2011.06.13      eune@tvsport.co.kr  (English translation by wulijohyunjae)

JHJ: “2011 – striving for both love and work”

Nobody has eyes like JHJ’s — like a young prince’s, their pupils pure and speak volumes.   In JHJ’s comeback work the SBS drama ”49 Days”, he displays the courageous manly side in saving SJH (NGR) and at the same time sounding somewhat childish in calling SYK (LYW) “Song”.

JHJ: “As soon as filming started, my workload was very heavy.  After my discharge I felt very much alive while working.  Actually I felt bad in the military because I could not act as I wanted.  Also for five months after my discharge I could not work so I was in anguish.”

After more than two years craving to act, JHJ in “49 Days” is like “a fish in water”, displaying not just his charisma but also his many sides.  Only now does JHJ feel the drama is over, and he shares with us his innermost thoughts and feelings.

** 49 Days   LYW-NGR?   Senior Son Byun-Ho is the funniest.

JHJ had a hard time during the filming of “49 Days”.  Every day was hectic because it was almost like live broadcast.  In the last month he could not even go home for the night or get any sleep at all.  It was so tough he lost his voice more than once.

JHJ: “Because I had no sleep, so even when the camera started rolling, I still felt like a zombie.  And I had indigestion and constipation*, so the skin on my face became coarse and bloodless.  My mouth was so dry I could not produce a sound; I could not open my eyes; I could not utter even a few simple lines.”

Looking at JHJ thinking back to the situation then, we unconsciously feel “Poor thing!”  Because of the other actors he was working with, a special kind of strength was produced in JHJ’s heart.  LYW was at ease in everything and NGR worked very hard at everything, and the greatest strength came from Son Byun-Ho.

JHJ:  “Senior Son Byun-Ho is the funniest.  When I could not open my eyes, he would pat my back.  During rehearsals he often cracked jokes.  I also have a lot to learn from him about acting.  Thanks to him, I could laugh as I worked.  I hope to work with him again on another interesting project.” (Smiling)

** From “idol group” to night theatre “pure male”

When he was watching dramas as a child, JHJ dreamed of becoming an actor.  From 1998 he spent a whole year as a member of the Idol Group “Guardian”, but it was disbanded after only one performance because of the company’s management problems, so it was like an empty dream.

JHJ: “We only performed once, so I can’t really say I was once a singer.  But we trained for a whole year and everything became useless, so I was very hurt since I was so young.  So I left the entertainment world for a year, after which I tried to return to the world of acting in a calm and orderly way.”

From 2000 on, starting with CF, JHJ spent about ten years on dramas like “Love Letter”, “Forbidden Love”, “3Dads/1Mom”, “So Dong Yo” etc., playing lead.  Sometimes he is like a pure young man from the comics, sometimes like a “pure male” with protective instincts, his scope expanding all the time.

JHJ:  “It’s been ten years already, but there are still many things I would like to do, so I must not be satisfied with the present.  I hope I can encounter a project that will make me feel satisfied.  But before that I hope our country’s drama production can operate in a stable environment, like Hollywood.  I hope to be able to act in a stable situation.”

** Real character?  Role-model, ideal type  – everything ‘open-mind’

Everybody is very curious to know the real character of JHJ who has always played pure, flawless roles.  JHJ: “Female viewers especially regard me as the image of the young prince.  Actually I’m not like that – I rather prefer to play a macho role.”

Not only this, JHJ is open-minded about role-model and ideal type.  JHJ: “An actor must play all kinds of roles, so anyone can be a role-model.  But to have only one role-model and follow him is something stupid for an actor.”

So what is JHJ’s target?  JHJ: “Rather than play a safe role, I’d prefer to play a human role in an empty place/empty corner**.  Most important thing is, as an actor, I’d like to hear praise like good acting.  As for my ideal type, I’m leaving the door open.  This year I want to strive for both work and love.”  (Smiling)

Exhaustion from filming seems not yet to have disappeared, JHJ’s face still looks tired.  But once acting and his next work are mentioned, suddenly his eyes are flashing.  JHJ who has woken up from a long blank period is ready to scale another high mountain.  He is all set to embark on another journey, starting now.

N.B.

* constipation – I should have known this would arouse a lot of concern.  Actually the Korean says: “I could not even go to toilet.”  You know Koreans never call a spade a spade; they would not use an indelicate word like “constipation”.   But I don’t want you to think JHJ has any prostate problems, so I decided to be direct.

** This sentence requires some explanation (our translator consulted with a Korean): Koreans call a perfect person “lacking human traits”, meaning “superhuman” or “above human.”  Empty place/empty corner = imperfect, occasionally makes mistakes.  The sentence “I’d prefer to play a human role in an empty place/empty corner” means JHJ wants to play an imperfect person who occasionally makes mistakes – a “human” person.

How can we ever understand the Koreans (with all these cultural differences)?  But I now feel I understand JHJ more, and respect him more.

2011.06.08    sports.hankooki.com

JHJ’s acting energy stored for 3 years all overflows in avalanche

After the SBS Wed./Thurs.mini series “49 Days” is finished, actor JHJ is full of emotions.  Even though he has this mixed feeling of “happy and nostalgic” at the same time, all the energy he has been accumulating for the last three years all pouring out is not something that he wishes had never happened.

JHJ entered the military in 2008, and after his completed his 2-year military service, he spent another year making his comeback as an actor.  JHJ said: “Every time I thought about it being my comeback work, I became very sensitive, which was why my management company had a hard time recommending anything.”

As time went by, he felt more and more the importance of a prudent choice, so the burden became greater.  At the same time, expectations from fans who had been waiting became greater.

JHJ said: “I didn’t use to understand why actors have so many empty periods.  Now after my discharge I was facing the same situation, so I finally understood.  Precisely because my comeback took 3 years, the burden has increased 2 – 3 times.  Because the pressure was so great, so as soon as the work was completed, I was very relieved.” – JHJ revealing his innermost feelings.

During the 4 months of filming “49 Days”, JHJ only had 2 – 3 hours of sleep a day.  In the last 3 weeks he could hardly lie down to sleep but only rest for about 20 – 30 minutes in the car.  “Well, I managed to survive,” JHJ seemd to be comforting himself.  “It was an extreme physical endurance test.  I slept for two days after the celebration party.  I slept and ate, and slept and ate, like a sick person.  I was full of confidence about the energy I’d stored up these 3 years, but it wasn’t like anything I imagined.” – JHJ chatted on.

Although he did his military service at an “advanced” age, it was an opportunity for an actor to become more mature.  JHJ completed his MS as an army dog soldier.  In spite of offers to be an entertainment soldier, JHJ wanted to serve as an ordinary soldier like everybody else.  He also contemplated being an entertainment soldier, but after he was appointed an army dog soldier, he felt the weight of the responsibility.  “I have always loved dogs, so I was very happy about this appointment.”

JHJ continued: “I was a lot older than some of my seniors, and those soldiers who were 10 years younger than me all expected a lot from me.  I thought then: if I take my military duties seriously, maybe it will be some consolation to them.  And I also wanted to keep my word to my fans – that I would complete my MS satisfactorily.”

“49 Days” is JHJ’s first work after he turned 30, and JHJ has changed.  When he was 20, he dreamed of becoming a “star”.  Now he wanted to be called an “actor” — not to be an entertainer because of earning a living, but to be an artist because of acting.

JHJ said: “At 20-something work seemed to be an obligation to me, but after 3 years I have realized the importance of acting.  Now I observe carefully my fellow actors; I learn from them as we work together.” – JHJ smiled when he said this.

In “49 Days” JHJ plays the role of Han Kang who displays the highest, purest kind of love for a woman.  After the drama ended, JHJ received universal praise for his portrayal.  Once again JHJ captured a lot of women’s hearts with the penetrating look in his eyes and his expression of delicate emotions.  JHJ said: “Many people asked me if I practised acting in the military because I have become more manly, more macho.  Aren’t they saying I’ve become old?” - JHJ consoling himself.

JHJ said: “I’ve received a lot of praise for my acting in ’49 Days’.  To an actor, what can be better than this?  I’m very happy to have made a successful comeback, and I will try harder to improve myself.  As I get older, I’d like to hear people say I’m a good actor – that’s how I’d like to continue.” – JHJ expressing his expectations.

(Credit: Photo and article from http://sports.hankooki.com.  Thanks!  English translation by wulijohyunjae)

2011.06.02         starin.edaily  (English translation by wulijohyunjae)

JHJ : Ending of “49 Days” gives empty feeling

A matured man has returned.  This is the story of Jo Hyun-Jae who recently returned to the TV screen with the hit SBS drama “49 Days”.

In “49 Days” JHJ gives a serious performance as Han Kang who demonstrates the highest and purest form of love.  This is JHJ’s first work since his discharge last year.  As before, he succeeds in capturing women’s hearts with his deep-set eyes.

After “49 Days” finished broadcasting late last month, we met with JHJ.  He expressed his feelings about the ending of “49 Days” in a gentle voice.

JHJ: “This is my first work after my discharge, so I still have very fresh feelings about it.  Also because I have so wanted to do this when I was in the army, so I was very pleased.  Because I was doing something that I like, I was very happy even though there were countless days when I had to go without sleep and I was dead tired.  That’s why it left a very deep impression.”

JHJ also got on very well with the other actors.  He played the character of Han Kang and worked with LYW, NGR, BSB, SJH, JIW, etc.  JHJ’s attitude to LYW and NGR who together play Shin Ji-Hyun was one of pure heart, and at the same time he engaged in an acting contest with BSB.

JHJ: “It is a joy to work with good actors.  LYW and I are the same age and we work very well together.  I have known SBS for a long time, and I have also cooperated with NGR when filming videos of See Ya’s songs.”

The ending of “49 Days” gives audience a big shock.  SJH dies again 6 days after being revived.  HK who has been hoping for SJH to live again cannot fulfil his love with her.

JHJ: “The ending is a little lonely and forlorn, isn’t it?  SJH dies twice in the drama, and there is no connection with LYW, so the relationship is not clear.  There is an empty feeling, but there are other messages that the drama wants to convey.  These messages seem to be the intention of the scriptwriter So Hyun-Kyung.”

JHJ is an actor for whom melo acting fits him like made-to-measure.  Viewers left messages on online bulletin boards requesting JHJ to act in a melodrama.  In his previous dramas “3 Dads/1 Mom” and “Sunshine” he has already demonstrated very substantial melo acting.

JHJ: “I’ve done pretty well in melo acting, right?  My every fibre is engaged every single moment, imagining it to be true love, acting with my heart. In this way, the audience can also feel the same emotions.”

JHJ also revealed his desire and enthusiasm for his next work: “Some projects are in discussion of casting stage.”

JHJ: “I see ’49 Days’ as the stepping stone to the continuation of my acting career.  After my discharge I must be psychologically prepared to make a new start.  I seemed to have successfully taken a first step with ’49 Days’.  Before this I have always played good characters; this time I wanted to try a role that does not have limits but which can satisfy me.”

What if JHJ were to face the fate of SJH?  SJH must receive 3 teardrops from people who are not her blood relatives.  We asked JHJ if he could think of 3 people without hesitation.

JHJ: “I don’t know.  But I wonder if there is any.  It would be wonderful if there were.  Seems like it is best to think there are 3 such people.”

(Credit: http://starin.edaily.co.kr.  Thanks!)

2011.05.30     hjcho@ssportsseoul.com (English translation by wulijohyunjae)

I want to try acting in an intense melodrama*

In his comeback drama after his discharge, handsome actor Jo Hyun-Jae (31) plays the role of Han Kang in the SBS drama “49 Days”, a character who is fastidious but at the same time has deep feelings which captured a lot of female hearts.  After successfully completing this project, JHJ was recently interviewed by Sports Seoul and revealed how he felt about acting in a melo*[drama].  He said:

“I meant to use a brand new work as my comeback project.  Because death, possession. etc. are very special subjects and I was attracted by such fantasy melo*, so I decided to act in the drama.”

“Viewers seem to expect a lot from melo*, but in ’49 Days’ there isn’t much, so I feel a little bad.  In my next project I must find something that allows for melo* acting.”

In the last episode, the lines that Han Kang says: “Everybody knows they will die sooner or later, but they still live like they won’t.  But because of your 49 days, I will live my life like these 49 days.” — these words resonate in JHJ’s heart.  He said calmly:

“I don’t want to just let the days go by; I want to live meaningfully.  I’m thinking I must live seriously and purposefully.”

“Since my discharge from the military, my attitude has changed.  I have changed to be very happy in acting; it’s like acting is my destiny.  I pour my heart and soul into acting.”

Acting in “49 Days” to JHJ is like a “war” with sleep.  He said:

“About a month before the ending, we were basically shooting day and night.  In the last three weeks especially, we practically had no sleep at all.  All we could do was catch a few winks (about 20 minutes) in the car, which was why in subsequent shooting we kept yawning and nodding.”

“In the military there were situations when we could not sleep at all.”  JHJ served as an army dog soldier and was responsible for training two army dogs.

JHJ smilingly said: “Although I trained the dogs together with other soldiers, there were no shifts.  Every morning at 2 or 3 a.m. I had to patrol with the dogs around the ammunition depot for several hours. That’s why I was always sleep-deprived, but at the same time my strength improved, and unconsciously my physique also improved.”

JHJ’s assistant who came with him to the interview said: “When a Private 2nd Class feeds the dogs, he must first salute, otherwise the army dogs will not eat.”

JHJ said jokingly: “I don’t know whether it was like this 6 – 7 years ago, but we’re not like that.  I have always liked dogs, which was why I chose to be an army dog soldier.  I hope that even dogs which do not behave well can turn over a new leaf after I have trained them for two weeks.”

During filming of “49 Days”, JHJ gained a lot of fans between the ages of 10–20.  How did he feel about that?

JHJ smilingly said: “I feel like a idol star late-starter.”  In his 2003 MBC drama “Love Letter”, his role as Andrea the young priest still remains in the heart of many viewers now.  How did he react to that?  JHJ said: ” ‘Love Letter’ seems to be my signature work.  I want to be in a drama like ‘Love Letter’ that will be remembered by everyone.”

In “49 Days” OST JHJ displayed his superior singing skills in his sweet and mellow voice, so what did he have to say about that?  JHJ’s eyes lit up and he said: “I’m only good in acting.  During this period after the end of the drama and before the start of any film, I’ll first take a break.  And then I want to take on the musical.  A musical seems very interesting and attractive.”

In the Baeksang Awards on May 26, how did it feel to present an award with Nam Gyu-Ri and to walk the red carpet?  JHJ: “As a young actor, I felt a little embarrassed to present a Lifetime Achievement Award.  The feeling is totally different from when I received an award [in 2006 for SDY.]“

JHJ wanted to communicate with his fans, but he did not want to be restricted to one particular site, so he did not have any mini homepage or accounts on twitter or facebook.  [There's me2day]

“’49 Days’ is now over.  I haven’t had the chance to travel abroad leisurely in the last few years.  I plan to take a solo trip soon.”

What about his thoughts on finding an ideal partner and marriage now that he is in his 30s? JHJ said: “I like girls who are open and bright and elegant; she has to be someone I can respect.  No two people are alike, but if someone suitable comes along, I will get married anytime.”

ED:  * We’re not really sure what the Koreans mean by “melo”.  This word keeps popping up in many news reports which use a lot of English words, or rather, phonetic translation of English words.  “Melo” is of course “melodrama”, but their concept of melodrama seems to be a little different from the established meaning in the English language.  Our understanding is that “melo” is something positive, something that requires good acting, something that challenges an actor’s abilities.  Again, if we got this wrong, please correct us.  We’re treading on thin ice today.  We’re always very careful where JHJ is concerned.  We want to make sure we don’t misinterpret him or convey the wrong ideas to his fans.

(Credit: http://blog.daum.net; http://news.nate.com; www.johyunjae.hk.  Thanks!)

2011.05.31    sakang at mydaily.co.kr  (English translation by wulijohyunjae)

“49 Days” JHJ reversal – “life after death”?

With his exceptionally big eyes, Jo Hyun Jae (31) looks exactly like an innocent character from the comics.  He looks gentle, but after two years of mandatory military service, he has become tougher.  The just finished SBS drama “49 Days” marks his return to TV after a hiatus of three years.  He plays Han Kang, a refreshing role that combines both sensitivity and warm emotions which is well received by viewers.

“’49 Days’ is my first comeback work, and there were a lot of expectations, so I worked very hard.  The character that I play is fastidious but full of love.  ’49 Days’ is #1 in ratings and many viewers care about the character of Han Kang.  This is the first step of my comeback.”

“49 Days” is about Shin Ji-Hyun (NGR) who falls into a coma and her soul enters into the body of Song Yi-Kyung (LYW), to be revived only if three people who genuinely love her shed tears for her, just like a fairy tale.  The drama is a tear-jerker, and JHJ plays Han Kang who initially behaves like a jerk to JH to hide his love for her hidden in his heart for ten years but who later works quietly behind the scenes to save her.

“Han Kang is a pure and modest man who has nurtured his unrequited love for JH for ten years. He is fastidious and could be intense and angry; his love is sweet and something undefinable.  I play HK in the drama but that is not the real me.  I am full of compassion and passion.  I am generally almost never angry, but if I get mad, then I’m very mad.”

The biggest difference between Jo Hyun Jae and Han Kan is their concept of the ‘afterlife’ *.  In “49 Days” HK is the first to discover that the soul of JH is wandering the earth and wants to help her.  It’s like in the movie “Love and Spirit’ [ED: 'Ghost'?], the soul and the human cannot love which viewers find very sad and moving.  Jo Hyun Jae does not believe that the afterlife* exists.

“Christians believe in the afterlife.  I just concentrate on acting my role and that’s it.  The drama is not realistic – it is novel and imaginative which is why it is interesting.”

This drama is Jo Hyun Jae’s comeback project after an absence of three years, so he was feeling the burden, but fans gave him a lot of support.  They sent food and supplies to the “49 Days” staff on set several times, and this gave JHJ a lot of strength.

“Fans brought us plenty to eat and drink more than ten times.  So the staff all said they wanted to work with me next time, and also they should really buy me a meal.  Fans’ support is so strong, and I am proud of them.  I do not know much about computers, so I’ll just show my face on me2day.”

“Shooting in the final three weeks was so hectic that I could not get any sleep at all.  I was so tired I could die. After the drama ended, I just wanted to be like a cow – ‘eating and sleeping only’ repeatedly.  I’d like to travel and then settle back into my regular life (workout, etc.) so I can move on to my next work in good condition.”

’49 Days’ is JHJ’s first step to future success.  He has not decided whether to do a drama or movie next.  ”If the feeling comes, I’ll start work at once.  Whether I appear attractive or not is not important, as long as it is a good work.”   You could feel JHJ’s “true heart” from the way his eyes shone when he said this.

“I wish to thank everyone for giving ’49 Days’ so much love. I will work harder to repay my fans with a better work. I enjoyed working on ’49 Days’ with all the good actors and good director. I think I have ”inbok” (Korean word meaning “a way with people”, get on well with people.)  I just want to act well so I can give back to my fans and not just receive their love and support.”

ED: * Afterlife – We’re not exactly sure what it means here — eternal life after death (as in Catholic concept of Heaven)? reincarnation into another life, another form (as in Buddhist beliefs)? or ….. We did the best we could to translate this.  If we’ve somehow got it wrong, please forgive us.  Will amend if necessary.

(Credit: Article and photos from http://mydailu.co.kr; http://news.nate.com; www.johyunjae.hk.  Thanks!)

Short version:

YOUTUBE:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5r2-zzbIzY

Full version: 

YOUTUBE:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rh2ph1UFy14

JHJ says:

- If Ji-Hyun could live, that’s best, otherwise…..maybe it could be a complete tragedy.

- I often thought: “Are there really such people (49 Days Travellers)?”

- If Ji-Hyun wakes up, of course Han Kang will be with her, but what about Yi-Kyung?

(Credit: http://gall.dcinside.com; www.johyunjae.hk. Thanks!)

2011.05.05               newsen.com  (English translation by wulijohyunjae)

“What is the one thing that I would like to do most after drama ends?  Fall in love!” (Ha!Ha!)

I originally thought that like in his image in his dramas “Love Letter”, “Forbidden Love” (Legend of the Nine-Tailed Fox/Gumiho), or ”3 Dads/1 Mom”, Jo Hyun-Jae is pretty naive/immature and only wants to act well in his roles.  But the JHJ I see in front of me is forthright while being laconic, and during the interview he reveals his brilliance and wit.  We met in a coffee shop in Seoul’s Yeoksam-dong, where we chatted about everything from his one year ten months in the military (hiatus) to his comeback project the SBS drama “49 Days”.

- “Originally thought Han Kang is someone who doesn’t speak much and just needs to look handsome, but realize after understanding character that this is not so.”  

In the first half of the drama, Han Kang tries to hide his true feelings for Shin Ji-Hyun and acts over-fastidiously which arouses viewers’ complaints.  But he changes later and goes out of his way to help SJH (NGR) whose soul is occupying Song Yi-Kyung’s (LYW) body.  He also unburdens himself and says a lot to her. 

JHJ: “At first I thought Han Kang is a very fastidious man who speaks very little, but during filming I discover he’s not like this at all; in fact, he starts to speak more and more.  Every time he sees SYK, he talks most of the time.  I thought the role only needs to look handsome, but then even if he is not doing anything in particular, he is sort of half-joking and even becomes wordy.”  

JHJ: “Analysing the roles I’ve played before, I haven’t tried a role that is manly, cool, taciturn…..  In ‘Forbidden Love’ (Legend of the Nine-Tailed Fox/Gumiho), I am a cop in Special Ops, so I thought I would be very tough.  But every time I get beat up or am near tears, Kim Tae-Hee comes to my rescue.” –  JHJ displaying his witty side.  

Most of JHJ’s roles are those that arouse maternal instincts, so he yearns to play a tough guy.  

It is also because of this reason that the name of Andrea is engraved in our hearts in “Love Letter”. 

JHJ: “I don’t necessarily want to try to play a taciturn character.  I’d like to try unique and refreshing roles in new genres.  I like the challenge; I want to experiment.  I’d also like to play a charismatic villain in a movie.  A macho guy in a large-scale production also looks good.”  — JHJ revealing his passion for acting.  

JHJ: “If it is a good project, I wouldn’t mind even if I am not playing lead.” — JHJ expressing his passionate self-challenge.  

- “I hit Bae Soo-Bin with my fist; guess I have to treat him to a drink……”  

Why chose “49 Days?  “I like it very much because of its unusual subject.   It’s not a traditional drama, and it’s not a superficial subject, so I am attracted by this innovative and interesting fantasy melodrama.  Also because it is written by So Hyun-Kyung, in whom I have faith.” — JHJ’s reasons for choosing “49 Days”.  

The one problem that JHJ encounters in a project that he so carefully chooses is wearing a school uniform.  In the drama JHJ and NGR are classmates, so there are several scenes where they have to wear school uniforms.  Regarding this, JHJ reveals his innermost feelings: “At first I thought isn’t it nice to be all dolled up looking young.  But after two or three scenes I started feeling the burden.  30-year-old me and 27-year-old NGR must look like high school students — so embarrassing!”  

Then JHJ started talking about anecdotes during filming with BSB.  “That scene when I hit BSB with my fist, because we didn’t prep well, I actually hit him.  Good thing the blow wasn’t too heavy, but BSB’s face became all red.  I felt so bad; I should treat him to drinks, but the filming schedule does not allow any breaks so I still haven’t taken him out but will certainly do so after the drama ends.“ — describing what happened on set.  

In JHJ’s comeback drama “49 Days” in which he’s the one who contributes the first drop of tear, there are still three more weeks of broadcast, and they are now shooting almost live.  We ask JHJ who is exhausted physically and mentally what his future plans are.  

“We’re now shooting Episode 15.  Up to the very end, I’d like to use all my energy.  Also, in the hiatus before the start of this drama I felt sort of burdened, but now I’m facing my work cheerfully and having fun.  I will work very hard and seriously until the very end.”

“After the drama ends the one thing that I want to do most is fall in love.  When I was in the military I felt very lonely because I didn’t have a girlfriend.  I hope to go on an ordinary date with a suitable girlfriend.” (Ha! Ha!)

(Credit: 박영주 gogogirl@newsen.com / 이재하 rush@newsen.com; Special thanks to our translator!)

INSPIRE

Slowly, quietly answers, accompanied by strong, measured steps

QUIET BUT STRONG

JHJ answers all questions slowly and quietly, just like driving very carefully within a lane.

A – Audi                            J – JHJ

A: You like photo shoots?

J: Not really.  Not very good at it.  Don’t know whether it’s because I’m not a professional model, so always feel awkward.  But today is very interesting, and I’m very pleased with the photos.

A: So what about interviews?  You haven’t done an interview for a long time.

J: Same with interviews – I’m not very good at them either.  Seems like rumours have spread that I’m not good at interviews.  (Laugh)

A: Sounds awkward coming from yourself.  So how come you went on “Strong Heart”?

J: I hardly ever go on that kind of entertainment shows, not even when I was making dramas before.  I’m not too at ease in that kind of atmosphere.  This time I went on “Strong Heart” to promote “49 Days”.  Seemed many people wanted me to participate, so I gave it a try.  (A: So how was it?)  Very awkward, as expected.  (Laugh)

A: “49 Days” is your comeback drama after a long absence, your first after discharge.  What is it like on set?  Feeling good?

J: After reading the synopsis of the script, I understood the “flow” of the actors.  There’s a reason for everything and for every role, so that gives a solid feeling.  It’s a fantasy melodrama with a unique subject matter, and it draws strength from everyone from 10 to over 50 years of age [ED: this means different actors in different age groups in 49D?]  Even though it’s not too light-hearted, it’s not too heavy either.  The subject matter is fresh and charming.

A: Since this is your comeback drama, have you entertained thoughts like “How should I appear before the audience?”  What are you concerend about lately?

J: Of course I have to do my best, to put my heart and soul into my acting.  I used to have this simple thought that some scenes can be glossed over, but now I read the script over and over again and think long and hard about what to do and how to act. 

A: Do you feel any change in yourself after your military service?

J: Military service to me is the time to review and examine every aspect of myself.  So it gives me this resolution — changes my attitude to filming, also makes it more interesting and refreshing.

A: What did you want to do most in the army?  Want to come out as soon as possible?  Want to make new dramas?

J: Self-examination and introspection.  (A: What about?)  Every aspect of myself — character, work-related issues, acting ….. thought about many, many things.

A: What are you dissatisfied with about your own character? 

J: Not positive enough.  Aren’t there times when you feel fed up with work?  Before after 2 days of continuous filming of 30 hours, I would become physically sapped.  Then I would feel fed up, also very tired, just wanted to sleep.  But now I enjoy this kind of timing very much.

A: You enjoy it even when you’ve very tired? 

J: Yes.  Even after working for 30 hours, I still think: “This is fine.”  Even if I’m in a daze and not reacting well, I still feel good.  I like even situations like this.

A: Your movie on a mysterious military incident “G.P.506″ took more than a year to make.  Which is harder — filming this movie or military life?

A: Of course filming this movie cannot be compared with military life.  Film is my work, so I was very happy and felt very blessed.  In the military I had to give up everything — couldn’t do what I wanted to do, no privacy at all. 

A: Why did you choose to be an actor?

J: I think it’s a kind of destiny for me to be an actor.  Seems like it’s a given to do this kind of work; no other kind of work will do.  Since I’m not that good in studies and I’m inadequte in many things, being an actor is something I like and can do.

A: You started out acting as pure young men, followed by “Only You” and “Seo Dong Yo” in which your roles gradually changed.  Which is the role that you occasionally think about before you go to sleep and is still fresh in your mind? 

J: My role as the Crown Prince in “Great Ambition” (Daemang).  Director Kim Jong Hag gave me a lot of help, so I could completely immerse myself in the role.  As a newbie whose acting skills were obviously inadequate, I could actually feel the loneliness of the Crown Prince; I threw myself heart and soul into my role.  I still think often about this role and the role of Andrea in “Love Letter” — actually feel like acting, really being an actor.

A: “I’ve become an actor” — is this how you felt?

J: It’s rather “I worked so hard and so seriously.”

A: If you can only leave one work, which drama out of the two would you choose? 

J: I hope the present one is the best – I’d choose “49 Days”.

A: Most viewers’ memory of JHJ is so tender and gentle.  Is this a misconception?

J: Andrea in “Love Letter” is so soft and gentle and simple and benign.  There’s no such person in real life.  That image is too strong which is why people think of me like that.  But I’m not really like that.  (Laugh)

A: What do your friends say about JHJ’s personaility?

J: Some say I’m very manly, some say I’m very taciturn, and some say I’m very introverted.  Looks like a combination of all of the above.

A: When you drive, do you turn the music on real loud and drive very fast?

J: Sure, I’ll turn the music on loud but generally I’m not like that.  Once in a while, there will be a day when I step on the accelerator.  Normally of course I obey traffic rules.  When the red light is on, I’ll stop even if no one is around.  And I drive within my lane.

A: Have you ever received any traffic tickets or traffic fines?

J: Almost none, never received any traffic tickets.  When I drive, I like to roll the windows down to breathe in the fresh air, cruising along very freely.

A: Looks like you’ll like a convertible.  If you were to choose any one Audi model, which one would you like to own? 

J: R8.  Isn’t the design very attractive?  Don’t know whether it’s practical, but it’s a good convertible.  This kind of car is not for driving fast; it’s for cruising along on a sunny hillside.

A: Aren’t women all attracted to men who can drive?  What do men think?  Do they prefer women they can talk cars with or those who don’t know cars at all?

J: I don’t think there’s any need to know too much, but a certain understanding of cars seems pretty good. 

A: Sometimes when you are tired, she can help to drive? 

J: It’s not a big deal, but it’s better to be able to drive. 

 Audi R8

A: When do you feel you’re most handsome and manly?

J: When I’m doing sports.  I like sports and I also like hiking.

A: So your leisurely activites are sports and hiking?

J: Yes.  I also like golf; I play a lot.

A: Do you like male genre films?  If you can go back in time to act with a certain actor, what film would you choose?

J: Like “Noir”?  “The Godfather” is pretty good, or maybe 007 series or big budget films like “Mission Impossible” – I also want to try these.

A: If you were to take part in ”The Godfather”, which role would you choose?

J: I like Al Pacino’s role best.

A: In that case you won’t be able to act alongside Al Pacino.

J: Is that so?  Well, then the role under him.

A: Do you monitor your contemporary actors’ works?

J: I used to, but not anymore.  Rather than being influenced by them, I’d rather act in my own style.

A: Do you feel men should pay attention to clothes and grooming?

J: To a certain extent it is better to pay attention to these.  Before I never used to care about my own style.  I’d wear anything that I was given.  Up to my mid-20s I didn’t buy anything special for myself.

A: Mid-20s?  Weren’t you already an actor then?

J: Yes.  That’s why people around me all said I paid too little attention to my appearance.  But now I think differently about this.  I’m a professional actor, so I feel to a certain extent I should dress properly.

A: What would you wear driving an Audi R8?

J: My favourite jeans with a cardigan will feel very comfortable.

A: What kind of results do you hope for “49 Days”?

J: I think it’s not what I want or desire or even good ratings that are paramount.  First, the most important thing is to do my best.  Have I killed the topic?

A: No.  Interviews are not easy.  (Laugh)

J: Really?  Even then, to tell the truth, I’ve said a lot today.  I didn’t use to be able to speak so much before.  But I don’t think I must do well in an interview.

A: Matt Damon lesson!  Matt Damon says actors don’t understand why they have to do interviews.

J: I think so too.  Acting well is enough.  Because acting is more representative than reporting information. I have this thinking I must do it this way.

A: We are curious to know how actors live.  An interview is the best opportunity to understand them.

J: But isn’t this my private life?  Don’t think there’s any need to disclose that.  I’m an actor – how I appear at work is the most important.  I want to be remembered as a good actor.  I’m not required to be a good speaker, but I suppose it’s OK to say things like this in an interview.

A: But haven’t you heard comments like “Great acting!” ?

J: I’d like to hear a lot of such praise.  (Laugh)  Choi Min Sik is the first image that comes to mind.

(ED: Choi Min Sik is one of the few Korean actors who has won fame both as an actor and done well at the box office.)

(Credit: Photos from www.everjohyunjae.co.kr - thanks!  English translation by wulijohyunjae – Many thanks to our translator for doing a superb job and making our job so much easier!) 

The following is an interview of Jo Hyun-Jae in MASK magazine on 2006-10-24.

As Jo Hyun-jae was saying that this interview was after a long interval, he didn’t try to hide his flushed face. But, he turned into a different person from the moment the PLAY button on the recorder was pressed. Low key but serious…..this man’s art of straight talking:

He almost didn’t touch anything of the prepared snack of yellow lemonade and handmade chocolate. However, there was this inevitable sweetness permeating from him. As he broke into laughter at finding out that he became #1 in online surveys as “the man I want to make mine the most despite being unemployed” and “the man I want to marry the most,” the before-mentioned sweet particles seemed to float around.

He has a pure heart, betting all on love by believing that a break-up takes a long time and there is always hope to go back and make it right. Even upon being asked of his ideal type, he didn’t give a typical answer such as “not neccesarily a pretty one, as long as a good person.” 

“I hope that she is a thoughtful and wise person. If I do get a special someone, I want to be a man whom she can depend on as her man.”

He is the type to fall in love wholehearedtly, instead of slowly being filled by love just like his starring role in “Untold Scandal.’” “The first impression is important. It seems that I have a pattern of falling in love quickly, when I can connect with someone while conversing.”  Presently, he is single, having ended the last relationship two years ago.

Here is Jo Hyun-jae who lived as the Baek-jae king, Seo-dong, for 9 months. By talking about his current condition, he anwered the question of whether he was happy living a year as the protagonist of the #1 rated drama.
“For a while I didn’t watch TV, movies or read books. Concentrating on anything itself turned me off.  I couldn’t do anything for two months.”
“The shooting schedule was difficult enough to circulate a joke like ‘Seo-dong-yo’ is actually ‘labor-intensive-yo.’”
He had to perform on animalistic instinct, not having time even to worry about receiving partial scripts right before a shoot or how to play the role.
He gets reinvented as “Actor, Jo Hyun-jae,” spending time in which one was incapable to think of anything but acting.
“Seo-dong-yo” can be a subject of love and hatred.  Director Lee Byung-hoon, who considers basics very important, taught him thoroughly from acting to pronunciation. In return, he trusted the director by giving his everything while performing.  No one doubts that the Seo-dong-yo sensation is the combination of Lee Byung-hoon’s skillful training and his endeavors.

Unlike his appearance of someone who grew up taking piano lessons, his hands covered with calluses spoke of another story.
“When I had to withdraw from high school due to a family matter, I started working part-time jobs.
There wasn’t much I hadn’t done such as physical labor, warehouse organizing, and liquor delivery.”
His nickname was ‘elder’ during his school days. For the man who matured too quickly, would his dating be like a child playing an adult?
“When I meet someone appealing to me, I tend to express myself actively by saying often that I like her. She gets rather tired of hearing it.”

Unlike how other handsome actors usually are, his appearance doesn’t obstruct his talent nor does he live his life in moderation as others might expect. The rascal face seen while playing Seo-dong, popping once in a while behind the symmetrically well-cut face, proves it.  Imagine the righteous and comely face reading lines from a historical play in a comical version. He is like that of an unexpected Christmas present.

“I decided to become a performer in high school, after watching an upperclassman in college on stage during a play.”  The 20-year-old Jo Hyun-jae, vaguely dreaming of becoming a model, began performing relatively smoothly. On one hand, he was cast when discovered by an agent accidently at a health club; on the other hand, he won the role of the protagonist of “Love Letter” a little after his debut in a commercial. There are voices that can be heard, whispering that he might have landed just too smoothly. However, at the time this interview was reaching over 80%, he carefully but firmly spoke about his philosophy of acting.

“I don’t want to follow other people’s styles, as when it comes down to acting there is no objective standards or regulations. It is true that I am lacking in many ways, but I will be satisfied 10 years from now more than today. I will try to acheive 3 or 4, while others might anticipate 1 or 2.”  He doesn’t act according to how others might see him. His path, stepping forward one step at a time in silence, is believable because of it.

His voice spoken in a low key tone lowers calmly the turbulent intensity of illumination in the perimeter. The current digital culture still feels strange to him, who feels closer to a fan letter written on paper than a message posted on the web. Isn’t 27 too young to yearn for the comfort of the old and worn?

He enjoys jogging at a park around his home more than at a health club equipped with the latest technology.
“The scene I miss the most? I miss most the time when I was in elementary school, chasing after frogs.”
His favorite actor is Al Pacino, having both the explosive power and charisma. Domestically, he respects Lee Young-ae and Lee Byung-hun, who have their own vivid colors. He knows that it is more difficult not to lose his purpose, living calmly as an actor, than conquering the Himalayan Mountains.

(Credit: From everjohyunjae.co.kr.- English translation by ashley; photos from Param of CarpeDiemJAPAN; www.johyunjae.hk.  Thanks!)

Korea Enter 24 Real Interview

Jo Hyun-Jae, who has appeared in dramas like “Only You” and “Seo Dong Yo”, has always maintained a gentle image.  But this time he has completely remade his image into a strong and forceful man.

Hello, Korea Enter 24 viewers.  This is Jo Hyun-Jae.

Since his first appearance in 1999, viewers have been captivated by his beautiful face.  Since then, he has gained the support of numerous fans of all ages, not just in Korea, but also in Japan.

JHJ was in Japan to promote his new movie “G.P.506″.

Q:   Can you tell us something about your role in “G.P.506″?

A:   Mysterious murders keep happening in the frontline Guard Post 506 in the demilitarized zone, and 21 persons are killed.  I play the sole survivor Lieutenant Yoo.  An investigator is bent on getting to the bottom of these mysterious events.

Q:  What was the most difficult thing during filming?

A:  In “G.P.506″ I play a very sombre character.  In order to remain in character, I had to maintain very sombre feelings — to me this was most difficutl.

 Q:  What was the most unforgettable scene?

A:  The most unforgettable scene was filming under torrential rain for 6 continuous days.  It was during dead of night, rain was pouring down non-stop, and the weather was very cold.  Thinking back, that was really some memory.

 
From the Prince in “Seo Dong Yo” to Lieutenant Yoo in “G.P.506″, what is JHJ really like? 

Q:  Which character is closest to you?

A:  Closest to my character …..none at all.  A little alike?…..similarities…..Because I created the characters, I think maybe a little of my character has infiltrated them.

Even though he has become a strong man, his smile is still the sweetest and most attractive. 

Q:  What kind of actor do you want to be?

A:  When you feel bad or when you encounter difficulties, you watch my works and momentarily forget your troubles and feel happy — I want to be an actor that you can trust and rely on.  

Q:  What would you like to say to viewers?

A:  Korea Enter 24 viewers, very grateful for your support of my dramas and movies.  Wishing you all happiness and good health.  Thank you! 

2010.08.23

Q. Do you feel any changes in you before enlistment and after discharge?

A. After my discharge, I feel a total change of mood.  In the army I had time to re-evaluate myself, so I now think more positively, and I have also become more patient.  The military is a place that can nurture patience.

Q. We heard you will be singing at the fan meeting.  Have you prepared well?

A. There’s no singing in the army, so……(meaning not well prepared?)

Q. What are your plans for the future?

A. In the two months since my discharge, I’ve been taking care of personal business. There are no concrete plans yet, but I think you’ll probably see me in a good drama at the end of the year.

Q. How did you spend the two months after your discharge?

A. I gained some weight in the army, so I started to work out two months before my discharge.  Then I felt I ought to lose some more weight, so I exercised a lot and at night I practised singing…..and my hobby is hiking, so I spent my time sculpting my body.

Q. What have you learnt in the army that you are most proud of?

A. In the army we lead a frugal life of moderation – everybody is like that.  I’d say I learnt to think straight.  I felt deeply what it meant to persevere under difficult conditions.  In the army I was a dog soldier and my job was to train dogs.  I’m confident that even though I am discharged, I can still train all kinds of dogs.

Q. What would you like to do now?

A. First, I want to work.  Also I haven’t had many chances to travel, so I’d like a change of pace in the summer.  And I haven’t had the opportunity to love, so I’d like to try that too. 

(Credit: www.koari.net; ahiru of CarpeDiemJAPAN.  Thanks!  English translation by wulijohyunjae.)

2010.08.23 

Acting is the happiest time

Recently there’s some interesting news on the web.  It says Jo Hyun-Jae actually started out as a singer.   In the blurred photo you can see clearly that he is holding a microphone.

We check this out with JHJ — he became a singer in order to realize his dream of becoming an actor.  He was the lead singer in the quartet “Guardian”.  It is hard to imagine the shy JHJ singing and dancing on stage.  The group disbanded because the management company was having problems, and the album could not be released.

The fact that JHJ has been a singer really amazes our Editor.  Most artists are very sensitive about their past, but JHJ’s composure really surprises our Editor.  Perhaps he does not mind what happened in the past.

There was once a TV programme “Full of love” which helps to find people.  JHJ says very firmly: “Even if I go on that programme, there is no one I want to find, and I have no desire to find them.”

JHJ himself puts great emphasis on the present and the future.  He works hard to plan for the future instead of dwelling on the past.  So JHJ’s happiest time is when he is acting.  But he takes it in his stride; he is in no hurry and he has no desire to surpass anyone.  JHJ follows his own pace in moving forward, slowly, carefully, expanding his own sphere.  He is not a born actor but one who works hard to become a good actor.  Compared to those naturally gifted actors, JHJ is honest and unhurried and does not take shortcuts, and on close-up, is more dazzling.

Want to be closer to Han Yee-Jun

After “Forbidden Love” finished filming, JHJ began a seven-month hiatus.  During that time he went on trips, exercised, and had a leisurely and happy time.  During his break JHJ often told the people around him that he wanted to return with a brand new role.  Someone different from the usual good handsome person, some character that is cold and insensitive.  Will his expectations be realized?   A character very different from his own personality, a character he has always wanted to play finally comes to him.

Han Yee-Jun (HYJ) has his own distinctive way of speaking and acting.  He is stubborn, cold, and unfeeling.  He goes to Italy to find his mother who left him when he was a young child.  HYJ is very self-centred; he never cares about others’ feelings; he follows his own desires single-mindedly.  This is HYJ’s character in the drama “Only You”, and it is a very different character from JHJ’s own.

“We are a great team.  The director and the scriptwriter are great, and the young people all work together very well.  Ever since I started acting, this is the first time the character is such a challenge.”  The lines are unpredictable, and the character is rich and deep — a giant step forward.  ”During filming I was completely immersed in HYJ.  I tried to live his lifestyle, until filming ended.”

Our photo shoot is scheduled for the first day ”Only You” airs.  Fans wait eagerly for this drama, and they also have great expectations of JHJ.  Even if there is negative reaction to HYJ, it will not matter so much with the passage of time.  JHJ just wants to give his all to this drama, so that he will not have any regrets in the future.  Yes, this is JHJ’s style. 

The moment I embarked on my entertainment career, I had this way of thinking: “Ah!  Actors can make people happy!  I want to feel this happiness all my life”!  And also: “Even though acting is a tough profession, it is so full of charisma that I like it more and more, so that I don’t know when I’ve become completely immersed and cannot extricate myself anymore.”    

“Even though I normally don’t speak much and am rather passive, but in front of the cameras I’m a different ME.  When I’m acting, people think of me as another person and they do not dislike me.”

“I really admire Al Pacino and long to be like him.  In spite of his small stature, he is so full of inimitable charisma.  The older he gets, the more polished is his acting.  I’d like to be like him.”

(THE END – English translation by wulijohyunjae) 

(Credit: http://cafe.daum.net/hyunjaeAnPam; www.johyunjae.hk. Thanks!)

Slowly, carefully, in his own unique firm step

ONLY  YOU  Jo Hyun-Jae

Jo Hyun-Jae is an actor whose filmography is pretty comprehensive.  In the dramas in which he plays the lead, even though they have not created any sensation, they make a deep impression on viewers and remain in their minds.  His steps are small and very quiet, but he is walking slowly into people’s hearts. 

Age is just a figure, but the passage of time and experience are not just a figure but something JHJ personally demonstrates for us.  Exactly a year has passed since I last saw Jo Hyun-Jae.

JHJ’s T-shirt says: “War is stopped if you make true love.”

He’s back — waking from the silence

As soon as JHJ emerges from TV, he does not speak at all.  And once he starts to do something, he cannot do anything else.  That is why when he is immersed in a drama, he most probably can’t do an interview properly.  Our Editor had to overcome a lot of hurdles to work out an interview schedule with JHJ.

Because his comeback drama “Only You” uses “sweet love” as the slogan, our Editor proposes to share the experience of happy love with JHJ.  On the day of the photo shoot, our Editor prepares all kinds of sweets on the studio table to await the arrival of JHJ.  He arrives on time at the studio and his appearance breaks the silence, but the photo shoot is not smooth.

As soon as JHJ sees the ice-cream cake of the first cut, he furrows his brow.  Together with the photographer, we try our best to lighten up the atmosphere, to no avail.  While the Editor and the photographer are trying to modify the concept of the shoot, JHJ waits in the corridor, smoking, not speaking a word.

Obviously, our Editor’s demands are too excessive — in reference to using little gadgets like doughnut, bagel, ice cream, etc. to produce a pleasant atmosphere for the very shy JHJ who is difficult to shoot.  Finally, our Editor sees that the embarrassing atmosphere is gradually softening.  JHJ’s mood has slowly stabilized and he is becoming more cheerful and light-hearted.  Soon after that the photo shoot progresses smoothly and successfully.

Upstanding actor, true-hearted JHJ

Many people say JHJ is really kind, and he looks very shy.  Our Editor expects he will say at least a few words and be pleasant with everyone, but his expectations are misguided.  When our Editor sees that JHJ seems to have difficulty even making eye-contact, the words “difficult to communicate with” appear in his head. 

An hour has passed, and the atmosphere in the studio is starting to become more relaxing.  Our Editor smilingly begins the conversation with JHJ.  Thinking back to one year ago, while JHJ was filming “Forbidden Love”, our Editor followed in JHJ’s footsteps for an entire day to secure an interview.  He thinks JHJ will still remember this in a vague way, but JHJ says he cannot remember at all.

As a matter of fact, JHJ is not interested in anything outside of his acting.  Once he starts working on a drama, he throws himself into it wholeheartedly.  He says: ”Once I begin something, I cannot pay attention to anything else — that is my personality.  It may sound like an excuse, but it is true.  Maybe it was because I was too busy filming that drama that time.”

Our Editor already felt this last time, and this time he can see clearly that JHJ feels very uncomfortable saying anything in front of people he does not know well.   He does not reply immediately to our Editor’s questions, and only gives short and precise answers after a pause.  He still seems very unfamiliar with the usual interview questions.

From his monosyllables, our Editor can easily judge what kind of a person JHJ is.  But facing an actor from whom it is so difficult to secure an interview, our Editor is feeling the burden, so he quizzes JHJ on this and that.   In the face of such aggressive questionings, JHJ continues to answer slowly at this own pace.  He opens his eyes wide and slowly and deliberately answers our Editor’s questions — without strain, without flourishes, and especially without embellishments to make himself look good.

(TO BE CONTINUED – English translation by wulijohyunjae)

(Credit: http://cafe.daum.net/hyunjaeAnPam; www.johyunjae.com.  Thanks!)

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!)