Jo Hyun Jae

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“Star’s Echo” is a joint production by Korea’s MBC and Japan’s Fuji TV and was broadcast simultaneouly in Korea and Japan on Jan.30, 2004.  JHJ stars in this 2-part short drama with Noriko Nagogoshi (togother with two Korean actors who are now big stars, one of whom appears in the following video – Can you recognize her?)

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YOUKU

YOUTUBE:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlRMa_Tpnnw

Please check out our earlier posts under Category “JHJ drama: ‘Star’s Echo’”.  We used to have the complete SE but videos have now been blocked, except YOUKU which can only be seen in China.

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(Credit: http;//hyunjaelove.jo; www.johyunjae.hk. Thanks!)

And this is the magazine:

You may want to watch “Star’s Echo” again.  Please go to Category: JHJ drama: “Star’s Echo” - English version on October 10 & 11, 2009 posts and Chinese version on October 11, 2009 post.

When you go to this category, however, the very first post you’ll see is that of September 30, 2010 – “‘Star’s Echo’ DVD to be released”.  This DVD is supposed to be released in Japan on Dec.15, 2010, but we’re sorry to tell you this will not happen now because Fuji TV (one of the co-producers) has blocked its release.

(Credit: Purely of EVERjohyunjaeJapan, posted on EVERjohyunjae.co.kr; www.johyunjae.hk.  Thanks!)

Jo Hyun-Jae’s two-part short drama “Star’s Echo” will be released on DVD in Japan on Dec.15, 2010.  This is a 2004 joint production between Korea’s MBC and Japan’s Fuji TV and stars JHJ and Noriko Nagagoshi. 

We used to have the complete “Star’s Echo” on our blog, but when I checked just now, I discovered it is no longer available — “This clip has been blocked in your region.”  Copyright rules are being enforced most rigorously of late.

So you’ll have to buy the DVD, available soon from amazon.co.jp.  Problem is: the Japanese version will probably not have English subtitles.

Please check out our other posts on “Star’s Echo” under Category: JHJ drama “Star’s Echo”.

The following is a write-up of JHJ in “Star’s Echo” on POP ASIA No.49 (Jan.2004):

(Credit: http://hyunjaelove.jp.  Thanks!)

If you can see the YOUTUBE video (second), you don’t have to wait for the PHOTOBUCKET (first) which is forever “buffering…..”  Videos are identical: we have to cater for those JHJ fans who live in countries where YOUTUBE cannot be seen.

If your appetite is whetted by this short video, and if you have not seen this 2-hour joint Japanese/Korean TV production before, please go to our Category “JHJ drama: ‘Star’s Echo’”.  We love the way Jo Hyun-Jae looks in “Star’s Echo” — here are some photos taken on set.

And here is a video of some scenes from “Star’s Echo”, set to the song “I believe”. 

(Credit: Videos [2nd one by SungJu] and photo from EVERjohyunjae.co.kr.; cafe.daum.net/MBC.  Thanks!)

This TV Special was aired on Japanese TV right before “Star’s Echo” was shown on January 30, 2004.

MC: From acting in commercials to playing a priest in “Love Letter”, from a young apprentice to a star — this is Jo Hyun-Jae — who also appears in “Only You”.

JHJ (Jo Hyun-Jae)            NN (Noriko Nakagoshi)

JHJ (speaking in Japanese): I am Jo Hyun-Jae.  I’m very happy to meet so many Japanese friends here.

Q (subtitles): What is it like on set?

JHJ: At the beginning it was very difficult to have to learn a lot of Japanese dialogue and to have to speak accurately and fluently.  After a lot of practice and hard work, I am much better now, including learning to master the rhythm and pauses.

NN: At first there was some incompatibility with using both Japanese and Korean.  Trying to understand the words on the page and interpreting them in acting are two different things.  It was not at all easy at the beginning.

Later we managed to communicate during the breaks and we got to know one another, plus we tried hard to coordinate, so it went very smoothly during shooting.  And now we have no problems at all.

Q: About your respective roles…

NN:  I play a girl who is as self-confident as a bird in the sky, a selfish person who always follows her own wishes, behaving unreasonably even to her boyfriend.  And then during that trip to Jeju Island, she loses the one great love of her life in an auto accident — that is really a great blow to her!

You can imagine what a difficult process it is for her to release herself from guilt and pain and to resume work and start a new life.

To make a fresh start, she goes to work in Korea.  Fate arranges for her to meet another man who gradually opens her heart and enters it.  You can see the gradual change in her in bits and pieces.

JHJ: My character is a man who cannot realize his ideals in real life, who has to do anything to make a living.  He overcomes the difficulties in life and then pursues his ideal, one step at a time.  This is what a man (and every human being) should be like.

When the time comes, they meet.  The key is opportunity — whether you seize the opportunity and develop the relationship.  I think that’s it.

Q: Are there any memorable moments?

JHJ: Well…..which scene is it?  Should be the one when we’re lost in the thick fog and couldn’t see clearly, right?  The fog became thicker and thicker, seemed like we had to pray to the heavens to dissipate the fog.  We were in the midst of shooting which could not be delayed, and we could not go back to that place again.  And then it even started to rain very heavily.  So all we could do was keep praying.  I think that’s all.

NN: I also remember we prayed and prayed.  That scene you mentioned just now is collective memory — bad weather, thick fog, heavy rain, only hope was in the heavens, so non-stop praying.  That time everyone was praying, even the supervisor.  Everyone was so focused on one thing — that remains in my mind till this day.

Q: What should one focus on when watching this drama?

JHJ: The most important message of this drama is — different nationalities is not a problem.  When you live in a foreign country, you may have some problems at first, but you should be able to adapt eventually.  The most important thing is to love and care about others, and feel the concern and love of others for you — this way you can forge ahead.

NN: For those people who are born outside of Japan and Korea, language problem is not that serious.  The most important thing is to get to know new friends and communicate with them.  The key message of this drama is love — love can conquer all problems.

Q: Japanese culture opens doors for Korea.

JHJ: Yes…..this is not a bad idea.  After this close encounter, I have understood a lot of things.  Working with Japanese actors can deepen understanding; this alone makes me very happy.

NN: I’m very happy about this drama and very proud to be a part of it.  There are basic differences between Japanese and Korean TV, but they influence one another.  I hope the relationship between Japan and Korea can develop further.  I also hope that apart from film and TV, there are more interchange and cooperation which would make it more perfect.

Q: Last words.

NN: When you see the drama, you will like this love story that transcends national boundaries.  I am very glad it is shot in both Korea and Japan: it started in Korea and continued in Japan, before finally returning to Korea for shooting.  Remember to watch it with your friends.

JHJ: Filming has been completed, thanks to cooperation from all.  Remember to tune in.  Thank you!

NN (in Korean):  Hi!  I’m Noriko Nakagoshi.  Remember to watch the drama.  Thank you!

JHJ (in Japanese): Tonight at 9.  Make sure you watch “Star’s Echo”.

NN: See you!

(Credit: Video by Pocky of http://cafe.daum.net/hyunjaelove; photos by http://blog.naver.com.  Translated from the Chinese translation of the Japanese by Bigcat of johyunjae.hk.  Thanks!)

This version of “Star’s Echo” has Chinese subtitles — to cater for our readers who prefer to read Chinese.  It also comes in the original two parts, instead of being broken up into 3 segments for each part (as is the case with the version with English subtitles.)

Some of you might not have seen “Star’s Echo”.  We finally found a version with English subtitles.  So here it is for your weekend entertainment.  Part 2 follows tomorrow.

Please refer to our 9/25/2009 post ‘”Star’s Echo’s’ — music from heaven” and our 10/2/09 post ‘”Star’s Echo’ interview in Japan”.

“Star’s Echo” (2004) is the third joint production between Korean and Japanese TV, after “Friends” (2001) starring Won Bin and Kyoko Fukada and “Passing Rain” (2002) starring Ji Jin-Hee and Ryoko Yonekura.  This time it is the love story between Jo Hyun-Jae and Noriko Nagagoshi.

Shooting began on November 6, 2003 in Seoul and continued in Jeju Island (Korea) and Tokyo.  The only scenes left are to be shot in Nagano (Peak) in the second half of December.  We take this opportunity to interview Jo Hyun-Jae.  The last two Korean/Japanese collaborations have been successful, so this press conference organized by Fuji TV attracted over 60 reporters.

Q.: Reporter                         A: Jo Hyun-Jae

Q. Please tell us how you feel when you’re first offered the role in “Star’s Echo.”

A. At first I felt stressed.  Different countries, different languages, communication problems.  I was worried there might be problems with the operation.  But when shooting actually started, all my worries were gone.  Everything went very smoothly.  I can be more relaxed.

Q. Has Ji Jin-Hee who starred in “Passing Rain” given you any advice?

A. No need to feel anxious; this is an interesting experience.  The Japanese production crew are all very friendly and the environment is great.  This is a good opportunity to publicize yourself in Japan — that is how he encourages me.

Q. Are there actually any problems during shooting?

A. I don’t have any problems, but perhaps the Japanese team might not be used to the Korean methods and have had to make adjustments.  In Korea the shooting schedule changes all the time.

Q. What is your impression of Miss Nagagoshi?

A. Very friendly and sweet and bright.  Does not feel like of different nationalities, just like ordinary people, easygoing and approachable.

Q. Looks like you two also speak during the breaks.  What language do you use?

A. My Japanese is really bad, and Miss Noriko has just started to learn Korean.  We each try to speak the other’s language.  No matter what we ate for lunch, what we did yesterday, whether it was hard during shooting, etc. — we both make fun of the linguistic mistakes that the other makes.

Q. What do you think about the love that transcends national boundaries portrayed in the drama?

A. One can fall in love with a foreigner.  There are many such people around.

Q. When did you decide to be an actor?

A. From very young — ever since I started watching TV and movies.  Seems like destiny.  A dream.  Actors who have gone before me have also influenced me.

Q. Please say something about your very popular drama “Love Letter.”

A. I play the role of a priest.  His life is one long struggle; he’s a kind young man who cares about all those around him.  “Love Letter” has gained me a lot of fans.

Q. Do you know there is Korean drama mania in Japan?

A. Yes, I know before I start shooting “Star’s Echo” that I am very popular in Japan.  As a Korean I feel very proud.

Q. What is your impression of Bae Yong-Jun with whom you starred in “Untold Scandal”?

A. Bae Yong-Jun is an actor who has very unique acting skills.  As a senior, he takes care of us juniors.  He is someone who is very gracious and good-natured and deserves our respect.

Photos taken during shooting of “Star’s Echo”

(“Star’s Echo” was broadcast simultaneouly on Korean TV  MBC and Japanese Fuji TV on January 30, 2004.)

(Translated from the Chinese translation of the Japanese by Scarecrow of johyunjae.hk.  Thanks!  Edited by wulijohyunjae.)

(Credit: names on photos.  Thanks!)

I watched “Star’s Echo” online after I’d exhausted all Jo Hyun-Jae’s dramas (those that can be bought.)  I don’t like watching anything on the computer; it’s very hard on my eyes.  But in this case it could not be helped.

“Star’s Echo” (2004) is a joint Korean-Japanese production between MBC and Fuji TV, the third collaboration by South Korean and Japanese television companies, after “Friends” in 2001 and “Passing Rain” in 2002.

The story is centred on the relationship between a musically gifted South Korean man Sung-Jae (played by Jo Hyun-Jae) and a Japanese woman Misaki (Noriko Nakagoshi) and how he helps her overcome her guilt and grief and how she encourages him to pursue his song-writing career.

The broad outlines of the story are pretty promising, but the execution of the plot leaves something to be desired.  Part 1 which lays the groundwork of the story and establishes the relationships of the characters is a little loose, especially the part concerning the JHJ character Sung-Jae.  His family is facing financial ruin; his father is thrown into jail; he has to resort to all sorts of means to make money, even selling pirated discs (CDs?)  His relationship with his girlfriend Ji-Young (played by Lee Da-Hae) is precarious and she finally jilts him.  All these are barely touched on; there are no developments or dramatic scenes.

Part 2 flows more smoothly, since all the other threads are more or less wrapped up and it concentrates more on the central relationship which has begun to unravel.  There are not many opportunities for JHJ to act.  The script jumps from one short scene to another.  This has nothing to do with the length of the drama.  Remember “The Joy of Love”?  In 10 minutes that director is able to delineate relationship in a few deft touches.  Maybe it is the editing in “Star’s Echo” — definitely not its strong point.  But JHJ shows in a few short sequences that he can be an action star, notably in a scene when he jumps from one rooftop to another and in another scene when he is shooting hoops (playing basketball.)

JHJ looks good in this two-hour (two-part) drama; in fact, he looks better than his female co-star Noriko Nakagoshi (NN).  I think casting her is a mistake.  The one word I would use to describe her is “cold”.  There is no chemistry between them, and it has nothing to do with different nationalities.  That JHJ and NN both speak in their respective native language, Korean and Japanese, most of the time does not help either.  Don’t get me wrong: NN gives an adequate performance; it’s just Misaki’s relationship with Sung-Jae is not terribly moving or memorable.

They get off on the wrong foot.  Their first meeting is a collision, literally.  He picks up the necklace that she drops and gives it to his girlfriend.  He tries to kiss her after a night out and is rebuffed.  Later when he tells her: “I think I’ve fallen in love with you”, I feel like laughing.  I’m sorry, but it’s really funny the way he says it.   And how come Sung-Jae who lives in a roof-top apartment never locks his door which allows the two women to go in and out at will, resulting in a plot-twisting misunderstanding.

I don’t recognize Lee Da-Hae (as JHJ’s Korean girlfriend) at all, even though I quite like her in “My Girl”.  She is not as pretty here, and she has only one facial expression — a scowl.  I do recognize Lee Jun-Ki and it is appropriate he has a bit part here as the boyfriend of a colleague of Misaki’s.  And now both Lees are big stars in Korea.

But I do like the ending of “Star’s Echo”.  I always like happy endings, so rare in JHJ dramas.   I like JHJ in a brown jacket, wearing a beige scarf and carrying a knapsack.  I like the way he walks on the snow to Misaki’s parents’ ranch.  I like the subdued reunion between the lovers — nothing passionate or dramatic, just quiet gratification and shy smiles.  JHJ’s eyes can smile and sparkle!

And I like the title “Star’s Echo”, explained in Part 2 as electronically generated sound made by stars, like some kind of Morse code, which inspires Sung-Jae to start writing music again.  Misaki loves to look at stars, so much so that Sung-Jae has to tell her (in the best-acted scene in the whole drama) that people and stars are different — stars are stationary but people can change.  The drama ends with the two of them gazing at the heavens, trying to pick out the “cowboy” star and the “weaver” star.  Misaki says it’s a Japanese myth and Sung-Jae says it’s Korean.  Sorry, folks!  This tragic story of the lovers, the cowboy and the weaver, who can only meet once a year is an ancient Chinese legend.  (Period)

(Credit: Photos courtesy of CarpeDiemJAPAN.  Thanks!)