Jo Hyun Jae

I watched a spate of Korean movies lately and it made me wonder: “How come ’G.P.506′ didn’t do better at the box office in Korea?”  I’d rather not mention the titles of these movies, quite frankly, I can’t remember some of them.  The movie that tops the blockbuster list in Korea last year is a disaster epic (tsunami.)  Such a formula never fails to draw people to the cinema, but I could not finish watching this one because the first hour or so that lays the groundwork for the various threads is so utterly disorganized and boring.  Then there is the movie which stars Soo Ae as Queen Myeong-Seong in love with a palace guard called “The sword with no name”.  Soo Ae won 4 best actress awards (for “Sunny”) - 3 in 2008 and 1 in 2009 for which she defeated Kim Hye-Ja who is simply marvellous in “Mother” (with Won Bin.)  Soo Ae is the same age as JHJ and she looks good for a woman approaching 30, but she still acts like she does in “Love Letter”.  Another film with an actress in the lead role is about a female painter 250 years ago in Korea who has to disguise herself as a man in order to learn from the royal court art master (Kim Young-Ho who plays Buyeo-Seon in “Seo Dong Yo”.)  This isn’t a bad film but it contains lots of graphic sex scenes.  I have never understood why the relationship between men and women in Korean drama is chaster-than-chaste, but in movies is often depicted in prolonged X-rated scenes that leave nothing to the imagination.  There are 3 or 4 other films that do not merit a mention here.

To go back to my original point about “G.P.506″, it is, when all is said and done, a movie with a perfectly intelligible storyline, great actors, and superb atmosphere (even if I don’t like the way the plot kills off the JHJ character.)  It debuted in Korea at #1 in April 2008 and stayed on top for a couple of weeks which was no mean feat, all things considered (namely, competition from big-budget foreign films showing at the same time), bringing in nearly 1 million audience.  Compared to the movies I mentioned in my first paragraph, it is a much superior film.  Problem is: it is a genre that does not appeal to half of the human race, that is, women.  If JHJ had not been in it, I would have given it a miss too.  And you can judge by the second poster (on the right) above that it’s not for kids either, since it is billed as a “horror” movie.  True, JHJ made a breakthrough in his acting in “G.P.506″, but it did not bring him the recognition he deserved. 

The Official JHJ Fan Club in Japan held a get-together earlier this month and the above photos were distributed to attendees.  We are members but for obvious reasons we could not be there, not the least of which is we do not live in Japan.  I look at these photos (which must have been taken before he enlisted) and marvel how little JHJ has changed in the 1 1/2 years he has been in the military (compared to his latest army photos.)  Even his skin is as fine and smooth as ever, maybe thanks to all the skin care products supplied by CAFE and EVER, or more likely, just good genes.  Photo 2 shows the only man on earth in a sleeveless shirt wearing a necklace and a bracelet that I do not find sissy.  All others please refrain from this fashion style.

I’ve been brooding over something recently which I find quite puzzling.  It has to do with our website’s ranking on Alexa that I mentioned in our February 15 post “Happy anniversary.”  We are ranked 1 million something which is good, according to my knowledgeable brother Michael.  On a lark, I checked out the rankings of some other JHJ websites, in various languages.  To my (honestly) great surprise, I found we’re head and shoulders above the rest (I’m a little shell-shocked!)  Our nearest “competitor” is ranked 50,000 places below us.  The most popular website in the most populous country in the world is (golly!) nearly 5 million places below us!  A leading Korean website is 11.5 million places below us (I could not believe this at first, so I checked and double-checked.)  The official website is 3.4 million places below us.  My first reaction was: this must be because we are the only English website (among those I checked), and English is an international language, so we have an advantage.  But hey! Alexa Traffic Rank (a measure of a website’s popularity) is calculated using a combination of average daily visitors and page views over the past 3 months.  The site with the highest combination of visitors and pageviews is ranked #1 (and that is, of course, Google.)  So this has nothing to do with the language medium at all; it is statistics, straight and simple.  The only conclusion I can draw from this is: JHJ has more fans from outside of Korea and Japan faithfully following his every move!  This is really surprising!  He is truly an international star!   

There is something which has been irking me since July 2008.  JHJ’s fan meetings in Osaka and Tokyo drew 1,500 and 2,100 fans respectively, but the one in Seoul was attended by only 600.  Does that mean JHJ is more popular among the Japanese than the Koreans?  A Korean fan explained to me that Koreans do not display their affection for their idols as openly as the Japanese.  She has of course bought all the JHJ souvenirs there are, but she has to hide these (which are normally on display) when her family visits.  Different cultures indeed!  Now, if JHJ is more popular overseas than in Korea, would that have any sort of inverse effect on his career?  In other words, would his popularity with foreign fans gain him any traction in the Korean entertainment industry?  I would certainly hope so, for if single eyelids have their way in Korea, then our JHJ may have to go to Hollywood (God forbid!)

(Credit: JHJ photos courtesy of EVERjohyunjae.co.kr.  Thanks!)

Interview in “In Style” magazine (July 2007 issue)

Actor changes his image

It all started in 2000 with a drinks commercial, followed by dramas “Love Letter”, “First Love”, and “Seo Dong Yo”, plus the movie “Untold Scandal”.  Jo Hyun-Jae, who has always appeared in a wholesome image, with his pure eyes and handsome features, is active in the entertainment world again.

What appears before our eyes is a totally different image — JHJ in short hair, very fresh and youthful.  Actually it is not unusual for actors to change their image, especially if the new image is superior to the old one.  This will make it extra special for the actor and may lift him to a different level.

Q.  After “Seo Dong Yo”, you disappeared for a while.  What have you been doing lately?

A.  I’ve been resting during this period.  Early this year [2007] I signed up for “G.P.506″, a movie about a series of mysterious incidents that happen in the demilitarized zone.  My role is the pivotal figure that holds the key to the whole situation.

Q.  Are there any similarities between a military character and your own personality?

A.  I’m the shy and silent type.  I only open up in front of people I’m very familiar with.  I usually remain quiet and do not say anything in a crowd.

The military is a symbol of strength.  A man’s charm rests in his silence, especially if he is in a leadership position.  I don’t speak much on set.

As to the reason why I choose a thriller (based on a novel) as my comeback work, I like thrillers and horror movies.  I enjoy being frightened.  That’s why I signed up for this movie.  Also this is a vote of confidence for Mr. Kong Soo Chang who directed “R Point”.

Q.  You’re sporting a new hairstyle?

A.  It’s a hassle taking care of one’s hair.  Now that my hair is so short, I can wash my hair too when I wash my face, so it’s very convenient.  And I like this hairstyle. (Laugh)

Q.  In last month’s “Andre Kim Best Star Awards”, how did it feel to receive the Best Star Award?

A.  I felt very proud.  Standing on stage, I felt the atmosphere was very moving.  Even though I had experience on the catwalk, I was rather nervous that day, so my performance was a little awkward.  But the feeling was remarkably good.

Q.  What is your style and standards in dressing?

A.  The best clothes are neat and clean; they should suit one’s figure and style.

Q.  In your earlier works, which character’s wardrobe did you spend most time on?

A.  That would be “First Love”.  I spent a lot of efforts and thought on the clothes.

Q.  What items of clothing do you possess most?

A.  #1 are jeans — I have about 30 pairs.  Also baseball caps — for jogging.  As for T-shirts, I also have quite a lot of white ones.

Q.  Is there anything you will absolutely not wear?

A.  I definitely won’t wear those clothes that are only suitable for tall and slim models. They are absolutely not my style. (Laugh)

Q.  Do you like to go shopping?

A.  Yes, I do.  I remember when I first started as an actor, I liked to go shopping in Namdaemun, selecting and trying out all sorts of clothes. But now I draw attention and create unnecessary trouble, so recently I just shop online, sent by air mail.

Q.  What did you buy online recently?

A. I’m very busy recently, so I have to rest when I have time and did not have much time to shop online.  A few months ago I bought some casual tops.

Q.  Have you ever bought anything that you regretted afterwards?

A.  Since I cannot try them, sometimes I get the wrong size.  Jackets are a problem: often the real thing is very different from the photos, so I regret getting them after I receive the goods.

Q.  In the matter of clothes, what do you have a problem with?

A.  I’ve  lost weight and become quite thin.  So as not to let my family know, I try to hide under a larger size.  When buying imported clothes, because of the size difference, especially in suits, I have a get a smaller size for trousers.

Q.  When did you have your first suit?

A.   I entered the entertainment industry at age 20.  I bought my first suit for a performance.  It’s a black Armani — I still have it today. 

Q.  What do you think a “good” man should be like?

A.  Someone who does his best in his work, who does better than others, who loves his family — this is my concept of a good man.

Q.  Actors are mostly judged on their looks.  What is your view on this?

A.  The heart of the matter is — one should look manly and not rely on the beauty of the face.  One is cast according to one’s style and looks.

Q.  Up to now, what is the greatest setback in your life?

A.  When I was still a student, family circumstances deteriorated.  I could only grin and bear it; perseverance is in my character.

Q.  After your first appearance [in the entertainement world], what is your greatest disappointment?

A.  When I was 17, I was set to be a singer.  I spent two years training and finally became a member of a boy band [Guardian].  Just when we started performing, the company collapsed.  I could not linger over being a singer and I still loved performing, so I switched to acting.  Even now, when I hear people mention JHJ used to be a singer, I still feel uncomfortable.

Q.  Who is your favourite actor?

A.  In Korea it is Lee Byung-Hyun.  Among foreign actors, it is Al Pacino.  Pacino’s expressive acting is brilliant and arouses intense emotions — I have to learn from him.

Q. When you’re not filming, what do you do?

A.  Sports/exercise.  I get together with my friends every week to play baskeball.  Recently I took up golf; it’s a very interesting sport.  Also cycling –  I often ride my bike all over Gangnam.

Q.  What is your concept of the ideal woman?

A.  When I was younger, I used to like cheerful, pretty girls.  Now I mainly look for someone compatible in thoughts and ideas, who has the same objectives in life, someone I can communicate with.

Q.  Up to now, what is your greatest investment in your appearance?

A.  Recently I heard even men have to pay attention to skin care.  Because of filming, I have to receive two facials per week.  Filming requires special makeup that is harmful to the skin, so I have to get started, but I like it.

Q.  What do you think you would be like 30 years from now?

A.  By that time I should have my own family and my work should be successful.  As an actor, if I hear anyone mention my acting, I would feel blessed.

Q.  At this moment of your life, what do you hope for?

A.  The entertainment world is full of changes.  If you slow down or slacken off, you’ll be forgotten.  This is very worrisome and fearsome.  Please continue to support me.  I will work hard and won’t disappoint you.  This is my greatest wish.

Sporting a new crew cut and taking up military duties [in "G.P.506"]
Changing his image and arousing curiosity
An actor emerging in a new image and plunging into a new role
Isn’t this very fitting?
Still the same kind face, establishing a new image.

(Based on the Chinese translation on www.johyunjae.hk.  Photos courtesy of CarpeDiemJaAPAN.  Thanks!) 

This is a silly MV, lots of fun, created by a Korean fan of Jo Hyun-Jae’s, set to invigorating music.  Hope it makes your day.  Smile!

(Credit: Name on video; michaelbigcat for uploading it.  Thanks!)

The Great Baekje World Festival will be held from September 18 – October 17, 2010 (30 days) in and around Buyeo and Gongju, Chungcheongnam-do.

If you enjoy watching “Seo Dong Yo”, you will find this festival interesting and informative.  Please see details below.

Anyone interested in going?  You can enjoy the pleasure of our company!   You won’t see our Jo Hyun-Jae, the most famous representative of Baekje, there – sorry!  Oh! maybe they’ll ask him to officiate at the opening or closing ceremony, who knows?  We just made that up, so don’t take it seriously.

(Credit: Information and pictures from 2010 Great Baekje World Festival Organizing Committee.  Thanks!    http://www.baekje.org/html/kr/ )

That’s 9 1/2 minutes of Jo Hyun-Jae, actually 9:41, in this ”Seo Dong Yo” MV.  Every frame is of JHJ.  This video may be old (late 2008) but everything still looks as good as ever.  And the music from the OST is just great.  Enjoy!

(Credit: Name at end of video.  Thanks!)

Before June 2008 I had no idea what a fan meeting was.  For one thing, I’ve never been anyone’s fan before.  For another, I don’t like crowds, so I’d normally avoid such gatherings like the plague.

Having attended three Jo Hyun-Jae fan meetings, I can now say: “Only in Korea and Japan!”  Such a format will never work anywhere else.  Only JHJ fans are so considerate, so amiable, so gentle, so easily satisfied.

I have been to pop concerts in several parts of the world, and I’ve found that the most demanding audience is the Chinese in Hong Kong.  To put on a concert in Hong Kong, the artist has to have “3 heads and 6 arms”, meaning all round.  He/she is not only expected to sing, but also dance (like a pro), talk (like a talk show host), crack jokes (like a comedian), perform cartwheels (figuratively – but I’ve seen one do a flip!) and shake hundreds of hands (of those fans nearest to the stage who grab and scratch.)  A three-hour concert is the norm (with a very brief intermission lasting no more than 3 minutes) with several change of clothes; some last longer.

I once attended a Bee Gees concert in Los Angeles that’s just a little over an hour (with an unknown opening act) and a WHAM! concert (remember the very young George Michael?) in Hong Kong that’s barely an hour.  These are big names, big acts, and they can dictate terms, I guess.  But the biggest band of all, the Beatles, gave a full 90-minute performance (without a break – at least in the concert I was privileged to attend in Hong Kong many years ago.)

So what happens in a JHJ fan meeting?  Anticipation is in the air long before the start.  The fans work themselves up to a natural high.  They are ecstatic once JHJ comes on stage.  He sings a song and they have already reached fever pitch.  He is interviewed by the MC who does most of the talking.  He speaks a few words and everybody is so excited (even though some, like me, can’t understand a word!)  Just listening to his voice is enough to make ajumas swoon.  Sometimes he’s asked to interact with the fans, like playing games and presenting prizes.  Even those who don’t get to go on stage get all worked up.  In earlier fan meetings in 2005 and 2006, JHJ recites a poem or reads a letter to his fans (in Japanese) — to squeals of delight.  JHJ will then sing another song or two.

The part that every fan gets a piece of the action is the handshaking at the end.  This is the close encounter with JHJ, at last.  Everybody has her chance to shake his hand, and it’s all worth it.  JHJ takes his duties very seriously — he really “shakes” your hand, not just “touch and go”, and he looks you in the eyes and smiles and bows.  Problem is — it’s all over in a couple of seconds.

Well, that’s it.  That’s your dream meeting with your idol.  The true JHJ fan will be fulfilled.  This is something nobody can take away from you, not ever.  Everybody who has seen JHJ in person agrees he’s better looking in the flesh than on the screen.  You may find this difficult to believe, but it’s true.  I used to think that idols can only be worshipped from a distance — because you are invariably disillusioned once you see them up close and personal.  But NOT JHJ!  The more I see of him, the more “perfect” I find him.  I do not like using superlatives, but in JHJ’s case they are not excessive at all.

Some fans lament that with his qualifications, JHJ should be more popular and better-known than he is now.  Well, if he is as hot as Bae Yong-Jun, would I (an ordinary fan) have had the chance to shake his hand?  JHJ is wise not to over-expose himself like Kwon Sang-Woo (who took on any and all roles, not to mention advertising.)  To quote again that Chinese maxim I used before — 细水长流 (a small stream runs longer), JHJ will last longer than most Korean actors because of his solid ability, his sagacious choice of roles, and his resilience.  All he needs is a little luck.

Any Chinese fortune teller will tell you JHJ’s facial features should guarantee him a life of blessing, success, and prosperity.  And a palm reader will say JHJ’s soft and fleshy (that is, not bony) hands portend a great future and much happiness.  I do not necessarily subscribe to these pseudo sciences, but in JHJ’s case, I believe their predictions will come true.  Because he’s worth it!

So here’s a sort of summing up of the Jo Hyun-Jae Fan Meetings of 2008 (in Japan, Korea, and Thailand.)  Until 2010…..

(Credit: Param of CarpeDiemJAPAN.  Thanks!)

You’re beautiful
inside and out…..

in a way
that changes things…..

and makes things
brighter…..

and smiles
warmer…..

…..and hearts –
like mine –
so much happier.

We’re written more or less the same things to Jo Hyun-Jae.  And now these sentiments are expressed in more poetic language, very simple but heartfelt.

Those of you who fell in love with Jo Hyun-Jae in “Only You” will love this video.  Every frame is of Han Yi-Joon.  Enjoy!

(Credit: http:club.brokore.com/sodonyo; www.johyunjae.hk.  Thanks!)

I’ve always felt that one glaring weakness of “3 Dads/1 Mom” is the casting of Eugene as the female lead.  I find it inconceivable that her Song Na-Young (SNY) could be the dream girl of 5 most eligible bachelors, one of whom is our very own Jo Hyun-Jae (or rather his character Han Soo-Hyun (HSH.)  Maybe the way men look at a woman is different from the way women look at a woman.  But I have not found a single champion of Eugene among the JHJ fans I’ve canvassed who all feel, as I do, that she is too common, she looks too plain, she acts without depth, in short, she does not deserve our JHJ.  (And her wigs are hideous!)

But I am not here to denigrate Eugene.  I just want to rehabilitate Han Soo-Hyun’s other love interest in the drama — the rich girl Park Seo-Yeon (PSY – played by Kim Bin-Woo.)  HSH’s ambition is to be rich, and marrying a rich girl is a short-cut to fortune.  PSY’s father is wealthy and powerful, a valued client in HSH’s brokerage firm.  HSH sets his sights on her and goes about pursuing her — he frequents her art studio and pretends to be an art connoisseur (remember that hilarious “Wonderful!” scene?) ; he accompanies her to a molecular cuisine dinner and stone therapy; and he takes up golf to cater for her father’s hobby.  

Even though HSH is way out of her league (below her social and financial status), PSY is captivated by him.  JHJ’s exceptional good looks make it credible (JHJ is at his handsomest in this contemporary drama.)  PSY bends over backwards to accommodate him.  Very few girls would go out with the man again after that most embarrassing fiasco on the dance floor (caused by SNY’s ineptitude with the iron, among other things.)

PSY is attacked by a lot of viewers as heartless and insensitive when she makes this comment in Episode 9 after encountering a young couple with 3 kids when she and HSH are in the car: “People who do not have the financial capability should not have so many children.”  I happen to agree with her 100%.  This is one of the few sensible lines in this lightweight comedy.  PSY also receives a lot of flak for saying in Episode 12 that young people should set up home on their own when they get married rather than living with the man’s parents.  This may be contrary to Korean tradition but it is the most commonsensical arrangement, perfectly in tune with today’s world.

The scene that really endears PSY to me is her reaction in Episode 15 after she discovers HSH’s father is not a retired schoolmaster (as he claimed) but just a retired security guard with Alzheimer’s.  Instead of making a scene or throwing tantrums, she says: “It’s all right.”  and “Don’t worry.  Leave my father to me.”  She would handle her father; she saves HSH the ordeal of having to explain his duplicity to his future father-in-law.

And how does HSH treat PSY?  He has not been honest or sincere with her from Day 1.  His relationship with her is cloaked in deceit and lies.  He treats her like a third class citizen — after SNY and her daughter Ha-Seon.  Worse, he jilts her at their engagement ceremony!  There is a name for such a man — a cad!  He has every right to love SNY, and he has every right to pursue the rich girl for mercenary reasons (not everyone marries for love), BUT he cannot leave a lady stranded at the altar (practically.)  How can she live down the shame (not to mention the trauma)?  This is not the first time JHJ has done this, or rather his characters.  Han Yi-Joon in “Only You” does exactly the same thing.  Why do Korean scriptwriters resort to such tactics time and time again?  Do they think this is dramatic (or melodramatic)?  Do Korean viewers approve of such ungentlemanly behaviour?  In HYJ’s case, at least he is forced into the engagement, but in HSH’s case, he enters into the engagement of his own freewill.  I find this appalling, a great affront to female dignity.

Why does Jo Myung-Joo, the scriptwriter of “3 Dads/1 Mom”, have to make it into a romantic hexagon (5 men in love with a woman)?  Why can’t she(?) make it into a social comedy?  OK, SNY is married.  After her husband dies, his 3 good friends help raise his child (who may or may not be theirs.)  They are like foster fathers, or uncles to Ha-Seon.  SNY meets her rich boss — young, good looking, loves her, accepts her child — perfect for her.  What more can she ask for?  After a false start (when they initially harbour amourous feelings towards SNY), the 3 “dads” settle for their own love interest — HSY with the rich girl, Hwang Kyung-Tae (played by Shin Sung-Rok) with the cute little policewoman, and Choi Kwang-Hee (played by Jae Hee) with his editor (No! she’s too much! in any case, he has no shortage of girlfriends.)  Meanwhile they are like one big happy family, including the assorted mothers and fathers of the 3 dads and 1 mom.

But no, the scriptwriter has to make this a romantic comedy.  There isn’t much romance in an ordinary woman wasting the lives of 3 most eligible young men, one of whom is our gorgeous HSH.  They all revolve around her and her daughter; she does not choose any one of them because she wants them all!  She toys with the affection of her rich boss (surely she must know he’s interested in her) and then just drops him.  (Poor little rich boy! but that’s another story.)  Maybe the scriptwriter thinks the subject of 3 men helping their dead friend’s widow and child is heartwarming, yes, for a couple of years until she finds her feet, but with no end in sight, it’s unrealistic and unhealthy!

What’s wrong with being young and beautiful, rich and elegant?  Maybe the problem with PSY is — she is too independent; she can take care of herself, unlike SNY who needs not one man but 3, actually 5.  PSY is superior to HSH in many respects, and she doesn’t need him to take care of her.  HSH, like most men, needs a woman to bring out his chivalrous and protective instincts — a helpless, useless woman.  SNY is not the first widow with a child and no assets and she will not be the last, but survival in this drama apparently is not about the fittest but about the most pathetic. 

The scriptwriter of “3 Dads/1 Mom” is obviously appealling to the average viewers’ empathy with the weak, the helpless, and the downtrodden.  The rich girl has everything, so she is not entitled to anything more, not even the man she loves.  This is unfair, not just to PSY but also to HSH who has to be content with living with his dead friend’s widow and child – with two other men – in a sort of polygamous non-marriage.  After the novelty of the situation wears off, this is not even funny.  And the open ending — can they all live happily ever after?

(Credit for photos: KBS2 and names on photos.  Thanks!)