Jo Hyun Jae

This interview took place on Asia Dramatic TV in Japan in 2006.

The interviewer first introduced Jo Hyun-Jae with the usual adjectives of “clear and pure eyes”, “aristocratic air”, “dynamic personality”, etc.

Q: Hi, Mr. Jo Hyun-Jae!

A: Hi!

Q. As a second generation Korean actor who is widely recognized, how do you feel?

A. Many thanks to the Japanese fans who support me.  I am very happy.

Q. There are many discussions of your dramas in Japan.  How did you break into the entertainment industry in the first place?

A. Through a commercial.

Q. What kind of commercial?

A. That’s the chewing gum commercial I did when I was 20.

Q. When you knew you’d be doing “Only You”, how did you feel?

A. I like the director very much.  When I knew I was going to work with him, I was very happy.  The character of Han Yi-Joon is different from ordinary roles, which was one of the reasons that attracted me to this drama.

Q: How do you feel about “Only You”?

A. It’s a portrayal of a cold man meeting the woman he loves and slowly changing his character.  I feel this kind of change because of love is delightful.

Q. The director has said he decided to cast you after seeing the look in your eyes.  This is the rumour during casting.  Please act this kind of look in your eyes for your Japanese fans, whatever kind of look it is.

A: (a little embarrassed)  How about this?

Q. Such a cold and self-centred person — did you have difficulty portraying such a person?

A. Most people when they are angry will just walk away quietly.  But not Han Yi-Joon — whatever the circumstances, his anger will burst forth, no ifs or buts, very clear and straightforward.

Q. Is it difficult to portray him?

A. No, I just found it more interesting.

Q. Are you such a self-centred person?

A. No, I’m not like that.

Q. Then what are you like?  Your audience would like to know what your character is.

A. I’m an introvert.

Q. I heard a rumour that in Italy [where they're filming "Only You"] some local girl made a pass at you. 

A. During filming she asked me for a date.  How about today?  Do you have a girlfriend?  When the others heard, a senior member of the film crew told her I was engaged to be married — told a lie.  Thinking back, that was so funny.

Q. You don’t think it’s a pity?

A. I was there to work.

Q. Where would you like to go with your girlfriend?

A. Maybe U.S.A., New Zealand, or Australia.  Haven’t really thought about it, so no particular place in the world.

Q. Why New Zealand?

A. There’s no place I’d like to go to in particular.  Just thinking of Australia’s weather, or walking quietly on the beach, you know, something to change my mood.

Q. Recently, the writer of “Love Letter”, Ms Oh Soo Yun, said the first time she saw you, she felt your clear eyes are very rare.  She felt such eyes can portray deep emotions; she had high praise for you.  Do you agree with her?

A. First of all, I’m very grateful for her praise.  I don’t know what to say; I don’t feel that.

Q. Then say a few words to Ms Oh Soo Yun.

A. Ms Oh Soo Yun, “Love Letter” is a fine work and leaves fond memories.  At that time I was filled with enthusiasm and threw myself completely into “Love Letter”.  Thank you very much!  I’m very glad and thankful to have had the opportunity to work in such a drama.

Q. What kind of a man do you feel you are?

A. Very difficult to evaluate oneself.  Well, I’m not exactly the macho type.  I’m often assigned roles that are very quiet and considerate (like for girls.)  This is not me.  I’m like most men — rather careless and thoughtless.

Q. How do you usually spend your time?  What kind of hobbies or sports do you like?

A. I exercise a lot.  Recently I go to the gym everyday and use the treadmill.  I also like to drive and hike.

Q. Which mountain do you like?

A.  Jiri Mountain.  When we were filming “Seo Dong Yo”, I’ve been there a few times.  Mountains in Korea are all very beautiful.

Q. Why do you like Jiri Mountain?  It’s very quiet there.

A. When I was very young, we used to live near a mountain, so I especially like mountains.

Q. Which mountain was that?

A. Bukhanshan.

Q. Yea….fresh air, good environment.

Are you planning your next work already?

A. Many projects are in the works; I’ll decide early next year.

Q. Any roles in particular you would like to play?

A. I’d like to play roles with distinctive character.  Apart from character, I pay particular attention to the contents of the plot.  My first priority in choosing a role is a good story.

(Credit: Video by Param of CarpeDiemJAPAN.  Thanks!)

(This English translation of the transcript of the interview is based on the Chinese subtitles on the video, which is the work of Rufina of johyunjae.hk.  Many thanks, Rufina, and also to Bigcat for all your help!)