Jo Hyun Jae

Recently the Korean army magazine ARMYZINE published an article about the actor Lee Jin-Wok’s life in the army which aroused great reaction.  Lee Jin-Wok is Korean superstar Choi Ji-Woo’s boyfriend; the two met while filming “Air City” (2007).

In an interview on October 30 Lee Jin-Wook, who entered the army on May 6, 2009, revealed what life in the army was like.  Recalling the five weeks basic military training (that all new recruits undergo), he said : “That was the toughest, most difficult training I have ever experienced. Thoughts such as “That’s too much!” “I can’t take it anymore” kept flashing through my mind.  But once I got through it, I managed to carry on.  That made my realize how important my family and friends are to me.”  He went on: “Actually I didn’t appreciate the warmth and support of my fans as much as I should.  Now that I’m here, I realize I was too narrow-minded and prejudiced.  Let me here convey my deepest thanks and gratitude to my fans.”

I was shocked when I saw Lee Jin-Wook’s photo from ARMYZINE (above).  He does not look in the least like the young man who rather impressed me in “Air City”.  How could six months in the army make him age ten years?  He is a year younger than Jo Hyun-Jae, but he looks so old and wrinkly!

Well, the army treats everyone alike, big star or not.  Our Jo Hyun-Jae underwent the same basic military training in August 2008.  The rare photos that were released always showed a smiling, cheerful JHJ, who was obviously thriving in the army and getting along well with his army mates.  Johyunjae.hk put it best: “Like enjoying a belated summer camp.”

To JHJ, after enduring and surviving those grueling months filming “Seo Dong Yeo”,  army life is, if not exactly a piece of cake, certainly something he could handle with no problem.  Even if he has a problem, he never shows it.  That’s our JHJ!

(Credit: http://chn.chosun.com, http://gall.dcinside.com, www.johyunjae.hk.  Lee Jin-Wook’s photo from ARMYZINE.  Thanks!)

On the evening of Oct.31, the 2009 Army Concert was held in Seoul’s National Memorial Hall.  The MC was Jo In-sung (of “A Frozen Flower” fame) who hosted the event together with army broadcast MC Sohn Eun-ah.  A number of entertainment soldiers took to the stage to perform.

Some of the celebrities who participated were actors Jae Hee (Three Dads One Mom), Jo In-sung (Frozen Flower), Lee Dong-wook (Partner), Kim Jae-won (Hwang Jini), and Ohn Joo-wan (Chosun Police). On the kpop side, there were singer-actors Yang Dong-geun (I Am Sam), Lee Jung (Hometown of Legends), and Kim Jung-hoon (Goong), as well as singers Sung Shi-kyung and Tony An.

The celebrities who participated in the concert were dressed in the uniform of the service they represent (Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Marines).

Despite rainy weather, there were approximately 7,000 people in the audience for the outdoor concert. 

If you can recognize these guys, good for you.  If not, who cares?  The word “celebrities” is used by our source www.dramabeans.com, and it is most telling.

That’s the difference between being an entertainment soldier and a regular soldier.  Our JHJ performs only with his army dog.  He is an actor, not an entertainer.  And he is currently conscientiously serving his country, patrolling with his dog every morning at 4 a.m. in this freezing weather.

(Credit: Story from Korea Daily and www.dramabeans.com.  Photos from http://chu.choson.com, http://big5.yonhapnews.co.kr:83, http://armynuri.tistory.com.  Also thanks to www.johyunjae.hk and prissymom.)

From the Official JHJ Fan Club website:

Sept.21, 2009      09:51a.m.

Hi!  This is Korean staff.

South Korea has been raining since morning.

Apart from news of rain, I also have good news of Jo Hyun-Jae.

Starting today, JHJ is taking a 3 nights/4 days vacation.

He has just finished his arduous training.  Hope this will give him some rest.

See you next time.

안녕하세요. 한국 스탭입니다.

오늘 한국은 아침부터 비가 내리고 있습니다.

비 소식과 더불어 오늘은 반가운 현재씨 소식을 하나 전해 드리겠습니다.

현재씨가 오늘부터 3박 4일간 정기 휴가를 나왔습니다.

힘든 훈련도 마치고 푹 쉬었다 들어갔으면 하는 바램입니다.

그럼 다음에 다시 찾아뵙겠습니다.

Conclusion of the series.   A new generation of army dogs has joined the military.

Hope you can now better understand JHJ’s life as an army dog soldier.

We now know how JHJ can stay so trim and fit in the army — he has a lot of exercise working with his dog everyday.

(Credit: Many thanks to Bigcat of johyunjae.hk.)

Part 4 of the series.  It starts with a soldier whose dog runs away (under his training), so he is reprimanded by his superior officer.  He is on all fours (like a dog!)

There is a very touching scene of a soldier sniffling — he’s saying goodbye to his army dog because he’s leaving.  Wonder if JHJ will be so sentimental come June 2010.

This part ends with a remarkable scene of an army dog giving birth.

(Credit: Many thanks to Bigcat of johyunjae.hk.)

Part 3 of the series.  When you see the soldier treating the sick puppy like a baby (including rubbing its stomach), bet it will arouse your maternal instincts.  Shows you another side of these tough guys.

(Credit: Many thanks to Bigcat of johyunjae.hk.)

If you’ve read our 9/8/09 post “Latest on JHJ”, you’ll be interested to see these photos (from the Korean military website.)  They give you an idea of what Jo Hyun-Jae had to go through on that 4 days/3 nights 40km trek.  We have chosen not to post the more graphic photos.  You don’t want to see close-ups of feet with blisters, do you?

Regarding the last photo, does that boot really have a hole in it?!  Those army boots are very hardy and durable, but apparently they are not up to the task on such a tough trek.  According to Defense Daily, each boot weighs between 1.528 to 1.701 kg (depending on the size.)

It breaks our hearts to think that JHJ is subjected to such an arduous trek, but at the same time we are very proud of him.  That’s what makes a man a man!

Here are some photos of another battalion on a 5 days/4 nights 220 km trek over mountainous terrain that took place from May 7.  Maybe this will be JHJ’s next big test.

After breakfast, it’s another day’s trek at break of dawn.  The life of a soldier is really tough!

(Credit: http://tistory.com; http://korea.embassyhomepage.com; http://blog.daum.net; http://hyunjaelove.jp; www.johyunjae.hk.  Thanks!)

Part 2 of the series.   You also get a glimpse into the life of the Korean soldiers who have to wash their own clothes — by hand!  We’d like to suggest to CAFE and EVER to send JHJ a washing machine for Christmas. 

(Credit: Many thanks to Bigcat of johyunjae.hk.)

The following is the latest news of Jo Hyun-Jae from the official website (September 7, 2009):

Hi, this is Korean staff.  I am writing this diary after a long absence.

Summer is almost over.  Please take care because it is the turning point of the seasons.

I am here to inform you of the latest condition of Jo Hyun-Jae.

Last week JHJ went on a 3 nights/4 days military training.

I also have experience in the military.  This is the most memorable training during military service.

On this 3 nights/4 days intensive training, you have to go on a 40 km trek carrying a heavy backpack.

It is tough training — you get blisters on your feet, it is so hot you can’t even walk properly, and some even fall by the wayside.

I am happy to report JHJ successfully completed his training.  He is mentally and physically healthy.

However, he now has a tan on his face which makes him look even more manly.

I will write again if there is more news of JHJ

(Editor: Please see our 2/23/09 post “JHJ completes 40km trek” — an earlier military exercise.)

This video featuring army dog soldiers is from the Korean army TV channel.  No, you won’t see Jo Hyun-Jae here, sorry, but you’ll get a good idea of the nature of his job in the army after watching this series.  You don’t need to understand the Korean running commentary to understand the contents of the video.  Follow this military TV series — it gets better and better.

(Credit: Many thanks to Bigcat of johyunjae.hk.)