Jo Hyun Jae

This short video shows the macho side of Jo Hyun-Jae in “Forbidden Love”, a precursor to his role in “G.P.506″ four years later.

(Credit: Video by Hiro of EVERjohyunjae.co.kr.  Thanks!)

beautiful friend

days fly
months become years
and through them all
your friendship is with me

a touchstone for my soul
a bridge across time

beautiful friend
of my heart

I am so grateful for you.

Over the years many of us have already considered Jo Hyun-Jae our friend.  That’s why we sent this card to our “beautiful friend” who has made life beautiful for us.

JES | gimingu News | November 24, 2009

Jo Hyun-Jae, who is currently serving in the Korean army, is very worried that he is unable to see his seriously-ill father. Due to the outbreak of H1N1, all soldiers are banned from staying out all night.

JHJ’s father has been suffering from the long-term side-effects of Agent Orange and has been ill for many years.  Ever since JHJ enlisted in August 2008, every time he was on leave, he spent it at home looking after his father. He is the only son of the family, and ever since his mother underwent surgery for thyroid cancer a few years ago, JHJ has been the one taking care of his father.

However, earlier this month the alarm level for H1N1 was elevated to ‘serious’ , so JHJ has not been able to spend the night at home during leave.  All military personnel are banned from staying out all night; even visits are not allowed.  All leaves have been cancelled.

Next month is JHJ’s second scheduled leave and he is very worried and anxious, especially since his management company relayed the news: “Recently your father’s health has been deteriorating.”

According to Star N Hit, JHJ’s father’s condition has deteriorated to such an extent that he could not even recognize his family. The manager related: ” The bedridden father is always asking: “When is Hyun-Jae coming?”

The management company’s Lee Sang-Hoon revealed: “Last time JHJ was out on leave, he only visited his father and then returned to the camp.  He did not pay any attention to anything else.”  Mr. Lee expressed disappointment about the ban on leave but indicated that there was no other way and could only hope H1N1 was not that serious.

군 복무 조현재, 신종플루 때문에 애끊는 효심

JES | 김인구 기자 | 2009.11.24 10:18 입력
군 복무중인 조현재가 위독한 아버지 문병을 못 해 발을 구르고 있다. 신종플루로 인한 외출, 외박 금지령 때문이다.

조 현재는 고엽제 후유증으로 오랜 기간 투병한 아버지를 뒤로 하고 지난해 8월 입대했다. 그동안 휴가나 외출·외박을 나왔을 때도 아버지를 돌보는데 전념했다. 외아들인데다 어머니마저 몇 년 전 갑상선암으로 수술을 받은 터라 아버지에겐 그의 손길이 절실했다.

그러나 이달 초 신종플루 경보 단계가 ‘심각’으로 격상되면서 조현재가 복무 중인 경기도 의정부 부대를 포함해 전 군에 장병들의 외출·외박·면회가 전면 금지됐다. 휴가도 제한됐다.

다음달 2차 정기휴가를 앞두고 있던 조현재도 마음이 다급해졌다. 특히 소속사를 통해 “최근 아버지의 병세가 악화됐다”는 말을 전해들은 터라 애를 태우고 있다.

소속사 스타앤히트에 따르면, 조현재의 부친은 얼마 전부터 가족들도 못 알아볼 정도로 병세가 안 좋아졌다. 한 매니저는 “아버님이 병상에서 ‘현재 언제 오냐’는 말씀만 하셨다”고 했다.

소속사 이상훈 대표는 “현재씨가 지난번 외출 때도 아버지 병문안만 하고 돌아갔다. 곁에서 지켜보기 안쓰러웠다”면서 “하루 빨리 신종플루가 누그러지길 바랄 뿐 지금으로선 뾰족한 방법이 없는 것 같다”며 아쉬워 했다.

김인구 기자 [clark@joongang.co.kr]

(Credit: http://isplus.joins.com; www.johyunjae. hk.  Thanks!)

P.S.  Because the original source of this news is an internet news service, we waited till it was widely reported in the mainstream news media before posting this.  We do not know how or why this got into the news.  We do know, however, that Jo Hyun-Jae never discusses his family affairs.  Last year in August, after the farewell in Seoul, I asked the Master of EVER if it was true both JHJ’s parents were ill, and she said JHJ never talked about this and the Korean fans never asked him about it.  JHJ is a very private person, and he would never use such things for publicity.  Since it is now public knowledge, perhaps things are really looking bad (though we hope not.)

Some fans are restless when there is no news of JHJ.  Well, no news is good news.  And some fans complain when JHJ did not leave us a message during his leave.  As Bigcat of johyunjae.hk put it so aptly, they should examine their conscience.  They should be ashamed of themselves now that they know how JHJ spent his leave.  Before he is our “idol”, he is someone’s son.  And to the filial son, his first duty is to his parents, especially since they are both in ill health.  Behind that smiling face is so much sorrow and worry.  You never guessed it, right?  JHJ is such a good actor!

Let us pray for JHJ and his father (and his mother too.)

This Crencia signing ceremony took place on 2003.11.22 (almost exactly six years ago.)  Even then Jo Hyun-Jae already had so many fans.  They all waited in line for their turn, and with each one JHJ asked for her name, so the autograph was personalized.  Notice how serious and concentrated JHJ was in writing the fan’s name and signing his own, and how he smiled and nodded to each and every fan.   Notice also how many fans brought him presents and how many “Thank you” in Korean he said.

(Credit: Param of CarpeDiemJAPAN.  Thanks!)

The following article is from ELLE magazine (early 2008):

Jo-Hyun-Jae used to be a gentle man, but there is no doubt that audiences have adjusted to his new image.  Sporting a new crew cut and wearing a military uniform have brought him a lot of attention.  But there are still many new directions where he can turn, and that would require he draws on his considerable acting skills.

JHJ has changed.  His eyes which make women’s hearts pulsate violently now have a new firmness and steadiness.  When he speaks, he still retains the tone of 1st Lieutenant Yoo of “G.P.506″.  He returns to the screen to meet the keen expectations of the public, in a new image and with superb acting.

This movie has an all-male cast, and the story takes place in the military.  It is about the indomitable will to survive, regardless of anything, and it is this that attracts JHJ in the first place.

Because the expectations were so immense, JHJ experienced some pressure at the start of the shooting.  Work on the film was suspended for four months halfway through.  In the 1 1/2 years that he spent on this film, JHJ retained his short hairstyle with a heavy heart.

“Yes, that was a difficult period.  We were lucky to be able to finish the film at all.  The production team and I spent a lot of time waiting.  That we were able to finally complete the project made me very happy.”

He no longer looks like what he did in “G.P.506″.  Publicity for the movie and shooting of a new drama ["3Dads/1Mom"]  are occurring at the same time.  Exhaustion brought on by pressure of work is written all over JHJ’s handsome face.

Even then, his bright eyes are still sparkling.  ”How do you like the movie?” he asks several times of those reporters who have seen it.

When discussing his role in the movie, he instantly becomes the character of 1st Lieutenant Yoo.  “I don’t think I’ll try to escape or evade,” he said. “If it really comes to that, it is up to human beings to change the present situation.  I’m not a smart and intelligent person.  I don’t hold out much hope in this respect.”

His character in the movie constantly vacillates between his perception of the horror of the situation and his intense will to live.  “I tried my best to portray this character — in order to meet the demands of the character.”

In order to sustain his portrayal of the character, during the shooting JHJ tried to maintain a serious, even sombre, look.  He would sit quietly by himself.  The sets were dark and the lighting was dim, so he passed his time in this lonely manner.

As soon as shooting was over, he immediately started exercising.  He would ride his bicycle from his home to XXX (can’t translate name of place) and while away 3 or 4 hours like this.  With his perspiration exudes the tiredness of mind and body which leaves him refreshed.

This is a new beginning for JHJ.  With smiles and laughter he returns to the TV screen — to meet again the audience that he has left behind.

This will be a totally different JHJ.

(Credit: ELLE; Mandalaywith@CarpeDiem, http://cafe.daum.net/hyunjaelove.  Translated from the Chinese by Bigcat of johyunjae.hk.  Thanks!)

Your weekly Sunday entertainment — 3 videos of “Only You” — from the drama and behind the scenes.  Enjoy!

(Credit: Many thanks to kkisok of johyunjae.hk for uploading the videos!)

prissymom, along with other fans, acquired some JHJ souvenirs recently.  Below is her reaction on receiving the goodies.

November 5 (Thursday) my JHJ souvenirs finally arrived (yipeeeeeee!!!!!)  It was delivered to me at my daughter’s hospital room.  Yes, you read it right!  After two failed attempts by DHL to deliver the items to me at my residence (my daughter was admitted to the hospital Monday night), they finally decided to deliver the package at the hospital.

The DHL delivery man arrived while my daughter’s doctor (with her 3 residents and 3 interns in tow) was in the room, and while I was signing for the package I kept getting weird looks from them and from the people passing by the corridor outside the hospital room.  I’m sure they were thinking: “What’s so important that she has to have it delivered here in the hospital? Couldn’t she wait for her daughter to be discharged?”   I must have looked like Gollum (from JRR Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings”) muttering “precious” all the time while clutching the “precious” package to my chest!

JHJ HAD ME TEARY-EYED, THEN WANTING TO DANCE THE WALTZ !

First item I opened is the CD; after all, I have been contenting myself with listening to JHJ through the uploaded videos on YOUTUBE for quite a long time already.  (Please see photo of CD jacket above.) Of the 4 childhood photos of JHJ, my favorite is the one of him in the snow wearing a hoodie, with his hands tucked in the pockets of his jacket.  So, even then he is already fond of tucking his hands in his pockets!  And even then, his big, beautiful eyes are already soulful, and his demeanor serious/melancholy.

The first song, “WORDS YOU’VE TOLD ME”, went straight to my heart right away.  Even without understanding the lyrics, JHJ’s deep, rich voice had me teary-eyed 1/3 into the song.  And even before the song ended, I could feel tears running down my cheeks.  The song touched a chord in my heart; I wonder what the song is about to make me shed tears.  I checked out the English translation — ah! it’s a song about temporary separation, a request to stay, and a plea not to forget what they’ve had in the past.

In the second song, “NEXT TO YOU AS THE WIND”, JHJ’s voice starts out like a whisper but soon gains strength and force; then lowers to a whisper again, and then again gaining more strength and force.  His rich, tender voice handles each valley and peak of the song like a professional singer.  Again I checked the English translation (by wuliJHJ, March 9, 2009) after listening to the song.  The valleys (whispers) in the song are the parts where JHJ tells what to expect during the separation, and the peaks (strong/forceful parts) are his words of encouragement to be brave, and reassurance that even if he’s physically far away, his thoughts are always nearby like the wind.

The last song, “I SPREAD MY DREAM IN THE SKY”, had me tapping my hands and feet right from the first note.  The upbeat melody had me wanting to get up and dance the waltz in seconds!  I didn’t need the lyrics this time to know that JHJ is talking about dreams and dreaming in this song.  I am glad that the melody for this song is upbeat — maybe to let us know that JHJ is upbeat about the future!  The song and JHJ’s voice (tender yet firm, strong and determined) are like his personal invitation to dream again, to be not afraid to dream like a child again.  This song, in spite of its upbeat melody, had me in tears again!  This is my favorite: my player has been stuck on this song for several days now.  I have a new LSS!!!

I am so glad I bought this CD.  JHJ’s voice in the original CD is a million times better than on YOUTUBE!!!  And he’s a million times better than some so-called professional singers out there.  My only complaint is that there are only 3 songs!  Now that I know how really good his voice is I have become greedy for more songs from our JHJ.

ONLY JHJ CAN MAKE A FASHION STATEMENT IN A BATHROBE

The next item I opened is the set of 3 file holders (see wuliJHJ post on October 4, 2009 for the pictures of these file holders).  Like the jacket cover of the CD, the file holders are in shades of black, white and gray.  Again, like the CD cover, the file holders are simple, uncluttered, unpretentious.  I like the pictures showing JHJ sitting by a large window — he’s wearing a white top (with its long sleeves rolled to his elbows) and gray slacks (his legs look so long in those slacks).  He looks relaxed but pensive.

But my favorite picture is the one showing him in a bathrobe.  And it’s not just any bathrobe, it’s a tent of a bathrobe, covering everything from the neck down!  And on closer inspection, I find out that he’s wearing a white undershirt beneath that bathrobe!  And not content with that, in the next picture, he adds a towel to his get-up to cover the top of his head (but then he removed his white undershirt)!

Only JHJ would dare cover himself up in a photo shoot like that and come out looking so adorable, gorgeous, and sexy all at the same time.  By keeping the bathrobe on, I feel he’s telling us this — I am a man who happens to be an actor, not just a piece of meat to be ogled at!  Only a man who has great confidence in his talent can buck the trend (of showing off his body) with such panache!

JHJ THE CHAMELEON

In his 13×10 inch “MEMORIES” photo album, JHJ is like a chameleon. Here are some of the looks he managed to pull off effortlessly:

1. angsty teen in his white Tyler Askew T-shirt, red ski cap, black and white checkered polo shirt tied to his waist, multiple accessories.
2. moody teener in his white undershirt layered with a gray-striped sleeveless shirt, gray slacks while lounging on a wooden deck (love, love this photo so much! one of my faves in the entire album, I keep going back to it.)
3. nerdy mid-20s man with black-rimmed eyeglasses — nerdy but fashionable.  JHJ can pull off the look of a fashionable nerd!  In a 3-layered top: dark shirt, then a black and white striped long-sleeved vest, then a white blazer (whew!  so many pieces of clothing, just for the top!), dark denims, and black high-cut sneakers.
4. fashion-conscious guy in his early 20s in his grey-green pants, white shirt, dark vest, high cut sneaks, light brown hat.
5. relaxed man in his mid-20s in his striped PJs, white undershirt and white bathrobe (again!) either sipping coffee while reading or just plain lounging in bed.
6. sporty man in mid-20s in his gray sweat pants, white muscle shirt layered with another white sleeveless shirt while watering the plants.
7. teen to early 20s guy preparing for a date in that photo showing him with a hair dryer in hand, wearing a checkered black and white short-sleeved polo layered with a white shirt, accessories galore!
8. man in his mid-to-late 20s in his pensive shots in a dark blue long-sleeved top with white shirt underneath and dark shade, white pants and white shoes.  I swear I don’t like men wearing white pants and white shoes because in the Philippines dirty old men (DOM) are always shown (in dramas and movies) wearing white pants and white shoes.  But JHJ changed my view of the white-pants-white-shoes combination.  He looks like a young  man waiting for his date.

There are so many close-up shots of his face, love them all!  Not many people can stand up to such close scrutiny!  His skin looks fine, and his beautiful eyes are shown to perfection.  He looks so handsome in his pensive/somber moments, but photos of him smiling just light up the pages of this album.  Even his shoulders (his favorite part of his body) received some exposure!

I have four favorites:

1.  the one of him standing near a large window (white long-sleeved top with gray-striped shirt beneath and gray slacks, barefoot) because the gray slacks emphasized his slim hips and his long, slim legs.
2.  the close-up photo with his forefinger touching his lips because his beautiful, melancholy eyes are shown to perfection.
3.  the one of him taken on a wooden deck (white sleeveless shirt with a striped sleeveless shirt underneath and gray slacks) because he looks so young in that photo.
4.  the last photo of him in a dark blue top because I always love him in dark clothes which contrast so well with his fair skin.

The bathrobe he wore is by Calvin Klein, the mug he used to sip coffee is from Starbucks, and one of the cameras he used is a Nikon — nothing, I just noticed those details!  The “Memories” photo album is a great companion for any JHJ fan.  No quirky poses, no weird wardrobe selection, no bad hairstyle, just JHJ !

(Credit: First two photos of CD, last two from photo album.  Thanks!)

 These videos require no explanation.  Just watch and enjoy!

 (Credit: First video by Param of CarpeDiemJAPAN, second video by http://www.johyunjaehjouse.co.kr.  Thanks!)

The eternal triangle?  Seo Dong is caught between the two princesses, Sun Hwa and Woo Young?  Not really.  His love for Princess Sun Hwa never wavered, not for one moment.  He is a one-woman man.  Princess Woo Young never had a chance.  One of the most moving speeches in “Seo Dong Yo” is when Princess Woo Young says to Seo Dong near the end: “Let this life be reserved for Princess Sun Hwa.  Please leave me your next life, and if that is not possible, then the next, next life.  If even that is not possible, then the next, next, next life.”

(Credit: Video by Param of CarpeDiemJAPAN; photos from http://blog.naver.com.  Thanks!)

Always

Don’t forget we’re always together
And don’t cry for me
For the love you saved for me
Even without words I can understand the look in your eyes.

I will never believe anyone anymore
I so look forward to this day
This day when we are together.

I pursue you in the depths of my soul
You make my heart ache
When you leave me again.

Please believe me now
Don’t leave me with painful memories again
I’ll love you forever.

I will never believe anyone anymore
I so look forward to this day
This day when we are together.

I pursue you in the depths of my soul
You make my heart ache
When you leave me again.

Please believe me now
Don’t leave me with painful memories again
I’ll love you forever.

Even if the end of the world is near
I’ll still love only you
Till the end of time.

Same song, different videos.  It sounds even better the second time.  Great MVs, great drama (“Forbidden Love” or “Legend of the Nine-Tailed Fox”, in case you don’t know.)

Please see our 3/20/09 post “In defence of the Fox”.

(Credit: First video by ranta(.w.), second video by andrewwujin; http://hyunjaelove.jp; www.johyunjae.hk.  Thanks!)