Jo Hyun-Jae was interviewed on Japanese KNTV on March 14, 2008.  

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! 

More or less like the last one since both reporters attended the same press conference before the Tokyo fan meeting on August 22.

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 

Translation of ECOLE interview continued

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!)