Jo Hyun Jae

Happy Chinese New Year to everyone! 

May the Year of the Dragon bring you good health, good fortune, and good cheer!  And every success and happiness to JHJ!

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Designed by prissymom.  Many thanks!

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JHJ on upcoming dinner show in Japan on February 5, 2012:

Hello everyone.  This is Jo Hyun-Jae.

I’ll be having a fan meeting in early February after a long absence.  This time will be a little different from before.  It will be held in the banquet hall of a hotel, so I’ll be in close proximity of my fans.  I will feel closer to you and the time will be more meaningful.

Please everyone record all the memories.  I too feel very excited, very expectant, because it’s been such a long time.  So until then …. Please don’t catch cold.  And Happy New Year!  See you then!  Please come to support me.  Thank you!

(Credits: www.johyunjaechina.com.  Thanks!)

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CREATIVE WRITING – PURE FICTION

When I saw above photo a few days ago, my fertile imagination started working and the following story was germinated.

How do you get into a photo with the lead actors/actresses at the start-of-shooting ceremony?  You’re the boss, of course, the one who finances the project!

Everyone knows there are a lot of coal mines in Shanxi, and these coal mine owners are fabulously rich.  So there is this coal mine owner’s wife, let’s say, Mrs. NR (for “nouveau riche”) who has everything money can buy.  One day she happens to see a Korean drama called OY and is astonished that there is such a handsome specimen of man on earth.  Ever since then she has become a fan of HJH.  After watching all his dramas over and over again, she impatiently waits for his next project.

One day Mr. NR, who believes there is nothing that money can’t buy, sees his wife languishing and inquires what is ailing her.  When he hears the cause, he immediately says: “Why don’t you invite him to shoot a drama here in China?”  After all, he just bought a vineyard in Bordeaux, France because he likes their red wine. 

“How does ‘Producer’ sound?”

“Can I have my name in lights?”

“Anything you want, my dear.”

With that, RO is conceived.

The most difficult part, it turns out, is persuading HJH to come.  He is not one to be swayed by money, lots of money.  He is an artist; he just wants to be a “pure actor”.  Mr. NR uses everything and everyone in his power (and there’s not much that money can’t buy) to get the project off the ground.  When money is no object, they soon manage to assemble a reputable working crew and cast of international actors.  All they have to do is get the nod from HJH.

Negotiating with his MC turns out to be a hassle.  It’s not the language barrier (there are excellent interpreters available); it’s their unprofessional attitude.  They dilly-dally, neither ”yes” nor “no”.  Mr. NR, however, is not one to take “no” for an answer, especially since his wife is breathing down his neck everyday.  So he uses a little finesse and gets someone to approach HJH’s friend SBS who is a graduate of Beijing Film Academy.  SBS tells his friend that China is the land of opportunities, that if he makes it big in China, he can always make a triumphant return to Korea.

HJH mulls over this offer for several weeks and finally decides to take the leap of faith, against the advice of his MC.  They can’t get him any decent work but they don’t want him to go overseas.  He does not want to sit around anymore.  He wants to embark on a new adventure.  He wants to take up the challenge.  He wants to strike out for himself.  Into the unknown — China, here I come!

The start of the journey is inauspicious.  HJH’s flight is delayed several hours because of a thunderstorm in City B.  Mrs. NR has been on tenterhooks ever since HJH consents to take up the role specially written for him.  Mrs. NR’s sole instruction to the scriptwriter is to create a role that would showcase HJH’s handsome looks.  She has faith in his acting abilities; she just wants him to look his best.  She may be a fan, but she is also a shrewd businesswoman.  She has invested millions in this project, and she wants HJH to break every woman’s heart when the drama is shown on TV.  Mr. NR has already placed a few millions in ads on Mango TV to secure the most-sought-after release date – around Chinese New Year.

Mrs. NR is there early for the start-of-shooting ceremony, but she is devastated that HJH cannot make it.  Never mind – she can get to see him everyday for the next three months.  She has already taken leave of absence from her husband (who is secretly delighted that he will have a 3-month “vacation”.)  Everything goes very smoothly.  Her friends, whom she has invited to the ceremony, are all very excited at the chance to meet the Korean superstar.

He appears the next morning to a collective “Arrrh……!!!!!” (exclamation of surprise) and comments like “OMG! How can anyone be so handsome?”  “Where did you find him, Mrs. NR?”  “Godsend from Heaven!” etc.  Mrs. NR is absolutely delighted!  She is especially pleased that, apart from his looks, HJH is very polite and respectful, even a little shy.  She only wishes he would smile more.  But she understands he is trying to get used to being in a foreign land, amidst an alien people who speak a language he does not understand.  She resolves to take extra good care of him.

Mrs. NR gives orders to her chef to prepare ginseng soup for HJH everyday.  She wants her favourite actor to stay in tiptop shape.  Shooting a drama is hard work.  She must make sure he is well-nourished and well-fed.  She can’t let him survive on the kimchi and instant noodles sent by his fans.  She takes her duties as hostess very seriously.  She wants to show the Koreans the Chinese are hospitable people.

Mrs. NR is very happy HJH is settling in very nicely.  She is at first a little worried since he doesn’t speak much, but when he smiles, it is as if the sun has come out (even though the weather is rather dismal these few days.)  He is thoroughly professional, gets into the act very quickly (in spite of the language barrier), always ready when it’s his turn, and is bowing all the time to everybody – no airs at all.  Even the local cleaning lady becomes his fan in no time.

Mrs. NR has grand plans; she is enjoying being Producer more and more with each day.  When HJH finishes shooting this drama, she has a couple of CFs lined up for him.  Her husband’s business interests are so wide-ranging she’s sure he can use him as spokesman in some of the brands his conglomerate of companies represent.  Then she wants him to make another drama – a love story!  Maybe a movie!  Get Zhang Yimou as director and it may win a prize at next year’s Cannes or Berlin Film Festival or even Best Foreign Film at the Oscars!

Mrs. NR is on cloud nine.  She is basking in the envy of her friends.  For the first time she feels she is doing a real job.  She wants to keep HJH in China.   He’s the best thing that has happened to her since she met her husband – her lifetime meal ticket.  But she knows HJH is too proud of his country.  So she’ll do the next best thing and make him the greatest Korean actor in China.

I have not had much inspiration in writing another diary entry for some time.  When I first read JHJ’s message on August 9 that he’s going to China to start a new project (no details given), I was a little surprised he had to make this announcement himself.  But when to date there has not been an official announcement from SNH or the KOW, I am moved to say something.

First and foremost, SNH should be fired!  Statements on an actor’s movement should be made by his MC (management company) which has the responsibility to keep his fans informed.  SNH should have issued a press release.  Why are there no news reports at all in the Korean media?  Because SNH has been grossly negligent in its duties.  The KOW should fold!  JHJ’s so-called official homepage is a joke!  Is it there for fans to post things like “Good morning, JHJ!”, “Good afternoon, JHJ!”, “Good night, JHJ!” ?  I just checked the KOW.  Some Chinese fan has taken it upon herself to post updates on JHJ’s movements in China.  (Tweets that we’ve been translating for this blog – and our English is better! 5555)  Now this is a ridiculous reversal of roles – instead of the KOW giving us JHJ news, JHJ fans are telling them what JHJ is doing.

I don’t know what you think about this unusual career move of JHJ’s.  Let’s face it – if SNH had been able to get him a decent role in a Korean drama, I’m sure JHJ would much prefer to stay in Korea.  It’s no fun going to work in a foreign country for a few months — the language gap, the culture barrier, the alien cuisine, the different working environment …. are daunting enough.  The loneliness can drive one crazy.  Good thing Beijing and Seoul are only 1 1/2 hours apart by plane.  JHJ can always fly back for a day or two if he gets too homesick (hope that’s written into the contract!)

SNH’s and the KOW’s inaction is inexplicable.  Korean and Japanese fans are obviously not happy about this decision of JHJ’s to work in China.  Why China?  I was asked.  Why not Japan?  “Because China invited him and Japan did not — as simple as that!”  The Japanese fans may be looking forward to fan meetings which did not materialize.  The Korean fans seem to think JHJ is jumping ship or something like that.  Their attitude is somewhat dubious – they don’t want him to leave Korea but they’re doing nothing to keep him there.

The Chinese fans are of course on cloud nine.  The fact that JHJ chooses to go to China is a recognition of their existence/importance.  I personally have mixed feelings about JHJ’s decision (I heard on the grapevine that he mulled over this for some time) – on the one hand, it seems to be a desperate move; on the other hand, it takes guts to take on this challenge.  It’s a calculated risk, I think.  If he doesn’t make waves in China, it probably won’t really damage his status in Korea.  If he makes it big, wow! the sky’s the limit!

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When I saw above sketch on DC a few days ago, I felt very mad (and sad!)  The artist is obviously implying that JHJ is digging his own grave and about to fall into a pit he dug himself.  It’s so mean-spirited!  If his Korean fans feel like this, they do not deserve to be his fans.  Whether I think it’s a smart move on JHJ’s part, I support him wholeheartedly.  It’s a done deal already.  Do his Korean fans really want him to fail?

From the tweets left on Weibo (Chinese Twitter) by JHJ’s Chinese colleagues on “Rouge Overlord” (literal translation of Chinese title 胭脂霸王), JHJ seems to be doing well.  I feel very gratified; I have faith in JHJ’s professionalism.  I’ve only watched two Chinese dramas up to now; I’ll be looking forward to this one.  Even though photos have not been released, I’m sure JHJ will look very dashing in either Chinese or Western costumes of the 1910s.  But his role calls for him to start at age 16 – doesn’t that call for a stretch of the imagination?

Big-name actors always travel with their manager, assistant, stylist, hairdresser, nutritionist, personal trainer, etc.  I doubt if JHJ has such an entourage with him.  Somehow I get the feeling he’s all alone (or feels all alone.)  I want to tell him: JHJ, you are not alone!  Your international fans are all behind you.  When you feel lonely, remember: We are there for you!  We support you 100%!  Whatever you choose to do, we’re cheering you all the way.  Knock ‘em dead! (just an expression)  Conquer the Chinese market!  Show the world what you’re capable of!  You’re not just a Korean actor; you’re an international star!

P.S.  I’ve just had a brainwave – SNH has not been heard from for so long ….. could it be ….. could it be that JHJ has already fired them?!!!!!

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(Credit: Diary banner designed by prissymom; sketch from http://gall.dcinside.com.  Thanks!)

TUDOU

YOUTUBE:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7t6j6Z-aLw&feature=related

 My favourite moment in all of JHJ’s fan meetings.  This is of course the 2008 Korea Fan Meeting, just before JHJ’s enlistment.  He was overcome with emotions and I was near tears.  Oh, how my heart aches when watching this again (for the Nth time)!

I did two things yesterday which account for this post:

1. A Paris Baguette recently opened near where I live. I resisted for the longest time going in there because I knew it would bring back memories of “49 Days”. But I finally checked it out. As I sat there sipping a latte and munching on a crabmeat sandwich, I daydreamt about JHJ and even LYW. And then I remembered “Sunshine” and JHJ’s pastry chef – the most drop-dead gorgeous pastry chef in uniform!

2. I dropped an egg (luckily in the kitchen.) The sound it made (and the mess I had to clean up afterwards) suddenly made me realize one thing. We talk about heartbreak – actually the heart does not break, it does not crack like an egg, it “breaks” like a punctured tire, deflating slowly ….. Isn’t there a song called “How can you mend a broken heart?” Well, you can’t!

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Here’s more from JHJ’s 2008 Korea Fan Meeting:

TUDOU

YOUTUBE:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7t6j6Z-aLw&feature=related

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But how long can we live in the past?  We’ve re-lived it so many times!  We need something to go on!

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(Credit: Photo by 3.1; videos by ojik; www.johyunjae.hk. Thanks!)

I used to be able to write at least an article or two even during a short flight, but now I have no inspiration at all.  I am at my wit’s end.

B told me the candid comments you made on this blog on JHJ’s first public appearance in two months were translated into Korean and posted on DC.  I was horrified because: 1) they are not meant for Korean eyes (since they have such a different culture) and 2) there is such scant JHJ material that even our comments constitute a post!  People scour each other’s websites to see what could be used.  This is pathetic!

Lately I’ve been full of self-pity (and that’s not me at all!)  I pity myself for chasing a star (for the first and last time) who obviously wants to get away.  I see other actors standing and smiling for fans to take pictures and even posing with them, and I remember my “No photo! No photo!” treatment at the hands of JHJ’s handlers at Haneda in Japan last August (when I didn’t even have my camera out – which was why I felt so insulted!)  Other actors can multi-task — leaving long messages for fans even when making a drama, posting several photos and messages on Twitter (sometimes more than once a day), being in a promotion video for their MC, going on TV programmes to promote their drama, etc.

Just the other day a Korean fan left a message on the KOW, addressed to the Administrator, to draw his attention to the complaints of foreign fans on the dearth of JHJ news/info/photos, to which the KOW Admin replied: “Thank you for your advice.”  Almost immediately the Admin of a website that claims to be the premier JHJ rep in the land of 1.3b took her to task for forcing the hand of the KOW Admin (comments on her own website, not on KOW.)  All that about “JHJ must know what he’s doing” and “Even if they don’t tell us what they’re doing, the KOW and JHJ must be doing something.”  This of course elicited the usual echoes of “True JHJ fans wait silently and patiently.” and “We should not give JHJ any pressure.”  I’ve reached the stage when reading such meaningless cliches makes me angry.  If they know what they’re doing, they should be doing something.  Oh yes! they must be doing something (even if we don’t know what.)  I’m doing something everyday — I eat, sleep, get around, work on the computer …. and who cares?  Because I’m not a star!  I don’t have fans!

I’ve just received the Japanese magazine T.O.P. * which features 49D in its July issue — 2 pages on the drama, followed by profiles and interviews of the 3 male actors.  When I see BSB has 5 pages and JIW 6 – and JHJ only 3 – I feel I have wasted money buying it.  But then BSB’s 4 and JIW’s 6 photos are all new! and JHJ’s are just 2 old photos from 49D (and not even his best!)  That’s why MCs make all the difference!  I fume; I sigh; I feel let down!  And JHJ thinks this is fine?  He doesn’t see the danger signs?  (I’m not even going to mention the 24-page spread of gorgeous photos - including a pull-out double-sided poster – of the cover star John Hoon who is recently discharged [ known in Korea as Kim Jung Hoon - younger prince in "Goong".])

My rational side tells me: Well, nobody asks you to like JHJ.  You know what he’s like.  Right!  It’s my fault!  Love is blind.  But then I’ve never believed in unrequited love.  It’s debilitating!  It’s demeaning!  It’s a slow form of killing.  You mean nothing to him; he doesn’t care about you all all; he doesn’t even know you exist!  Someone has said: “He doesn’t need fans.”  I keep defending him and making all sorts of excuses for him, but now….. JHJ doesn’t feel he owes his fans all over the world something?  We make noises because we care.  We are not Koreans; we don’t suffer in silence. We could of course leave in silence.

Every living thing needs nourishment and sustenance.  Even a cactus needs a little water every now and then.  So JHJ is resting (perhaps for the rest of the year) and his MC is as usual sleeping on the job.  Nobody can post a photo or two? or leave a message like “JHJ is golfing/hiking (whatever)?  Starved, dehydrated, how do fans function?  I know I’m expected to toe the line and only report on the positives, not the negatives.  (That news report about SBS being fined for LYW’s attempted suicide scene in 49D is taboo!)  Most JHJ websites are behaving like ostriches – with their heads in the sand.  So they preach patience and tolerance.  (But I know they only talk the talk; they don’t walk the walk.)  Being over-protective, shielding JHJ from the hard facts, pretending there’s a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow…. is not doing JHJ any good.  If there are problems, they should be tackled.  If there are obstacles, they must be overcome.  But is this the Korean way?  All those ill feelings generated last August when they tried to sweep everything under the carpet because of that infamous non-event are still boiling under the surface.  Do they know?  Do they care?  Fans come and go, but if they go faster than they come, it spells T-R-O-U-B-L-E! 

I have decided that if JHJ wishes to remain silent, I should respect his silence.  If he wants to be “far from the madding crowd”, I should give him the space he needs.  JHJ may be arguably the best-looking actor in Korea, but if he doesn’t show his face, people will forget what he looks like.  And he’s not exactly a household name in Korea.

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*  Please see our earlier post: http://jo-hyun-jae.com/2011/06/07/49-days-in-t-o-p/

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(Credit: Design by prissymom – many thanks!)

I woke up at 3 a.m. from the lightning and thunder and …. chest pain.  I’ve been having these chest pains on and off for several years.  Once when I was all alone in the middle of the night in our Californian home, it got so bad I almost called 911.  I’ve consulted a cardiologist who, after a battery of tests, pronounced there was nothing wrong with my heart.  So what’s the problem?   His answer: “I’m a cardiologist.  I’ve told you your heart is fine.  Anything else you have to see another doctor.”  Typical HK doctor for you!  These chest pains always come at night.  I used to be able to think of JHJ and feel better.  Last night it actually got worse.  Is this heartache?  

As I lay in bed feeling miserable, I even thought of my ex (ex-partner of this blog, not ex-husband.)  The main reason we parted company was our different concept of this blog — she thought we should only put out a post if there were any JHJ news.  In that case this would become a monthly, maybe even a quarterly!  When is JHJ ever in the news?  Now after all this time, I suddenly realize maybe she is right and I am wrong.  Only B understands what a chore it is to keep a JHJ blog running – with no news, no information, no photos, no videos (except the occasional fan-made MV.) 

B told me I made waves on DC because someone posted the message I left on the KOW on July 1:

Cry wolf!

In his June 13 message, the 관리자 (Administrator) of this official site says there will be good news before the end of June. Do you know how many JHJ fans are waiting for this good news until late last night? How can you promise something and not deliver? How can you not keep your word to fans? Is this the way to treat fans? Such irresponsible action will have consequences. (Do you even read messages here?!)

Reaction to my message resulted in 2 schools of thought on DC — one condemning me for being out of line and daring to criticize authority, the other rejoicing that finally someone is saying something that should be said.  Most of the messages on the KOW in answer to mine say “true” JHJ fans should wait silently and patiently.  I am tired of being silent and patient.  JHJ should not be silent or his fans will no longer be patient.  Yes, I could be silent – this blog could be silent (no posts.)  

JHJ seems to have entered the Bermuda Triangle (B’s phrase.)  He has not been seen or heard from in nearly two months.  He’s resting, OK!  Is his MC sleeping?  Isn’t “keeping our actor in the public eye” in their job description?  How difficult is it to post a photo or two on the KOW?  or leaving a message like “JHJ is travelling (or whatever)”?  At least when JHJ was in the military, I knew what I was waiting for — his discharge. Now I don’t know what I’m waiting for — his next drama? or CF?  All that about the many “love calls” is just smokescreen from SNH, another case of Cry Wolf.  I remember in May 2010 when SNH put out that news (widely carried in the Korean media) about the many “love calls” JHJ had received (even before his discharge), I was so elated.  But, as it turned out, I had to wait till January 2011 before 49D was announced.  

The Official Japan Fan Club (OJFC) is folding; the Korean Official Website (KOW) is in limbo.  Another actor posted 10 (yes, 10!) pictures of him and his cat on Twitter.  I happened to come across these adorable photos while checking out JHJ news (none, of course!) and my immediate reaction was: “JHJ has a dog.  Now why can’t he give us a couple of photos of him and his dog on me2day?”  Does he not know we’re dying of news?  Can’t he give us something, anything?  Maybe I sound very un-Korean.  I’m told Koreans regard anyone who asks “Why don’t you….?” as “not of good breeding”.  No wonder I’ve never heard from SNH in response to my many letters making suggestions and constructive criticisms.  Never mind, I’ll never bother them again.  Looks like another case of “Commonsense is not so common.”

Certain JHJ fans may claim to be waiting silently and patiently, but I know what they’re really doing — climbing the wall (go figure that out!)  Han Kang may end up in 49D hanging on to a tree, but there is a whole forest out there.

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(That song is still playing – it will keep playing until we turn the page, so to speak: “Don’t cry out loud.  Just keep it inside and learn how to hide your feelings…..”  If I hide my feelings any longer, I’ll burst!)

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(Credit: Photo by tomopi of CarpeDiemJAPAN.  Thanks!)

Again just wishful thinking on the part of JHJ’s creative Korean fans.

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

This started out as an article but became more personal as I wrote on, so I’ve changed it to diary form.

Observations on Korean society

Based on my limited watching of Korean dramas.  I haven’t watched that many Korean dramas.  Frankly, many are not worth my time and effort.  I’m sure many of you know many more Korean dramas, so please feel free to give your input.

The one line of dialogue that stays in my mind after watching “49 Days” is not something that Han Kang said but what Ji-Hyun’s father said to Min-Ho: “Since when does the Chairman have to inform a Manager that he’s coming into the office.”  (I seem to remember he said it in front of the secretary/receptionist too.)  In that scene quite early in the drama, Min-Ho was very surprised when Ji-Hyun’s father suddenly showed up at the office when he was supposed to be at the hospital and he said something like: “Oh, I thought you’re not coming in today.”  This resulted in the put-down I quoted at the beginning of this paragraph.  Min-Ho took it in his stride but I flushed scarlet.  Is this the way to treat a valued member of your staff, someone who’s going to be your son-in-law, someone you’re going to leave the company one day?  Apparently, yes.

Koreans probably won’t give it a second thought, but I feel very troubled by such an attitude.  The more Korean dramas I watch, I more I realize Korean society is very hierachical.   In those dramas set in a big company or organization – “Queen of Reversals”, “Family Honour”, “Baker King”, etc., the characters are defined by their rank/position — Chairman Park, General Manager Lee, Supervisor Cha, Secretary Han …..   They are always addressed as such, even outside the office, as if their position is their identity.  A superior can scold his inferiors at will.  The subordinates bow and bow and accept the demeaning treatment, apparently as a fact of life.

I have often wondered why there is always an exceptionally rich man’s son (from the chaebol) in so many Korean dramas, and one day it struck me: “It’s a dream!  The Korean dream!”  Korean society is such that if you are born into a poor family of the lower class, there is no way for you to climb the social ladder.  Korea is not America.  The Korean Dream is not the American Dream.  People love watching the chaebol because they want to live their life vicariously through them – a fantasy life.  Girls especially dream of marrying Prince Charming – so many Cinderella stories like “Only You”, “Secret Garden”, “How to meet the perfect neighbour” …. (you know more than me) — the poor girl marrying into a very rich and powerful family against all odds.

Now I have no idea if Korean society is really like this, but if art imitates life and if so many popular Korean dramas depict this, they must be realistic to some extent.  I think of JHJ playing a rich man’s son in “Sunshine”, “Only You”, “49 Days”, not to mention a Prince in “Great Ambition” (Daemang) and “Seo Dong Yo.”  His two characters in “Forbidden Love” (special squad agent) and “3 Dads/1 Mom” (investment specialist) are among the few in Korean dramas that have a real job.  And Andrea as a priest is of course unique.

I actually find the motive of Min-Ho and In-Jung in plotting against Ji-Hyun and her family in “49 Days” quite unconvincing — not anything terrible that Ji-Hyun’s father did to their parents long ago (the staple of K-dramas) but their challenge to social inequality (they feel it is unfair that the rich should have everything that they can never aspire to, so they want to reverse positions.)  But viewed in the context of what I wrote earlier, everything falls into place.

In every country in the world, there is disparity between rich and poor.  But in Korea there seems to be an invisible line that cannot be crossed.  You cannot choose your parents, but your birth defines your fate.  In many Korean dramas there is matchmaking — the protagonist is set up by his/her parents to meet someone recommended by the go-between.  The guiding critieria are of course comparable social positions and wealth.  Children of rich families especially have no choice — it’s not a man marrying a woman but two families joining forces, usually two big conglomerates.  One reason I like the Park Si-Hoo character so much in “Family Honour” is his insistence on marrying the girl he loves (although his family is only nouveau riche.)  JHJ in “Only You” also defies his father, although he pretends to submit and even agrees to an engagement.

This is not a treatise on sociology and my remarks are just my observations.  And I don’t feel particularly inspired today because I feel cheated by the KOW (AKA mouthpiece of SNH and JHJ.)  In the hierachical Korean society, is an actor’s management company way above his fans?  Can his MC treat his fans like …. they’re nothing?  Maybe Korean fans can accept this but international fans deserve some respect.  How can the Administrator of the KOW write in black and white that there will be good news before the end of June and not deliver?  Does the KOW and SNH realize what damage they are doing to JHJ’s image? 

I suspect the good news may have been a new project that did not materialize.  Disappointing, yes; devastating, no!  Just be honest — fans will understand.  I have always felt that in the hierachical Korean society, SNH ranks pretty low in the entertainment world (because too small.)  So in the scramble for good roles, SNH (and JHJ) will be at a disadvantage.  Everything being equal, the role will go the actor from a bigger MC with more connections and better background.  This is a fact of life — as long as JHJ is with SNH, this situation will not change.  I remember from watching dramas on the world of TV like “On Air” and “Their world within” how the MC of an actor protect him/her by wrestling as much screentime as possible from the director or scriptwriter, how the Manager would give PD hell if he feels his actor has not been treated properly (e.g. not shot from the best angle.)  From the way JHJ comes across in 49D, it is obvious his MC has not done anything for him.  Maybe a small MC like SNH can’t even gain access to the PD.

In two posts yesterday, I wrote: “I feel like crying.”  I feel like crying for JHJ, and for myself.  Shouldn’t star-chasing be happy?  Why should I have to worry about JHJ?  Why do I work so hard for him and he doesn’t even bother to leave a message for his fans?  Why do I spend all day on the computer and his MC doesn’t even bother to post a photo or two for his fans?  How can I run a website when there is no material?  How can I keep recycling or resurrecting old stuff?  How many diaries can I write and not bore people to death?  People come to a website to see something entertaining.  Nothing – and they’re gone.  Maybe I’ll be gone too next. 

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(Credit: See name on JHJ photo; angry bird from the internet.  Thanks!)

Sorry – just a catchy title.  Actually JHJ’s face is superimposed on current (first photo) and upcoming Korean dramas.  We feel like crying again …..

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

I think I should warn you now — you’ll have to read a lot more of my diary.  We have entered the 7 years of drought again.  During JHJ’s military service, there’s no news, no photos, nothing, except for a couple released by the army.  We have been so spoilt by SBS during the run of “49 Days” that life without Han Kang takes some getting used to.  However, not to worry – I won’t tell you about taking my dog to the grooming parlour every weekend (because no dog) and I won’t write about my weekly facials (because not into this sort of thing.)  I didn’t make these up – these things constituted the contents of the daily diary that appeared on a certain JHJ website during 2009-2010.  Everything I touch on will be JHJ-related; this is not my personal blog (in spite of being branded as such by a certain “official” website.)

Since returning home nearly 10 days ago, I’ve been glued to my TV set watching a DVD of “Family Honour.”  I’ve confessed I’m not a K-drama fan; I’m only a JHJ fan.  I haven’t watched that many Korean dramas.  There are so many that I tried watching but could not finish, recent ones like “Secret Garden”, “Athena”, “Their world within” …. I can’t even remember the titles of the others.  Now why would I watch a 54-episode drama that does not have JHJ in it?   

Actually it has everything to do with JHJ.  When I first learnt in late 2010 that JHJ’s new drama 49D was scripted by So Hyun-Kyung, I tried to find some previous work of hers, so I checked out “Prosecutor Princess” because I like Kim Soo-Hyun.  That’s how I discovered Park Si-Hoo.  I thought then: “If scriptwriter So can create a role for JHJ in 49D like that of PSH in PP, his comeback will be a bang!”  I read somewhere that SHK specifically requested JHJ to play Han Kang.  So I was full of hope and enthusiasm – dampened and finally dashed as 49D dragged to its close.

As I was watching “Family Honour”, I kept thinking: “JHJ can also play PSH’s role.  Now why can’t SNH get him a role like this?”  The more I watch, the more I’m convinced the script is the most important thing in a drama.  I was immediately drawn to the plot and its cast of characters (all skilfully portrayed.)   Every character has its function; every scene has its place; every line has its meaning.  I wish JHJ’s next drama is about family – family is the one thing that everybody can relate to – a ratings guarantee.  That pretty average drama “Baker King” garners a 50+ rating simply because it’s all about family politics and attendant melodrama of adultery, abandonment, betrayal, etc.  If JHJ’s next drama is a weekend drama like “Family Honour”, so much the better – because these are longer (usually run for half a year or so.) 

The difference is not FH is 54 episodes (so more scope for development) and 49D only 20 episodes.  By the 5th episode of FH, I already feel I know everybody.  If I see any one of them walking down the street, I can recognize him/her (and I don’t mean the face.)  I hardly ever cry when watching anything (movie or drama), but when the hero/heroine shed tears in FH, I was surprised to find my vision blurred - because I could feel their heartache.  The lines in their dialogue make my heart ache.  I don’t remember a single memorable line from 49D.  I didn’t cry when Han Kang shed the first tear at Ji-Hyun’s bedside, even though I was moved by JHJ’s acting.  Before 49D started, Han Kang’s character was described as “hiding a lot of pain in his heart”.  Sorry, I didn’t feel his pain at all (and the fault does not lie with JHJ who has made HK out to be more than he really is.)  That misunderstanding that separates Han Kang and Ji-Hyun for 10 long years is downright childish.   If you really love someone so much, would you wait all that time to go back to Korea to look for her – only to find she is your best friend’s fiancee?

Korean actors are all very professional.  Everybody in FH – male or female, old or young, major or minor – is very convincing and very much in character.  The casting director should be commended.  The child actor especially is simply adorable!   Most child actors overplay – you can feel they are acting.  But this one in KH is just being himself, or rather his 8-year-old character.  And I thought, if a child can do such a terrific job, how unfortunate that the only two Korean actors I’ve encountered who can’t act are in 49D, playing bigger roles than our JHJ!

I’ve often wondered if JHJ’s excessively good looks may have proved to be a liability rather than an asset.  If I were casting a role, say, a gritty role, a tough guy, someone capable of violence (like Lee Byung-Hun in “I saw the devil”), would I consider JHJ?  Probably not.  He has what Koreans call the “model student” look.  Given the chance, I’m positive JHJ can be up to the task.  But the problem is: he’s likely to be ruled out because of his looks.  JHJ himself seems to realise this when he says in a recent interview that even if he wants to play a certain role or be in a certain drama, it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen.

Returning to family-oriented dramas, I suddenly realize JHJ is more or less an orphan in practically all of his dramas.  “Great Ambition” (Daemang) – Crown Prince has no mother, no brothers (all killed), and father who dies.  “First Love” - father abroad? only one contact by telephone.  “Love Letter” – Andrea’s father died when he’s a baby and he is abandoned by his mother.  “Sunshine” – father and mother divorced, goes back to Seoul on his own.  “Only You” – a tyrant father, divorced mother in Italy re-marries.  “Forbidden Love” – a younger sister and no living parents.  “Seo Dong Yo” – mother dies when he’s a boy, doesn’t know his father till very late, and even then father does not want to recognize him.  “3 Dads/1 Mom” – a father suffering from Alzheimer’s, no mother.  “49 Days” – estranged mother dead, father in U.S.  How come in all of his roles JHJ does not have a proper family?  Is it any wonder he never gets the girl – except in OY (buy one get one free – pardon the frivolity) and SDY (but the Queen dies too soon.)  In 49D it’s even worse, he ends up with a tree!  Oops! almost forgot “Father & Sons” – at least here he has a father (but no mother) and 3 brothers (one dies soon.)

My biggest discovery in “Family Honour” is Yoon Jung-Hee who is now my favourite Korean actress.  I wish JHJ’s girlfriend will be like her.  If I were JHJ’s mother, I would like someone like that to be my daughter-in-law.  YJH is not strikingly beautiful, but she has a certain elegance and grace, and it feels very comfortable to be with her.  Perhaps I am really drawn to her character who is a university professor.  YJH and PSH have wonderful chemistry which reinforces once again my conviction that JHJ needs to play against an actress of his calibre to bring out the best in him.  The only one who has managed to do this is Lee Bo-Young in SDY (but she has since lost her brilliance.) 

B and I have an ongoing thing — I would say: “How is it that with his qualities (outstanding looks, acting skills, etc.) JHJ is not more popular and better known than he is now?” and B would say: “The issue is not really why JHJ is not hotter but why he is still around?  With a MC like SNH he should have been forgotten long ago.”  Every now and then we bring this up and our conclusion every single time is: JHJ has defeated the odds against him because he is JHJ!  Why are we still around when his MC has done nothing for his fans?  Why are we watching his 10-year-old drama “Father & Sons” in which he only has a bit part?  (Actually I’m very grateful to the Korean fan who uploaded the videos because they are so precious and to B for discovering them.)  Because we have found him and we can’t let him go.  (Now is this line from FH?)

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(Credit: M’s diary banner created by prissymom.  She has created a series, so just for that I have to keep writing.  Many thanks!)