Cover Man

Jo Hyun-Jae has appeared on a number of magazine covers in Japan and Korea. Which one(s) do you like most?

In defence of the Fox

"Except for 'Forbidden Love', Jo Hyun-Jae has not made a single mistake in his career."

I saw the above comment on my favourite JHJ Chinese website the other day, and it really ruffled my feathers.

Just because "Forbidden Love" (Legend of the 9-tailed fox) is the most under-rated of Jo Hyun-Jae's dramas does not mean it is inferior.

The reason it is, arguably, the least popular of JHJ's dramas is because it is the most unusual, the most daring, the most challenging, and, as such, may not appeal to the taste of the masses.

It is certainly not your usual run-of-the-mill Korean drama -- boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl, girl gets incurable disease, girl dies, boy cries.

Or maybe it is, but with a twist! For one thing, the girl isn't human: she is a vixen, as it turned out. The plot is based on the myth of the 9-tailed fox. This legend may be common knowledge in Korea but I am not familiar with it, so it is refreshing to me. The plot is certainly not the rehashed-to-death storyline of typical Korean drama. It takes a little imagination, though, to follow the twists and turns, jolts and jerks. The foxes in human form are all very attractive (at least the 5 young leads), and they all have supernatural powers, rather like Hollywood's X-men. The myth, however, only provides the platform for this drama. The plot's development follows a logical pattern, and it is science fiction with human elements.

Jo Hyun-Jae stars in his first action drama and presents a hitherto unsuspected macho side of himself. Coming off "Sunshine" in which he plays a rather spoilt young man (but so sweet!), this is a bold attempt in a new direction. JHJ is not content to rest on his laurels of perfecting the role of the poor little rich kid. His role in "Forbidden Love" is a venture into uncharted territory, an experimentation with a new genre that pays off. It is a very physical role: he punches and kicks like a pro. And it paves the way for his role in "G.P.506" four years later.

JHJ looks older than his actual age of 24 when this drama was made. In his four preceding roles in "Great Ambition", "Love Letter", "First Love", and "Sunshine", he looks boyish and immature. But here in "Forbidden Love" he looks every inch the man. His character Min-Woo is a member of the SCIS Special Squad whose mission is to destroy the 9-tailed fox clan. He is one of the few characters in Korean drama who has a real job, who has to work for a living. This makes the character more realistic and anchors the drama in the real world. Instead of just walking and talking, Min-Woo goes about his business with professional panache. And JHJ in a crew-cut looks very smart and clean-cut.

I like the pairing of Jo Hyun-Jae and Kim Tae-Hee, whatever some people say -- they look good together. The trouble for JHJ's female co-stars is: he looks better than they! This happens time and again. I really feel sorry for JHJ's co-stars -- so often they are totally eclipsed in their scenes with him. And there is chemistry between JHJ and KTH. Their relationship in this drama arouses our sympathy-- two star-crossed lovers striving against all odds, trying to overcome insurmountable obstacles. I like the JHJ charcter Min-Woo's persistence and conviction: he knows what he wants and he knows how to go about it. There is no such nonsense of "To be or not to be" about him. This contributes to the fast pace of the drama.

The love story is set against the larger (macro) plot of the fight between men and beasts, essentially a struggle for survival. The foxes are trying to find a niche on this earth dominated by men, and the men are bent on destroying the foxes whom they see as threats to the human race. Torn between these two worlds, there is no possibility of a happy ending for our doomed lovers. The drama poses the philosophical question -- who has the right to exist? The survival of the fittest? Majority rules? The drama also challenges the basic assumption that only two of a kind can relate. Min-Woo and Shi-Yeon try to bridge the gap between the species, but of course their efforts are futile. The title says it all -- Forbidden Love. "Forbidden Love" is perhaps the most thought-provoking of JHJ's dramas.

The ending is to be expected (though it's another one of those in which JHJ doesn't get the girl. Scream!) The 1000-year-old fox has to be sacrificed -- this makes more sense than the staple diet of Korean drama in which the perfectly healthy heroine suddenly develops an unexplained fatal illness and dies a protracted, excruciating death (squeezing every tear out of the captive viewers.) The vixen-heroine dies, leaving our hero with a handful of dust, literally. The anguished look on Min-Woo's face stays in my mind for a long time afterwards. JHJ masters this role with complete ease and with a new-found maturity.

One last (trivial) point: JHJ in this drama changes my prejudice against men who wear sleeveless shirts/T-shirts. I've always found men who wear tops with no sleeves lacking in something. What are they trying to show off? But our action hero here in "Forbidden Love" redefines men's fashion. Men who go sleeveless can look good (but they have to look good in the first place; otherwise this fashion guru's advice is: wear sleeves!)

"Forbidden Love" is the first Jo Hyun-Jae drama that I watched and it will always have a special place in my heart.

More news of Jo Hyun-Jae

The following message was left on Korea's CARPEDIEM on March 28, 2009 by a fellow soldier of Jo Hyun-Jae:


Hi, everybody at CarpeDiem! I'm here to say "Hello" on behalf of Hyun-Jae.

This week's training was shooting (target practice.)

I was fortunate to be on the same shooting range as Hyun-Jae.

Anyone who could hit 20 targets would get a bonus leave.

Unfortunately Hyun-Jae only hit 19, but he was still rewarded with a night out.


As for me, I gave up after the first bang.

The shooting range was quite far, so on the way I spent the time chatting with Hyun-jae which felt really good.

Have a wonderful weekend, CarpeDiem fans!


IMPORTANT NOTE

This message has not been verified by JHJ's management company or the JHJ Official Fan Club. We cannot vouch for its accuracy. We translated it simply for the information of JHJ fans.

You light up my life

We often hear of famous people changing the lives of others they have touched in one way or another.

Has your life changed in any way ever since you became a Jo Hyun-Jae fan?

At the very least, it should have become less boring (like mine), much happier (again like mine), fuller? better? busier? more meaningful? more constructive? more creative? more fun? etc., etc.
Would you like to share your experience with us?

A thousand faces of JHJ (2)

Here are more of your favourite photos:

Christine

MKL

Shirley

Kathy

MDH

Gabriella

Please support me again when I return (Part 2)

This is an English translation of Jo Hyun Jae's interview with "Korean TV Drama Magazine" (October 2008 issue) by misa123 first published in EVERjohyunjae on 2008.10.26

(Cont. from Part 1)

The role in Seo Dong Yo helped me grow

— Starting in the first half of Seo Dong Yo there were a lot of action scenes. Did you do anything in advance to prepare?
**I went to an action school and trained there. In a lot of the wide shots, I was able to act in the scenes without a stunt double. It took a lot of work, even for an action drama. There were a lot of scenes on horseback too. Because there wasn't much time, I was only able to practice riding a little bit, and then we started filming . . . .

—Wasn't it scary?

**Horses are not machines, so they move however they want to . . . (laughs). During the shoot, that was difficult.

—When playing a king, what kind of things did you pay attention to?

**I had to be very careful about the phrasing for a historical drama. The character of Seo Dong couldn't be either too strong or too weak, so I always had to stay calm. I thought I should show the dignified side of the king, so I developed the role in consultation with the director.

—What was the hardest thing about filming Seo Dong Yo?

**The filming schedule was tight, so it was really tough. Just like Dae Jang Geum (2003, MBC), the story of Seo Dong Yo centers entirely on the main character. So out of the whole shoot, I appear in about 80 percent of the scenes. . . . The schedule didn’t even allow me to go home. I was on set the whole time. . . . I've said this many times in interviews, so I think you all know this, but I was trying hard to eat well during the filming. It was very hard physically as well. When I think that I might have given a better performance if I'd been stronger physically, I regret it a bit. But a lot of other actors commended me on handling that schedule, and gave me a lot of compliments. They encouraged me, saying, "You have great strength!" But looking back after some time has passed, I realize that the difficulty I had at the time benefited my performance. An actor has to learn how to perform even under difficult conditions. It was extremely difficult, but it was a very meaningful project for me.

There are fans supporting me—this is fate too.

—There was a line in Seo Dong Yo that said, "You can avoid 'fate,' but it is 'fate' that makes you charge down that path." What are your own thoughts about fate?

**Hmmm. I can't say personally, "This is fate," but if you make an effort to work toward your fate, I think you can get close to it. The fact that there are fans who support me the way they do is amazing. I think perhaps that is fate. I've made an effort too, but I think that it is because the fans support me so enthusiastically that I am here today.

—Seo Dong was overflowing with charisma, and was impetuous in love as well. Which would Jo Hyun Jae choose, work or love?

**(After chuckling) That question is like asking a child, "Who do you like more, your mom or your dad?" Well. . . . (facing the reporters) who do you like better, your mom or your dad? (laughs) Personally, I couldn't part with either of them. (One reporter answers, "I like my mother better," and everyone laughs.)

—Jang (another name for Seo Dong) invents many things. Is there a memorable episode for you?

**There were a lot of things, like swords, but . . . I'm not sure what to say (he's a bit flustered)

—It seems that you were so in sync with Lee Chang Hoon, who played Mok Rasoo, and Ryu Jin, who played Sataek Giroo, that they called you the "three brothers." Do you still wear the hat that the three of you had?

**We really were like brothers. Lee Chang Hoon, the eldest of the three of us, gave us hats, and we were the only three people who had them, so everyone was jealous of us. I still have it at home. Even looking back now, it was really fun. During that time, I couldn't buy clothes or shoes. I was too busy, so I was always wearing warm-ups. I used to wear that hat almost every day. It was because I could hardly ever go home. If I dropped by the house, I would quickly wash my face and then head out right away. . . .

—You also seem to have a special connection with Jung Wook, who played King Wi Duk. You played father and son in Only You (2005, SBS) as well.

**Yes, I think that I have some special connection to him. I think we have some destiny that has brought us together and allowed us to perform together this way.

—Do you place a lot of importance on that sort of connection to people?

**I would like to value those connections . . . . Actors and directors are always very busy, and it's hard to get together, so I can't do it diligently. But in my heart, I value them and thank them.

—For those Japanese fans who haven’t seen Seo Dong Yo yet, do you have any advice about what to watch for?

**When you watch Seo Dong Yo, in the first half, Seo Dong seems to have a stubborn side, but gradually he abandons that part of himself and becomes a great king. I think it’s interesting to watch that process. Also, his encounter and split from Princess Seon Hwa , and the heartrending aspects of Mok Rasoo and Sataek Giroo are good too, I think. The conflict with Sataek Giroo is also interesting, and so is the friendship with Mok Rasoo, who he looks up to as a teacher.

(THE END)

We're in!

If you have read the very first article on this blog "We spent Valentine's Day with Jo Hyun-Jae (Part 1)", you'll know we spent three hours at the Osaka Photo Exhibition trying to register as a member of the JHJ Official Fan Club.

We're in limbo all this time, wondering if we're in or not, even though we can access the official website. Finally, after 5 weeks, we've received our membership card and new member gift -- a very pretty but heavyweight cell phone strap. (See photos)

Last Christmas every member of the JHJ Official Fan Club received an autographed Christmas card from Jo Hyun-Jae. (See "Osaka Exhibition Photos (3) -- the glass display case") That's what we're hoping to get in December 2009. If we do get it, we'll of course share it with you.

(Apologies for the quality of the photo -- that's the best we can do with an idiot-proof camera.)

Please support me again when I return (Part 1)

This is an English translation of Jo Hyun Jae's interview with "Korean TV Drama Magazine" (October 2008 Issue) by misa123 first published in EVERjohyunjae on 2008.10.26

Please support me again when I return!

Interviewed just before he joined the army.

Jo Hyun Jae, the Korean actor who has become extremely popular in Japan as well for his work in Love Letter (2003, MBC), Seo Dong Yo (Ballad of Suh Dong; 2005 SBS), and other performances, saddened many fans when he enlisted in the army with dignity on August 5, 2008. In late July, just before he entered the army, he held a precious interview with Japan's mass media in Seoul. Perhaps it was the mixed emotions as he prepared to enter the military, but Jo Hyun Jae, who is known for being taciturn, seemed even more incommunicative than usual. But with an occasional smile, he answered with sincerity to each and every question for the sake of his Japanese fans. We are looking forward to seeing Jo Hyun Jae again two years from now.

There will be a blank period, so I thought a song would be a nice idea.

—When you appeared at a July 19 fan meeting with short hair, the fans were surprised, weren't they?
**I was told that I was done with my formal appearances, so I went ahead and cut it. I guess I wasn't done (laughs). Today I didn't have any choice but to come to work with my hair short. But when I'm not working, I think I'd like to always keep my hair short like this. It's easy.

—It seems that the song you sang at the time of the fan meeting is going to be released.
**I hadn't originally planned for it to be released. I had just finished the TV drama Three Daddies with One Mommy (2008, KBS) and as I was preparing for the fan meeting I thought about what I could do that would be special. There will be a blank period in my career for a while, so I decided that it might be nice to leave them with a song, and I rushed to prepare it.

—You are very good at singing, and it made me think that it would be great if you became a singer as well.
**Well . . . . I don't think it's something you can do just because you want to, but if the fans want me to, I wouldn't mind singing for them. It would be for my fans to listen to. But it would be tough for me to just concentrate on singing like a normal singer would. I have my acting as well. But I think there is meaning in creating a chance to record a new song and let everyone hear it.

—There is only a short time left before you enter the military. How do you plan to spend your time in the army?
**If I have time, I think I'd like to study, but from what I've heard from the people around me, it seems that's probably going to be impossible (laughs). I've heard that everyone goes in bent on studying, but in the end, they can't do it. Until now, I've been busy with work and I haven't been able to lead a very well regulated life. So I'm setting a goal for myself of coming back healthy. If I lead a better-regulated lifestyle, I should be able to get into shape. Also, until now I've been working as an actor, but I think it's worthwhile to take a step away from that for once. I hope that I will get in shape and return feeling refreshed.

"Shall I take a shot?”—the role in Seo Dong helped me grow

—The popularity of Seo Dong Yo in Japan seems to know no bounds. It must have been a very meaningful role for you as well.
**First, to play the lead in a historical drama is a big challenge at a young age like 26. It also meant a lot that I was able to work with the master of period pieces, director Lee Byung Hoon. Thanks to that, I was able to properly learn how to act in a long-running historical drama, and although it was hard work, by the same token it allowed me to progress as an actor; it was a piece that allowed me to grow. It was an extremely meaningful piece in my acting career.

—What was the number one reason you decided to take the part in Seo Dong Yo?
**I thought it was going to be tough to appear in a long historical drama at this age, but director Lee Byung Hoon told me that he had been wanting to cast me for a while and had been watching me closely. He said, “I know it's going to be tough, but please give it a try with me!” That was a big part of the decision to take the part—believing in that kind of director. It was also because I felt that the character of Seo Dong was appealing.

—What aspects of the character did you find appealing?
**The path that Seo Dong followed as he grew was appealing, coming from humble beginnings and overcoming adversity to become a king that ruled the nation. Seo Dong himself was a person revered by many, so it was also enticing to play such a prominent person and I thought, “Let’s give Seo Dong a shot.”

(TO BE CONTINUED)

Love letter from Andrea

Mama, why did you abandon me?

Can you imagine what it is like being an outsider in a household of strangers, knowing you are unwanted and unloved?

Do you know what it is like growing up in an orphanage among other abandoned children?

Mama, when I thought you were in Heaven among the angels, I pray every night for the ladder to come down to take me up to be with you.

I am so thankful my uncle found me.

I am so happy I found her.

I am so grateful I found you.

But most of all, I am so blessed I found Him.

My uncle is my saviour -- he not only saved me physically; he saved me spiritually too.

She and I are two lost souls, adrift in this world, finding shelter in each other. We are two lonely children, seeking solace in the warmth of one another's company. Our paths converge, and our hearts and minds become one.

But I knew, even as a child, the first time I saw my uncle in his priest's collar, that that was what I wanted to become.

He is my Father. He has chosen me. For the first time I felt wanted. At long last I felt I belonged. Finally, I was home.

Mama, why did you abandon me again? You chose your other "son" over me. It broke my heart, but I still love you more than ever. You are the reason for my existence.

I thought she too abandoned me when she did not reply to the love letter I left behind. I became emotionally dead. I could not relate on a human level. I could not even touch a child.

He called to me: "Child, come into my arms. Rest on my shoulders. Believe in me and all will be well."

He never abandoned me, even when I forsook him. I left Him to be with her again. I betrayed Him to pursue a life with her.

I was the Prodigal Son and He welcomed me back with open arms.

I prayed to Him: "Please let her live and I will be Yours forever."

My love for Him is pure enough to include my love for her. My love for her is dissolved into my love for Him. She and I are united forever in His love.

My love for her has transcended into a sublime love, enveloped in His all-embracing love for us.

Mama, I love you.

And I love her.

But above all, I love Him, my Father.

Writing to JHJ

JHJ fans have been asking how they can write to him while he is in the army. Here is his address:

경기도 포천시 소흘읍 무봉2리 450번지 사서함 130-17호 56대대 SEOUL 480-799 KOREA

일병 조현재

[English]

P.O.Box 130-17, Mubong-ri, Soheul-eup, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, SEOUL 480-799 KOREA

PFC Jo Hyun-Jae


PLEASE NOTE: Any letters mailed from abroad to Korea, the address must be written like this--"Seoul - zip code - Korea" regardless of city to arrive without problem.

A thousand faces of JHJ

These are your favourite photos that you sent us in response to our earlier article "The face that launched a thousand sites." Keep them coming!

Stephanie

Ruby

Mabel

Danielle

"Last Story" bonus

Jo Hyun-Jae's DVD comes with a 44-page photo album "Last Story: 2008 Photograph Collection" that includes photos of JHJ's arrival at Osaka's Kansai Airport on June 21, the Japan Fan Meetings at Osaka and Tokyo on June 22 and 23 respectively, JHJ in the recording studio, also of the Korea Fan Meeting on July 19 (this is not in the DVD) and farewell on August 5, 2008.

The photo album cover is a pencil sketch of Hyun-Jae holding a microphone singing at the Tokyo Fan Meeting. (Photo 1)

The last photo shows JHJ saluting his fans at the August 5 farewell, with these Korean words written underneath (in JHJ's handwriting?) :

"I shall remember today forever. I love you."

In the DVD there is a shot of a man (wearing glasses) writing the above words. Only his back and half of his right face are shown, also his left hand holding down the piece of paper and his right hand writing. We have looked at it about a hundred times and concluded it had to be JHJ (from his right ear -- a means of identification.) The scene is in antique colour (slightly yellowed), like an old photograph, as if to portray an older man reminiscing over his past. (Or maybe this is all in our imagination?)

**For copyright reasons, please do not reproduce photos**

"Last Story" will last forever

Jo Hyun-Jae's DVD was released in mid-March 2009. It is called "Last Story", after the Japan Fan Meetings in June 2008 which were billed as such.

The 80-minute DVD documents Jo Hyun-Jae's Japan Fan Meetings in Osaka on June 22 and Tokyo on June 23, as well as the Nogoya Dinner Show on June 27, 2008.

The first 30 minutes are devoted to the Osaka Fan Meeting at NHK Hall. Part 1 features JHJ on stage with the MC and the interpreter, discussing his dramas. Part 2 is after the intermission, when JHJ plays "Wheel of Fortune", "Stone, Paper, Scissors", Q & A, etc. with his fans. Part 3 is the handshaking and photo-taking, check donation and reading of cards. (For details, please see "Diary of a Star-Chaser" Part 2.)

When the credits are rolling, JHJ can be heard singing "Like the wind by your side" against a visual background of the Tokyo Fan Meeting (Part 2). The DVD producers are smart not to show in detail this second fan meeting which follows basically the same format as the Osaka Fan Meeting. (For details, please see "Diary of a Star-Chaser" Part 3.)

Then comes 30 minutes of the Nagoya Dinner Show at the Westin on June 27. In Part 1 JHJ is on stage with the MC (same one as in Osaka, and in the same clothes!) and a different interpreter. He is in a silver-grey suit and a blue shirt and appears very relaxed answering questions and smiles a lot. He then sings "Like the wind by your side". Part 2 is Q & A, followed by JHJ's message to his fans. The encore song is "Words you said to me".

The audio is in Japanese and Korean. (The Japanese MCs and interpreters speak Japanese and JHJ speaks Korean.) But just as at the fan meetings, there is no need to understand the languages to appreciate the emotions and atmosphere of the occasions. Just watching JHJ and hearing his deep baritone is already great value for money.

The next segment "Photography" is the most interesting. It shows behind-the-scenes footage of the shooting of the "Memories" photo album. JHJ is a born model (and I don't mean just his looks) -- every movement, every gesture, every pose, every smile --seemingly effortless and casual, is so expressive and elegant. No wonder the photographer is snapping shot after shot non-stop. And it's a female photographer (could you have guessed?)

There is another "Photography" segment, and this time JHJ is sporting a crew-cut, shooting the KBOOM cover and magazine photos, as well as the big photo series at the entrance of the Photo Exhibition in Osaka in February. But there are a few shots of JHJ in a very tight white shirt with short sleeves that can only be described as "sexy".

This is followed by "Recording" -- JHJ in the studio recording "Words you said to me". This song is obviously very difficult to sing; JHJ got stuck (at the same place) a couple of times.

The last part of the DVD is the August 5 farewell when JHJ entered the army. He was interviewed by the media before he saw his fans for the last time (in two years.) The last shot is of JHJ saluting his fans.

News of Jo Hyun-Jae

This message was left on Korea's CarpeDiem (http://cafe.daum.net/hyunjaelove) on March 21, 2009 at 14:37 p.m. by one of Jo Hyun-Jae's fellow soldiers:

Hi! I am here to report on news of Hyun-Jae.

Yesterday's work schedule started at 4:05 a.m. This was out of consideration for Hyun-Jae.

Hyun-Jae looked very tired; made my heart ache.

Patrol was finished at around 5:40 a.m. when we returned to camp.

Have a great weekend, everyone at CarpeDiem!

(Photo courtesy of EVERjohyunjae.jp and shows JHJ's pet dog [taken by its owner], not his army dog.)

A Different Corner -- He inspires me

(This is Joy's story)

My first encounter with Jo Hyun Jae started with "Love Letter" last summer. After a strenuous exam I tried to relax my brains with Korean dramas, which I never had time to watch before. I found out that my local library system has quite a collection of Korean drama DVDs (about 160 in total so far). The area where I live has a large Asian population, including a large Korean community. I started with the most popular ones such as "Dae Chang Jin" and "Autumn In My Heart". "Love Letter" happened to be the fourth one I borrowed. I have never heard about this drama or actor Jo Hyun Jae before, but I knew the scriptwriter is the same as "Winter Sonata", "Autumn In My Heart" and "All About Eve".

I was captivated with JHJ from the beginning of the drama. The storyline is not an ordinary love story. The theme relates to faith, religious life and love. This category has always interested me due to my Catholic background and very few dramas ever touch on this. My first impression of JHJ is his beautiful face, to put it more accurately, almost the best-looking actor among all the Korean movie stars. As the storyline progresses, I am more impressed with his acting skills. He brings Andrea to life and his acting skill is so natural that I almost believe JHJ is Andrea. For a newbie in his first leading role at the age of 23, I can only sum it up in one word -- brilliant! JHJ portrays Andrea’s struggle between his desire to become a priest and his love for the girl he grew up with with such profound depth that he makes me cry with him. His eyes are full of purity, sincerity and love. I imagine people with these beautiful eyes must have a beautiful heart inside. I have watched "Love Letter" for a few times already; I just can’t have enough of JHJ. It reminds me of the meaning of life and the true values of Christian faith. In an interview, JHJ said he did not have much acting skills when he shot "Love Letter"; all he did was to execute the role with his sincere heart. His performance really touched my heart and many others.

After this first encounter with JHJ in "Love Letter", my curiosity about this “new” actor drew me to look for more of his dramas. I quickly found out that JHJ also filmed a historical drama called “Seo Dong Yo” with the same director and scriptwriter as "Dae Chang Jin". Luckily for me our local county library just got it a few days ago but I had to drive forty miles to pick it up myself. "Seo Dong Yo" is really a classic drama and a masterpiece; the script is well-written, with twists and turns. The cliffhangers kept me playing the next episode until three or four o’clock in the morning. I had to force myself to catch some sleep. I completed "Seo Dong Yo" in less than a week. This time I fell in love with JHJ. I would rate it to be JHJ’s best work so far. His acting skills are so much more matured than in "Love Letter". His appearance is always appealing and gorgeous, with his princely look no matter what costumes he wears or what roles he plays (potato boy or king). This is the drama I would recommend to all my friends and family. It covers all aspects of life: destiny, love, success, loyalty, integrity, determination, etc. It is such an inspiration; I gain strength and direction from this drama which made me a JHJ fan.

The last TV series my library carries is "Forbidden Love". To be honest, after I played the first few minutes I could not continue because the show is too violent and bloody for me. I concluded that "Forbidden Love" is not my type so I gave it up. After that, I watched "Only You", "Sunshine" and "Three Dads with One Mom" online. Compared to "Love Letter" and "Seo Dong Yo", these dramas are not my favorite but with JHJ’s acting, they are all worth watching. The role JHJ plays in "Three Dads with One Mom" really surprises me. I never thought he could ever be so funny. Many thanks to JHJ for playing this role, even though the ending is confusing, I enjoy most of it and replay it whenever I need to relax. JHJ’s performance here is quite a breakthrough. He tries to play dramatically different characters to drill his acting skills and he shows his potential is unlimited.

After "Three Dads with One Mom" I decided to try "Forbidden Love" again. After a few episodes, I started to like it. This time JHJ plays a cop and secret agent. There are some action scenes where he needs to practice martial arts. He looks so manly, very different from his previous roles. I wish JHJ would act in more Kung Fu movies in the future since there is a big market for these and he will draw more audience.

I wanted to learn more about JHJ as a real person after spending all this time watching him on screen. Fortunately I found a website JHJChina.com with loads of information; photos, MVs, interviews, articles and his messages. As I expected he is beautiful inside and out. He is a person of few words, but his messages are so warmed-hearted: he sounds like an old friend, loving and caring. He is low key, humble and honest. He is always polite and kind, treating his fans with sincerity and respect. I remember his speech at Baeksang Award: he first thanked his fans for their support. This would rarely happen in the western world. JHJ does not take a shortcut to become famous but follows each little step to become the actor he dreams of. Underneath his beautiful smile, it is hard to imagine he grew up in hardship; he dropped out of high school to support his family. He does not take advantage of his appearance but puts his heart and soul into each role he plays. He is a treasure rare to find: once you found him, you will never let go.

It is the first time I ever become a fan of any type. Now it is part of my life to check his news, write him letters, watch his dramas and collect his souvenirs, even make friends with other JHJ fans. I am so thankful for JHJ: when I went through difficult times, his dramas gave me comfort, helped me to pull though and inspired me to be strong. His personal life also taught me how to deal with hardship in life with grace. Living overseas for such a long time, sometimes I feel that I am losing my identity and my roots. I learned so much from him and determined to make a difference in my little world. I wish that more people will get to know JHJ, this wonderful actor. He did make a difference in my life and we need to do the same, to be the light of the world. I pray that God will always watch over him, protect him, guide him and give him strength. JHJ, I love and support you, always.

The face that launched a thousand sites

If Helen of Troy was "the face that launched a thousand ships"*, Jo Hyun-Jae is "the face that launched a thousand sites."

I have no statistics to back up my assumption, but I am sure there are more than a thousand websites all over the world dedicated to Jo Hyun-Jae.

Which is your favourite Jo Hyun-Jae photo? What is the face that first attracted you? Come on, let's be honest! Before you discovered his "inner beauty", you must have been first captivated by his incredible good looks.

Please e-mail your favourite JHJ photo and your name to us at jhjfans@gmail.com and we will publish them here.

What you see at the top here is the JHJ photo that took my breath away. Let's see yours!

* From the 16th century English dramatist Christopher Marlowe's "Doctor Faustus":

Was this the face that launch'd a thousand ships
And burnt the topless towers of Ilium?
Sweet Helen, make me immortal with a kiss.

The reference is of course to Helen, Queen of Sparta, the most beautiful woman in the world, who was abducted by the Trojan prince Paris. The thousand ships refer to the Greek contingent that set sail for Troy to try to get her back which started the Trojan Wars, resulting in the destruction of Troy.

All for a good cause

Jo Hyun-Jae's fans have been doing charity work in his name for some time. Korea's EVERjohyunjae has been making donations (totalling 5,700,000 won up to March 2009) to UNICEF and Good Neighbours since October 2006 and January 2007 respectively.

UNICEF works for the destitute in Africa and Good Neighbours for abused and poor children and North Korean children.

EVERjohyunjae started this worthy project "with joy.....doing what makes us happy", in the name of Jo Hyun-Jae. Quote: "However difficult everyone may feel, we should help people who are in more difficult situations."

A certain kind of actor inspires a certain kind of fans. The quiet, unassuming, modest, low-key Jo Hyun-Jae's fans are all shy, subdued, serious people with big hearts who work for good causes in his name.

(Information from Korea EVERjohyunjae)

JHJ the man and the actor (Part 5)

This is an English translation of Jo Hyun Jae's exclusive interview with KBOOM (October 2008 issue) prior to his military enlistment. Jo Hyun Jae speaks frankly with KBOOM about his acting and his life on the eve of his enlistment in the armed forces. (Translated by misa123 first published in EVERjohyunjae on 2008.9.20)

(Cont. from Part 4)

Q. When would you like to get married? And what kind of woman do you like?
A. I'd like to get married around my mid-30s, so I have to start looking for someone (laughs). I'm an actor, so I'd like to meet a woman who understands my work and is supportive. When I'm working, I totally immerse myself in it, so I don't think I'd be able to pay attention to her at those times. It wouldn't be intentional, but I might make her feel lonely. It would be nice to find someone who would understand that. Maybe I'm setting my sights high (laughs)? In terms of appearance, I like a woman who has a pretty smile, but otherwise I don’t have any set type. If I fall in love, then that person is my type.

Q. You are nearing your 30s. What are your thoughts about getting older?
A. There were still a lot of things that I wanted to try, so it is a bit of a shame.

Q. For example, what kinds of things?
A. For example, as we were talking about earlier, I would like to travel more . . . . . Because of the nature of my work, I haven't been able to experience things that you would normally experience in your 20s.

Q. Like co-ed parties and experiencing campus life with a girlfriend?
A. Yes (laughs). Those things too. Or going to the library and studying very hard.

Q. The average person in their 20s doesn't go to the library and study!
A. Is that right? When I look back, I think I've tried my best in my life, but there are some things that I regret. But I don't mind getting older. That's because the more years you live, the more experienced you become, your thoughts become deeper, and you grow.

Q. Do your personal experiences help you in your performances?
A. Of course. Although I may not have the typical experiences, instead I think that I've had many experiences that others can't have. The busy life I have now will be better after I'm 30, I think. And I think my acting will have more depth. Of course, that depends on me. That's the way acting is. I don't think you can produce satisfying work simply by trying your best. By maturing as a person you start to be able to give a good performance. I hope that I'll get even cooler as I getolder, just like Al Pacino.

Q. What is your objective as an actor?
A. I'd like to become an actor whose works will draw attention just because I'm in them. That's my goal. I want to be the kind of actor whose name alone will get people to want to pay money and see my work. And I hope that the audience and viewers will be able to see my performances and forget about their worries, even if just a little. Of course, it would make me happiest of all if people said that I'm a good actor.

Q. Could I ask you to say a final word to our readers?
A. I won't be able to see you for a while. I'm going to be having another new experience. I think that Jo Hyun Jae will probably return as a more mature person. Until then, I wish you all well. I will send you greetings occasionally, so I hope you won’t miss me too much. I'm looking forward to the day when I can meet you again and show you how I've matured as a person and as an actor. It's very humid, so please take care of your health! Be happy.

(THE END)

(Photo courtesy of Official JHJ Fan Club website)

JHJ the man and the actor (Part 4)

This is an English translation of Jo Hyun Jae's exclusive interview with KBOOM (October 2008 issue) prior to his military enlistment. Jo Hyun Jae speaks frankly with KBOOM about his acting and his life on the eve of his enlistment in the armed forces. (Translated by misa123 first published in EVERjohyunjae on 2008.9.20)

(Cont. from Part 3)

Q. After that, you appeared in Three Daddies with One Mommy. That was a completely different character than 1st Lt. Yoo.
A. The character of Han Soo Hyun in Three Daddies with One Mommy was a kind of comical character that I had never tried to play before, so I decided to take the role. It is a completely different character than Lt. Yoo of Guard Post. The part is of a fund manager who dreams of marrying a rich girl, but the interesting thing about this character is that even though he is talented himself, his dream is to "land a rich girl!" Also, the fact that he was stingy made the character interesting as well. I wasn't trying to play the character over the top. For Soo Hyun, that was his serious life goal, so I played it seriously (laughs). I'd like to keep playing roles that are each slightly different from the last.

I'm not good at talking and I'm a shy person, so I have a hard time getting close to my fellow actors. But in the case of Three Daddies and One Mommy, the other actors I was working with were all about the same age, so we became good friends very quickly. We drank a lot too, and before we knew it, Eugene [Kim Yoo Jin] would come and hang out with us as well (laughs).

Q. Looking at both Guard Post and Three Daddies, it seems like your criteria for selecting projects is changing.
A. I don't use any complex process when I select a project. When I was new on the scene, even if I didn't want to take a role, I would try it anyway. It was because I was a rookie. Now, I can take responsibility myself and I only take roles I really want to play. Maybe it is my actor's instinct that following the dark role in Guard Post, I did the opposite and played a lighter role next. As I told you, I prefer mysteries and powerful movies rather than comedies. But if you're an actor, I think you have to be able to play a variety of roles. From now on, I want to look not just at the character I'd be playing, but the overall story and feeling of the work.

Q. I hope you will be treating us to even more funny performances than Three Daddies.
A. You'll see it sometime. The completely relaxed Jo Hyun Jae. In fact, even when I'm on location, people have told me that I get more interesting the longer they know me. I think there are still different aspects of myself that even I'm not aware of. I have to search for them in my performances (laughs).

Q. We've talked about it coolly, but you seem to have a lot of enthusiasm regarding your performances.
A. I do have a lot of enthusiasm. I guess it's because of the impression I give, but even when I'm enthusiastic, I don't appear that way. I used to think that looking like an honors student got in the way of performances, but now I don't think so. A performance is based on the results, so it's a question of how I act.

Q. What do you think you would do if you suddenly became a papa like you did in your show?
A. Uh, first I think I would panic. Honestly, I think it would be really awkward. To meet someone for the first time and have her say, “This is your baby” would be a shock. But I think that type of problem would work itself out with time.

Q. When you encounter something unforeseen, how do you solve it?
A. First of all, I think about it. Why did this happen? What are my own thoughts? How should I resolve this? Of course, there may be some part of me that suddenly gets angry and that even I can't control. But that isn't all of me. I'd make an effort to resolve it rationally.

(TO BE CONTINUED)

Why does the Queen have to die? A different view

"The prince and princess live happily ever after!" This is how most fairy tales usually end. "Seo Dong Yo" is by no means a fairy tale because our hero and heroine only lived together for 13 years.

A lot of heart-broken fans are bitter against Ms Kim Young Hyun, the scriptwriter, for letting the Queen die. Having watched "Seo Dong Yo" for so many times, I would argue that the death of the Queen is an integral thread in a remarkable plot which contributes massively to the success of the drama.

During the last 30 minutes of the final episode, Ms Kim brings in two very important national treasures of Korea to the drama – the gilt-bronze incense burner and Mireuksa Temple. After I watched "Seo Dong Yo" for the first time in 2007, I was so obsessed with it that I even went to Korea and visited the Buyeo National Museum to see the incense burner in person. When I was standing in front of the incense burner, my mind was flooded with all the beautiful scenes like how the Queen designed the burner and her last words to King Mu. The beauty of "Seo Dong Yo" is that it links fantasy, history and realty together romantically.

Most of the classic love stories, such as "Butterfly Lovers" and "Romeo and Juliet", are all tragedies. The death of the Queen definitely brings the most dramatic effect to the story. Two months ago, I met one of my friends who is recently hooked on "Seo Dong Yo" and is avidly following its showing on TVB Jade. When I told him that I've watched the drama hundreds of times, his immediate questions were : "Did the Princess die?" "How did she die?" You may hate the ending but you can't deny that the last scene where King Mu stands by the lakeside with the smile on his face and sadness in his eyes is extremely touching and unforgettable.

The ending of "Seo Dong Yo" reminds me of a very famous advertisement slogan in Hong Kong back in the 1990s:
"Never mind whether one's love lasts forever like heaven and earth. What matters is you've once owned it for a moment."

(不在乎天長地久，只在乎曾經擁有！)

"Seo Dong Yo" is not a fairy tale. It is a brilliant TV drama as well as a beautiful and classic love story. Simply the best of the best!

(The above view is that of MKL's, the sleeping partner of this blog and a deeply-poisoned fan of "Seo Dong Yo".)

JHJ the man and the actor (Part 3)

This is an English translation of Jo Hyun Jae's exclusive interview with KBOOM (October 2008 issue) prior to his military enlistment. Jo Hyun Jae speaks frankly with KBOOM about his acting and his life on the eve of his enlistment in the armed forces. (Translated by misa123 first published on EVERjohyunjae on 2008.9.20)

(Cont. from Part 2)

Q. Changing the subject, there was a lot of talk about Jo Hyun Jae changing his image in the movie The Guard Post.
A. I wanted to make a more masculine movie. The Guard Post is a story about the army and I liked the scenario, so I decided to do the movie. It had all the elements that I was hoping to do. I also saw it as a really good chance to change the image I'd had so far. I came across a good project just as I was hoping to try a new genre. And the director’s previous film was excellent.

Q. The previous film was R-Point, wasn't it?
A. Yes. I was impressed by R-Point, and I also liked Tell Me Something, which [Kong Su Chang] wrote as well. Actually, I like the genre of films that give you a strong impression. I like movies like Scarface and The Godfather.

Q. That's not what I would have expected. You like hard-edged movies?
A. Yes. When you watch that kind of movie, it makes you feel uneasy. My head is always filled with thoughts saying, "I want to do that too. I can do it!" But I don't choose the movies I want to see just by the genre. I see different kinds of movies, and every time I watch a movie I'm always thinking, "If I played that role . . . ."

Q. Those two movies you mentioned both star Al Pacino.
A. He's one of my favorite actors. He has an aura about him, and whatever the role, he performs it so well. He has a thin, small body, but he has a charisma that nobody can imitate. He's just right for film noir. I also love the sadness that you always see in his eyes. He's an actor who gets even cooler with each passing year, so I respect him.

Q. Was it tough for you as an actor to have such a strong image of being in soap operas?
A. Not particularly. On the contrary, I made a strong impression, so as an actor that is an advantage. The question is how you get beyond that. When you get a certain image as an actor, it is a plus, but at the same time you have the issue of needing to move beyond that. If one image is strong, I think it’s good to next create a different image, and then another different image.

Q. Are you satisfied with the finished product?
A. It is much better than I had expected. However, my own performance is still not that great. I think there's something lacking, so it makes me a bit frustrated. During the break before I start filming, I was worrying about what I should do to make people feel my work more deeply and seriously.

Q. What were you doing during the break?
A. I was trying to relax, and I rode my bike a lot. When a person does simple things, it's amazing how it can clear your mind of your worries. It was really fun to feel the cool breeze and think and just lead a relaxing life.

Q. How was the filming? I think it was your first experience with that genre.
A. Since there was no female partner, in some ways it was easier. There's something to that. It's the kind of fun you can have if you're at an all-boys school instead of a coed school. While I was filming Guard Post, I didn't wash my hair and since I didn't have to worry about outward appearances, I would get up and go directly to the film set and I would gulp down my food too (laughs).

Q. Was there anything difficult about the film shot?
A. There were times when the filming would be stopped. It was really tough at that point to sustain my motivation. When I think about it now, it was really a tough movie to make. The set was dark and dusty, and my throat really hurt. After spending about 10 months in that kind of place, I was physically exhausted.

Q. I heard that in order to concentrate on your role, you stayed to yourself even on set.
A. Yes. In terms of the movie structure, 1st Lieutenant Yoo is a character that can't be with other characters. At the beginning, I was playing soccer and card games together with the other actors. But little by little I realized that laughing and having fun was not the way 1st Lt. Yoo should look. After that, I decided to stay quietly by myself even when everyone else was having fun together.


(TO BE CONTINUED)

JHJ the man and the actor (Part 2)

This is an English translation of Jo Hyun Jae's exclusive interview with KBOOM (October 2008 issue) prior to his military enlistment. Jo Hyun Jae speaks frankly with KBOOM about his acting and his life on the eve of his enlistment in the armed forces. (Translated by misa123 first published in EVERjohyunjae on 2008.9.20)

(Cont. from Part 1)

Q. Are you basically an optimist by nature?
A. Well, I'm not that much of an optimist. But I'm not the type that's always worrying about things either. I'm the type who thinks of ways to turn a situation into a positive. My fans are giving me so much love, so I want to make an effort to let them see me until the end and let them have fun, and I want to become a good actor so that they will not be disappointed. As a result, that is what the fans want too. Oh, at this past fan meeting, there were a lot of people who could not get in and were waiting outside. Perhaps some of those people are reading this interview. I want to tell them how really sorry I am about that and thank them. Please be sure to write that (laughs)!

Q. I heard that you sang songs at the fan meeting. It seems you are very talented. Do you have plans to start a singing career?
A. My singing at the fan meeting was the result of my trying to come up with some way I could give a present to all of my fans, something that would be a more special memory. About two months before the fan meeting, I started practicing the songs "Beside You, Like the Wind" and "The Words You Said" little by little. I was not thinking about starting a career as a singer. I sang these songs with the intention that they could listen to them if they miss me during the two years that I’ll be away in the army.

Q. I understand that a lot of Hyun Jae fans are carrying out charity work.
A. Yes, I have fans who I can boast about and say, "My fans are doing such a fantastic thing!" It's amazing that people who happen to meet on one occasion can organize themselves and do this kind of thing. In that sense, there's a lot that I can learn from my fans.

Q. They say that fans start to resemble the stars they support.
A. Then I must be a great guy (laughs). Come to think of it, a lot of my fans are very low-key. Even when they come to a film location, they don't ask me for autographs or pictures. They're so quiet that nobody even knows they're my fans unless somebody says so. They bring me lots of food—enough for not just me but the staff too—and they quietly drop it off and go home. Now that you mention it, they are a lot like me.

Q. You can't stop saying nice things about your fans, can you!
A. I can't say enough good things about them. If it weren't for my fans, this Jo Hyun Jae you see today would not be here.

Q. I'm sure you go abroad a lot for your work, but do you enjoy traveling?
A. I really enjoy traveling, but my schedule is so packed that it has really been ages since I've been able to take a leisurely trip. I'd like to take a trip overseas with good friends, or even by myself but . . . . . When you travel abroad with a friend, you can talk about the things that you don't get to talk about everyday, and you can reflect on your own life. Even just imagining it can be fun (laughs). One of these days I am definitely going to take the time and go.

(TO BE CONTINUED)

JHJ the man and the actor (Part 1)

This is an English translation of Jo Hyun Jae's exclusive interview with KBOOM (October 2008 Issue) prior to his military enlistment. Jo Hyun Jae speaks frankly with KBOOM about his acting and his life on the eve of his enlistment in the armed forces. (Translated by misa123 first published in EVERjohyunjae on 2008.9.20)

In August of this year, at the height of his popularity, Jo Hyun Jae entered the army. Prior to his enlistment, he spoke passionately about his life and his acting; everything from Seo Dong Yo (Ballad of Suh Dong) to The Guard Post (GP506) and Three Daddies with One Mommy!

We met with actor Jo Hyun Jae just before he entered the army. To be told that you're even better looking in person than on the screen is not the kind of praise an actor wants to hear. But in fact, there's an inner beauty radiating from Jo Hyun Jae that just can't be captured on a TV or movie screen. During the interview, Jo Hyun Jae kept repeating, “I’m just like everybody else,” but there are few actors whose melancholy eyes can pierce the heart like his. Some people say that he tends to be taciturn so he's hard to interview. But it is precisely for that reason that the feelings he does occasionally reveal resonate in our hearts.

Q. It's very nice to see you again. I don't think we've met since your last KBOOM interview.
A. That's right. I think it was in the fall, wasn't it? There was a cool wind blowing that day, so it was very pleasant. Today’s a bit hot.

Q. What season do you like best?
A. My favorite is spring. It’s a good time to go for walks and I can concentrate on my reading as well. I like it because when I wake up in the morning it's just the right temperature, so I can start the day feeling good. It's good for exercising too. When you move a lot, you sweat just the right amount. But I don't hate summer. There are a lot of things that you can only do in the summertime. Every season has its good points.

Q. What sort of things can you only enjoy in the summer?
A. Swimming in the ocean and the cool ocean breeze. And a cold beer. I went to Japan recently for a fan meeting, and drinking beer there on a summer's night was fantastic. In any case, Japanese beer is delicious.

Q. It's hot today so this talk about beer is making me thirsty (laughs)! Do you drink a lot?
A. Not a lot. I only drink a little when I'm feeling good. Usually I like to have a bit of red wine or champagne, but when it's hot, it makes me want to drink icy beer that's cold enough to numb my tongue. It makes me feel like the fatigue is flying away. I don't drink so much that I would get drunk. As soon as I think that I've had a little too much, I start to get sleepy.

Q. I heard that there were really a lot of people at the fan meeting in Japan.
A. We had the meetings in Osaka, Tokyo, and Nagoya, and there were a lot more people there than I had imagined. I think more people came out because I'm entering the army soon.

Q. What did you feel when you saw all of those fans?
A. I felt a great sense of responsibility. At first, honestly, I felt pressure too. I was thinking, "What should I do? I don't want to disappoint them . . . ." But if I'm thinking that I'm having a hard time, the fans will pick up on that. So I decided not to think that way. My fans are giving me a lot of love, so if I turn that into a minus, then I'm losing out (laughs).

(TO BE CONTINUED)

(Photos courtesy of CarpeDiem)

A Different Corner -- It happened one night.....

(This is Christine's story)

It all started one night last winter. It was an ordinary night. As usual, after the shower I settled down comfortably on the sofa and switched on the TV while smearing hand cream on my hands and feet. Both my kids were sound asleep as the clock showed 01:00am after midnight. It was the most relaxing time for me after a busy day.

As a mother of two young kids, I am always busy taking care of them. Because of them, I have quit many of my hobbies, one of which was watching TV series. I now watch only news channel, Discovery channel and HBO movie channel. Occasionally I would take a glance at some TV series played by well-known idols after both my kids have gone to bed. But never have I gone through all those dramas, let alone been anyone’s fan.

That night I happened to switch to an idol drama channel. On the screen was a skinny little boy running down the street with a big basket in his hands. I couldn’t tell what really touched me, maybe the music that made the whole atmosphere a little bit sad, maybe the expression on the boy’s face, or maybe the story of a rope coming down from God for the rescue; I only know I forgot it was very late and couldn’t stop watching it.

Then the little boy grew up. On the clean white snow, I saw a pretty young face with the brightest smile just like the early morning sunshine. It was the purest smile I have ever seen. I couldn’t remove my eyes from this clean shining face. Then I heard his voice, which was the kind that I like: soft, tender and magnetic. (Luckily I was watching the original Korean soundtrack with Chinese caption.) My eyes followed him, greedily watching him walking, talking, laughing and praying. To me he was like the incarnation of an angel. Even the faint grieved expression on his face when he was playing the harmonica resembled the sorrow of an angel.

From that day on, I stayed up late every night just to wait for him. I experienced all the happiness and sadness with him. Never has an actor touched me so much the way he did. Because the original edition only showed the Korean name of the actors, I went to the internet and typed in “Love Letter” to find out his name. Then I knew he is Jo Hyun-Jae.

In order to know more about him, I went to some of his fan sites such as JHJChina, JHJTaiwan and JHJHK whenever I had time. I didn’t register at any of these sites at first because I didn’t want to be anyone’s fan on an impulse. Luckily these sites are all very friendly to the visitors and generously share the information with everyone.

I spent almost two months skimming through every post on those sites. I dipped into his works, his pictures, his interviews and his messages left for his fans. I also read many beautiful articles written by his fans expressing their love for him. He didn’t disappoint me. I found besides his gorgeous looks and sexy appearance, his placid personality, his mild manners and his dedication to acting deeply attracted me. He is such a gentle, modest and noble person that made me just want to dote on him as if he is my dear little brother. Meanwhile I found myself developing an infatuation for him as if he is my dream lover.

Still I didn’t register. At my age, I was a little bit ashamed to fall for somebody who is much younger than me. Also I felt guilty towards my husband since I have always been a faithful wife who has never even thought about any other man for so many years. I thought it was better to hide my feelings for him deep in my heart. I thought I could do it!

But I couldn’t!!! The deeper I hid my feelings, the stronger they grew. I couldn’t resist my yearning desire of watching him and reading about him everyday. I wanted to let him know that he’s not alone. I wanted to do something practical to support him. So I made up my mind. I registered at his fan sites, and almost at the same time, I became a member of his fan club in China.

Now I can speak out loudly that I love him and don’t feel guilty because this love is not the kind of love between man and woman. It is more than that. It is the kind of love that is unselfish, unjealous and doesn’t need to be requited. It inspires me, improves me and reminds me of the beauty of life. I really thank Mr. Jo Hyun-Jae for making me realize how we should love each other and give much more love to the people around us.

I remember there are some words written on one of Mr. Jo Hyun-Jae’s pictures which say: "There are two ways of spreading light---to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it". If he is the candle (actually he is the sunlight to me ), I will be glad to be the mirror that reflects him and makes him more and more shining.

Twice the love

On March 14 White Day, CarpeDiem (CAFE) again sent boxfuls of gifts to Jo Hyun-Jae at his military camp, even though custom dictates that on this day it should be men who send gifts to women. (See "White Valentine" article on 3.14.09)

Goodies include the usual candies, chocolates, and cookies, all beautifully gift-wrapped, together with tea bags , hot chocolate and instant coffee packets (cappuccino and latte), snacks (potato chips, etc.) and cup noodles. There is a specially gift-wrapped jar of (I guess) eye cream by a famous brand specializing in products made of natural ingredients.

The most unusual gift is a basketball. This is obviously in response to Hyun-Jae's message on March 3 that he is playing a lot of basketball with his camp mates. As you can see from the photo above, this basketball comes with a power pump and even wrist bands.

Jo Hyun-Jae's fans are so caring and considerate. They make sure he knows he is much loved even though he is out of sight (temporarily.)

(Photo courtesy of Korea CAFE)

P.S. Follow-up to above:

A fellow soldier of Jo Hyun-Jae left a message on Korea CAFE on March 15 to thank them for their wonderful gifts for White Day which were most welcome and shared among the rank and file. The most popular item was the basketball, but Hyun-Jae and his mates are still playing with the old one.

JHJ taks about "Seo Dong Yo" (Part 2)

This is an English translation of Jo Hyun Jae's exclusive interview with KBOOM (October 2008 issue) prior to his military enlistment. Jo Hyun Jae talks about his starring role in the television drama Seo Dong Yo. (by misa123 first published in EVERjohyunjae on 2008.9.22)

(Cont. from Part 1)

Q. You did a great job of playing the role of a charismatic warrior king who is also faithful in love.But if you personally had to choose between work and love, which would it be?

A. That’s like asking me who I love more, my mother or my father.... How about you? Do you love your mother? Or your father? (Laughs) I don’t think I could give up either one. I think work and love are both important.

Q. One of Seo Dong’s lines is “One can escape one’s destiny, but I choose mine.” What are your own feelings about destiny?

A. I think your destiny is something you can come close to realizing if you work at it. Perhaps it is mine to be an actor who is loved by the fans. I think it is their enthusiastic support that makes it possible for me to be an actor... There are lots of factors that make up a person’s destiny.

Q. On July 19 you had a fan meeting at Yonsei University. Following up on your fan meetings in Japan, you sang a couple of songs－quite well. Do you have any plans to become a singer?

A. I think I could if I wanted to (laughs). I think if the fans want it, and it makes them happy, it’s fine for me to do a bit of singing. But since acting is what’s important to me, I doubt I could become a real singer. But if I get the chance I’d like to record some new songs to share with my fans.

Q. Your fans seem quiet but very loyal. What do you think is the secret of your enduring popularity, both in Korea and in Japan?

A. Well, it might be because I am an actor, and appear a lot on TV....(laughs). It might be because people like the fact that I seem friendly and easy-going.

Q. What was the thing you most regretted, or felt worst about during the filming of Seo Dong Yo?

A. As in Dae Jang Geum, this was a drama that really centers around the lead role, so I was almost never able to go home. It was a terribly demanding role physically, so I tried to keep up my energy by eating whatever people said was good for my body. Looking back on it now, I feel a bit of regret because I think if I had been in a bit better shape I might have delivered an even better performance. Of course, I got a lot of credit from the other actors for keeping up with such a demanding schedule, and they gave me a lot of encouragement. I think all of that helped give me strength. I believe you have to hone the ability to perform under any circumstances. It was a difficult but very significant role for me.

Q. You’ve cut your hair. Is this a preparation for your military enlistment? I was surprised whenI saw you at the fan meeting. It suits you (laughs).

A. I had it cut thinking my schedule of public appearances was over, but I guess it wasn’t (laughs). When I don’t have anything on I like to get it cut short like this. It’s more comfortable and I personally prefer it this way.

Q. Do you have any plans for your life in the military?

A. If there’s time I’d like to study, but from what other people have said to me there is not much point in making plans, since it is unlikely they will work out (laughs). Because of my work I wasn’t able to lead a very well-regulated life, so I’ve made it my goal to come back from the army with a body that’s really in shape. A well-regulated life makes you healthy. I’d hope to come back with a sound mind in a healthy body.

Q. In closing, I’d like to ask if you have any message for Japanese fans concerning what to watch for in Seo Dong Yo.

A. In the beginning Seo Dong has a mean and stubborn streak, and I think it is interesting to pay attention to the way in which he sheds these aspects of his character in the process of becoming king. And the scenes in which he meets and parts from Princess Sun-hwa are definitely worth watching. Also look for the scenes depicting Mok Rasoo and Sataek Giroo’s irritation, the conflict between Sataek Giroo and Seo Dong, and the friendship between Seo Dong and his teacher, Mok Rasoo. It’s a drama with many highlights, and many valuable lessons. I hope you enjoy it!

(THE END)

White Valentine

White Day is a holiday celebrated on March 14, one month after Valentine's Day. In Japan this is a widespread holiday, much like Valentine's Day. It is also observed in South Korea.

In Japan, Valentine's Day is observed by females who present chocolate gifts (either store-bought or handmade), usually to a male, as an expression of love. The handmade chocolate is usually preferred by the receiver, because it is a sign that the receiving male is the girl's "only one". On White Day, the converse happens: males who received a "honmei-choco" (chocolate of love) or "giri-choco" (chocolate of courtesy) on Valentine's Day are expected to return the favour by giving gifts, usually more expensive. Traditionally, popular White Day gifts are white chocolate, lingerie, cookies, marshmallows as well as jewelry and stuffed animals. Sometimes the term "sanbai gaeshi" (literally, "thrice the return") is used to describe the general rule that the return gift should be two to three times the cost of the Valentine's gift.

White Day is also observed in South Korea, with an additional later Black Day observed for those sharing singleness. Black Day (April 14) is a South Korean informal tradition for single people to get together and eat "jajangmyeon" (noodles with black bean sauce.) Sometimes a white sauce is mixed for those who did not celebrate White Day.

Our Hyun-Jae received so many chocolates on Valentine's Day, and they must all be "honmei-choco" (chocolate of love). Will he return the favour on White Day? Who has received a White Valentine from Hyun-Jae? Stand up and be counted!



(Information from Wikipedia)

JHJ talks about "Seo Dong Yo" (Part 1)

This is an English translation of Jo Hyun Jae's exclusive interview with KBOOM (October 2008 Issue) prior to his military enlistment. Jo Hyun Jae talks about his starring role in the television drama Seo Dong Yo. (by misa123 first published in EVERjohyunjae on 2008.9.22)

Seo Dong Yo depicts the dramatic life and love of Seo Dong, prince of Baekje, as he struggles against fate to establish his ideal kingdom. Based on the legends that have grown up around the venerable Korean folk song "Seo Dong Yo," this drama might be described as a Korean version of Romeo and Juliet. It raised Jo Hyun Jae's name recognition, and he grew as an actor in tandem with his starring role.

Q. Seo Dong Yo seems to have been a very significant role for you. It was a drama with a unique setting and content that also made you a star. But how do you feel about it personally?
A. I was 26 when we filmed Seo Dong Yo, and the simple fact of playing the lead in a major historical drama series at such a young age was a fresh challenge for me. It was fortunate that the director Lee Byung Hoon, famous for his work on Dae Jang Geum knew and liked me, so I had the chance to play the part. It took a lot of hard work, but it was an opportunity to seriously study the style of acting required for historical drama, and I think I was able to develop into an actor suited to such roles.

Q. I imagine it was not easy to decide to perform in such a major historical drama. What was the biggest reason making you agree to play the part?
A. I did wonder about whether appearing in a long-running historical drama at such a young age might be pretty difficult for me. But the director had shown an interest in me for some time before that, and he said to me "It will probably be tough, but let's both give it our best shot!" It was my faith in the director that convinced me. Also, I was interested in Seo Dong as a character and his rise from the ranks, through a lot of adversity and challenges, to become the king of his country, a figure respected by all. I was attracted to the idea of playing such a splendid role.

Q. Was there anything you paid particular attention to in playing the role of a king?
A. I consulted a lot with the director on how to get the proper tone for historical drama in my delivery of my lines. As a character, Seo Dong must neither be too weak nor too strong; the part requires that he preserve his equanimity. I worked to show viewers that outstanding aspect of his personality.

Q. The first half of Seo Dong Yo has a lot of action scenes in it. Did you do anything special to prepare for them?
A. I went to action school and did a lot of practicing. A lot of my scenes were done without any stand-ins. There were a number of scenes on horseback, but there wasn't enough time in the schedule for me to really learn how to ride. So I had to learn on the job, and though I got up on the horse right away, he had different ideas about where we were going (Laughs).

Q. I am told that you got along so well with Ryu Jin, who played Sataek Giroo, and Lee Chang Hoon, who played Mok Rasoo, that you were called the Three Brothers. I heard you even wore the same hats.
A. Other people were jealous of the fact that Lee Chang Hoon gave hats as a present to Ryu Jin and me and nobody else. It seems sort of silly, thinking back on it. At the time I was so busy I didn't have time to buy clothes or shoes. Every day I just wore sweats and that hat. I hardly even had time to go home and take a shower before I had to be back at the set.


(TO BE CONTINUED)