This is JHJ advertising for his new magazine JOVE59:

(Please see English transcript below.)

YOUTUBE

YOUKU

Hello, this is JHJ.

Greeting you here after a long time.  Are you all well?

I went to China to shoot a drama.  I’ve only returned to Korea 3 or 4 days ago.

Very happy to greet you all here and to offer my best wishes.

On December 24, my new image will be displayed through photos on this magazine.  I just want to say Hello here.

I feel good about this new magazine.  Please offer your support.

Winter is fast approaching.  Don’t catch cold.  Stay healthy.

I hereby offer my care and concern.

As always, many thanks for your support.

I’ll appear in a better image in future.

Thank you!

Please see our earlier post:

http://jo-hyun-jae.com/2011/10/28/new-japanese-jhj-magazine/

(Credit: http://www.gam.pub.jp; www.johyunjae.hk.  Thanks!)

JHJ is featured in the January 2012 issue of the Japanese magazine KBOOM:

(Credit: www.johyunjae.co.kr; www.johyunjae.hk.  Thanks!)

Please see this link: http://www.gam-pub.jp/jove/

(Credit: www.gam-pub.jp, www.johyunjae.hk.  Thanks!)

Magazine cover

These photos are in the same series as the one in the magazine:

(Credit: Imogen of http://club.brokore.com/sodonyo; http://jhyunjaelove.jp; www.johyunjae.hk.  Thanks!)

Our Japanese friend M sent us these magazine covers, “created” by her member gragraf – Many thanks!

.

Needless to say, these are the real magazine covers.

But JHJ has been featured on magazine covers:

(Credit: http://club.brokore.com/sodonyo; www.johyunjae.hk.  Thanks!)

(Credit:  http://ebook.i2081.co.kr; http://gall.dcinside.com; www.johyunjae.hk.  Thanks!)

And this is the magazine cover (does not deserve full size because it does not feature JHJ!)

(Credit: Asta Mag Thailand; http://thaitv3.com.  Thanks!)

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(Credit: Photos and text from Sincere magazine, No.92  Vol.8, 2011; http://thaitv3.com.  Thanks!)

It includes an interview with JHJ:

And this is the cover of the magqazine:

(Credit: http://club.brokore.com/sodonyo; www.johyunjae.hk.  Thanks!)

According to our translator, the part within the grey square (bottom right) in second photo says:

“First scene in the early morning – first on the set.”

- “49 Days” character of Han Kang – JHJ

First drama after discharge, so obviously very nervous.  Maybe because of this, feels more at ease on set than at home.  Since he is portraying a man who cherishes an unchanging love for a girl, he must have seen a lot of romantic movies in between takes.  What good romantic movies can he recommend?          

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

WHEN camera goes off — p.455

WHO are BSB, JHJ

WHERE – A certain cafe

Fun Fact – the 2 stars of “49 Days” getting together

Whenever there’s any break, these 2 men chat non-stop, like old friends

Today’s topic is IPad games   

(Credit: www.instylekorea.com; www.johyunjae.hk.  Thanks!)

JHJ is featured in the Japanese magazine KEJ – Korea Entertainment Journal – Vol.88, published on 2011.04.16.  The interview is on page 52 and is billed as “Feels good after returning to original positon of 3 years ago.”

Here are some photos of JHJ in “49 Days” — his present-day position.

(Credit: www.kejnews.com; www.sbs.co.kr; www.johyunjae.hk.  Thanks!)

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!) 

(Credit: www.everjohyunjae.co.kr; www.johyunjae.hk.  Thanks!)

2011.04.06        Koreastardaily (English translation by wulijohyunjae)

Actor JHJ’s biceps display his masculine charm

Through a fashion magazine Jo Hyun-Jae displays his perfect figure that not many people know about.  His shiny biceps are like sculpture and fully demonstrate masculine beauty.  This time JHJ sheds his usual quiet and gentle image and shows his fans another side of his charisma.  His fine figure is oozing charisma without any exaggeration which makes everything so much more in good taste.  His biceps are bulging and his jaw is just perfect, which makes him look really sexy.

With a perfect figure like that and wearing the latest fashions makes JHJ looks every inch a star.  And JHJ wearing a navy blue T-shirt, charcoal grey jacket, and metallic gold trousers fully displays the charisma of luxury.  Even wearing a simple denim shirt, JHJ can give it a special unspeakable quality.  His naturally curly hair makes his image more outstanding.  His sports watch and his boots add a wild touch and enhance his charisma even more.

JHJ is currently filming SBS’s hot new drama “49 Days”, portraying the role of Han Kang who loves a girl single-mindedly. 

(Credit: http://koreastardaily.co.kr; www.johyunjae.hk.  Thanks!)

(Credit: http://tvdaily.co.kr; www.johyunjae.hk. Thanks!)

Here are a couple more — pink trousers and checkered shoes and all!

(Credit: www.ceci.co.kr.   Thanks!)

2011.03.25        tvreport.co.kr. (English translation by wulijohyunjae)

JHJ’s Breakthrough Pictorial

Jo Hyun-Jae has displayed his sense of avant-garde chic in a breakthrough pictorial.

In the April issue of fashion magazine CECI, JHJ appears in a special photo shoot in which he attempts a transformation for the first time since his debut.  Featuring a bold and unique graphics concept of smoky-eye makeup, colourful costumes, and strong fragrance, the chic appeal and magical charisma result in an integrated effect.

2011 Spring/Summer – the trend keyword is “Pop Art” –  the layered look of wearing a tuxedo jacket with a blue denim shirt, and a grotesque felt hat, shows an unbalanced charisma.  Smoky dark makeup and costumes, together with lettering on matching shoes, create a sense of “new fashionistas.”

In particular, the photos use a unique concept and show a kaleidoscope of different images which unfold endlessly, just like JHJ’s diverse talents which garner good ratings.  With his delicate, soft, and romantic qualities, his charm goes beyond the traditional image of a bold makeover.  Smoky eye makeup matching with dark idol on stage result in magic charm which has been cheered by fans.

JHJ spent more than half a day doing this photo shoot without showing any signs of tiredness.  His bright and sincere attitude really impressed the producers.  A completely different feel is conveyed in the six crossover costumes, and his professional pose and expression are just perfect, according to the production crew.

JHJ said: “I didn’t have the courage to wear these clothes when I was 20, and now I’m posing in them.  It is both strange and fearful, but I am attempting to create a new appearance.”  He also expressed his satisfaction with the photo shoot.

A CECI official said, when they were planning this photo shoot: “We want to capture the image of a moulting* JHJ and to create an entirely new image” and “JHJ just seems to pop out of a fashion show - creative and fashionable.”  He expressed his unreserved satisfaction with the results.  [*ED: Am.- 'molt' - cast off or shed skin, feathers, or the like in the process of renewal or growth.]

Meanwhile, after three years’ absence, JHJ has returned to TV in the SBS drama “49 Days”.

Please see this link for complete CECI photos:

http://jo-hyun-jae.com/2011/03/17/jhj-in-ceci-2/

[ED: Special thanks to our translator for helping us when she is preoccupied with personal matters.  We really appreciate her dedication to JHJ.  This article is very difficult to translate because it uses a lot of contemporary expressions that are phonetic translations of English words and phrases.  We have tried our best to convey the feel of the piece.]

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

We have tried to translate the article in the April issue of CECI into English.  The following represents our most conscientious effort with the help of our most conscientious translator.  However, there are certain points where we have to exercise our commonsense – to connect the dots.  But we have stayed true to the essence of the piece. 

JHJ in “49 Days” — constantly changing like a kaleidoscope

That is a mirror image [referring to above photo] — facing each other.

I look into the “eye” of the cylinder and see something that keeps revolving, the images constantly changing as I rotate the tube.

Jo Hyun-Jae is a kaleidoscope.

There are two kinds of actors — those who have no character and cannot master the roles, and then there are those who are protean [readily assuming different forms or characters] and leave a deep imprint.  The former is more technical and the latter emphasize emotional aspects.  JHJ belongs to the latter kind.  He symbolizes youth, pure love, and brilliance.  These photos [in CECI] represent a new attempt.  They are a little strange to JHJ himself too: “I’m now wearing what I wouldn’t wear when I was 20.”

When I was doing research for this interview, I collected data from JHJ websites to find the “real flavour of JHJ” — “JHJ looks like JHJ”.  That’s right!  JHJ is pure, kind, elegant, fastidious, forthright, serene, deep, ardent — in the roles he has played so far.  His Andrea in the 2003 drama “Love Letter” is pure and simple, like an angel, so out of this world — there’s no such person on earth.  His pastry chef in “Sunshine”, special agent in “Forbidden Love”, tycoon heir in “Only You”, and king in “Seo Dong Yo” — these different roles all embody “pure-love male.”

Just before he entered the military, JHJ chose to play a macho character [in "G.P.506"] that is completely different from his previous roles.  But the “JHJ magic” is so ingrained that this changed image somehow did not resonate with fans, perhaps because they could not accept this new JHJ.  JHJ says: “I’ve been an actor for 12 years.  I’ve come a long way and I still have a long way to go.  I don’t want to be typecast.  I want to try different roles — to attempt a breakthrough.”

JHJ has been in the army for two years, but there has been no change in his appearance.  The JHJ we remember is fixed in our minds.  Now his character Han Kang in “49 Days” is the very opposite of Andrea.  The drama is about a girl who falls into a coma as a result of a traffic accident and requires three people (not blood relatives) to shed genuine tears for her before she can be revived.  In this fantasy melodrama, JHJ plays the role of a talented architect back from a prestigious American university who runs a winebar on the side.  He is unsociable, even a little gruff, taciturn, obstinate, forceful, and deep.  To JHJ, Han Kang is like his destiny.  “There are some roles you absolutely must play, and there are some roles you don’t even want to think about.  You can’t do everything you want to do, and sometimes you have to do what you don’t plan.  ’49 Days’ is what I can and wish to do — it’s like destiny.”

JHJ’s perseverance creates a kaleidoscope of images — constantly changing in form and shape, back and forth in a rocking movement — completely protean.  I want to know the JHJ that is not openly seen — the innate, sensitve, melts-one’s-heart JHJ.

Step backward 1

I entered the army at age 30 [actually he entered at 28 and left at 30] as a regular soldier among 20-something young men.  That was really the nadir.  Now in retrospect, when I look back, I feel that gives me an opportunity to think about acting and life.

Step backward 2

I have loved animals ever since I was a child, especially dogs, which was why I became an army dog soldier.  Dogs’ souls are pure and clear — being with them cleanses one’s mind.  Army dogs are totally obedient and respond to my every command.  Curiously enough, they only listen to their master.  They are very loyal — they won’t even look at other people.  My pet is a dachshund, and it won’t allow anybody else to touch it.

Step backward 3

My diehard fans’ love for me is constant and unwavering.  They are from all over the world, including Japan, China, and even Myanmar.  Last summer I held fan meetings in Osaka and Tokyo in Japan, and 4,000 fans attended.  After a hiatus of two years, it was as if nothing had changed.

Step forward 1

After discharge, I spent most of my time working out and hiking.  In “49 Days”, Bae Soo-Bin is a close friend and we go hiking together.

Step forward 2

When I’m under stress, I try to clear my mind.  It is hard to deliberately try to solve problems, and I have no time either.  Singing or doing other things like drinking only provides temporary relief.  There is one way of letting things go — this is being rational.  Of course there are moments of anger or anxiety, but these days I am so busy filming this drama that I don’t have time to feel angry or agitated, sad or depressed.

Step forward 3

One day I have no work for 24 hours, and suddenly I feel very tired and sleepy — I love it, though.  I am so tired that I am totally engaged without thinking, which makes me happy.

 Please go to our earlier post to see rest of photos:  http://jo-hyun-jae.com/2011/03/17/jhj-in-ceci-2/

(Credit: http://ceci.joinsmsn.com/; www.everjohyunjae.com.  Thanks!)

These photos come with a very long article.  We’ll try to translate it after we’ve recovered our senses.

(Credit: http://ceci.joinsmsn.com;  www.everjohyunjae.co.kr; www.johyunjae.hk.  Thanks!)