Jo Hyun Jae

KBOOM  interview (2) – Continue from Dec.15 post “The real story beneath the pretty face”

Q. As an actor, what are your shortcomings?

A.  As an actor, I face new challenges and different difficulties every day, so I always feel inadequate.  Plus I’m busy with work and new things to learn at work.  I’ve never stopped trying to improve in all respects.

Q. So does that mean your goal is to be an actor?

A. To put it simply, if a person sees something he doesn’t understand or finds out he’s inadequate, and if he doesn’t follow up and learn to improve, he is lazy.  As an actor, learning to improve has become a part of my life.

Q. This is really an interesting topic.  If you become a director in a supervisory capacity and you can decide what to produce in conjunction with your partner, what kind of work would you like to do?

A.  Starting as an actor, that is a very long road.  There is no need to think about something that is not going to happen till after a long time.  If I can really do it, I’d like to make spy films like James Bond or “Mission Impossible”.

Q.  When do you consider the most blessed time?  Most actors would reply: “Sleeping!”

A. The most blessed time is when everything is under control.  Being able to work to the fullest is also good.  Especially in the morning, if I know everything will go according to plan, I will feel particularly excited and cheerful that morning.  Am I the only one who is like that?

Q. You are really an optimistic person.  (Laugh)

People who feel blessed in the morning are usually happy-go-lucky.  Even though a pop song says otherwise, but it doesn’t apply to you.

When you were in “Guardian”, you appeared as a pretty boy.  Together with your singing ability, you already gained a lot of attention then.  Many people still remember this.  Why do you no longer wish to be a singer?

A.  I’m a little surprised people are still talking about something that happened so long ago.

As a singer, there are too many things beyond your control.  When I was 18, I spent one year training and preparing.  But because the company lacked planning and resources, we did not have many chances to perform or function.

Lately those early performances on TV have been in the news – this is delayed reaction – and even though it’s several years late, the repercussions are greater than at the beginning.  This is totally unexpected.

Q. To be honest, after watching those performances, the praise that people heaped on you is not at all exaggerated.  Shall we talk about something else?

If you want to express your feelings for your loved one, what kind of song would you sing?

A. Should be a love song.  (Laugh)

Q. Of course it should be a love song, but which song to express your emotions?  Please answer directly.  (Laugh)

Also, do you think it is possible for an artist to be ten times better looking in person than on photos?

A. If one has to rely on photos to create better effects, that would be worrying.  (Laugh)  I am most grateful for your praise.

Q. Even though you and your Japanese fans speak different languages, last year’s (2006) fan meetings are still vivid in the memories of Japanese fans.

A. Many fans came, and even though we could not speak to one another, the expressions on their faces and the warmth and caring they displayed moved me deeply and will remain forever in my heart.

Q. Please tell those Japanese fans who are eagerly awaiting your next work something about your present circumstances.

A.  I’m now filming “G.P.506″.  Everyone who is involved in the production is doing their best.  I hope when it is shown in Japan, you will like and appreciate it

Please stay healthy and be happy, always!

THE END

(Credit: Photos from KBOOM courtesy of EVERjohyunjae.co.kr.  Thanks!)