Jo Hyun Jae

The KOW Administrator left a message on ONLY  FAN on Feb.1 (late!):

Lots of new year blessings

The first shooting [of "49 Days"] finished this morning.

New Year holidays begin today, which will probably cause traffic jam.

Have a good holiday and lots of blessings.

새해福많이받으세요^^                     관리자                   11.02.01

오늘 아침에 첫 촬영을 마치고 왔습니다ㅎㅎㅎ
연휴가 오늘부터 시작이라 그런지 차가 너무 막히네요ㅠ
여러분들 모두 연휴 잘보내시구요 새해 福 많이 받으세요

(Credit: Korean message from http://johyunjae.com/  English translation by wulijohyunjae; photo from www.johyunjae.hk.  Thanks!.)

Mr. K is outed!  You may remember we mentioned in our January 23 post “Dear Diary (35)” that there appeared an unusual fan message on TO HYUNJAE in the KOW the day before — from the father of one of JHJ’s army mates.  The father used a pseudonym (which is quite unnecessary since he mentioned his son’s full name, so he must be Mr. K Sr.)  Anyway he wrote his son served in the army with JHJ and mentioned him several times, obviously favourably.  So his parents watched “Seo Dong Yo” and now all members of the family are JHJ fans.  Mr. K Sr. knows about JHJ’s new drama and sends good wishes and blessings.

You will not believe the “media frenzy” this message aroused.  It is carried in its entirety (in English) and translated into Korean and Chinese on all the JHJ websites that I usually frequent.  One fan message has made Mr. K Sr. a celebrity writer!  Not only that — the Korean fans (super sleuths!) even searched and discovered who Mr. K Jr. is.  He is in both pictures above.  Since these were taken during the first five weeks of basic training starting on August 15, 2008, that means Mr. K Jr. met JHJ then.  Whether they later served together in the army we do not know, but they must have kept in touch.  Now which one do you think is Mr. K Jr.?

JHJ has been discharged from the Korean military for 7 months now, but the following two photos have just surfaced (at least we’ve never seen the first one, and many fans may not have seen the second either.)  You see Mr. K Jr. again in the first one.  He and JHJ were obviously army buddies, probably still friends from the way Mr. K Sr. wrote. 

Still guessing?  Stop racking your brains — here’s the answer!  But then you’ve already got it, right?

We have not used Mr. K’s full name because we feel his privacy should be protected.  Those of you who are KOW members have probably read that message on TO HYUNJAE.

(Credit: First two photos released in 2008 by Korean military; last two from everjohyunjae.co.kr.  Thanks!)

There is a programme on Mnet Japan called “Director Presents” in which entertainment news are shown raw, including uncut interviews.  The Mnet director follows the stars around like an entertainment reporter.  Many of the videos are presented as they were shot — uncut!  The director also includes behind-the-scenes and eyewitness accounts to add to the entertainment value of his programme.

Jo Hyun-Jae’s 2010 fan meetings in Japan will be featured in two parts on January 15 and 22 (2:30 – 3:00 p.m.),  to be repeated on January 21 and 28 (4:00 – 4:30 p.m.) respectively. 

(Credit: http://www.mnetjapan.com; http://hyunjaelove.jp; www.johyunjae.hk. Thanks!)

According to the ancient Chinese military general, strategist, and philosopher Sun Tzu (c.late 6th century B.C.) whose classic “The Art of War” ( 孫子兵法) is now required reading in many MBA programmes worldwide, one very important tenet is “Know thy enemy”– 知己知彼,百战百胜– “Know yourself and your enemy, and you will fight and win a hundred wars.”

The entertainment world is one big battlefield in which hundreds fall by the wayside every day.  Those who emerge triumphant receive enormous honours and rewards, which is why so many young people throw themselves into the endless battles.

Jo Hyun-Jae’s comeback drama “49 Days” is scheduled for a March screening on SBS.  So what is it up against on Wednesday and Thursday nights?

March 2011 schedule for Wednesday & Thursday Korean dramas:

SBS        “49 Days” with Jo Hyun-Jae, Jung Il-Woo, Bae Soo-Bin, Nam Gyu-Ri, Lee Yo-Won (?)

MBC        “Royal Family” with Lee Mi-Yeon and Ji Sung

KBS       “The Thorn Birds” with Han Hye-Jin, Joo Sang-Wook, Kim Min-Jung, Go Soo

TV audience’s taste is unpredictable, so there is no telling who will win the ratings war come March.  The drama that starts first will have a definite advantage.  Unless it is not even halfway decent, most viewers don’t switch channels.  JHJ, however, has the advantage of not having been seen in a drama in 3 years, so viewers are likely to be curious and (we hope) nostalgic about him.

(Credit: JHJ calendar by Hart; www.krdrama.com; www.johyunjae.hk. Thanks!)

This is the flood of news that we have been expecting  – a whole spate of articles in numerous Korean media today, more or less the same.  We have translated only one — from Asia Economics.

We love these words – Make the world your stage!

JHJ’s first comeback drama after discharge – “49 Days” – confirmed!

 
Actor Jo Hyun-Jae is confirmed as the lead actor in the drama “49 Days”.

JHJ has been looking for a comeback drama since his discharge on June 19, 2010.  He is now expected to make his comeback in the SBS Wed./Thurs. drama “49 Days”.  It has been a long time since his last drama, so JHJ is most eager and enthusiastic to give his all in this role.

His management company Star N Hit indicates: “Because of his confidence in the director and the scriptwriter, he immediately decided to take up this project.  This is a much-anticipated project of the first half of 2011.”

In addition, JHJ will use this drama as the starting point to proceed with fan meetings and promotion as a Hallyu star, not just in Korea but also in other Asian countries.

“49 Days” is written by the star-scriptwriter of “A Brillant Legacy” and “Prosecutor Princess”.  It is scheduled to be broadcast in March, following “Sign”.  Casting of Nam Gyu-Ri and Jung Il-Woo has been confirmed.  Also, Li Yo-Won is a strong candidate for lead actress.

조현재, 군제대후 첫 작품 ’49일’ 확정..남규리-정일우와 호흡
 
배우 조현재가 드라마 ‘49일’(연출 조영광·극본 소현경)에 남자주인공 한강 역에 캐스팅됐다.

지난 해 6월 19일 전역한 후 복귀작을 물색하던 조현재는 SBS 새 수목 드라마 ‘49일’을 통해 본격적인 활동에 나설 예정으로 그는 오랜만에 하는 작품인만큼 극중 한강 역에 몰입하며 그 어느 때보다 열정적으로 준비하고 있다는 후문이다.

소속사 스타엔히트엔터테인먼트 측은 “감독님과 작가님을 믿고 단번에 결정을 했으며 2011년 상반기에 기대되는 드라마가 나올 것 같다”고 전했다.

한편 조현재는 이번 작품을 시작으로 국내 뿐 아니라 한류스타로서 각종 아시아 팬미팅과 해외 프로모션을 진행할 예정이다.

49일은 ‘찬란한 유산’, ‘검사 프린세스’ 등으로 스타 작가로 발돋움한 소현경 작가의 작품으로 1월말께 첫 촬영을 시작해 ‘싸인’ 후속으로 3월 방송예정이다. 남규리와 정일우 등이 캐스팅 확정됐고 이요원이 또 다른 여주인공으로 물망에 오른 상태다.

(From: http://www.asiae.co.kr.) 

Similar versions of above report also appeared in: spn.edaily.co.kr;  tvdaily.co.kr; news.gonga.com; sports.khan.co.kr; news.hankooki.com; isplus.joinsmsn.com; joynews.inews24.com, big5.yonhapnews.co.kr; kr.news.yahoo.com, etc.

TOP left: Jung Il-Woo (plays Death Scheduler – controls souls) Right: Nam Gyu-Ri (plays coma victim)  BOTTOM left: Bae Soo-Bin (plays Nam’s fiance – bad guy)  Rright: our JHJ (plays male lead)

(Editor: FYI – Nam Gyu-Ri is the member of See Ya who left the group in 2009 to pursue an acting career.  She was in the popular 2010 SBS weekend drama “Life is beautiful”.  Looks like she has made the right move.) 

(Credit: 1st photo from our favourite designer [after our own prissymom, of course] ahiru of CarpeDiemJAPAN; others from various Korean media.  Thanks!)

JHJ seems to be saying: “Finally I can lie down and relax a little.”

NOTICE on JHJ’s Korean Official Website on January 5, 2011:

Information on JHJ’s new project
 
Jo Hyun Jae’s new drama on SBS ”49 Days” has been determined. (Director: Jo Yeong Gwang; Writer: So Hyun Kyung). 

Shooting will begin at the end of January and it is scheduled to broadcast in March after SBS drama ‘Sign’.

In order to find a good project, it has taken a little more time. 

Thank you for your interest and concern.

작품 소식 알려드립니다. 
  
조현재 SBS수목 드라마 “49일”(연출 조영광 작가 소현경) 작품이 결정되었습니다. 

첫 촬영은 1월 말께 시작하며 방송은 SBS수목 드라마 ‘싸인’후속으로 3월 방송예정입니다. 

좋은 작품으로 찾아뵙기 위해 조금 늦어졌네요 

많은 관심 부탁드리겠습니다

(Credit: Korean Notice from http://johyunjae.com - thanks!  English translation by wulijohyunjae.  JHJ photo from 2011 calendar – courtesy of SNH.)

Jo Hyun-Jae’s new project is like a jigsaw puzzle.  Since there is still no official announcement, we’re trying to piece together the puzzle — well, here’s another piece.

Jo Hyun Jae’s comeback drama – SBS’s “49 days” on Wednesdays & Thursdays
Star News original article        2011-01-04      11:54

Actor Jo Hyun Jae returns to TV as the protagonist in a new SBS drama “49 Days” (working title).

Jo Hyun Jae’s new drama ”49 Days” is scheduled to broadcast in March on SBS, following “Sign”.

“49 Days” production staff tells Star News on Jan. 4 morning: “Jo Hyun Jae’s comeback drama has been decided.  The agreement appears to be verbal and the contract is under preparation.”

Jo Hyun Jae was discharged on June 19, 2010 and has chosen to return to the entertainment world with “49  Days”.  It has been nearly three years since his last drama on KBS2 “3 Dads/1 Mom” was aired in May 2008.

“49 Days” is the work of scriptwriter So Hyun Kyung whose previous dramas “A Brilliant Legacy” and “Prosecutor Princess” have all been winners. The story is about a woman who falls into a coma for 49 days after a car accident, and who can only be revived if there are three people (apart from her parents) to cry for her three genuine/sincere drops of tears.

JHJ plays a character who is involved in a complex, entangled relationship with the coma victim (to be played by Nam Gyu Ri) and the woman into whose body her soul is trying to enter (to be played by Lee Yo Won.)

조현재, 전역후 SBS새수목 ’49일’로 전격 컴백
스타뉴스 원문 기사전송 2011-01-04 11:54

[머니투데이 스타뉴스 김지연 기자] 

배우 조현재가 SBS 새 수목드라마 ’49일’(가제) 남자주인공으로 안방극장에 컴백한다.

조현재는 SBS가 ‘싸인’ 후속으로 오는 3월께 방송 예정인 ’49일’에 캐스팅됐다.

’49일’ 제작 관계자는 4일 오전 머니투데이 스타뉴스에 “조현재가 컴백 복귀작으로 ’49일’을 결정했다”며 “물론 아직 계약서에 도장을 찍지 않았지만 구두로 출연을 합의하고 준비 중”이라고 밝혔다.

이로써 조현재는 지난해 6월19일 전역 후 ’49일’로 복귀한다. 안방복귀는 입대 전 2008년 5월 종영한 KBS 2TV ‘아빠셋 엄마하나’ 이후 3년여 만이다.

’49일’은 ‘찬란한 유산’ ‘검사 프린세스’ 등으로 필력을 인정받은 소현경 작가의 작품. 교통사고로 혼수상태에 빠진 한 여인이 49일 안에 부모를 제외하고 자신을 위해 진심으로 울어줄 3명의 눈물 3방울을 얻으면 다시 살아난다는 얘기를 다루고 있다.

조현재는 극중 교통사고로 혼수상태에 빠진 지연(남규리 분)의 영혼이 들어간 송이경(이요원 분)과 얽히고설킨 관계를 형성할 한강을 연기할 예정이다.

(English translation by wulijohyunjae.)

This is the last day of 2010.  To recap JHJ news during this year, we can count them on our fingers.  Of course in the first half of 2010, JHJ was in the army, so it is understandable that only two events are recorded.

1.  Jan.17 — Defense Daily published these gorgeous photos of JHJ with his army dog in the snow.

2.  Mar. 1 — JHJ was promoted to Sergeant.

The biggest event of 2010 is of course JHJ’s discharge on June 19.

This is followed closely by JHJ’s Japan fan meetings in Osaka and Tokyo on Aug. 21 and 22.

Apart from these, the only JHJ sightings in 2010 are at Andre Kim’s wake on Aug.13 and at Seoul Fashion Week on the morning of Oct.22 (which was the day of his father’s death, as it later turned out.)

Then in December JHJ’s Japan Fan Meeting DVD, JFM photobook, and his 2011 calendar are released.

JHJ actually left 5 messages for his fans in 2010 (a record by his standards!)

1.  May 9 — (on the Official Japan Fan Club website, the rest on the Korean Official Website)
Birthday message, thanks fans for presents, looks forward to discharge

2.  Jun. 15 — on pre-discharge vacation, 1st message on KOW, longest and even posts hiking photos (one and only time)

3.  Aug.17 — thanks fans for coming to discharge, preparing for JFM

4.  Sep.18 — thanks fans after Japan Fan Meetings

5.  Dec.24 — Christmas message

Only JHJ fans could survive on such meagre handouts without starving to death.  Any sane person would have jumped ship.  Perhaps you have to be a little “ABnormal”* to be a JHJ fan.  (* We learn this term from our friend B who says there are “normal” and “A-B-normal” people.)  Still, that unspeakable charisma of his and his flawless features and of course his compelling acting have made us captives forever!

May 2011 bring JHJ every success and accolade he deserves!  We also wish him good health, good fortune, and a good romantic relationship!

(Credit: Photos from Defense Daily, Sky, and various sources. Thanks!)

The KOW Administrator just left a message:

Reporting good news to you all

It snowed very heavily last night, perhaps to celebrate the confirmation of JHJ’s new project ㅋㅋ

All of you fans are waiting anxiously, right?

JHJ’s new project has finally been decided.

Since the details are still being worked out, please try to understand that we cannot give you a comprehensive account now.

We know fans are waiting most anxiously, so we’re leaving a few words here even if we only have a few scraps of news.

Early next year we’ll give an accurate report of the new project.

We are aware fans are all suffering from the waiting.

Now all that’s left is for us to wait for JHJ’s fine acting performance ㅋㅋㅋ

May 2010 finish well for you all!!!

(Editor: ㅋㅋ means Ha!Ha! in Korean)

[공지] 반가운 소식 알려드리겠습니다

간밤에 눈이 마니 내렸네요 현재님의 작품 을 결정한걸 아시고 축하해주려고 눈이왔나보네요ㅋㅋ
팬여러분들 모두 기다리시느라 힘드시고 고생많으셨죠??
현재님의 작품이 드디어 결정 되었습니다
아직 세부적인 내용은 조율중이라서 자세하게는 아직 알려드릴수 없는점 양해 바랍니다
팬분들께서 너무나도 기다리시기 힘들꺼란 생각에 이렇게 라도 먼저 글을 남기네요
연초에는 현재님의 작품에 대해서 정확하게 알려드리겠습니다.
팬여러분들 고생많으셨습니다
이제 현재님의 연기하는 모습을 본방사수 하시는 일만 남으셨네요ㅋㅋㅋ
2010년 마무리 잘하세요!!!

(Credit: http://johyunjae.com. English translation by wulijohyunjae.  Thanks! )

Star n Hit has sent EVER a THANK YOU note, posted on EVERjohyunjae’s website on Dec.27, 2010:

Did everybody have a good Christmas?

We have received all the presents from EVERjohyunjae fans. 

We have immediately sent them to Jo Hyun-Jae who asked us to convey his thanks.

We also thank you for the presents for SNH staff.

We know fans have been waiting most anxiously.  We expect to present you with a good project.

Once it is confirmed, it will be announced on the official site.

You should receive the news before 2010 is over.

Please wait for a little while longer.

Hope you will have a happy time in the last few days of 2010~~~~

스타엔히트엔터테인먼트입니다

안녕하세요
크리스마스 잘보내셨나요??
에버조현재 팬 분들께서 보내주신 선물들 하나도 빠짐없이 잘받아서
선물받은 즉시 현재님 댁으로 잘 전해 드렸습니다
현재님도 고맙다는 말씀 전해드려 달라고 하였습니다
그리고  사무실 직원들 선물까지 챙겨주셔서 감사합니다
팬분들께서 기다리시느라 많이 힘드실텐데요 좋은 작품으로 여러분께 찾아뵐 예정입니다.
제가 확실해지면 공홈에다가 공지글 올리겠습니다
2010년이 가기전에는 여러분들게 알려드려야할텐데요
조금만더 기다려주시구요 2010년 마무리 잘하시길 바래요~~~~

大家好圣诞节过得好吗??

EverJohyunjae粉丝们送来的礼物，
一个都不拉地收到后
马上就送往了显宰先生府上。
显宰先生也请我们转达他的感谢。
还有，也感谢给公司同事的礼物和照顾.
粉丝们等待得很辛苦吧，预定会以好作品来到大家面前。
确定了的话会在官方网站发布公告。
2010年过去之前，大家应该会知道的吧。

请再稍微等待一下。祝2010年的尾巴过得愉快~~~
 

Normally we would not have published a THANK YOU message to a fansite, but this message contains a key sentence: “You should receive the news before 2010 is over.”  Really?!!!!  There are only 4 days left of 2010.  Is SNH really going to keep us on tenterhooks?  If they fulfil their promise this time, we’ll forgive them for everything!

(Credit: Photo by gra of CarpeDiemJAPAN; Korean and Chinese text from www.everjohyunjae.co.kr.  Thanks!  English translation by wulijohyunjae.)