Jo Hyun Jae

Page 1 (Right)

After almost two years, on the stage again!!
Immediate report on Jo Hyun-Jae’s latest after his discharge.

Page 2 (Left)

Jo Hyun-Jae
First exclusive interview by KBOOM after his discharge

KBOOM Special Interview Story   Vol. 52

Two years ago Jo Hyun-Jae entered the military at the height of his popularity.  He has now ended his long stint in the military and returned to his fans.  He still has his lovely smile and gentle image, but now he is more manly and solid compared to before.  Sounds of “Mature man” floating in the air…..

Page 3  (Part before interview)

KBOOM Special Interview Story   Vol. 52

Looking at oneself now, one should see something different.

About two years ago, in the summer of 2008, to fulfill his duties to his country, he said GOODBYE to his fans and entered the Korean military.  Time passed not for actor Jo Hyun-Jae but for an ordinary man.  On June 19 he reappeared before us again as actor Jo Hyun-Jae.

When he left the camp at Pocheon that day, numerous fans rushed forward to greet him.  JHJ was truly amazed; he had never imagined such a scene.  He immediately stood at attention and saluted his fans and the media, as well as proclaiming “The resurrection of actor Jo Hyun-Jae”.

Two years seem short but are actually very long.  In the fiercely competitive Korean entertainment world, existence is precarious.  Or rather, to put it in an objective way: even those stars who used to be so popular will be considered passe when they resume their entertainment activities after two years’ military service.  But not Jo Hyun-Jae.  From pining for his discharge to today, there has been a noticeable increase in his management company staff and fans.  Offers and invitations have been pouring in since Spring and are still continuing.

From October 2008 to today, it has been exactly two years since JHJ graced the KBOOM cover.   Even though he was very busy just before his enlistment, JHJ gave KBOOM an exclusive interview.  And this time, he smilingly assented to our interview almost immediately after his discharge.  He will resume his activities as an actor in the latter half of this year, and he plans to hold fan meetings overseas in order to reward his fans. 

Interview follows.  (Please see our July 23, 2010 post: “KBOOM interview” under Category: JHJ interview.)

(Credit: Photos from Param of CarpeDiemJAPAN; text based on Chinese translation in www.johyunjae.hk.  Many thanks!)

*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!)

(Continuation of interview in “Movieweek”, this post featuring photos from Japanese version of  Summer 2008.  Answers are by Jo Hyun-Jae.)

Korean society is rooted in military culture — this is not an exaggeration.  The mandatory conscription system dissemintes military culture to all levels of society.  There is no doubt that movies about our [Korean] military is widely accepted.

Q.  Jo Hyun-Jae — how does someone like you who have not had military experience play your character?

A.  As a matter of fact…..a killer role does not require someone to have experience of killing. But…..as an actor all I need to do is act.  To understand the role of 1st Lieutenant Yoo I have done a lot of research.  Good thing a film allows me enough time to do preparatory work.  If it had been a TV drama, there would not have been so much time to prepare — the script arrives very late, and sometimes the beginning and end go in different directions.  I can certainly say that a film’s emphasis on details is brilliant.

Q.  Jo Hyun-Jae, you’ve said you wanted to do something on the military.  Has your objective been met?

A.  Of course.  This is dynamic.  The strange thing is: once I wear the military uniform, I feel I’m a real soldier.  One time on set, I put down some food just for a moment, and it disappeared.  I guess military life is also like this. 

Q.  Real guns are used in this movie?

A.  The guns are imported from overseas and then modified, so they are somewhat different from real ones.

Q.  Which is your favourite scene in “G.P.506″?

A.  In the latter part of the movie, the scene in which Cheon Ho-Jin points a gun at me at close range.  Also that mass gunfight near the end — very realistic…..

Q.  What about the special make-up and props?

A.  This movie’s special make-up is classified into 4 stages.  Luckily I only require stage 3 special makeup, but even this is not easy.  Makeup takes up a lot of the time.

Q.  Jo Hyun-Jae, your image is that of a gentle, refined man.  This time you appear in a film with an all-male cast and no actress.

A.  As a matter of fact, I’ve built up a macho image.  I discussed in detail with the director, and the cool and solid image starts to form with the passage of time [in the movie].  The more masculine, the easier it is to express a man’s emotions.  When filming actually began, I could portray a strong soldier with ease.

Q.  This is really a very unusual movie – that fills one with anticipation.

A.  Yes, this movie is in a class of its own.  It took 1 1/2 years from preparation to completion.  Whether the movie is successful or not, I leave it to viewers to decide.  I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to take part in this movie.

The world is a stage.  As an actor, the greatest joy is to perfectly portray another individual.  What impression he leaves in the world is also an actor’s concern.

Q.  How did you get on with Cheon Ho-Jin?

A.  When I was 21, we already cooperated in a weekend drama.  At that time I was scared to death.  After taking part in a drama with my seniors, though, I became very interested in the performance arts.  As long as my seniors are present, I feel endless energy.

Q.  Do you have a role model?

A.  No one in particular.  I respect anyone who has his/her own special style.

Q.  This interview has come to a close.  Please tell us what kind of an actor you want to be.

A.  I’d like to be an actor that people can trust, an actor that makes people forget “who I am”, someone who can act brilliantly.  To be mentioned in this respect is something to be happiest about.

(THE END)

(Credit for photos: Param of CarpeDiemJAPAN.  Translation based on Chinese translation in www.johyunjae.hk.  Thanks!  Edited by wulijohyunjae.)

“G.P.506″ premiered around this time in 2008.  To celebrate its two-year anniversary, we have translated a magazine article on the movie and Jo Hyun-Jae and his co-star Lee Young-Hun.  The answers are JHJ’s.

Interview in “Movieweek” (Korean version: March 2008)

This interview is about a film “G.P.506″ that depicts mysterious incidents that happen in a guard post on the defence frontline in the demilitarized zone.  Director Kong Soo-Chang, whose last work was “R Point”, decided to cast two young actors, Jo Hyun-Jae and Lee Young-Hun.  The film took a long time to finish and they both felt exhausted, but this was an invaluable experience for them.  The film will be shown in March 2008.  This interview takes place right before the premiere.

Both actors are a little tense.  This is a chance of a lifetime.  For Jo Hyun-Jae, this is the first time he stars in a movie.  For Lee Young-Hun, this is his first commercial film.  How do they project a sense of strong masculinity?

Q.  How did you feel when you first received the script?

A.  Such a script is almost impossible to come across in Korea; it’s so unusual.  I’ve seen other works by Director Kong, and basically I like horror movies.  I’ve always wanted to take part in a military movie that has an all-male cast, so I am very happy to accept the role.

Q.  I feel in the roles in the script and the method of acting, the director’s demand is different from other directors.  How did you meet his demand?  Take the case of Jo Hyun-Jae, your role looks like a very difficult one.

A.  I think I acted according to the director’s instructions, so there was no need to use any other acting method.  In the past I tried to portray the character and did not specifically or deliberately “act”.

In “G.P.506″ Jo Hyun-Jae portrays the pivotal character 1st Lieutenant Yoo who remains silent after the mysterious incidents take place.  Lee Young-Hun plays Corporal Kang, an important character who knows the ins and outs of what happened.  Looks like Jo and Lee have become close during filming.

Q.  A question often asked — What is the most difficult thing during filming?

A.  1st Lieutenant Yoo is someone who has an important function.  In order to be in character, I did not speak much during filming, which made me feel lonely.

Q.  Is it because you’ve become too much in character?

A.  Yes, there is the danger.  That’s why as soon as the film was finished, I tried to forget.  I also started to read other scripts.

Q.  When you parted from your girlfriend, you also tried to find other girls to forget about the past?

A.  (Slight hesitation)  Well, yes…….

Q.  So now you deliberately choose to do a drama full of sunshine?  [Reference is to "3 Dads/1 Mom"]

A.  Since I’ve just made a dark movie, I’d like to have a little sunshine.

Q.  It’s not easy to switch from gloomy to jolly emotions?

A.  That’s why everyday now I go drinking and having fun with my friends — to try to steer my emotions to the bright side.

Q.  Looks like you are very quiet by temperament?

A.  Yes.  I don’t know how to make fun of others.  I’m very shy and reserved in front of strangers.  But it will be different once we get to know one another.  It’s very easy to get along with Lee Young-Hun – he’s very casual and nice.

Q.  As a Korean star, do you have any plans to go overseas to develop your career?

A.  Up to now only my dramas are released abroad.  But if there are chances of cooperation with other Asian countries, I would be glad to participate.

(TO BE CONTINUED)

(Credit for photos: Param of CarpeDiemJAPAN.  Translation based on Chinese translation in www.johyunjae.hk.  Thanks!  Edited by wulijohyubnjae.)

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!) 

KBOOM  interview (2) – Continue from Dec.15 post “The real story beneath the pretty face”

Q. As an actor, what are your shortcomings?

A.  As an actor, I face new challenges and different difficulties every day, so I always feel inadequate.  Plus I’m busy with work and new things to learn at work.  I’ve never stopped trying to improve in all respects.

Q. So does that mean your goal is to be an actor?

A. To put it simply, if a person sees something he doesn’t understand or finds out he’s inadequate, and if he doesn’t follow up and learn to improve, he is lazy.  As an actor, learning to improve has become a part of my life.

Q. This is really an interesting topic.  If you become a director in a supervisory capacity and you can decide what to produce in conjunction with your partner, what kind of work would you like to do?

A.  Starting as an actor, that is a very long road.  There is no need to think about something that is not going to happen till after a long time.  If I can really do it, I’d like to make spy films like James Bond or “Mission Impossible”.

Q.  When do you consider the most blessed time?  Most actors would reply: “Sleeping!”

A. The most blessed time is when everything is under control.  Being able to work to the fullest is also good.  Especially in the morning, if I know everything will go according to plan, I will feel particularly excited and cheerful that morning.  Am I the only one who is like that?

Q. You are really an optimistic person.  (Laugh)

People who feel blessed in the morning are usually happy-go-lucky.  Even though a pop song says otherwise, but it doesn’t apply to you.

When you were in “Guardian”, you appeared as a pretty boy.  Together with your singing ability, you already gained a lot of attention then.  Many people still remember this.  Why do you no longer wish to be a singer?

A.  I’m a little surprised people are still talking about something that happened so long ago.

As a singer, there are too many things beyond your control.  When I was 18, I spent one year training and preparing.  But because the company lacked planning and resources, we did not have many chances to perform or function.

Lately those early performances on TV have been in the news – this is delayed reaction – and even though it’s several years late, the repercussions are greater than at the beginning.  This is totally unexpected.

Q. To be honest, after watching those performances, the praise that people heaped on you is not at all exaggerated.  Shall we talk about something else?

If you want to express your feelings for your loved one, what kind of song would you sing?

A. Should be a love song.  (Laugh)

Q. Of course it should be a love song, but which song to express your emotions?  Please answer directly.  (Laugh)

Also, do you think it is possible for an artist to be ten times better looking in person than on photos?

A. If one has to rely on photos to create better effects, that would be worrying.  (Laugh)  I am most grateful for your praise.

Q. Even though you and your Japanese fans speak different languages, last year’s (2006) fan meetings are still vivid in the memories of Japanese fans.

A. Many fans came, and even though we could not speak to one another, the expressions on their faces and the warmth and caring they displayed moved me deeply and will remain forever in my heart.

Q. Please tell those Japanese fans who are eagerly awaiting your next work something about your present circumstances.

A.  I’m now filming “G.P.506″.  Everyone who is involved in the production is doing their best.  I hope when it is shown in Japan, you will like and appreciate it

Please stay healthy and be happy, always!

THE END

(Credit: Photos from KBOOM courtesy of EVERjohyunjae.co.kr.  Thanks!)

The following is an interview in KBOOM magazine (July 2007), when Jo Hyun-Jae was filming “G.P.506″.

Jo Hyun-Jae will have a complete change of image in the movie he is currently filming.  He will be wearing military uniform and throwing grenades, challenging a macho image.  How does he feel about his role?  The JHJ who appears before us is sporting a crew cut, enhancing the perfect shape of his head, and his beautiful eyes are sparkling.  The only thing that remains unchanged is he is still a quiet and kind man.  He tells us in his modest way his considerations on assuming the image of a mature man.

The only thing I want to do is act

Q. You’re very different from other Korean men.  Your trademark is your eyes which have been described as “like a deer’s”.   The impression you give is: you have a pure and kind heart.  What do you think of this?

A. I’m very grateful you have such a good impression of me, but what I really want to express is the Jo Hyun-Jae apart from this.

Q. Say something about how you feel about the movie you’re now doing.

You’ve always played the part of the handsome young man, but this time you’ve cut your hair and you’re playing a tough guy in “G.P.506″.  When we see the report, we all find it very refreshing.  Your new image is very interesting.  Do you have any feelings of oppression, like a cake being compressed into a biscuit?  Did you take part in the production?

A.  I try to be good to those people around me and to do well in my part.  I am OK with the role I am assigned.  Rather than influence or change others, I’d rather spend more time studying how to play something in different ways.

Q. So it looks like this movie is the right choice.  Recently your fellow actor (千鎬鎮) suffering an injury on set is very much in the news.  We hear that it is very dangerous and violent on location.  This is a macho film –  exactly what kind of film is it?  What attracts you to take part in it?

A. This is a film that makes one tense and uneasy.  That’s why there are no actresses.  (Laugh)

I decide to take it because it’s very different from a love story.  The conflicts among the characters are also very interesting.

Q.  Is that so?  We hear you have many script offers.  What is the decisive factor in choosing this script out of so many?

A.  I first look at the contents of the plot, and then the role.

The storyline is of course important, but the character is the catalyst that drives the whole story.  So I have to consider both the story and the character before I make my decision.

Q.  In “Seo Dong Yo”  which finished airing not so long ago, both the story and the character are absolutely wonderful.  The prince in the drama is very intelligent and capable.   You appear to be a lovely person too.  Actually what kind of a person are you?

A.  I am an ordinary man.  I’m not like the character in the drama.

I’m a straightforward person and I get emotional sometimes, so I’m very different from the character in the drama.

Do I have any resemblance to the character in the drama?  I too would like to be as lovable as him.  (Laugh)

Q. Do you have a girlfriend?  Have you ever been in love?

A.  Falling in love…..the feeling between two people is most important.

Who knows how to communicate with me?

Q.  What do you really want to do?  Is it to find your other half?  (Laugh)

A.   No.  (Laugh)

Every day I try to do better, work faster as an actor.  I try to improve myself in every way every day.

Q. As an actor, when do you feel most blessed?

A. Being praised by the people around you — when your fans and your parents think you’ve done a wonderful job in creating your roles and compliment you — that’s the most blessed.

(TO BE CONTINUED)

(Credit: KBOOM photos courtesy of EVERjohyunjae.co.kr.  Thanks!)

Below is a rare interview of Jo Hyun-Jae during the filming of “Seo Dong Yo” (sometime in early 2006, we think.)  He normally doesn’t grant interviews when he is working.

JHJ puts his all into “Seo Dong Yo”

Q. How did you land the role of Seo Dong?

A: Director Lee saw me in “Great Ambition” (Dae Mang) and liked what he saw.  He was very moved and impressed by my acting.  He felt I could convincingly portray a king in “Seo Dong Yo”.  Actually Director Lee thinks too highly of me.

Q. In “Seo Dong Yo”, Jang (Seo Dong) finally becomes King Mu of Baekje.  In real life, if you become a “king”, how would you perform your “kingly” duties?

A. Let all people live well — even though this is an impossible scenario for me.  It is easy to say but difficult to implement, with lots of problems.  I feel if arts/culture and science/technology were to develop at the same time and then combine their strengths……

Q. Which role in “Seo Dong Yo” do you like best?  There are so much dialogue in each episode and they are all so long.  Do you have a secret technique for not forgetting your lines?

A. None in particular; all my co-stars are fine actors.  The most unforgettable thing is lack of sleep.  The workload was very heavy and we spent a lot of time together, so we were very close.  [Editor:  We suspect there is a disconnect in the translation here.  We don't have access to the original; we are translating from the Chinese version.]

Q. You’re now acting in “Seo Dong Yo”.  This is certainly very different from your original role as a singer in “Guardian” when you first entered the entertainment industry?

A. I now concentrate exclusively on “Seo Dong Yo”.  I don’t think about anything else.

Q. Are you able to stand the very heavy workload in shooting, physically.  What about the condition of your skin?

A. The shooting schedule is so tight that even if there were only 20 minutes I have to snatch some sleep.  Because of lack of space, I can only lift weights in the van which is minimal exercise.  And I have to find time to read my fan mail.  So there is no time to take care of my skin.

Q. So the van can be used for sleeping and exercising.  Even then, have you been listening to music lately?  Do you have any favourite singers or songs?

A. Recently I prefer something quieter, like the singer “Spider” who is not too loud.

Q. How about saying a few words to the audience?

A. Many thanks for supporting “Seo Dong Yo”.  As an actor, I will continue to improve on my acting.  I will always do my best.  Thank you!

(Credit: Based on the Chinese translation by Bigcat of johyunjae.hk.  Thanks!)

This interview took place on Asia Dramatic TV in Japan in 2006.

The interviewer first introduced Jo Hyun-Jae with the usual adjectives of “clear and pure eyes”, “aristocratic air”, “dynamic personality”, etc.

Q: Hi, Mr. Jo Hyun-Jae!

A: Hi!

Q. As a second generation Korean actor who is widely recognized, how do you feel?

A. Many thanks to the Japanese fans who support me.  I am very happy.

Q. There are many discussions of your dramas in Japan.  How did you break into the entertainment industry in the first place?

A. Through a commercial.

Q. What kind of commercial?

A. That’s the chewing gum commercial I did when I was 20.

Q. When you knew you’d be doing “Only You”, how did you feel?

A. I like the director very much.  When I knew I was going to work with him, I was very happy.  The character of Han Yi-Joon is different from ordinary roles, which was one of the reasons that attracted me to this drama.

Q: How do you feel about “Only You”?

A. It’s a portrayal of a cold man meeting the woman he loves and slowly changing his character.  I feel this kind of change because of love is delightful.

Q. The director has said he decided to cast you after seeing the look in your eyes.  This is the rumour during casting.  Please act this kind of look in your eyes for your Japanese fans, whatever kind of look it is.

A: (a little embarrassed)  How about this?

Q. Such a cold and self-centred person — did you have difficulty portraying such a person?

A. Most people when they are angry will just walk away quietly.  But not Han Yi-Joon — whatever the circumstances, his anger will burst forth, no ifs or buts, very clear and straightforward.

Q. Is it difficult to portray him?

A. No, I just found it more interesting.

Q. Are you such a self-centred person?

A. No, I’m not like that.

Q. Then what are you like?  Your audience would like to know what your character is.

A. I’m an introvert.

Q. I heard a rumour that in Italy [where they're filming "Only You"] some local girl made a pass at you. 

A. During filming she asked me for a date.  How about today?  Do you have a girlfriend?  When the others heard, a senior member of the film crew told her I was engaged to be married — told a lie.  Thinking back, that was so funny.

Q. You don’t think it’s a pity?

A. I was there to work.

Q. Where would you like to go with your girlfriend?

A. Maybe U.S.A., New Zealand, or Australia.  Haven’t really thought about it, so no particular place in the world.

Q. Why New Zealand?

A. There’s no place I’d like to go to in particular.  Just thinking of Australia’s weather, or walking quietly on the beach, you know, something to change my mood.

Q. Recently, the writer of “Love Letter”, Ms Oh Soo Yun, said the first time she saw you, she felt your clear eyes are very rare.  She felt such eyes can portray deep emotions; she had high praise for you.  Do you agree with her?

A. First of all, I’m very grateful for her praise.  I don’t know what to say; I don’t feel that.

Q. Then say a few words to Ms Oh Soo Yun.

A. Ms Oh Soo Yun, “Love Letter” is a fine work and leaves fond memories.  At that time I was filled with enthusiasm and threw myself completely into “Love Letter”.  Thank you very much!  I’m very glad and thankful to have had the opportunity to work in such a drama.

Q. What kind of a man do you feel you are?

A. Very difficult to evaluate oneself.  Well, I’m not exactly the macho type.  I’m often assigned roles that are very quiet and considerate (like for girls.)  This is not me.  I’m like most men — rather careless and thoughtless.

Q. How do you usually spend your time?  What kind of hobbies or sports do you like?

A. I exercise a lot.  Recently I go to the gym everyday and use the treadmill.  I also like to drive and hike.

Q. Which mountain do you like?

A.  Jiri Mountain.  When we were filming “Seo Dong Yo”, I’ve been there a few times.  Mountains in Korea are all very beautiful.

Q. Why do you like Jiri Mountain?  It’s very quiet there.

A. When I was very young, we used to live near a mountain, so I especially like mountains.

Q. Which mountain was that?

A. Bukhanshan.

Q. Yea….fresh air, good environment.

Are you planning your next work already?

A. Many projects are in the works; I’ll decide early next year.

Q. Any roles in particular you would like to play?

A. I’d like to play roles with distinctive character.  Apart from character, I pay particular attention to the contents of the plot.  My first priority in choosing a role is a good story.

(Credit: Video by Param of CarpeDiemJAPAN.  Thanks!)

(This English translation of the transcript of the interview is based on the Chinese subtitles on the video, which is the work of Rufina of johyunjae.hk.  Many thanks, Rufina, and also to Bigcat for all your help!)

The following is an interview in the Japanese Magazine Kanpooh (Sept. 2006)) — Special Edition on Korean actors.

Jo Hyun-Jae, who rose to fame in “Untold Scandal” and “Love Letter” and gained a wide following in Japan, talks about his work and his views on women.

Q. Is there any actor who is a role model for you?

A. No one actor in particular.  But I hope my performance would qualify me to be considered a serious actor.  This is the most important thing to me at the moment.

Q. Some reports say you respect Lee Byung-Hyun a lot.

A. Yes, I like him very much.

Q. What is it about him that you like?

A.  I especially admire his superb acting skills.

Q. How many times have you been to Japan?  What is your impression of Japan?

A. This is my 6th visit.  Japan impresses me as a very beautiful country.  And everybody has fine sense of trends.

Q.  What do you plan to do this time?

A.  This time I’d like more time to rest, but there are so many interviews I don’t have time to go out.  Still, I bought some clothes in Shibuya; they’re now at the hotel.

Q. How do you spend your leisure time?

A. Recently I like driving around, also hiking.  Before I used to like swimming and roller skating.  Now I jog quite a lot.

Q. Are there any Japanese actresses that you particularly like?

A.  Not really.  I only remember Miho Nakayama ( 中山美穗 ) in “Love Letter”. (Editor: the 1995 Japanese movie “Love Letter”)

Q. Would you like to break into the Japanese entertainment scene?

A. Of course, if the opportunity arises.  I have just finished filming the historical drama “Seo Dong Yo”; next I would like to do a contemporary drama.

Q. Are you good at love scenes?

A. Yes. (Laughs.)

Q. What kind of women do you like?

A. Women who have cheerful disposition, those whom you’re comfortable with when you see them.

And then when JHJ was asked to give an example from the actresses that he has worked with, he smiled shyly and said there’s no one actress that he could name as an example. 

 Q. Which one of your dramas left the deepest impression?

A. “Love Letter” — this is the first drama in which I had a starring role, the first time I threw myself completely into a role.  Because this was the first time I played lead, I felt absolutely remarkable.  I also learnt a lot from this experience.

Q. You mostly play pure, respectful characters.  Are you like that too?

A.  I’ve played a lot of good characters.  I try to learn from them in playing the roles.

Q. In “Untold Scandal” and “Love Letter”, you play opposite Lee Mi-Sook and Soo-Ai respectively.  Do you get along better with the older actresses or the younger ones?

A. This has nothing to do with age.  I pay more attention to communication.  Thank you.

(Translated from the Chinese version on www.johyunae.hk.  Thank you, Scarecrow and Bigcat!)

 (Credit: Photos from www.kanpooh.com)