We've moved!

For the past two months, our blog has been inaccessible from where we are based. (in fact, all google.blogspot)

We've tried to manage (by all possible means) for as long as we can, but it has become increasingly impossible.

So we've moved, but we're still unpacking (so to speak.)

Please visit us at our new site: http://jo-hyun-jae.com

A happy ending for "Sunshine"?

I recently saw a Korean movie "My wife got married" which somehow suggests a scenerio for a happy ending in Jo Hyun-Jae's "Sunshine".

The movie title is a paradox in itself. "My wife" is the woman a man is married to. How can his wife "get married"? Well, she does (in the movie.) Son Ye-Jin plays an attractive young woman In-Ah, perfectly normal on the outside, but harbouring abnormal desires in her heart. She is a free spirit and a great football (soccer) fan, and she evaluates her relationships with men in football terms.

The very average-looking actor Kim Joo-Hyuk who plays her boyfriend Deok-Hoon looks familiar, but I'm not able to place him until halfway through the movie. Kim Joo-Hyuk is the lead actor in "Lovers in Prague". Having been spoilt by our Mr. Jo, I find actors with small eyes unappealing. But what I find it hard to stomach is this man (and a policeman at that) crying like a baby to his lover (whom he thinks he is about to lose): "I can't live without you!" (more than once!) Come on, men don't cry. (unless you can cry as beautifully as Andrea.)

To go back to "My wife got maried", the Son Ye-Jin character In-Ah is not ready to settle down, but she agrees to marry Kim after he agrees not to interfere with her "night" life. (She goes out "drinking" every night, sometimes not returning home till the wee hours.) And then her work takes her somewhere else, so that she can only return home on weekends. You can guess what happens next, right? She meets somebody else? Right! She wants a divorce? Wrong! She wants to marry this other man WITHOUT divorcing her husband. She wants to be married to TWO men! She says in some African tribes women have multiple mates. Her husband says in anguish (and I pity Kim here, but not in "Lovers in Prague"): "Why do you have to tell me? Why don't you just have an affair behind my back?" Her answer: "I don't want to lie to you."

She does marry the other man who is played by Joo Sang-Wook (the 5th man, the rich guy, in "3 Dads/1 Mom".) And then she has a baby girl -- who's the father? Echoes of "3 Dads/1 Mom". And the baby has a first birthday party (actually two birthday parties, with each Dad and family) -- nowhere near as moving as that of Ha Seon in "3 Dads/1 Mom". There's a big row, and mother and daughter disappear (again echoes of "3 Dads/1 Mom".) The ending is a fantasy reunion of all four of them -- mother, daughter, and the two fathers -- caught up in football mania in Spain (watching Real Madrid, I think.)

This reminds me of the ending of "Sunshine" -- Yeon Woo, Eun Sup, Min Ho, and Yeon Woo's younger sister frolicking on the beach -- one big happy family. If it works for "My wife got married", why not for "Sunshine"? Threesome seems to be the latest craze in Korean movies. The female protagonist in "The Naked Kitchen" also wants BOTH her husband and her lover. (Please see our 6/19/09 post "Random Thoughts".)

The ending of "Sunshine" casts a shadow over a drama that is otherwise light and airy. Yeon Woo cannot marry Eun Sup because his father kills her father (even though it transpires he's not the real murderer.) She cannot reject Min Ho because she does not want to hurt him. Notice love doesn't enter the equation: she loves Eun Sup but not Min Ho (not the way a woman loves a man anyway.) So "Sunshine" has an open ending -- the drama deliberately avoids solving this problem of the eternal triangle. I have one solution, though: let Eun Sup pair up with Yeon Woo's kid sister who has said when she grows up, she'll marry him. She knows a good man when she sees one. She's quite precocious; she'll be a grown woman in no time.

Korean TV dramas are usually very conservative and demure where relationships between the sexes are concerned. But Korean movies can be pretty avant-garde in both theme (as in these two movies mentioned here) and execution -- there are quite a few steamy sex scenes in "My wife got married."

Son Ye-Jin won several awards for her performance in this movie:

2009 45th Baeksang Arts Awards: Best Leading Actress

2008 29th Blue Dragon Film Awards:

1. Best Leading Actress

2. Most Popular Actress

3. Best On-screen Couple (with Kim Joo-Hyuk)

Her 2003 movie "The Classic" is one of my favourite Korean movies. She is the actress that I would like to star in JHJ's comeback drama in late 2010 (after his discharge from the army.) Even though she is also in "Great Ambition" (Dae Mang), I don't remember JHJ and her in any scene together. I think they will make a great couple and generate good chemistry.

No news is good news?

There has been a dearth of Jo Hyun-Jae news lately (not that he has ever been much in the news.)

There are rumours that he may be out on leave in July -- this is from a message left on CAFEKorea by a fellow soldier. We are a little skeptical because with the current critical situation in the Korean Peninsula, it is more than likely that the South Korean military will be on high alert. If North Korea fires a few more short-range missiles, we bet all leaves will be cancelled. Of course we wish JHJ will get some time off and maybe even leave his fans a message.

There is another message on the JHJ Official Fan Club website left by a Korean staff member that mentions the Korean drama "After family glory" that is currently winning the ratings war. He/she speculates that if JHJ has time, he could very well be watching this too, like everyone else. And then inexplicably "After family glory" has become JHJ's favourite, according to a popular Chinese JHJ website. This is the kind of "news" we are entertaining ourselves with.

The facts are -- JHJ is in the army. As a general rule, soldiers don't make news -- unless something bad happens (God forbid!) So we'll just quietly, patiently wait out these last 11+ months of JHJ's military service.

Where is JHJ?

Wanna play hide-and-seek with Jo Hyun-Jae?

Can you find JHJ in this sketch of a fairground? This is created by EVERKorea in 2007 and there are 4 JHJ in the midst of this merry crowd.

Can you find him and identify which drama/occasion it is?

A small prize awaits the winner (the first to correctly identify ALL 4.)

Have fun!


(Source: www.ever.johyunjae.co.kr/Lingo. Credit: johyunjaeChina. Thanks!)

Now you see us; now you don't

We are having technical problems.

There may only be sporadic posts until we have sorted things out.

Cards for JHJ (3)

Maybe there's nothing very special about this card that we sent Jo Hyun-Jae a few days ago. It's just that I have a thing about ladybirds -- I just love them! The rounded red shell, the black dots, and the fact that they can actually fly! (Do you know that?) They are just too cute!

And when Jo Hyun-Jae was injured at the end of June, we sent him a "Get Well" card with a single flower that reads:

Healing thoughts are with you,
Caring wishes are near you,
Know that you are loved.

JHJ changed my life

This is Laura's story.

JHJ changed my life? It sounds incredible to me for I am a person reluctant to change. I've been living in the same city since I was born. I worked for the same company since graduation from university. I married the first man I fell in love with. I don't make a change deliberately, I think. I accept opportunities of change. Thank God, so far everything has been going well for me. As they say, I'm lucky enough to live a contented life.

Then, how can someone I've never met face to face change my life? Did I change at all since I ran into this guy called Jo Hyun Jae on the screen?

It was absolutely by accident that I turned on the TV and tuned to the channel on whcih "Only You" was broadcasting. I seldom watch television. On that night, however, after putting my daughter to bed, I decided to turn on the TV for some news or movies. I didn't expect to watch a Korean drama at all. Till today, I am still puzzled what made me watch on. The only "rational" explanation I can come up with is "yuanfen" (fate or destiny.) It's my belief that some people are destined to meet while others are not. If it had not been for "yuanfen", what made me find him on TV?

Without question, "Only You" is a pleasant drama to watch. JHJ did very well playing a rich heir, arrogant in appearance but sincere at heart. Since then, I felt I was driven by something (curiosity?) to watch JHJ's dramas one after another. The more I watched, the deeper I sank into his world. I found myself surfing the internet for information on JHJ. I started to pay much attention to tensions in the Korean Peninsula because JHJ is in the army. I found myself writing to a stranger sharing my feelings, which I would have never tried if it hadn't been for JHJ. I also found myself registered at a fans' BBS. And unexpectedly, I learned many useful computer skills. For example, I was taught how to cut and splice photos on the computer to make fabulous photo exhibition. I used the technique to reorganize my family photos. My family all marveled at my works. Besides, I even started to learn Korean!

Nothing big here, I know. But I did change, didn't I? The change is by no means radical. It's subtle and in the mind. I'm more open and more tolerant. Now, I'm willing to exchange views with people with whom I share the same interests but have never met in person. It is not as awkward as I thought. I also start to re-consider my attitude toward my shy and quiet boy. Seeing JHJ's growing up, I realized that shyness may not be bad at all. I used to think that shyness will hinder my son's communication with people. However, I notice that JHJ's shyness actually reflects that he thinks more than others do, and his brevity of speech is because he always tries hard to be most sincere and accurate. Shy as he is, he can still be charming and successful. I'm more confident about my positive attitude toward this world too. Looking at JHJ's sparkling eyes and brilliant smile, I made up my mind that I'll try my best to find the beauty of this world, to make life more colorful, and to make people around me feel happier. I believe I can, as JHJ fulfilled his dreams with his firm will.

To me, JHJ cannot be a "real" person. I can't see him in person. I can't talk to him face to face. I can't touch him. What does he mean to me then? An idol? Or a good example? Neither, I think. I would rather regard him as an angel who is sent to me to light up my life (as someone said so before on this blog.)

I've said I accept opportunities of change. This time JHJ brings me the opportunity and I'll take it. Thank you, Jo Hyun Jae!

"Love Letter" makes me fall in love with JHJ

I haven't done this for a long time -- watching a drama from start to finish throughout the night. Even though my eyes are hurting and my head is aching, I still feel my heart is bursting with love and I am profoundly moved. I can't tell whether it's a dream or reality: what appears in my mind's eye is a pair of eyes -- so full of love, so clear, so pure, so beautifully sad -- that deeply attracts me.

"Love Letter" is about a HE who has been abandoned by his mother and a SHE whose parents are dead. Fate has brought them together. Similar age and similar experiences in life draw these two delicate souls and kindred spirits together. They are not lovers but they are closer than lovers. They are like brother and sister but they are not siblings. The rope of fate binds them tightly together. But they do not break down the last defence, so the unspoken love is buried deep in their hearts. Actually they know that they have been in love with one another for a long, long time.

Influenced by his unfortunate childhood experiences, he has determined to be a priest (who is as warm as the sun) from very young. That is why he cannot accept her. When she finds out his resolve to be a priest, she cannot love him anymore, however much she loves him. Even though they love each other, they can only hide their feelings in their hearts.

But love is innocent, even in the face of God. Finally their love find the light under the warmth of the sun. But who would have thought that DEATH has already silently arrived? Fate sometimes likes to play with poor human beings in this fashion.

The whole drama is filled with forlorn desolation and the characters are tragically beautiful. Jo Hyun-Jae's lead character is the focus and bright spot of the drama. I have not seen an actor with such clear eyes and such an air of nobility for a long time. Jo Hyun-Jae brings me a pleasant surprise. "Love Letter" makes me fall in love with him!

(Written by 崇雨尊 and originally published in Chinese on BAIDU Jo Hyun Jae Bar on 6/27/09.)

"G.P.506" DVD released in Japan

The DVD of Jo Hyun-Jae's movie "G.P.506" was finally released in Japan on July 3, 2009.

The jacket, which portrays the three main characters, is very different from the Korean version. In the Korean DVD the cover is just a dull grey (no images) which perhaps reflect the sombre nature of the contents.

Those Japanese fans who bought the DVD online would have received their copies already. Now practically all of JHJ's works (dramas and movies) are available in Japan. His fans there can complete their collection.

(Credit: photos courtesy of Param of CarpediemJapan and story from johyunjae.hk. Thanks!)

FOOTNOTE: "G.P.506" will be shown on the Korean movie channel OCN on July 5 and July 9 at 10 p.m.

(Source: Mandalaywith of carpediemKorea. Thanks!)

"Seo Dong Yo": Relationship

This is one of our favourite MVs of "Seo Dong Yo", created by SungJu of everyjohyunjae.co..kr (thanks!) The creator calls it "Relationship"and tells her own version of the love story of Seo Dong and Princess Sunhwa in this brilliantly-edited MV. The word on the last shot is "Love". Enjoy!

If you have already finished this drama, I'm sure you'll want to start on it again. If you haven't seen it, what are you waiting for? This is Jo Hyun-Jae's masterpiece! You are not a full-fledged JHJ fan until you have seen this N times!

JHJ to be promoted

Jo Hyun-Jae will be promoted to "Sangbyeong" (U.S. army rank equivalent -- Corporal) on August 1, 2009, almost a year after his enlistment.

JHJ entered the South Korean army on August 5, 2008 as Private Second Class (after completing basic military training) and was promoted to Private First Class on February 1, 2009.

The Republic of Korean Army -- the sixth largest in the world -- is the largest of the military branches, with 655,000 in the active force and 3,040,000 regular reserve in 2008. South Korea has mandatory military service of 24 -27 months. The duration of service varies from branch to branch of the military. In general, with few exceptions, most of South Korean males serve in the military between the ages of 20 - 30.

JHJ still has almost another year of military service. He is scheduled to be discharged on June 19, 2010.


(Information on ROKA from Wikipedia)

Only JHJ can make "Only you"

"Only You" is the last Jo Hyun-Jae drama that I watched, and I didn't like what I saw. I didn't like his hair; I didn't like his looks; I didn't like his clothes; and I didn't particularly like his character. But I did like the happy ending -- it's one of the very few in which he gets the girl (and a son too.)

And then I found out on the web that most of JHJ's fans got to know him through "Only You." I was puzzled as to why so many women fell for him (or his character) in this drama. Could everybody be wrong? Or am I the only one who got it (or didn't get it)?

And then I watched "Only You" again, and again, and again...........

Why do so many people fall in love with the Jo Hyun-Jae character Han Yi Joon in "Only You"? These pictures should give you a clue.

Even with a hairstyle that doesn't suit him, he can still look incredibly handsome. Even when he's made to wear all those outrageous shirts, he still looks gorgeous. Who would wear a RED shirt (and no tie) at an important board meeting? I personally think the costume director should be impeached! SBS should have hired the one who was responsible for Jung Eun Sup's wardrobe in "Sunshine". The JHJ character there is a Korean who has spent several years in Paris and he looks totally European. The clothes help, of course, but our JHJ is the only Korean actor who can look continental European without ever having set foot there (not until "OnlyYou".)

Han Yi Joon at the beginning of "Only You" is dressed for the part of the university student when he goes to Vicenza to seek out his mother. But seven years later when he becomes the heir to his father's commercial empire, he wears all these colourful clothes that are out of character and do not suit his status at all. And yet this is when he makes a lot of conquests (of his fans.) I might add that Han Chae Young is worse, much worse, with her vests and halters, doubled and tripled, but at least she has the excuse of being poor.

JHJ should be commended for his performance in "Only You" because he transcends the physical limitations of his appearance (meaning his wardrobe.) Anybody else would have looked absolutely ridiculous in those scarlet, orange, turquoise, yellow, green, purple.......outfits AND those bell-bottom trousers! Out of this colourful mess emerges a man who is obstinate in his love, determined in his objective, brave in his actions, and tender in his unreasonableness. Cha Eun Jae cannot resist Han Yi Joon, and neither can countless JHJ fans who meet him first here.

As for me, I can now overlook the less-than-satisfactory wardrobe and appreciate the essence beneath the surface. But I still think only JHJ can take on such a role in such motley costumes and get away with it. Anybody else would end up looking like a clown.


(Credit for photos: cafe.daum.net.hyunjaelove.jp; carpediemJapan by Param; johyunjae.hk. Thanks!)

Killing me softly with his song

I underwent an eye operation recently.........STOP! If you find this too morbid, just enjoy the assorted photos of Jo Hyun-Jae above and sign off.

I've never had an operation before, but I'm not the squeamish type, and in any case, this is just a minor operation. My first impression was: the OT didn't really look like what I saw on TV. My second impression was: my ophthalmologist looked different in a surgical cap and gown.

Next thing I knew, I was lying on the operation table. My face was covered with a thick cloth, so that even my good eye could not see anything. My bad eye was taped open, so the doctor could work on it.

An oxygen tube was stuffed into my nostrils, in case I suffocate, I suppose.

The doctor said: "I'm going to inject you now and it's going to hurt -- a little." It hurt more than a little, but once the local anaesthetics set in , I didn't feel a thing around my eye.

The doctor kept saying: "Relax! Relax!" but how could I when I could distinctly hear him saying: "Forceps." "Knife." and "Water cornea." (whatever that is) and I had the funny feeling I was the piece of meat on the butcher block.

How did I get through my half-hour operation? First I started praying. After I finished reciting a whole rosary, the doctor was still not done. So I began to think about Jo Hyun-Jae and quickly ran through all his dramas. And came to rest on Andrea.

Thinking about Andrea (or JHJ as Andrea) had a calming effect on me. I saw in my mind's eye his innocent face, his sweet smile, his grace under pressure -- and I felt better.

And then somehow I came to focus on the Crown Prince in "Great Ambition" (Dae Mang). That scene in which he was talking to the wall appeared over and over again in my mind. He looked so forlorn, so helpless, so solitary that it broke my heart. I sniffed a little and the doctor barked: "Don't move!"

Somehow dwelling on the Crown Prince's plight took my mind off my own situation. JHJ has the capacity to help me through physical ordeals. The last time was at the dentist, but that is another story.

JHJ's own life (especially his early life) has not exactly been a bed of roses, but there is not the slightest trace of ravage in his face. JHJ has a serenity about him that is quite extraordinary, considering how hard he had to struggle and how much he had to suffer as a teenager. The Chinese have a saying: "Your looks reflect your heart." JHJ's heart must be pure for him to look so serene. There is an outer-worldly quality about him, an aura of tranquillity, an above-the-fray demeanor, a "far from the madding crowd" attitude, a certain aloofness that could be mistaken for arrogance. The eyes are windows into the soul. His eyes are so clear and so luminous that you feel you can read his heart. He may be a good actor, but he cannot fool all of the people all of the time. So I'm convinced what you see is what you get.

I thought about JHJ all day, because after the anaesthetics wore off, the pain came. I did not want to take any painkillers. JHJ is my painkiller. My eye (that was operated on) was under an eye-patch and I could not wear my glasses, so I could not see anything clearly. I could only see JHJ in my mind's eye, so I spent the whole day (and the next) dreaming of him. At least I could listen to him on my MP3, so I let him kill me softly with his songs.

Because of you

Song "Eddy" by the late Danny Chan

Life is still -- like the silent waters of the lake
Comes to life because of you
Becomes an eddy because of you
Filled with laughter because of you

Life is quiet-- like running water
Becomes myriads of beauty because of you
Becomes fountains of happiness because of you
And leaves marks of joy

Silence is like a song
That feels like poetry
Sweet is the longing in your eyes
Remembered even in my dreams
These days of unimaginable beauty

(Sung in Cantonese and lyrics translated into English.)
(Credit: kk of johyunjae.hk. Thanks!)