NAC: Growing up in a Korean family, was your life tied into food and how so?

JKL: Yeah somewhat. There was a period of time when I was younger when there were12 people living in my house, three different families. That meant there were a lot of people at the dinner table. I have so many fond memories of all of us eating together, but then again, I had to eat fast because there were a lot of kids too. I think that’s why I call myself a foodie because I just love it so much. My family was from Korea, so obviously we had many traditional Korean meals. But we also have had some interesting American and Korean fused Thanksgivings. The one great recipe I remember from being young and even now was my mom’s oxtail soup. I don’t really eat red meat at all, but I love that soup. There is just something about it. Even when she visits now, she cooks it and it brings back memories of my childhood. We used to visit my grandparents every year. They lived on a farm; I mean the kind with three chickens, five dogs, four cows and some horses. And we would eat rice cakes that you only eat on holidays. Some are rainbow colors; some have a bean taste, chestnut taste. I remember stuff like that. I think holidays were the time for big, family dinners.

NAC: No red meat at all? What about Korean barbecue?

JKL: That is the other time I will eat red meat. I will do a steak once in awhile, but Korean barbecue is so good. I love that when they cook on table, it’s so fresh. I think it is a cultural thing that they grill on the table, and slowly bring out the lettuces and the side dishes and the meat. As you cook, you talk and maybe you have some beer or sake and then you cool down with a cold noodle or a little bit of dessert. There is sort of Korean meal experience. That’s what eating is about, especially with people or at home. When I am at home, eating is more for efficiency, but when people are over its about the experience. The company and the conversation, it all encompasses the meal.

NAC: With such a strong family tie to Korean food and memories, do you cook any Korean meals at home?

JKL: Once in awhile. I like going to the Korean grocery stores and see what they have for fresh ingredients. Along with meals, they always have tons of side dishes with vegetables and spices. One of the more unique things about Korean food is the ingredients. But I like Asian food in general, especially Thai and Japanese. I just love trying out all different kinds of food, different variations. It is part of the reason I love traveling. Asian food is so diverse. They have commonalities with rice and what not, but I love keeping things creative. I like having Asian meals with people. I have never had it alone. It’s always about going out with friends and having conversation and eating delicious food.

NAC: With your schedule, it's surprising that you find time to cook at all!

JKL: Yeah, I cook. I cook about 90 percent of my meals. I live across the street from Trader Joe’s, so I am there once a week at least. I am really into food. I eat really healthy. There is a lot of tofu, chicken and fish in my diet. I do a lot of organic vegetables and fruits. I have been part of this diet for seven or eight years or so, so I know what I really enjoy but it definitely takes a lot of discipline. I get cravings all the time. But there are upsides to that. Also, I am a big outdoors person. I just started playing Ultimate Frisbee. On the issue of time, I am good with time management. I live a balanced life. As much as I love my job, I know that I can’t take it home. I think part of the great part of what I do is the flexibility. In the past 2 months, I spend time in Australia, Bulgaria and next month I am going to Korea and Japan. I like to get a little fun in there as well.

NAC: Do you and your character "Ando" have similar food likes and dislikes?

JKL: He is a character from a foreign country that has a strong interest in foreign culture. In season one, we were in a diner in Texas, I remember they wrote into the dialogue that Ando was sort of not interested in fatty foods. Someone teased Ando, saying someone should order him some chili fries. It seems that he is pretty health conscious, sort of like me. Since I started the show, my look has changed. I lost about 15 pounds. So Ando has changed with me, I think he likes a lot of American food. Growing up in Japan, he probably likes hamburgers and pizza, but who doesn’t? It just takes moderation.