Dear Diary (10)
wulijohyunjae | April 27, 2010 | 7:00 am
Hmmm…….what’s in store for me?
Someone actually says she enjoys reading what we write, Ha! so here are more rambling thoughts.
Jo Hyun-Jae Fan Clubs all over the world are gearing up for two important events — JHJ’s birthday on May 9 and his discharge from the military on June 19. We are not a fan club, but we are well-prepared for both — we have already mailed our birthday present (together with all your birthday messages.) In addition, we have also e-mailed our B-day wishes to EVER — to be included in the booklet they are compiling for JHJ on his birthday. So those of you who took the trouble to wish JHJ “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” can be assured JHJ will read your message not once, but twice!
We have also got JHJ something special and meaningful for his discharge. If you are interested in what we’ll be presenting to him, please watch out for our birthday post on May 9 and discharge post on June 19.
We really don’t know anything but we are convinced JHJ must have signed up for his first project after discharge. We’ve examined the list of 2010 Korean dramas and most have already announced the cast. So what else is left?
Following is an extract from dramabeans.com that may shed some light:
“The writing pair of Kim Young-Hyun and Park Sang-Yeon were behind one of the biggest dramas of the past year, “Queen Seon-Deok”, so interest is high to see if they can replicate that success in their new series, “A Tree with Deep Roots” [뿌리깊은 나무]. (Other titles they have penned include hits like “Dae Jang Geum” and “Seo Dong Yo”.)
Adding to the anticipation is the fact that the new drama is based on a bestselling book of the same name which was published in 2006. It was authored by popular writer Lee Jung-Myung, who also wrote the bestselling novel “Painter of the Wind”, which was turned into the critically acclaimed sageuk drama in 2008 starring Park Shin-Yang and Moon Geun-Young.
“A Tree With Deep Roots” takes its name from a famous poem that says that trees with deep roots do not sway. It takes place [during] the era of King Sejong, who invented the modern Korean writing system in the 15th century. The book deals with a series of murders that occur in Gyeongbok Palace that targeted scholars of the Hall of Worthies (an institute set up by King Sejong for scholarly research). According to the director of the production company, the project has been under preparation for a long time and is taking particular care in building its large-scale sets of Gyeongbok Palace.
“ A Tree With Deep Roots” will begin casting in May, but doesn’t plan to hit airwaves until early 2011.”
I recently saw “Actresses” by E J-Yong, the director of “Untold Scandal” and “Joy of Love”. I have always admired this Korean director, and my admiration is reinforced with this latest work of his. “Actresses” is a sort of documentary about 6 Korean actressses, ranging in age from 22 to 62, doing a photo shoot for VOGUE on Christmas Eve 2008. They include (in order of seniority, i.e. old to young) : Yoon Yeo-Jeong (appeared in numerous works but I only remember her as the hotel proprietress in “Hotelier”), Lee Mi-Sook (“Untold Scandal”), Ko Hyun-Jung (“Queen Seon Deok”), Choi Ji-Woo (“Winter Sonata”), Kim Min Hee (never seen her before), Kim Ok-Bin (“Thirst”).
There is no script; they just improvise; but the end-result is more interesting than a real movie. There is endless competition, before and behind the cameras, a lot of bickering and bitchiness, intrigue and backstabbing. (The bitchiest of them all is Ko Hyun-Jung.) They end up sharing some champagne and caviar and communal crying (over the topic of divorce) around a table while waiting for the jewelry (which never arrived because of a snowstorm in Japan.) Of course the secret lies in the editing. E J-Yong is able to produce a mini-masterpiece from the mass of film shot on that evening.
Since E J-Jong has worked with JHJ twice, he must think JHJ can live up to his demands. It is unfortunate that JHJ’s two previous appearances on the big screen are both in X-rated movies — “Untold Scandal” for its explicit sex (not JHJ’s scenes) and “G.P.506″ for its violence. Let’s hope JHJ can finally show his mettle as the lead actor in an E J-Yong film…..just daydreaming on my part…..
EXTRA! EXTRA!
The Official JHJ Fan Club’s Japanese staff left a message on its website yesterday afternoon (April 26), the relevant parts of which translate as follows:
I am on a business trip to South Korea and I have just finished a meeting with Jo Hyun-Jae’s office [i.e. Star N Hit]. We have been discussing JHJ’s first drama after his discharge; a decision will be made soon……..We have also made arrangements about fan meetings in Japan which will be held in August or September. I cannot announce details now because everything depends on the schedule of JHJ’s next drama. I will let you know ASAP.
Thanks very much wulijhj for sending those birthday wishes to Hyunjae. And for his comeback project..it looks exciting and promising.
I am crossing my fingers for “A Tree With Deep Roots”, sounds like a promising drama for JHJ. Besides I love whodunit TV shows! As for a movie for JHJ, I say bring it on. I am sure after a 2-year hiatus from acting, our JHJ would be raring to be working in front of the camera once again.
Thank you for the effort spent on translating our birthday wishes, wuliJHJ!
Thank you for the translation.
`A tree with deep roots’ is very suitable for JHJ. However, I think JHJ wants to have a new image.
JHJ has said more than once that he would love the challenge of playing a villain. However, we don’t think this is a wise move for his first comeback drama. We hope he can land a meaty role, playing a complex character, which will showcase his acting abilities.
Whatever role he is in – i can’t wait to see it!!!