Jo Hyun Jae

The title of the theme song of “Love Letter” translates as “Heaven’s Farewell”.  We can all hum to “You’re my life/ Fill my love…………..Don’t say Bye/ Let me go” (or at least that’s what I think he’s singing.)  Enjoy!

(Credit: Name on video.  Thanks!)

 my heart is grateful for you…..
 
…..and for all the many ways
you make my world a better place.

A very simple card, with very simple words, but it says so much!  Mr. Jo Hyun-Jae, you really make my world a better place.  Thank you!

(Credit: Video and photos from CarpeDiem.  Thanks!)

First video — English subtitles.  Second video — Chinese subtitles.  Take your pick, or watch it twice, for twice the pleasure.

The internet short film “Joy of Love” is the work of the director of “Untold Scandal” (2003), Lee Jae-Yong (E J-Yong).

Director Lee must have been very impressed with the young actor Jo Hyun-Jae whom he cast as the young scholar Kwon In-Ho in “Untold Scandal”, even though JHJ had never acted in a movie before.

In 2004 when he tried his hand in this new medium of an internet short drama, Mr. Lee cast JHJ again, together with his co-star in “Untold Scandal”, Lee So-Yeon.  Lee So-Yeon is the only Korean actress who has the distinction of working with JHJ twice (to date.)

Not all JHJ fans have seen this little gem, so we’ve posted it here for your viewing pleasure.  Why, even the Korean Film Archives recently asked for information about “Joy of Love”.

Please see our  5/18/09 post “‘Joy of love’ is a joy to watch”.  You’ll love it, we guarantee! (the short film, we mean.)

(Credit: Video with English subtitles – Translation: PC; Timing/QC/Editor: Lorac; Timing/Encoder: Seirin.  Thanks!)

And FIGHTING, we might add.  There are a lot of fight scenes in this video which show Jo Hyun-Jae’s physical prowess and dexterity with the sword.  Enjoy!

(Credit: Video from http://cafe.daum.net.  Thanks!)

This is a side of Jo Hyun-Jae which not all of his fans have seen.  You may know he practises Aikido.  But do you know he could break bricks with his bare hands?

This was in the summer of 2003 when JHJ was promoting “First Love”.  Observe the looks on his female co-stars’ faces.  The JHJ of today will not be performing this kind of stunt in public anymore.

(Credit for photos: www.patzzi.com.  Thanks!)

(CONTINUED FROM YESTERDAY)

Having heard your inner thoughts, tell us what you do when you are alone.

“Honestly there isn’t much time to be alone.  Since I entered the entertainment world seven years ago, I am still living with my family.

“Hmmm, even when I am using public transport or when I am watching DVD? 

“Wearing T-shirt and jeans and go rollerskating in the park.

“Going along the banks of the river, riding from one place to another.

“Recently whenever the weather is fine, I feel especially cheerful.

“When I run to my house’s door, panting, with sweat pouring down my back, even though I’m tired through and through, when I see my house’s door I feel a kind of warmth.  If you haven’t had this experience, you will not understand how I feel.

“When I take public transport, since I’m not wearing any make-up, good thing I’ve never been recognized.  (Laughs)

“I watch a lot of DVDs, whatever the genre, whatever the contents.  I don’t have any particular favourite director or actor.  Since I’m an actor, I observe all kinds and styles of acting, or experience different acting techniques.”

A 28-year-old young man who still lives with his family and likes to take public transport — a very simple young man.

Gives one a very pleasant feeling, just like the boy next door.

But this serious young man leaves a very deep impression.

So, have you ever thought about playing a bad guy — as a challenge to yourself as an actor?

“Of course!  After I saw Al Pacino in “Scarface”.

“Just think!  His portrayal has transcended the ability and scope of an actor.

This was a 1983 film — already more than 20 years ago.

“Even so, even today, Al Pacino’s portrayal is still valid.  In the movie he acts like a mad man, so full of fury, even now it’s still in my mind’s eye.  I remember when I first watched this movie, my fists were tightly clenched at the end.  I was shocked at how I felt when I was watching this movie.

“I want to challenge myself by playing a bad guy; this originates from watching Al Pacino in “Scarface.”  So when I received the script for “G.P.506″, of course I jumped at the opportunity.”

JHJ is now filming “G.P.506″ — a thriller about multiple murders that happened in the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone).

JHJ plays the role of 1st Lieutenant Yoo who holds the key to the mystery.  The entertainment industry is full of anticipation of “G.P.506″.

The director is famous for his previous work “R-Point” and “G.P.506″ is his second film.  As for JHJ, this is his second foray into the big screen after “Untold Scandal”.  Interesting coincidence between the two men.

80% of the film has been completed; it is expected to be shown in mid-August.*  It is one of the big summer films.  (* But due to a break in filming, “G.P.506″ was not completed until late 2007 and was not shown until early April 2008.)

Whether you like the old Prince Charming or today’s new macho image, if you want to give JHJ a clear and objective evaluation, please go to the cinema to do your grading.

After the interview, I watch him smoking a cigar (for a photo).  His face is a little thin; the veins seem to appear and disappear on his face; he has a very clear-cut profile; he is even starting to have those telltale laugh lines as if to welcome the advance of 30; his cool eyes are full of mystery, observing his surroundings closely.

In the air emanates a unique essence of a man.  Whether you have been in contact before, I can tell you, this is Jo Hyun-Jae’s essence — a strong man assuming a strong pose, paying you a visit……..

This is ……..the actor Jo Hyun-Jae.

(Translated from the Chinese version on johyunjae.hk by Bigcat.  Thanks!)

We know we posted this photo before, but we love it!  It’s so un-JHJ and yet so unmistakably JHJ!

(All photos from V Magazine.  Thanks!)

This is from the June 2007 issue of V Magazine:

Eyes full of sadness, suddenly filled with tears

A serene soul flies freely in the wind………..

From the very beginning, actor Jo Hyun-Jae has projected an image of gentleness, sweetness, and goodness.

This issue’s cover story will shatter the legendary story of Prince Charming.  To achieve this concept, the Editor suggests: How about trying to create a macho image?

A JHJ who wears a pink jacket, with his hands in his trousers’ pockets, or a JHJ with a bouquet of flowers in his hands and a dazzling smile on his face — can he possibly break this established image?  Can he transform himself into something entirely new and refreshing?

On the day of the photo shoot, JHJ appeared sporting a new crew cut and wearing a white T-shirt and jeans, and greeted the Editor very politely and shook his hand.

This young man is really a puzzle!   From his looks, he is exactly like a high school kid who is about to take the university entrance exam.

After he has changed and is made up, JHJ becomes a young man who is toughened and roughened by life.  The sweet, carefree youth of a moment ago has vanished in the air.

After that preamble, here comes the record of our conversation.

First of all, he is the kind of young man who knows exactly what he wants and how to achieve his goals to be an actor.

At 18 he was discovered on the street by talent scouts and signed up to be a member of “Guardian” (guess not many people know this), and in 2000 he first appeared in a drinks commercial.

Three years later he was awarded the 2003 SBS “Best New Actor Award”.  And in 2006 he won the coveted Baeksang Arts Award (Most Popular Actor – for “Seo Dong Yo”.)

In  2003 he appeared in his first movie “Untold Scandal”, and his first foray into the big screen was greeted with praise and appreciation.

After that he acted in the TV drama “Forbidden Love”, for the first time appearing as a macho guy, and that too received positive reviews.  But it seems like there is something to be desired in his performance in the love scenes.

As an actor, which work of yours is the most memorable?

“To be recognized for my acting and at the same time to have high ratings — that’s “Seo Dong Yo”.

“Even now, every little detail during the shooting of “Seo Dong Yo” is still right before my eyes, as it were.  Perhaps it’s because of all the hardships during the shooting, I still can’t forget any of that now.  Or perhaps I should say it’s the most memorable work of my life; “Seo Dong Yo” is definitely #1.”

It is said that during the shooting of “Seo Dong Yo”, there were many days that out of 24 hours a day, 20 of those JHJ was wearing his costume and working non-stop and without sleep to meet the schedule.

Because of the pressure of work and the constant stress, JHJ experienced hair loss.  You can imagine how difficult it was.   Since he was the lead actor and his part was the heaviest, there were lots of dialogue.  In addition, “Seo Dong Yo” is a historial drama, so the dialogue is written in the ancient language which makes it so much more difficult to memorize.  You can well imagine how difficult the task is.

JHJ spent nearly a year on “Seo Dong Yo”; it’s like life and death, advance and retreat.

Because he put all his strength and sincerity into being a good actor, so he had no regrets and no nostalgia when the project ended.

“Even though we know death comes sooner or later, we still have to struggle to survive.  Shouldn’t we try to enjoy life as much as we can while we can?

“It is the same in the performance arena.  Even ordinary work can make you very tired, unless you enjoy your work, enjoy your performance.  Only then can you rise above the difficulties and hardships of work.”

I agree with JHJ’s view here.

Some people join the entertainment industry because they want to indulge in fans’ support and cheers; others enter the field because they want to be well-known.  Maybe this is a fundamental trait of human nature.  This is also the attraction of being an actor.

Of course, not because of the above reasons, but like JHJ who loves and respects the profession of acting, such people are few and far between in the entertainment world.

“I deliberately shy away from any activities outside of performance.  Do you think I’m trying to avoid over-exposure?  Wearing pretty clothes, going to a studio for a photo shoot with a magazine, doing interviews, letting people see another side of you, chatting happily, attending fan meetings.

“But, these kinds of things really have nothing to do with performance.

“This is not where I want to spend my energy.

“Of course, senior actors can handle these very well, enjoying all these energetically.

“But it seems I have not reached that level yet.  (Laughs.)

“To tell the truth, apart from performance, I don’t have much energy left.  As an actor, if you concentrate wholeheartedly on your performance, you know you don’t have enough energy for anything else.  Actually, do you know I went through a lot of struggle before deciding to come for today’s photo shoot?”  (Laughs.)

So there you have it.

JHJ is an actor who is very, very difficult to secure an interview and photo shoot.  Within the industry there are even rumours that he loathes photo shoots for magazines.  After it has been decided to interview him, our Editor worried that JHJ might give us the silent treatment or that he could be impossible to handle.

Fortunately during the three hours we spent together, his gentle character did not impede the pace of the photo shoot or the interview.  Nor did he exhibit any arrogant or frivolous behaviour or attitude.

This has nothing to do with age.  JHJ is more mature and steady than people his age.

Our Editor is full of praise for his serious and sincere character.

(TO BE CONTINUED)

(Translated from the Chinese version on johyunjae.hk by Bigcat.  Thanks!)

On Monday a little after 9 in the morning, I was flipping channels when I suddenly saw Lee Byun-Hyun (LBH) and Kim Tae-Hee (KTH) on KBS2.  They’re standing on a stage or something with four other actors, apparently publicizing “Iris” (at a press conference, I think) which started on TV the week before.  I had forgotten to catch the first two episodes, but I’d make sure to watch on Wednesday and Thursday.

Watching LBH and KTH made me miss Jo Hyun-Jae more.  LBH is an actor that JHJ admires.  I just saw his Hollywood debut in “G.I.Joe” a couple of days ago.  I don’t normally watch this kind of movie; I don’t like movies made from comics.  I made an exception because of LBH.  “G.I.Joe” is entertaining in a mindless sort of way.  LBH acquits himself quite well ; his Storm Shadow is one of the bad guys, but he looks pretty cool.  And he speaks very good English.  His name is listed 4 — before Sienna Miller — not bad, I thought, until I realized the actors’ names are in alphabetical order.

But watching LBH in the “Iris” line-up on KBS2, I could see he looks his full 39 years (he is 10 years older than JHJ.)  It’s been six years since I saw him in his last TV drama “All in” with Song Hye-Kyu; (their off-screen romance then generated a lot of press.) Actually KTH also looks visibly older since her last TV drama “Love Story in Harvard” (2004).  Her face is fuller and her arms rounder.  She’s wearing a sleeveless black dress, ultra short, which didn’t exactly show her legs to advantage.  Five years isn’t exactly a long time, but to an actor it could be an eternity.

Five years for JHJ means from Kang Min-Woo in “Forbidden Love” to Corporal Jo Hyun-Jae in the Korean army.  I’m biased, of course, but I feel JHJ is getting better and better — more matured, more confident, more refined, and his eyes are just as bright and he looks just as fresh as ever.  From his latest “Defense Daily” photos and video, he does not look a day older than in “Forbidden Love”.  I have often wondered how his skin can stay so fine in the harsh conditions in the army barracks.  Good genes or his fan clubs’ supply of face cream and moisturizers?  (That’s JHJ’s latest photo up there – from the Official JHJ Fan Club – do you agree with me?) 

And then I saw LBH and KTH in Episodes 3 and 4 of “Iris”.  My first reaction was: “LBH’s mop of hair looks worse than JHJ’s in “Only You”.  My second reaction was: “KTH looks better with JHJ in “Forbidden Love”.  In Episode 3 there is an extensive sequence of LBH and KTH vacationing in Akita, Japan.  The snow scenes are very beautiful, but they don’t look very much in love (it’s all acting that looks like acting, if you know what I mean.)  There has been criticism of KTH’s acting in the first episode of “Iris”, but the sequence that I’ve seen does not require much acting.

And I saw the church in “love Letter” — the one where Andrea is ordained as a priest.  The interior and the grounds are as beautiful and serene as I remember them, but somehow without Andrea it is not the same.  This church must be a popular setting in Korean dramas.

“Iris” has a budget of 20 billion KW, the most expensive Korean drama to date.  It is filmed on location in Korea, Japan, China, Hungary, and Russia.  It is the most anticipated drama of 2009, with its stellar cast and blockbuster scale.  This high-tech espionage drama is more like a movie than a TV drama, at least from the two episodes I’ve seen so far.  There are lots of bloodshed and violence and car crashes, also two very cool bad guys — the assassin (who looks androgynous) and the female NSS agent on the wrong side (N. Korea.)

I hope JHJ’s first work after his release from the army will be the most anticipated drama of 2010 (and not just for his fans.)  JHJ can do everything LBH does in “Iris”, and more.  Just give him the right role and a good story so he can flex his muscles (literally and figuratively.)

(Photo courtesy of http:// jo-hyunjae.com.  Thanks!)

Do you recognize this beautiful tree-lined road?  Which of Jo Hyun-Jae’s dramas does it appear in?

The answer is in the second half of this post.  But DON’T CHEAT!

While you’re racking your brains, here’s something to inspire you.  Try painting JHJ here.

OK!  Here’s the answer!  Did you get it right?

They’re a beautiful couple, aren’t they?  Even the colour scheme of their clothes match perfectly.

(Credit: http://cafe.daum.net/hyunjaeAnPam; kkisok of johyunjae.hk.  Thanks!)