Jo Hyun Jae

*Not actor Jo Hyun-Jae, but an ordinary man

Q:  *You look really well.  This is your first interview by KBOOM after your discharge.  How are you feeling now?
A:  As a Korean man, I am very happy to have fulfilled my duties to my country.  I am proud to have served for two years, and I am eager to see my fans again.  *I am very excited about taking part in entertainment activities as an actor again — I’m really looking forward to that.

Q:  What do you remember best about your military service?
A:  I feel it’s a great pity that I only managed to hit 19 out of 20 in target practice.  Also, many of my army mates asked for my autograph. (Laugh)

Q:  What did you learn from being a soldier?
A:  I learnt endurance.  No matter how hard it is, I can persevere.  I’m also stronger physically – very healthy!  And I also got to know young people I normally wouldn’t have the opportunity of meeting.  *We spent two years together, during which time we had many opportunities for heart-to-heart talks.  I gained a lot of valuable experience in these two years.  And it was also an opportunity for self-examination.

Q:  Most artists become entertainment soldiers, but you served as an ordinary soldier.
A:  *As long as it is for one’s physical and mental health, it does not really matter what kind of soldier a Korean man serves as.  Besides, I’d like to forget I’m an actor during my military service and to serve my country like other people.

Q:  Two years is not exactly a short time.  Do you feel any pressure returning to the entertainment field and resuming your career as an actor?
A:   I’d be lying if I said there’s none at all.  I do feel some pressure, and I’m also a little nervous.  But I will work hard to overcome the stress and display better acting skills than before.

Q:  *We heard you received several acting offers even before your discharge.  What special preparations did you make for your comeback?
A:  I had to make sure my health did not deteriorate during these two years, so I worked out all the time, balanced with suitable rest.  I want to be at my best when I appear again before my fans who have been waiting for me.

Q:  As an actor, you must have many long-term plans and objectives.  *What about multi-faceted development…..
A:  *You think so too?  Up to now I’ve only considered my own abilities.  From now on I’ll tackle my instincts and feelings more directly and openly, and work hard on displaying acting skills with more depth and ease.  

Q:  30s in the best time for a man.  Do you have any special feelings [about becoming 30]? 
A:   I don’t have any special feelings about turning 30 (Laugh), and I don’t feel any big change…..*maybe after a while I’ll feel different.

Q:  Are there any role or work that you would like to tackle?
A:  I thought long and hard about what kind of work or what role to take.  In fact, I am still thinking.  *Whatever the role, “acting” is most important.  The actor must be immersed in the role or even assume the role.  There are still many different roles that I would like to play!  

Q:  Apart from returning to the entertainment field during the latter part of this year, you also plan to meet your fans in Asia.  Has anything been decided yet?
A:   There will be fan meetings in Osaka on August 21 and in Tokyo on August 22.  After that I will present everyone with a wonderful work.  And then later I will go to China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore and other countries to see my fans who have been waiting for me.

Q:  Lastly, please say a few words to your fans.
A:  During these two years, *in the course of completing my duties to my country, I have become almost invisible.  I am very grateful to my fans who not only supported me as an actor but also as a human being.  All the letters and gifts that you sent me became the great strength that sustained me in my life.  Thank you all so much!

(Credit: English translation originally based on the Chinese translation in www.johyunjaetaiwan.com ; parts with an * amended according to Chinese translation in www.johyunjae.hk;  photos from purely of everjohyunjae.co.kr.  Many thanks!)