Jo Hyun Jae

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!)