CAFE's gifts to JHJ

CarpediemKorea (CAFE) has been sending Jo Hyun-Jae gifts every month ever since he entered the army on August 5, 2008. This is the 10th time and the emphasis this time is on snacks.

The quantity may be less this time, but the cost is actually higher. Snacks include French candies, Ferrero Rocha (chocolates), brownies, cookies, crackers, cheese sticks, nacho chips, Pringles (potato chips), beef jerky, and lollipops -- all beautifully packaged, complete with multi-coloured ribbons. We think these are meant for JHJ's campmates.

For JHJ there are the usual ginseng, telephone cards, SCREEN magazine, wet tissues, and something special for the summer -- bracelets and pads (made of natural ingredients) to keep off the mosquitoes which could be pestering JHJ when he patrols at night. These CAFE ladies really think of everything!

The weather is very hot in Seoul now and all these supplies will come in handy. And they come with so much love and tender loving care from JHJ's most devoted fans.

(Contents and photos courtesy of CAFEKorea and CAFEJapan. Thanks!)

Thai Fan Meeting transcript

In the Korea Fan Meeting DVD, the transition from the Korea Fan Meeting to the Thai Fan Meeting is very abrupt, with no introduction whatsoever. And the Thai Fan Meeting portion has no subtitles. Here is our translation of the transcript of the Thai Fan Meeting on July 4, 2008 (courtesy of CarpediemJapan. Japanese translation by Rei and design by ahiru. Thanks!)

Transcript of Thai Fan Meeting (July 4, 2008) segment:

JHJ (Jo Hyun Jae) MC (female Master of Ceremonies) IN (Interpreter)
JHJ is wearing a light grey suit with an open-necked white shirt.

MC: Hello! (in Thai)
JHJ: Hello! (in Thai)
IN: Can you introduce yourself?
JHJ: Hello! I'm Jo Hyun Jae. Very happy to see you all.
IN: Are you always so shy? You speak so softly.
JHJ: I'm having a little problem with my throat, so I can't speak too loudly.
IN: Is this the first time you're visiting Thailand?
JHJ: Yes, the first time. This visit is my first.
IN: You went touring, right? What did you do? How did it feel?
JHJ: I went to Pattaya -- to see the sea and watch sports performance. Ate a lot of good food and slept very well too.
JHJ waves.
From the audience (in Korean): How are you?
IN: How are you?
JHJ: (smiles)
IN: Are you very busy in your work?
JHJ: Yes, but it's all right.
IN: How many days are you staying in Thailand?
JHJ: Two days.
IN: I heard the fan meeting is tomorrow. Did you make any special preparation for this fan meeting?
JHJ: There will be lots of games, and also mention of the environment.(Fans cheer.)JHJ (smiling): I hope a lot of people will participate in the part on the environment. I want to leave a good memory.

MC: Interpreter, everything looks fine. (Gestures with hands to form a smile)
JHJ: Thank you.
IN: Smile
JHJ: Thank you.
IN: Can you say something for the fan meeting tomorrow?
JHJ: I hope to have a wonderful time with the fans at the fan meeting tomorrow. (Smiles shyly.) I hope there will be a lot of people. Thank you!
MC: Say a few parting words.
JHJ: I had a very meaningful time today. Many thanks to all those present.
MC: raipomuyakkon (Thai). Can you say this?
JHJ (smiling): raipomuyakkon.
(Fans cheer wildly.)
JHJ: OK, until tomorrow.....(Looks at IN uncertainly)
MC: Oh, sorry!
JHJ: Thank you! Thank you!

Next day. Different venue. Different MC (male) Same interpreter: IN
JHJ is wearing a white suit with a grey crew neck T-shirt.

IN: Before you came to Thailand, you went to Japan. Please tell us what it was like in Japan.
JHJ: In Japan I had a great reception. The fans were very enthusiastic.
IN: When the fans knew you were coming [to Bangkok], many of them went to the airport very early. What was your first impression when you arrived at the airport? Was the weather very hot?
JHJ: It was hot in Japan too. The temperature is more or less the same. I did not expect so many fans at the airport. It was a great surprise to me.
MC: This morning you planted a tree -- a "love tree". How was it this morning?
JHJ: Because it was morning, I felt very carefree and happy when I was planting the tree.
IN: Well, come again to plant another tree next time. The tree this morning is called "jasmine" (symbolising: blessing, passion, and kindness.) Happy?
JHJ: Yes.
IN: Have you ever had a fan meeting in an opera house?
JHJ: It's the first time I have a fan meeting in such a big opera house.
IN: Can you talk about your last drama? After you finished that, what did you do?
JHJ: My last drama is "3 Dads/1 Mom", a very cheerful TV series, with a unique storyline. After that was completed, I had a rest and went on a trip. And then I prepared for the fan meetings and the recording of the CD.
IN: That drama is finished, although it is not yet shown here.
IN: Are there any memorable times on the shooting of "3 Dads/1 Mom"?
JHJ: Well, the baby proved quite a handful, but even then it was still fun. The 3 actors played 3 distinct roles, and we had a lovely time on set. The baby slept a lot in the daytime and went to bed very early at night. When she cried, we had to wait for 3 hours before shooting could resume. Even though it was hard, we still had a very enjoyable time shooting this drama.

After the Thai Fan Meeting segment, there is the last video shot on the day JHJ entered the army on August 5, 2008:

"I'll never forget all the love you gave me. I will work very hard in the army. Thank you all so much! Please take care!"

The DVD ends with JHJ writing a few words for his fans:

"I shall remember this day forever. I love you."

Breaking news -- JHJ was unwell (but is now OK)

Jo Hyun-Jae's army colleague Nick-onjonglove left this message on CarpediemKorea on June 26,2009:

Jo Hyun-Jae news -- not in good health

Hello, everybody! The cookies are delicious. I thank you all on behalf of my campmates.
We are all very well in the army. Thank you very much!
But Hyun-Jae is not well and is currently in the infirmary.
We will send our good wishes and we will go to see him often.
So please don't worry too much.

(Credit: http://cafe.daum.net/hyunjaelove)
(Translated from the Chinese translation by bpkwon@johyunjae.cn(ING)


We originally published the above post on June 27. Now we have an update from EVERKorea on JHJ's condition:

Rumor has it that Hyunjae is sick and it makes fans anxious about his health.

He pulled a ligament in his foot [while] on patrol.
The best way to treat the pulled ligament is to take a rest, as you know.
So he has stayed for a few days at the medical corps.
Today [June 27], he returned to his unit.
It is not serious. Don't worry.


We are concerned about him at the slightest matter,
This news can make you feel anxious.
But Fans' letter may be better to encourage him than anxiety.
Please send him many letters.

"Seo Dong Yo" Special (Part 6)

You don't need a running commentary for this final part of the "Seo Dong Yo" Special. You can see the actors
1. being outfitted for costumes
2. entertaining themselves
3. having their meals
4. being made up
5. wearing their wigs

The restrooms receive a special mention -- complaints: too few and too far. It's easier for the horses which just make everywhere their toilets and workers have to clean up after them.

Costumes are also discussed. The King's and Queen's costumes are of course the most elaborate.

Lastly, there is the shooting of the final scene -- of the Queen's death. The director feels the pagoda is out of place, so it is removed, and also a hut. Shooting must be finished before sunset, so the schedule is very tight. Princess Sunhwa has to die several times before the director is satisfied. He keeps telling her: "More emotions." and "No peeping." There is no time for dinner. Shooting continues in the film sets indoors. At 11 p.m. they still have not eaten; they have to wrap up the shooting.

They have been working together for 8 months and they have become like a family. When the work is finished here, they will all take up different projects. They will surely miss one another and even the routine. The director says he feels bad about making the actors stay up late almost every night for more than half a year.

In the TV studio again, in closing JHJ and Lee Bo Young thank the audience for their support of the drama. JHJ says he hopes "Seo Dong Yo" will remain in their hearts.


COMMENTS

Jo Hyun-Jae looks remote and "far from the madding crowd" in this show. Sometimes he looks like he would rather not be there. He has just finished filming "Seo Dong Yo" -- 8 months of hard work, and probably several weeks of preparation before that. You know how he never does TV shows, except that one time for "Only You". Of course this time he has to promote the drama, since he is the title character. His part in the drama is greater than everybody else, but his role in this SDY Special is smaller than most. He hardly opens his mouth except when called on. You can see from his eyes that his mind is somewhere else. He is looking breathtakingly handsome, as always, and his jacket is fabulous, in fact, the whole outfit, but he looks out of sorts. Is it because he feels sad at leaving his "family"? All his best friends are his co-stars from previous dramas. Here he and Rye Jin (Giroo) and Lee Chang Hoon (Moraksu) have become inseparable, but once they go their separate ways, it is not so easy to maintain constant contact. That is the nature of the entertainment world. Sometimes we wonder how JHJ could survive in such a world, being what he is. His personality does not fit in at all, but then his talent and his passion for acting make up for everything.


(THE END)

"Seo Dong Yo" Special (Part 5)

FAMOUS SCENES and MEMORABLE LINES (Continued)

THREE
Dying words of characters in drama:
1. Old King -- "My only successor is my 4th son, Crown Prince Mu. Tell the people. Sorry, Jang!"
2. Buyusun -- (hallucinating) "Sorry! Spare me!" (to ghosts of Old King and Crown Prince whom he murdered) and then, after being stabbed by his loyal aide-de-camp Heuk Chi Pyeong: "Thank you for putting an end to my suffering."
3. Heuk Chi Pyeong -- after killing his master, he turns the sword on himself: "Where your majesty is going, I'm going."

THIRD question posed to actors present: MC asks who has had a love like Seo Dong and Princess Sunhwa, a love that is "fated". There are 2 beeps (that is, two people press the button.) One of these, surprisingly, is the child actor who plays Bumro as a child who says he had a crush on a girl in Primary 6! When asked why they broke up, he says he likes tomboys but that girl is very gentle and tender and he feels "burdened".

Who is the other person who presses the button? Nobody would own up. Those who are married all say their marriage is "fated" -- meaning they and their spouses are destined for each other. MC teases them that they dare not say anything else because their wives are all watching the show.

The King (Seo Dong's father) says meeting is fate and parting should be natural. He offers a pledge of love: "Living together is a dream. Will love you as if we'll die tomorrow."

Female MC says Lee Chang Hoon seems to have a girlfriend and he says "Yes", but as to whether it is "fated", he says it has to wait till after they are married to be confirmed.

MC then re-phrases question and asks who is currently in a relationship that he/she feels is "fated". There is a single beep, but again not sure from whom. Lee Bo Young says she heard the beep, so it has to be somebody near her. MC calls JHJ's name and he says nothing. So MC presses him: "How about using this opportunity to declare yourself? Be brave and confess." At which JHJ says: "I didn't press the button." MC asks JHJ point-blank if he has a girlfriend and he says NO. MC follows up with: "When did you break up?" but receives no answer.

Then the video leaves the TV studio and a video of behind-the-scenes is shown of extras (who play soldiers) being outfitted for armour.

(TO BE CONTINUED)

"Seo Dong Yo" Special (Part 4)

Part 4 carries on where Part 3 left off. The actor who plays Seo Dong's father, the King, says he has been acting for 40 years when he plays father and son for the first time with Jo Hyun-Jae in "Only You" and now for the second time in "Seo Dong Yo". He feels like they are father and son, and even though he feels Seo Dong's pain and suffering, he never has the chance to take care of "his son". If they ever play father and son again, he promises he'll take good care of JHJ (at which our Hyun-Jae smiles very shyly and sweetly and nods in acknowledgement.)

MC says Lee Chang Hoon (who plays Moraksu) looks much older in the drama than in real life. Lee says he's a young man but in SDY he has to look older, so he feels older too. MC says the scene of Moraksu and Mo Jing embracing on the beach is like a grandfather and granddaughter embracing -- to great laughter.

Another actor says he plays a strong man in the drama, but he has his soft side too. He would like to play someone "to be protected" for a change.

FAMOUS SCENES and MEMORABLE LINES in "Seo Dong Yo"
(Watch the faces of the actors when these scenes are shown)

ONE
Love scenes between hero and heroine
Top 5 "goose flesh" scenes:
(That's what they call these scenes, but we call them romantic and moving and beautiful.)

5. Scene of Seo Dong resting on Princess Sunhwa's lap
4. Scene of Princess kissing snowman, then feeding Seo Dong (supposed to be rice but it's congee, since Princess can't cook.)
3. After a long separation, Seo Dong says princess is too thin and she puffs out her cheeks playfully and they embrace. Followed by scene of wedding night: he touching her cheeks and she touching his cheeks.
2. Scene of Princess bathing in the creek [very high rating in viewership for this episode]
1. Princess repeats after Seo Dong his pledge of love, followed by kiss; then he carries her on his back.

TWO
One-sided love, unrequited love, eternal triangle:
1. Princess Sunhwa, Seo Dong, and Princess Woo Young
2. Seo Dong, Princess Sunhwa, Giroo
3. Yun Gamo, Moraksu, Mo Jin
4. Moraksu, Mo Jin, Bumro's father

THREE
Dying words of the characters in the drama:
1. The old King (Seo Dong's father)


(TO BE CONTINUED)

"Seo Dong Yo" Special (Part 3)

More NG scenes are shown. That of Seo Dong as a slave being savagely horse-whipped by the guard breaks my heart, until the director screams at him: "Why are you hitting him so hard?"

Then there are other NG scenes involving minor characters. The abduction scene of Princess Sunhwa and her maid is bungled when the maid could not be put into the bag (the other bad guys have already carried off the princess.)

In the scene of the stabbing of the Crown Prince in the cave, the assassin cannot find the dagger. And when he is supposed to escape, he takes his time running out of the cave (complaining the tunnel is too long.)

Even minor characters don't know how to die from being shot. The director himself has to demonstrate.

After all these NG scenes, the actors are asked if anyone has been hurt during filming. Heo Young Ran (who plays Princess Woo Young) says she received 8 stitches from a wound incurred from being dragged by her on-screen brother Buyusun (actor Kim Young Ho) after he discovers her betrayal. The actor says he feels very bad, especially since it happens to a girl and a younger actress. He is so remorseful he takes up smoking again (but has since quit.) The actor who plays his aide-de-camp Heuk Chi Pyeong (Lee Hee Do) says after that scene with Princess Woo Young, Buyusun is going to turn on him. Before the shooting they have come to an understanding and Buyusun is only going to playact. But once shooting commences, Buyusun kicks him in the chin real hard. Good thing he manages to get out of range in time. Princess Woo Young says Buyusun does not realize his own strength. Once he bangs on a table and breaks it in two.

SECOND question -- Who thinks his/her part should be expanded or amended? 7 people press their buttons. Lee Bo Young says she is not very happy with her character in the later part of the drama. Princess Sunhwa is at first very vivacious but becomes a rather pitiable figure towards the end. She wants to play her in a more spirited way.

Another actress who plays a minor member of Taehaksa says she'd rather play an empress.

Then the actor who plays Bumro says he's the only one who can play Bumro, but he really wants to play Giroo, especially the death scene. He re-enacts that death scene as Giroo on the spot.

The actor who plays the King (Seo Dong's father) says he and Jo Hyun Jae twice play father and son, here in SDY and before that in "Only You". He feels like they are father and son, but in SDY he is not able to take care of his on-screen son. If they ever have the chance to play father and son again, he promises to take good care of his "son".

(TO BE CONTINUED)

"Seo Dong Yo" Special (Part 2)

NG scenes continue. Giroo (Rye Jin) is still trying to carry the unconscious Princess Sunhwa (Lee Bo Young) but keeps falling over. Never realized he's that weak. In the end, he has to carry her on his shoulder. Lee Bo Young keeps hitting him and muttering: "Am I that heavy?" JHJ as Seo Dong, who is supposed to have passed out too, can't help rolling with laughter on the ground.

And then it's NG time for Lee Chang Hoon (who plays Moraksu) who is the butt of the jokes. He has difficulties moaning and declaring his love, and he has such problems reciting his formal speech at the swearing in ceremony. He receives several NGs.

Then it is Bumro and his father's turn, the latter hitting the former -- hard! The father himself (actor Im Hyun Sik) gets several NGs on his own -- when he's "singing" (more like gasping) and kissing Mo Jin and losing his balance (but this time it is Moraksu who can't resist laughing.)

NGs of the two princesses follow -- first Sunhwa and then Woo Young -- both very cute. In one scene, Woo Young even uses an English word "check"!

Then other NG scenes are shown -- the funniest are those of the battlefield and the horses that have a mind of their own (in one scene the horse walks backwards! It just won't follow the script!)

The scariest is that of Seo Dong and Princess Sunhwa falling off a horse. You can hear Lee Bo Young screaming from a mile!

(TO BE CONTINUED)

"Seo Dong Yo" Special (Part 1)

"Seo Dong Yo" was shown on Korean TV from September 5, 2005 to March 21, 2006. This SDY Special was televised live on March 26. Twenty four actors, including most of the principal cast, were present.

The video is in Korean, so if you don't understand Korean, just watch it like a silent movie (with some tips we'll give you here.) But you should have no problems reading the body language and watching the action.

You may, however, have difficulty associating the actors in contemporary clothes with their characters in period costume. We suggest you hit PAUSE at the beginning of the video and identify the characters first. To start you off, first row, left to right: Moraksu (Lee Chang Hoon), Princess Sunhwa (Lee Bo Young), Seo Dong/King Mu (Jo Hyun Jae), Princess Woo Young (Heo Young Ran), Buyusun (Kim Young Ho).

The two MCs begin by asking those present how they feel about the end of the drama. Lee Bo Young (who plays Princess Sunhwa) says she still doesn't feel it's over and it will take her some time to adjust. Lee Chang Hoon (who plays Moraksu) says he's the elder statesman on set, and he has to arrive early every day to set a good example to the others. He won't miss that role.

Then they play a game. Each actor has a button that he/she can press in answer to a question. The FIRST question is: Shooting a historical drama is hard work. How many of you never want to do it again? Answer: 12 (out of 24.)

Jo Hyun Jae says the most difficult part is the script always arrives very late, usually in the morning of the shooting. There are usually one to two books to memorise, so that's why they get so many NGs (no good -- re-take.)

Lee Bo Young says sometimes she has to sleep in her makeup, as there is no time to remove it and put it on again when shooting resumes in the morning.

The actress who plays her maid is worried about her wig, and another actress finds it hard to play dying, since she "has never died before" (in her own words, which elicits a lot of laughter.)

Who gets the most NGs? The actor who plays the Crown Prince. He says the dialogue just before he dies is so long and the intonation so difficult that NGs are unavoidable.

JHJ's part is the heaviest, so he gets a lot of NGs too. Asked how he recites the script, he says paragraph by paragraph, because often the speeches are too long. Sometimes he also has to resort to using cue cards.

NG scenes of the child actors are shown, with a graphic scene of the child Seo Dong being beaten by Moraksu for misbehaviour that would today be construed as child abuse.

NG scenes of the male actors are shown, and Rye Jin (who plays Giroo) tops the list. The funniest NG scene is that of Giroo trying to carry Princess Sunhwa (twice without success, with Lee Bo Young muttering under her breath: "Am I that heavy?") In the end, Giroo has to carry the Princess on his shoulder. Notice JHJ rolling with laughter on the ground -- his Seo Dong is supposed to have passed out.

(TO BE CONTINUED)

JHJ's early career (2)

JHJ in "Great Ambition"

2003: Jo Hyun-Jae got the opportunity to act in "Great Ambition" (Dae Mang) and began playing the minor role of the Crown Prince. For the first time he used his own name JO Hyun-Jae.

JHJ saw this as a chance in a lifetime and gave his best under the director's guidance, creating the memorable Crown Prince. He received such praise as: a newcomer who does not look like a newcomer. In the cast, the Crown Prince is not an important role. When the drama started, there were lots of enquiries about him. For the first time, people were paying attention to him. Because of this, his role was expanded. Instead of being killed off early, he became the companion of the lead character and ended up coming into his own as the king.

After the failure of KAIST, JHJ tried harder and finally succeeded in making an unimportant role more important. His Crown Prince gained him many fans, even in Japan. That was when he first broke into the Japanese market. He also got the chance to act in other dramas.

The director and scriptwriter of "Love Letter" decided to use JHJ. He became the lead actor three years after his first appearance in a TV drama. Later he was handpicked by the director of "Seo Dong Yo" to star in the 55-episode historical drama, the first time such a young actor was elevated to such a role.

"Great Ambition" is the turning point for JHJ as an actor and the first time he used his own name. In an interview in Japan, he also said "Great Ambition" was the turning point in his career.

JHJ is quiet by temperament, but he wants to be an actor, so he follows his dream and gives his all. He is not a very emotional person, so it is difficult for him to cry, but his beautiful tears and angelic smile light up every drama. He is improving under the camera all the time. He can move people with his clear, luminous eyes. He is born to be an actor: he refuses to succumb to frustrations and does not falter under difficult circumstances. He performs each and every role with sincerity and verve.

JHJ is now serving in the army; his fellow soldiers see him as one of the boys. He is very low key; he has not released a single photo, and is quietly undergoing training and faithfully performing his military duties. He is the same beautiful actor who moves people in his dramas.

His straightforward character is revealed in an interview at the premiere of "Untold Scandal" (2003):

"I only got the script a few days before shooting of "KAIST", [that's why I didn't do too well.] I took a year off and learnt to act, to grow up. How do I act by myself? It's a secret. When I'm acting, I don't think about anything outside of my role. Compared to the name of Jo Hyun-Jae, I'd rather my fans remember me through my characters' names."

JHJ is not content to be confined to his roles; he always gives his best to every role. His future is something to look forward to.

(THE END)

(Translated and adapted from CarpediemJapan)

JHJ's early career (1)

JHJ in "Golden Pond"

1998 First appeared on CATV as a member of 'Guardian'
2000 Drinks commercial
2000 Chewing gum commercial
2000 SBS "KAIST": Episodes 75-77 as Dong (2000.8.13 - 8.27)
2001 SBS Weekend drama "Father and Sons" as Zondu (2001.7.21 - 10.28)
2001 SBS "That's Good": Episodes 1-66 as Ihyonje(2001.11.19 - 2002.3.15)

Let us review Jo Hyun Jae's first baby steps into the Korean entertainment world.

1998: JHJ first emerged on the Korean entertainment scene as a member of the boy band Guardian and appeared three times on CATV. Due to problems with the production company, the group disbanded soon after they released their first album. (Please see our 6/16/09 post "JHJ in Guardian".)

2000: JHJ was discovered by talent scouts while practising in a boxing arena. He first appeared in a drinks commercial and then in a chewing gum commercial. After that commercial aired, his looks and deportment became the talk of the town. This resulted in his landing the role in Episode 75 of "KAIST". (Please see our 6/17/09 post "JHJ's early works (1)".)

Unfortunately the reviews were unfavourable, so JHJ was relegated to a supporting role and disappeared altogether after two episodes. He was not adequately prepared, acting for the first time and with no experience, and the script was receieved only a few days before shooting.

JHJ admitted his own inadequacy but refused to give up. In the following year, he practised acting and tried to learn from other actors. He passed the qualifying exam and enrolled in the Drama Department of Myonji University the following year and became a pupil of Professor Jan Mihie.

Summer of 2001: JHJ played the youngest son Zondu in "Father and Sons". For the first time he was mentioned as a newcomer under the name LEE Hyun Jae. After this drama aired, he gained his first fans and his first fan website was established in Korea. (http://cafe.daum.net/hyunjaelove)

2001: JHJ played the part of Ihyonje in "That's Good", the drama that was considered the stepping stone for young actors. It was a considerable role, played for laughs. JHJ felt uncomfortable, like wearing someone else's clothes. He decided to seriously learn acting skills. He was in the first 66 episodes of "That's Good" (out of 74.)

2002: Then JHJ appeared for a few seconds in an unimportant role as an art teacher in the SBS Mid-Autumn special "Golden Pond."

This was followed by a blank period of eight months.

(TO BE CONTINUED)

(Translated and adapted from CarpediemJapan)

It takes all sorts to make JHJ's world (3)

Since the feedback has been quite positive, I'll continue with my rundown of JHJ fans -- those I've had the pleasure (or displeasure) of knowing.

"E" is the very first JHJ fan that I came into contact with, but I've never met her. In early 2008 I saw her design of the 2008 calendar in a Chinese JHJ website. The photo that she chose for the cover (JHJ's Crencia photo) took my breath away. (See our 6/10/09 post "JHJ"s Crencia days" -- first photo on left (black-and-white.) I e-mailed her and asked to buy the calendar. This is the first time I wrote to a stranger. She wrote back and attached a file (of the calendar) -- free. I could not open the file and had to ask 4 different people on 3 continents before I could download it to a USB so I could make prints.

This is the start of a friendship that is as real as any in the flesh. Even though we are apart geographically, mentally and emotionally we are one -- in our shared love of JHJ (who has the capacity to draw people together.) "E" is a woman of character -- sensible and sensitive, warm-hearted and generous, creative and perceptive, a very talented artist with an eye for beauty (and young and beautiful too!) She also writes beautifully. She can see the essence of JHJ that even some enthusiastic fans miss, and she can express herself poetically but without any BS (Pardon my French!)

"E" has given me the most wonderful JHJ memento. On a boring day late last year, the doorbell rang and a courier delivered a package. I wasn't expecting anything, so I opened the tightly packaged box with no expectations -- and then I screamed in delight! I was staring at two big framed photos of JHJ and ME! Honest to God, yes, JHJ and me! If you've read my accounts of the Japan Fan Meetings in Osaka and Tokyo in June 2008, you'll know I had the good fortune to sit next to JHJ in BOTH group photos. (See our 2/28/09 and 3/3/09 posts "Diary of a star-chaser, Parts 2 and 3.") I had e-mailed the photos to "E" and she had cut out all the other fans and blown up JHJ and me, sitting side by side. These two photos are now among my most treasured possessions, so precious that I don't even display them. I take them out every now and then and pore over them, reliving those few heavenly moments of close proximity to JHJ.

When I started this blog, I asked "E" to design the header. The result is what you see here. She also designed our "wulijohyunjae" name cards -- another artistic creation. A pity we don't have many occasions to distribute them (since we don't socialize.) Not a day goes by that I'm not grateful to "E" for what she has done for us.

"F" is an enigma -- she is many identities on many JHJ websites. How do I know they are the same person? Because of her "footprint". She is obviously a very loyal JHJ fan. She takes the time and trouble to leave comments on several websites. She writes quite sensibly, most of the time. She talks very slowly and deliberately, and she has very definite ideas about everything JHJ. For example, she wonders if JHJ will get time off for good behaviour. I am a polite person, but at that I retort brusquely that JHJ is in the army, NOT in prison, and in the armed forces you serve your full term, unless you're dishonourably discharged. She looks shocked, and then she comes up with something equally inane. "JHJ should learn Chinese in his spare time in the army." I'm just beginning to feel a little sorry for being rude, but at that I blow up again: "If I were JHJ, the first foreign language I'd learn would be Japanese!" Anybody with any sense knows JHJ's most loyal and devoted fans (outside of Korea) are the Japanese. They buy everything JHJ -- all legal versions. Have you any idea how much "Seo Dong Yo" cost in Japan? Over US$800 for the full set! How many fans in other countries can afford to buy that? And of those who can afford, how many will actually buy the real thing?

I chide myself afterwards for being too harsh on "F". Anyone who loves JHJ deserves my respect and tolerance. In her unique way, "F" is actually a great admirer of JHJ. She really exhibits a lot of love for the actor by the way she leaves her footprints all over the place. Maybe she is the greatest JHJ fan of us all, in any case, the most unlikely.

"G" is my favourite Japanese JHJ fan. I first met her a year ago at the Japan Fan Meeting, actually at Osaka's Kansai Airport where she came to meet me and "A". I felt she was really going out of her way to be nice to us, strangers she's never met before, just because we're JHJ fans. For the next four days she acted as our translator, for which I was most grateful. We kept in touch and we have become friends. She too has her own website dedicated to JHJ and she works tirelessly to keep it going. She uploads lots of photos and videos (her own creations) to her site. She and her good friend "H" make a great team, rather like M and me. "H" doesn't speak much English (out of shyness, I guess), but she understands everything we say. "G" is more vivacious and outgoing, and "H" is more reserved and subdued. They are both bright and brainy (like so many JHJ fans), but "H" can come up with some brilliant ideas. "G" was teaching Japanese to foreigners last June and she had to find the perfect excuse to go to the fan meetings. "H" suggested she should say she had to attend a wedding as the "go-between". In Japanese society, as in many Asian societies, the person who introduces the bride and groom is much revered and is accorded a place of honour at the wedding. When I heard this, I roared with laughter. Only ingenious JHJ fans could dream up such an excuse for an important cause -- attending the fan meetings. "G" and "H" are also "fun" people -- we had a very enjoyable time together at the JHJ photo exhibition in Osaka in February. (See our first posts in February "We spent Valentine's Day with JHJ".) "G" and "H" are embodiments of modern Japanese women -- well-educated, well-travelled, cosmopolitan, intelligent, knowledgeable, efficient, sociable, but still retaining the traditional qualities of being ever so polite, gracious, elegant, and considerate. It is really a pleasure to know them.

I think it is wonderful that people of different nationalities can come together because of a common interest. JHJ is the most effective "ice-breaker" -- once we start gabbling about him, all inhibitions disappear, all divisions break down, all differences melt away. Don't you think our JHJ will make a great goodwill ambassador?

As my title says, it takes all sorts to make JHJ's world. Somehow he attracts all kinds of fans -- from the not-so-young to the not-so-old, from the smartest to the dumbest, from the sophisticated to the naive, from the intellectual to the mentally-challenged, from the witty to the humourless, from the selfless to the self-centred, from the extrovert to the introvert, from the visionary to the dreamer, from the sublime to the ridiculous (which just about sums it up.) He has this universal appeal and he inspires deep-seated affection and undying devotion in one and all.


(MAY BE CONTINUED)

Another year to go

Jo Hyun-Jae's message to his fans on August 4, 2008

Gone for a while and I'll be back

Finally tomorrow I'll be joining the army.

Just thinking of parting from my family and friends, as well as my fans, makes me feel lingering reluctance and regret.

But then when I return, looking back, it would seem the time is very short, right?

All this time, many thanks indeed for all your generous encouragement and support.

I'll return from the army in good health and good spirits.

On my return, if I see a lot of your letters welcoming me back, I'll be so happy.

Hope you'll all keep well and take care!

Exactly a year from today, on June 19, 2010, Jo Hyun-Jae will have finished his military duties in the Korean armed forces. He has already served 10 1/2 months since he joined the army on August 5, 2008. Private First Class Jo Hyun-Jae is currently serving as a regular soldier, having decided to forego the chance of being an "entertainment soldier", the career path of choice of so many actors and singers.

We wish JHJ well in his final year in the military. We pray that North Korea will behave, or at least not be allowed to misbehave. May there be peace on earth!

Let the countdown begin!

Random thoughts

Competition

On the flight from the West to the East recently, I saw a Korean movie "The Naked Kitchen". It's very contemporary, very avant-garde, about a bold topic I've not seen explored in Asian cinema -- a woman caught between two men, well, nothing unusual there, but this young woman wants BOTH men. One is her husband of a year and the other a stranger who turns out to be her husband's partner in a new business venture. On their first anniversary, she meets this stranger in an art venue and sort of "makes out" with him. (They kiss and I'm not sure what happens afterwards, but the film synopsis says they make love!) I've not seen the actress before (Sin Min-Ah), but she's very pretty and cute in an impish sort of way, great legs too. But what I really want to write about are the two actors who play the husband (Kim Tae-Woo) and the lover (Joo Ji-Hoon*). I thought I didn't know them, even though the lover looks familiar, but as it turns out, he's the one who plays the Crown Prince in "Princess Hours". He looks much better in this movie than in the drama. These two actors are not my type at all, even though they are both tall and lean. But I could see a lot of fans being attracted to them, and other Korean actors like them. My point is -- Jo Hyun-Jae has competition! Every day so many new faces appear on the Korean entertainment scene -- all gorgeous hunks! Fans are fickle. JHJ has been in the army for almost a year. If after his discharge in June 2010, he does not make a great drama, he could easily be forgotten. So please, Mr. Manager, you need to get a good script and a good role for your superstar. *** JHJ's comeback must make a big splash! We are all waiting with bated breath.

(* Joo Ji-Hoon is currently being prosecuted for drug posssession, so his career may be over.)

H1N1

The world is under the grip of the H1N1 virus right now, but the response to this flu pandemic is radically different in the west and in the east. On my way to Los Angeles last month, I stopped over in Hong Kong for a few days. Every newspaper headline screamed: "Swine flu". (That's before pigs were vindicated.) All TV news were dominated by the dreary topic. When I got to the U.S.A., supposed to be one of the worst hit countries, there was hardly any mention of H1N1 at all. So I enjoyed three weeks of peace and quiet. But once I was back in Hong Kong, it's H1N1 all over again, every moment of every day. I see so many people wearing face masks. Why go out at all if you're so scared? Do these people know every year tens of thousands of people all over the world die from the flu -- the old kinds? It's just that this one is new. And it's highly curable, if caught early. If you want to be safe, stay home and watch JHJ dramas.

North Korea

The U.N. has imposed tough new sanctions on North Korea to curb its nuclear ambitions, and N. Korea has declared that any aggressive act like "stop and search" of its ships would be construed as an act of war. This is really worrying. Even if Jo Hyun-Jae is not serving in the S. Korean military, it would still be worrying. Technically speaking, N. and S. Korea are still in a state of war. They only signed an armistice, a temporary truce, on 7/27/1953. (N. Korea has since unilaterally withdrawn from this armistice on 5/27/09.) I'm not really worried that war will break out. (Heaven forbid!) Kim Jong Il is playing a dangerous game, but all this sabre rattling is just to get President Obama's attention. But I'm afraid Kim could accidentally go over the edge. After all, I live pretty close to Pyongyang. I pray for peace every night. I pray to God to keep JHJ safe. God bless us all! (This is Elena's line!)

*** Let's take a poll here on what kind of drama/film you would like to see JHJ in when he resumes his acting career after June 19, 2010:

1. Romantic drama (like "Only you")
2. Romantic comedy (like "3 Dads/1 Mom")
3. Action/romance/mystery (like "Forbidden Love")
4. Historical drama (like "Seo Dong Yo")
5. Thriller (like "G.P.506")
6. Tragedy
7. Any other suggestions?

JHJ's early works (2)

"Father and Sons" (2001)

This "Father and Sons" MV is created by cafe.daum.net/nowguswo and edited by kk who set it to the Cantonese song "Every step of the way" by the Hong Kong singer Lui Fong. We have translated the lyrics which seem to mirror Jo Hyun-Jae's early life.

Every step of the way

Forget about yesterday's loss and troubles
Go right on, every step of the way
Forget not the lessons of failure
Never give up, keep on dreaming

Today I'm racing time and speeding up
Cheers by my side lead the way
Dashing in the wind, under the over-arching sky
How high is the sky! I can touch it with both hands
If I fall, I'll rise up and challenge it again
How fierce is the wind! I'd rather be the grass
That grows faraway, every step of the way

How deep is the sea, but it cannot submerge this lonely isle
Mountain beyond mountain, all built with two hands
How many more days in this life, but I'd rather get up early
And finish every step of the way in my life.


(Thank you, Carpediem and kk!)

JHJ's early works (1)

KAIST - Episode 75: "145 km love"

In his first ever appearance in KAIST (1999), in the story "145 km. Love" Jo Hyun-Jae plays a university student who is carrying on a long-distance relationship with his girlfriend who lives 145 km. away. The setting for KAIST* is a university in Dae Jeon. His girlfriend is in Seoul, and for love he has to commute between Dae Jeon and Seoul on a motorcycle. JHJ plays this role of the young man who is caught between his studies and love with such charm that he impresses and attracts the general audience and wins his first fans. The rest, as they say, is history.

The video (18:32 minutes, in two parts) is in Korean and there are no subtitles. But we manage to get the drift of the story, as we're sure you can too, smart JHJ fans that we are! JHJ's acting skills may be a little green, but just watching him makes your heart ache. His features are so fine and his expressions are so sincere and innocent. And the 19-year-old JHJ on a motorcycle cuts such a dashing figure! Only complaint -- the actress who plays his love interest is so much older and is no match for him in looks (problem with casting.) There is another girl, though, his fellow university student, younger, prettier -- if this were a full-length drama, we know exactly how the plot will develop. Anyway, enjoy the video!


Editor's note: KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) is a research university located in Daedeok Science Town, Daejeon, in South Korea. KAIST was established in 1971 as the nation's leading science and technology institution and is considered the MIT of South Korea.

(Credit for video: http://cafe.daum.net/kkkjin0202)

Meditations in still time

Here I am, sitting in a plane that has been sitting on the tarmac for the last four hours. The captain has just announced that we've been given the take-off time of 5:20 p.m. -- 5 1/2 hours after the scheduled departure time of 11:50 a.m. This delay is due to weather conditions at our destination -- thunder and heavy rain. And our flight is only three hours.

So what have I been doing all this time? I read an English newspaper and two Chinese newspapers, the latest issues of TIME and NEWSWEEK (cover to cover), and FORTUNE and FORBES. I had my lunch. I wrote an article for our blog. And now I'm brainstorming.

What am I going to do when I return to my base and I can't access our blog? I've already lingered in the U.S.A. and Hong Kong for as long as I could. My husband might divorce me for desertion if I still don't return.

I've been praying for the last month, ever since google.blogspot was first blocked on May 15. I've been hoping that after June 4, the ban would be lifted. But June 4 has come and gone, and the ban is still in force. They say maybe after October 1. God! That's the end of our blog!

I've been working very hard for the past couple of weeks, saving enough drafts to last till my blog partner M returns from Alaska in early July. Good thing we can keep in touch by e-mail and, hopefully, SKYPE.

Why are we doing this? Why are we stressed out when M is on vacation and I'm supposed to have retired. Why do we have self-imposed deadlines and writer's block? Why am I writing this when most of my fellow passengers are sleeping?

A flight attendant just asks me if I'm a writer. Silly girl! A professional writer would be using a laptop and not be scribbling longhand. My answer? "Eh, freelance, sort of." Ha! Ha!

Yes, why are we keeping our blog going in the face of such difficulties? Not for fame or fortune. Maybe you can become famous hanging on the coattails of a star, but just as JHJ is so low-key, we prefer to remain anonymous. There are expenses but no income.

We hope we are providing a service to JHJ fans. We hope we are one step ahead of them with his news. We hope when they miss him, they can come to our blog and commune with like-minded people. We hope to keep his fans for him, or maybe even gain some new fans. Out of sight, out of mind. We want to keep him in sight of everybody.

And we love JHJ. He deserves our support. He's an "endangered species" in the entertainment industry. You don't find actors like him anymore -- professional, talented, conscientious, dedicated, hardworking, unassuming, modest, not to mention incredibly handsome (but not self-consciously so.) You don't find people like him anymore -- filial son, good brother, loyal friend, and great role model for the young. Someone like JHJ who gives us so much joy and inspiration is worthy of our respect and affection.

He's worth it.

P.S. The caucasian man sitting next to me has just disembarked. (I didn't know you could do that.) He's taking tomorrow's flight, since he's already missed his meeting. More people are getting off. I've called my husband six times -- every time the captain makes an announcement -- another delay. The burly man sitting in front of me is giving a pretty, young flight attendant a hard time. If he doesn't stop within ten seconds, I'm going to kick his a__ (the back of his seat, I mean.)

Our aircraft is being towed. Finally we'll be taking off! -- almost six hours after we first embarked and twice the flight time.

P.P.S. I left for the airport at 8:30 a.m. this morning. I arrived at my destination at 8:30 p.m. -- on a 3-hour flight. This is called 21st century travel. Marco Polo could have done better.

And we're not allowed to disembark till 9 p.m. because health officials came on board and checked everyone's temperature (thanks to H1N1.) If you display any flu symptons, you'll be quarrantined.

P.P.P.S. If M can post this, that means White Horse, Yukon has wifi. Thank God!

JHJ in Guardian

You do know Jo Hyun-Jae was a singer before he was an actor, don't you? Rather, he was a member of a boy band called "Guardian" when he was 18. The group obviously didn't do very well because it soon disbanded. We think their manager chose the wrong lead singer! But then if "Guardian" had made it big, we would not have the actor Jo Hyun-Jae.

This 1998 video is a great discovery and shows a very young, very sweet JHJ who sings pretty well, to our biased ears. He looks even better (definitely shouldn't be dancing at the back!) It's fun watching the boys going through their motions.

This is the "white" video; there's another "black" version (the boys dressed in black.) We'll see if we can locate that.

(Photos courtesy of Param of carpediemJapan. Thanks!)

Korea Fan Meeting DVD Highlights

The first hour is devoted to the Korea Fan Meeting which was held in Seoul on July 19, 2008. This DVD brings back all the happy memories of the occasion. The English subtitles are not at all bad, although there are a few typos (which we edited). Below are extracts:

First Jo Hyun-Jae read a letter to his fans:

"Hello, I'm Jo Hyun Jae. How are you all doing? First of all, I'm really happy to meet you by writing this letter in person, and I hope you know that I always want to meet you. Most of all, I couldn't leave out you, my precious fans, who always [stay by] my side. I really appreciated that you always cheer me up and give me great feedback after monitoring the programs I appear in. Thanks to all of you, I am now here as an actor, Jo Hyun-Jae, and I will likely become a more developed actor in the future. I feel I cannot thank you enough. It is now summer, the season of passion, so I hope a lot of good things and fortunate things will happen with a great joy just like this beautiful summer. I will continously do my best in order to show you my effort and goodness. Thank you so much."

After singing one of the songs from his forthcoming CD "Next to you like the wind", JHJ opened some gifts from fans. He then answered 5 questions submitted by fans:

5.Q. You were immersed in a character of a drama. Have you ever lived like this really?
A. In the drama "Three Dads One Mom" , I didn't know it at first, but I was immersed in a unique character, then my way of talking was changed like this, and my speaking becomes much faster than normal.

4.Q.What about acting...?(characters that you wanted and so on....)
A. I love all my characters, but I want to be a hero in a drama, like a superhero in a Hollywood film.
Q.Is there any film that brought you to think like that?
A.Several....I watched "Hancock" before. It was really an attractive character, so someday I want to get such a role.
(Editor's note: "Hancock" is a 2008 American comedy-drama starring Will Smith as a vigilante superhero.)

3. Q. What is your behavior normally?Do you sleep much?
A. I used to sleep[for] quite a long time. Probably 11 to 12 hours.
Q. How about drinking capacity?
A. Depends on the situation. Sometimes I drink a bottle and half of Soju, but I drink more when I stay longer. When I feel relaxed, I drink more. My favorite drink is Soju.
Q. What is your particular habits on drinking?
A. Hum...For me, it's a little bit different from others. Normally people are changed after drinking....but not for me. It's not an absolute rule, is it? When I drink, my [tongue] just trips...that's all.

2. Q.How do you frankly feel about being recruited? You are joining the army as a general soldier, not as an entertainment soldier. Why?
A. Because I belong to the service on active duty, 2nd class because I'm under the standard weight.
Q. Is there anything you want to do before joining the army?
A. I want to spend more time with my family, friends and so on, including having a trip.
Q. Trips to where?
A. I would like to go to local places as much as possible......I would like to go there alone.
Q. Where is your most memorable place?
A. I like to go hiking, so I want to go to where Seodongyo was shot where I used to hike at that time.
Q. It is typical for men to drink with friends. How about you?
A. Yes...I want to do that too.
Q. Don't you want to go on an overseas trip?
A. I'd like to do much, but I can't do that because of unfinished army service. So I said I wanted to travel around the country.

1. Q. Who is your most memorable fan?
A. I can remember each person. Japanese Fan Meeting is also the same...especially all of them with bright smile on their faces come to my mind. Above all, I thank my fans who directly came to the film shooting site. I couldn't even say hello because of too busy shooting schedule. I was really thankful for their visits when I realized their existence at the site after the location was completed. I miss them too much.
Q. Do you have any different feelings between overseas fan meeting and Korean fan meeting?
A. Korean fans have been with me for a long time and always encouraged me [and are] behind me with cheers. Korean fans are like my family....Some fans take care of me just like they are my mom....Comparatively Korean fans are [usually] quieter. But overseas fans are much more wildly excited at me, probably because they have not enough chances to meet me.
MC: Korean fans, be more wild!

There are some more questions and JHJ sings three more songs, during one of which, "Lucky", he forgets some of the lyrics and smiles in embarrassment, And when he sings "Like the wind by your side" again, he chokes with emotions while his fans scream encouragement. I remember this touching scene so well -- this DVD is worth collecting just for this alone.

If you want to share in the rest of the DVD, including the Thai Fan Meeting in August, we still have a very limited quantity. E-mail us at jhjfans@gmail.com.

All good things come with you, JHJ!

Hyun-Jae, I happen to know you through a Korean drama, so I looked for all your TV dramas that I could get hold of. I am not a TV fan; it's all because of you. When I watch the characters you play, I often forget it's only TV. I feel that's the real you.

There are many teary scenes in "Love Letter", but I did not shed tears, except once. That's when the mother you never know asks to meet you. You who grow up in a Catholic orphanage put on with great care the sweater given to you by someone you call "Auntie" and stand waiting outside the door in the cold. Those little gestures of yours touching the sweater and looking at your watch gives me a lump in my throat. Actually to you she is a stranger you've only met once. What are you looking for? That moment wrings my heart. Sitting in front of my computer in the office, tears run uncontrollably down my face. When you discover that sleepless night that she is your mother, you squat on the street with another orphan Eun-Ha and you embrace in the cold, like two little lonely creatures, abandoned by this world.

I've been to your fan sites. I know you had a hard time growing up. But you're like Andrea. All that suffering, all that pain did not affect your inner qualities, could not change your positive attitude to life. How can you possess such an angelic face and smile? I cannot see the ravages of time on your face. Is it because you possess an equally noble heart?

And then I saw your historical drama "Seo Dong Yo". I was very surprised that someone as young as you could play so convincingly the title character from a child to a king, all his transformation through different phases of life. Only seasoned actors are capable of that. But you did it. Is it because of your unusual personal experiences?

In the drama, during the ten years after your friend died, you're saddled with guilt, but you persevere in trying to gain acceptance by members of Taehaksa in spite of repeated rejection, repudiation, being framed, and constant beatings and scoldings.

You meet the Princess again whom you haven't seen in ten years, and in a half-coma you take her to be your deceased mother. You say: "Mother, it's my fault. I'm tired. Take me with you." Such a painful, lonely confession! Is it inspired by your own suffering and loneliness? After you recover from your illness, you see the Princess and I see you smile for the first time in ten years. How can I describe how that smile touches me? So radiant as if this world never had any pain or darkness! Do you hide all your sufferings and present a brave face to those who love you?

We come to this world alone. We spend our lives searching -- for our emotions, for meaning in life, for our companions. But Heaven does not grant this blessing to everyone. That's why I feel we are all loners in this world. We try to find deliverance. In "Love Letter", your favourite book is a fairy tale. God finally lets down a rope for those who have suffered a great deal and bring them to heaven. We're all searching for that rope. When at first you feel helpless and hopeless, I don't know if you believe in the existence of this rope.

But you have brought a character to life and let me believe in the existence of this rope, that we are not actually solitary units. Heaven will tell you everything exists, if only in an imaginary world on the screen. And you, you exist in the flesh, don't you? What does it matter what methods are used? All the good things that come with you are presents from Heaven. Thank you, Jo Hyun-Jae!

(Credit: www.myblog.yahoo.com by daisy, posted on johyunjaechina.com by mcc. Original in Chinese.)

Who's the star?

You may not believe it, but these are all Korean actors and singers currently serving in the military. The Korean armed forces now has so many entertainers in its midst that it can produce several dramas and musicals. I don't know how many of these you recognize. I can only identify a couple, apart from our Jo Hyun-Jae.

Somehow a lot of them look different without their hair, or rather, with their hair cut short in the military style, and without their star gear (designer wear and what-not.) Not our JHJ, though, who stands out anywhere, anytime, in any kind of wear. He simply shines, and easily outshines all the others.

(Photos from: Morning Today Star News 2009.6.8)
(Credit: http://yahoo.co.kr; www.johyunjae.hk. Thanks!)

JHJ in "Ice Lady"

In Part 2, set to See Ya's song "Ice Lady" (which is about love and parting), the story continues with the eloping lovers. Actually the See Ya songs have nothing to do with the dramatic story. The director is really ingenious in coming up with such a storyline that transcends time.

In Part 1 (See Ya's "Love's Greeting") the JHJ character, the archaeologist, discovers a book clutched in the mummy's grasp. He reads her story and asks the Lee Yo Won character, the forensic sculptor, to restore her likeness. As she works, it becomes increasingly clear that the face that will emerge in the end is hers (in her past self.) No wonder she faints when she first sees the mummy. Lee and JHJ keep having flashbacks in their minds of their past lives long ago.

The lovers in the past come to a tragic end, or rather, the JHJ character is killed by his pursuers. The lady is forcibly taken back to her folks, and she spends her days writing her "diary". That is the book that is unearthed with the mummy and which tells their love story.

When the JHJ character, the archaeologist, sees the finished head, he understands at once. Lee leaves and he runs after her. His final words are: "The past must not be repeated. I'll never let you go again. Never!" At least in this life they may have a happy ending. (But I'm not sure, because Lee is wearing a wedding ring. I don't understand why this little detail is included.)

The two MVs together tell a beautiful and moving story. I like JHJ's acting here, however brief, only 11 minutes altogether, but it's like a mini-drama. And the See Ya songs are pretty catchy and melodious. The MVs are supposed to dramatise the songs, but the songs are just background music. It's the love story (past and present) that is so absorbing and attractive.

(Credit: johyunjae.cn for the Chinese subtitles.)

JHJ in "Love's Greeting"

In 2007 when Jo Hyun-Jae was filming "G.P.506" and production was halted halfway, he made two rather surprising career moves: one was to model for Andre Kim in his Fashion Extravaganza in Wuxi (China) in July; the other was to star in two music videos for See Ya's second album.

See Ya is a very popular Korean female group comprising of three members (one of whom has left the group in April 2009 due to a contractual dispute.) Their second album "Lovely Sweet Heart" was released in May 2007, and it became the fifth best-selling album in Korea of that year, according to the Music Industry Association of Korea.

The first single "Love's Greeting" won awards at the 2007 Golden Disk Awards and the MKMF Awards. "Ice Lady" is the follow-up single which also did very well.

Jo Hyun-Jae's female co-star in both MVs is Lee Yo Won (who is one of two female leads in "Great Ambition".) The lyrics of "Love's Greeting" is about love and promise, but the MV portrays a very interesting and intriguing story. It opens with Lee, a forensic sculptor, driving to an archaeological site which is supervised by the JHJ character, an archaeological expert. Their team has just discovered a well-preserved female mummy in a grave. As it turns out, the story is about their past lives and present lives. Lee and JHJ are lovers in their past lives in ancient times, but they meet with a tragic fate.

The MV weaves between past and present. The scenes in ancient times rather resemble "Seo Dong Yo" in some respects. The two children who are the best of friends grow up to become lovers, but their love is doomed to tragedy because of their different status. JHJ is involved in some action scenes in which he shows his physical prowess, including a leap in the air with a fiery torch. This MV ends on a cliffhanger, with the JHJ character wounded by an arrow in the back. You have to go to Part 2 "Ice Lady" to find out what happens to Lee and JHJ in the past and in the present. Watch out for our post tomorrow.

(Credit: johyunjae.cn for the Chinese subtitles)

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!

If you visit our blog regularly and one day (or maybe even several days) you find no new posts, it's not because we're lazy or exhausted. It is because we cannot access our blog! Reasons:

1. One of our editors is based in a country where our blog (in fact, all google.blogspot) is currently experiencing technical difficulties. It's been a month already and there seems no end in sight.

2. The other editor is going into the wilderness of Alaska in mid-June -- for a two-week vacation (more like a retreat!) There may be no wifi.

These problems are beyond our control. It has been suggested that we change our server. But we love google.blogspot and want to tough it out. (If anyone has any brilliant ideas, please write to us at jhjfans@gmail.com)

We can work on our blog everywhere we travel (except maybe in remote parts of Alaska?) but not where we live (hopefully, only temporarily.) (Sigh!)

Please don't give up on us. We'll never give up on Jo Hyun-Jae.

More Crencia photos

(Photos courtesy of Param of carpediemJapan.)

JHJ's Crencia days

Jo Hyun-Jae modelled for the Korean fashion brand Crencia in 2003. We find it hard to associate the fresh-faced kid here with that other model in the Andre Kim Fashion Extravaganza. (See our 5/19/09 post.) But then in his various dramas, JHJ plays radically different roles and each time he comes across as a totally different personality. That's what a good actor is all about.

The first video is the creation of our Japanese friend mizutamari. Many thanks indeed! (Credit: http://club.brokore.com/sodongyo). The song is called 어느새 (It) and is by the Korean singer Alex, now very "hot" in Japan too.

The second video is made from advertisements of Crencia's 2003 fashion line, set to the Gareth Gates' song "Too soon to say goodbye". (Credit: Carpediem.) It shows a side of JHJ that some of you may not be aware of. He's only 23 then, in his "Love Letter" days (as you can tell by the hair), but this young model in the very contemporary clothes is so different from Andrea. Just shows you how talented and versatile JHJ is. And he looks so full of sunshine and spirit! (We apologise for the less-than-stellar quality of the video, but somehow this gives JHJ a rather dreamy look.)

(Photos courtesy of Param of carpediemJapan. Thanks!)