Jo Hyun Jae

It is said official JHJ photos in “Rouge Overlord” will be released in about 10 days time, but this is not from an official source.  Meanwhile, this is all we have.

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2011.08.16

From Make-up Artist

Going to sleep now.  I think you all know our #1 actor [JHJ] will appear in a new hairdo tomorrow.  You wanna know?  Answer is in RO.             23:11

From #2 actor Wang JinDuo

Just finished!  Utterly exhausted!  But very happy!             23:20

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2011.08.17

From #2 actor Wang JinDuo

A photo on set.              00:46

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From staff

Today is cloudy, good thing it’s not too hot.  Received notice Danny Lee [ED: veteran Hong Kong actor who plays JHJ's father] is arriving on set.            07:11 

From Assistant Director Assistant 

Today Danny Lee will start shooting.  Wish him good luck!              08:29

From Yang Zi

Don’t want to see cell phone, reply to SMS or phone calls, just want to sleep ….. not even interested in eating.  Friends, sorry to neglect you temporarily, just too tired lately.             08:59 

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From Staff

It’s been raining since we started this morning and getting heavier and heavier.  What to do?             10:44

 From ADA

It’s raining today.  Don’t know what it’s like on set.   Sigh…..          13:35

From #2 actor  Wang JinDuo

Ha!Ha!  Another photo!             15:53 

From Staff

Just finished shooting, still raining, don’t know what it’s like on set.            16:41

From another staff

Tomorrow’s schedule is just out, but there may be a thunderstorm, not sure if actors can do their job.  Sigh!  Heavens not cooperating!  Don’t know what it’s like on set now.             16:43

From Assistant Director

Today the heavens poured, affected our shooting, could only shoot indoors.             17:21

From #2 actress Chen ZiYan

Promised Hairdresser to cut fringe in slanting manner, completely forgot I still need it for next month.  Hope hair will grow out again in one month.  Didn’t do it on purpose.              22:42

 * Literal translation of Chinese title 胭脂霸王.

(Credit: JHJ photos from http://www.poco.cn;  http://weibo.com; www.johyunjae.hk; www.johyunjaechina.com. Thanks!  English translation by wulijohyunjae.)

The DVD (uncut version) of JHJ’s “49 Days” will be released on November 2.  Notice anything about the size of JHJ’s photo in relation to the others on the jacket?  Tells you something about JHJ’s status in Japan, doesn’t it?

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Here’s a video to remind you of “49 Days”:

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

2011.08.16

From ADA (Assistant Director Assistant)

Today JHJ’s part starts rather late – make-up 11:30 a.m. to 12 noon, shooting at 1 p.m.  He can have a good sleep.         07:39

Today #2 actress the Princess and her maid also start shooting – good luck to them!        07:41

Yang Zi will be busier today than yesterday – so tough on her!        07:43

aaaaaaaaaaa

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From Yang Zi

This is me later on in drama – more ladylike.  Hair not so explosive!  Huh?          08:21

From ADA

Today it’s sunny in Shanxi, maybe some rain around noon, weather pretty good, not too hot.  Better not rain, otherwise it will affect shooting.        10:14

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SF

From 马雪 (a fan?)

Just returned from visiting film set in Yuci.  Very tough filming conditions!  Haven’t suffered such heat for a long time!  Sweating non-stop – reminded me of military training in freshman year in university!  Such conditions really challenge the team spirit!  That person [ED: JHJ?] is really something, works very seriously, never NG!          11:41

From ADA

JHJ will set off almost immediately.  Today’s weather is quite cool, not so hot.          12:33

Weather is turning good.  Today’s shooting won’t be affected.            14:11

(In answer to someone)  JHJ is doing fine.            14:16

JHJ is gradually getting adjusted on set.  Tomorrow will be the first day he’ll be acting together with veteran Hong Kong actor Danny Lee.            14:19 

(In answer to someone)   JHJ can now say greetings in Chinese.              15:15

Finally!  JHJ photo!   (Not official photo, just one taken by Staff.)            17:11

(Photo cropped by wulijohyunjae)

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Actress Liang Li as Auntie Gui (posted by herself at 18:29)

Actor Ge ZiMing as an important Prince

* Literal translation of Chinese title 胭脂霸王.

(Credit: http://weibo.com; www.johyunjae.hk; www.johyunjaechina.com. Thanks!  English translation by wulijohyunjae.)

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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.

No official photo of JHJ from RO?  Here’s one of our old favourites for you!

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2011.08.14

2011.08.15

From ADA (Assistant Director Assistant)

 Last night around midnight his friend [ED: referring to JHJ.  Friend? More like a fan] found our location office and said she’s brought some foodstuffs for him.  When I went to help her get it, I thought: What?  So little?  Should be a big pile.  I guess she’s afraid he [JHJ] is not used to our Chinese food.  There are three small boxes of Korean instant noodles.       06:59

From staff

This is our production team’s dog. Cute, eh?              07:43

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 Will JHJ be reminded of his army dogs?

From ADA

They set off at 6 a.m.   Don’t know how long shooting will last today.  Such hard work!   Please support us, everyone!        09:03

At 1 p.m. [Hong Kong actor] Danny Lee arrived to try out his costumes – long robes.  Very hot here today, wearing long robes will be even hotter.         14:31 

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Still no JHJ photo released, so here are a couple photoshopped by JHJChina:

From Staff [ED: we guess she's female]

JHJ is so cute!         18:59

From ADA

Today’s progress is a little slow.  Two hours this morning we only managed to film 0.7.  Guess it’s because it’s so hot today.        20:42

From staff

Starting to use mixture of Chinese-English-Korean again!        23:30

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* Literal translation of Chinese title 胭脂霸王.

(Credit: http://weibo.com; www.johyunjae.hk; www.johyunjaechina.com.  Thanks!)

“Rouge Overlord” is currently shooting in Shanxi, China.  This drama combines the talents of actors from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Korea – our very own JHJ!  

The start-of-shooting ceremony took place on August 10, attended by #1 actress Yang Zi, #2 actress Chen ZiYan, #2 actor Wang JinDuo, and production staff.  JHJ could not make it to the ceremony [ED: delayed at Beijing due to bad weather the evening before.]

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Here are what the actors look like in their characters:

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Yang Zi as Thunderchild

Chen ZiYan as the Princess

Wang JinDuo as the bandit

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BUT where are the JHJ photos promised?

(Credit: http://weibo.com; http://tieba.baidu.com; www.johyunjae.hk.  Thanks!)

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!)

2011.08.11

From #2 actress Chen ZiYan 晨梓妍 who plays the late Qing dynasty princess that the JHJ character is in love with:

Good thing Mr. Handsome [ED: referring to JHJ] is a Taurus.  We should be able to work very well together.  Learning basic Korean….

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From #2 actress again:

Head full of jewels [ED: tiara], befitting a princess.         19:00

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2011.08.13

From staff:

Going back to Beijing tomorrow [just him, not team.]   “Rouge Overlord” has been shooting for a week [ED: actually only since Aug.10].  In the next few months, ZiYan, fighting!  Although there will be language problems with the very handsome Korean actor, I’m sure ZiYan will do pretty well all the way.      23:59

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Photos of start-of-shooting banquet (Did JHJ attend?)

2011.08.14

From #1 actress Yang Zi

Every time I enter the dressing room, especially when I’m getting my hair done, I start dozing. Whenever I can lie down, I can immediately go to sleep, resulting in filming a few sleeping scenes in a drowsy state…..            06:57

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From Assistant Director:

Weather today is not good — dismal grey, looks like it’s going to rain.  As long as it does not affect filming, it’s OK.  We’re off …..            07:09

Yesterday our production team specially bought a whole set of dining utensils and foodstuff for JHJ.  This way his staff can prepare what he wants to eat.  He’s doing very well in our production team.           07:54

Taking care of our actors is what we should do, especially since he is a Korean actor.            08:00

YeFrom . 
One source says “Rouge Overlord” production team is the same as “My fair princess 1″ (還珠格格 1), that 1997 mega hit starring Chao Wei.  This is director Sun Shupei’s first project after a few years’ absence.  He and his team are all ready to strike again.
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Googled Yuci, Shanxi (www.yuci.gov.cn) where JHJ is filming.  Here’s how it looks in winter.

  These houses look ancient, so there is no need to build a film set!

UPDATE

From staff:

These few days so many people on production team have come down with the ‘flu.  Hope they get well soon.        14:55

From #2 actress Chen ZiYan

So many benefits in “Rouge Overlord”!  Many thanks for such a handsome, smart male lead!  This inter-country love affair is something different, something to look forward to.        15:11

From Assistant Director

Just came back from location.  Shooting went very well.  Weather not as bad as in the morning, still a little hot.       16:00

AD in answer to someone: JHJ is doing very well.

Someone to #2 actress Chen ZiYan

This is handsome Korean actor’s first time in China.  Must be good hostess, take good care of him.  I believe you two will produce good chemistry in this drama.        16:34

From ADA (Assistant Director’s Assistant)

Hong Kong actor Danny Lee [ED: who plays JHJ's father] arrived in the afternoon.

FURTHER UPDATE

From Staff

Very tough filming everyday.  Today we get off early because there are fireworks at location.        20:21

From #2 actor Wang Jinduo

This is how I look!  He!He!        20:29

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From ADA

The actors have all finished shooting.  They should be able to have a good sleep tonight.        20:57

The .

*  Literal translation of Chinese title 胭脂霸王.

(Credit: http://weibo.com; www.johyunjae.hk; www.johyunjaechina.com.  Photo of Yuci from www.yuci.gov.cn.  Thanks!  English translation of tweets by wulijohyunjae.)

Photo of female lead Yang Zi posted by herself

2011.08.12

We’re wrapping up shooting.  Ha!Ha! This role is something different — a girl struck by thunder – “Thunderchild” ^_^  23:22

OK, now we know what the female lead looks like, but where are those JHJ photos promised for today?

Here are a couple of photos showing how JHJ might look in the Chinese and Western style clothes favoured by men in the 1910s, photoshopped by JHJChina:

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From staff:

Shooting night scene. [ED: see photo below]

 From another staff:

Thank you for caring about our production.  We’ll present you with a good drama after the new year.  Large-scale drama “Rouge Overlord” currently filming in Shanxi.  Cast includes Yang Zi, Danny Lee, Guo Degan, Jiang Chao, etc. — lots of good actors.  The male lead is Korean superstar Jo Hyun Jae.  So many good actors in this drama, will give it that extra glitter.

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UPDATE

2011.08.13  (JHJ’s second day of shooting in Yuci, Shanxi)

From Assistant Director:

A new day.  Our staff is going to shooting location.  Today’s weather in Shanxi is OK.    7:56    [ED: Weather in Shanxi on Aug.13 – cloudy, slight wind, temperature 32 – 22 degrees Celsius.) 

Please don’t worry, everyone.  JHJ is gradually getting used to everything on set.  He’s going to set out soon.    11:25

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From another source:

JHJ is filming this afternoon, also tonight.  Lots of night scenes in this drama.  JHJ’s first day of shooting yesterday went very smoothly.  Originally expected it would take him some time to interpret the script, so everyone had to wait for him.  But he had no problem getting into the act, faster than the actress who plays Thunderchild’s grandmother, and he had to wait for her!

FURTHER UPDATE

Script of “Rouge Overlord”

From staff:

This fan is donated by our handsome Korean actor JHJ – it has now become a communal fan on set.  Ha!Ha!  Thanks!     17:08

From another staff:

Finished for the day.  So hot!      19:47

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* Our literal translation from the Chinese title 胭脂霸王.

(Credit: http://weibo.com; www.johyunjae.hk; www.johyunjaechina.com.  Thanks!  Tweets translated into English by wulijohyunjae.)