.” He declared that he will decide their future steps based on their transformation after one month, raising expectations.
