Japanese Magazine Interview of Jang Keun Suk by HOT CHILI PAPER
Q: First of all, from childhood appeared in the “Ladies of the Palace ” began to talk about it?
JKS: It was 15 years old, because when I was a child star, it seems to have appeared in works of fiction can not be introduced. I started modeling around 6 years old, the first time as a child star on TV is in year 1997 called “Happiness for Sale”
Q: Still having any memories you remember at the filming scene?
A: In the “Ladies of the Palace “, because it was a very cold day I was wearing a hanbok filming, or in the folk village and fell … all remember very clearly, my memory is not so good. I remember there was a child of Nanjing with a cylinder, and then I threw a stone smashed to the vat cylinder play, because of my mistake, that was my child’s face hit the stone throwing.
Q: Are you afraid of the adults at the filming scene?
JKS: Fear ah (laughs). Cried a lot at the scene. Filming the scene is also a social one, although I am surrounded by great people say “lovely”, very kind to me. But another, even child star, as the actor has not done. However,when i was a child , that things really do not know, just happy to play with brothers and, as the scene of things, happy and busy crying. So as an adult, “how to read the script yet ah!” A man cried many times. From the film “Happiness for sale” i started to shot a man to live. Buses and subways … not once, accompanied by their parents had.
Q: Even when you are alone?
JKS: as a child star (laughs). Plus my mother will not follow me to the site of the type, I am grateful to my mother had to do so. They hate to pay tribute to the staff, “My son please everyone had.” Mom wanted me to be strong, no matter what, not only the cry … of course, at that time I was crying, and now be able to withstand different level test.
Q: In year 2002 you play a role in “Ladies in the palace” and” The Great Ambition ” the time has what to change?
JKS: From started to have the manager at that time. I starred in a mobile communication company’s advertising, is known gradually by the people….But, I do not have what change.In child star time although has to the enthusiasm which acts in a play, but to oneself completely to own future design blueprint, again has not grown up, also has the possibility to have other dream.
Q: After that, you played in a youth sitcom “Orange” right?
JKS: “Orange” in fact than the “Great Ambition” to early. My memory, just think of heat it (laughs). In the big summer filming, a lot of swimming scene, each episode is happy to participate in playing the shot. Filming took three months total, in addition, there is no memory of it. That was when i was 16 years old,and then next year I went abroad to study.
Jang Keun Suk was an active as a child star, before the fans are very famous. Opportunity is a kindergarten, to accept the recommendations of the teacher, principal, spokesperson of the children’s clothing. It later appeared in an ad and soon embarked on the road … even when acting simultaneously with the school shooting drama, etc., but at that time still “think I would become an actor.”
However, the mother looked like him, “if we do not have to study hard, then …” very disturbed mind.
Q: You go to abroad to study at new zealand?
JKS: Yes, in junior high school before graduation, my mother said to me, “If we do not learn, do not know when to be delayed to.” At that time, has been known for, it has been impossible for ordinary life in school. Mom said, “out of school you most want to learn it.” So went to New Zealand, and her mother together.
Q: Your mom has skilled in english?
JKS: No, absolutely not. (Laughs) Mom and I went to school to learn English. Not speak English, so the year and I live in a foreign country with not a easy choice. Mom is a respectable woman.
Q: What was life in New Zealand?
JKS: Well, even if standing in front of foreigners, not panic. Foreigners, especially Europeans and Americans to himself, “to speak to me, how to do …” was was very afraid and ran away a lot of people. I am not good at speaking English, how to say it is now standing in front of the West will not feel afraid. Their first friendly greeting, for example, if people ask for, I can very good guiding, I am in New Zealand full access to this kind of self-confidence.
Q: After you finished your study you appeared in the “Nonstop 4” 17-year-old played a “very sharp sense of the trend of the medical students.” I heard you have your own idea of a creative personality.
JKS: When i met the director, I said to him, “I wanted to play a child, doctors wanted to do, also likes to play the medical students.” Screenplay based on actual role of Medical Students, I am really surprised . As “Nonstop 4” is the situation comedy, though there are stories and moving, but the most important thing is that amused the audience laugh. Think so, I still need a lot of challenges. Create buzzwords, you can also say that the time lines with wonderful movement. Because I felt very strange, I have done a lot of attempts, so if the audience responded well, but also introduced new ideas.
Q: Then, you take up a role in “Lovers in Prague”, of a high school student who wanted to get the attend of your president father therefore playing truant?
JKS: I want to demostrate a different image from “Nonstop 4”. what i remember, the filming dates actually clash with the released of the University Admission Examinations Result. Thus, my mind is thinking all about the ‘what if’ for the examinations result, though i still passed it successfully. And “Lovers in Prague” act as my last project before hitting 20.
Q: What exactly happened during the filming of “Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do”?
JKS: To tell the truth, both “Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do” and “Baby and I” are not those project which i volunteered to take part in. Sorry for being so straightforward. [laughs] But that was the truth.
Q: Can’t you reject the offer?
JKS: Because the management have already sign a contract on filming the movie with the company, so there’s no way to turn it back. Also I heard from some high level officers too that, I won’t do what i hate and don’t feel like doing; This is my personality! Not those kind like a dictator kind of disposition. Also, even if i put all my heart into the role, I am also not sure if the project will be successfully present out. And after i finish one project, they will come up immediately to pass the exhausted me the next project’s script which makes me feel more stressful.
Also, i can’t really focus fully at the filming site. The only thing i could do is by complaining to my manager, “why am i here ah?”, thats how i finished filming “Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do”.
Q: Did the filming go on smoothly?
JKS: Other than “Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do”, there’s still other things happening around.[laughs] Halfway through the filming, the investment stop, thus filming have to stop too. Then, I took up “Hwang Jin-Yi” , “Hong Gil Dong” and “Happy Life”. Then, we suddenly received a phone call one day about saying “Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do” is to be back to filming, which is 2years later. “No matter what, we have to finish the movie filming.” asking, “why?” It’s very common in Korea media industry about the fact that you have to accept it silently and finish the filming without knowing the answer to why.
Q: The story is quite interesting, or is there’s some secret on it?
JKS: Looking at the script, it’s not that bad. However, if taking a house as example, no matter how strong and good the rack , there is no guarantee that the house will be perfectly build. Drama and movie has also the same philosophy. Not only the script, the actors, directors, cameraman, all have to cooperate perfectly well so as to present a very good film at the end. From this story, I think that I really have to protect myself very well, and let one become more stronger. At that time, no matter how unwilling i am towards the filming, i can still put some zealous in it, maybe there will be some changes to it because at the end of the day, my name will be on it. Thinking in that way, i find it quite a pity.
Q: Next is “One missed Call”, is it one which you decided to take up after much thinking?
JKS: AHH HAHA!~ that’s the matter. [laughs] I was 19 near 20 at that time, and i received a call and asking me to go for an audition after hearing that they’re looking for an actor near that age range. Also, i didn’t have any project on hand at that time, thats the project i took up when i was finding a opportunity for an audition.
Q: Are you currently still in contact with your partners Maki Horikita and Meisa Kuroki?
JKS: Nope. We’re not that close during filming itself. Actually i am one who won’t exchange number with the actors/actresses who im collaborating with. In such way, i can continue the feeling of being nervous, and even without exchanging number, the actors/actresses can still interact well and also gaining respect. If there’s a meetup during the private time for a drink or so, that will make me not keeping the nervous in me.
So i didn’t have any female celebrities friends, AHH! other than, Kim Heechul. [laughs]
Q: Both Maki Horikita and Meisa Kuroki are quite famous now.
JKS: From their point of view, this project is the same as “Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do” to me. [laughs]
Q: Is there any possibility for filming any Japan work in the future?
JKS: Of course, i won’t be rejecting it. The most important thing of choosing a project/work is the script, and the thing which is as important as the script is “i really want to take up this role” kind of passion. So if i really fall in love with the particular drama/project/work, even if it’s a comedy, i will accept without a second thought. Ahh, Yes! I kept hearing about im the type of person that japanese like, ahh, then why i still can’t become Bae Yong-joon ahh. [laughs]
Q: Hmm? Bae Yong-joon is your target? Both of you are in different style ar…
JKS: No, No. I don’t want to become Bae Yong-joon. Er… won’t it be weird if i say it in this way? I am not denying on how good Bae Yong-joon is. [laughs] I just want to be confirm by the people of my talent and fanbased that kind of meaning.
Q: As compared with some of the Korean actors, Keun Suk body size is in the Thin[苗条] category, Planning to become a muscle man?
JKS: In that case, i can wear those trendy fashion clothes that i like. [laughs] Regarding body size, every actor have different views on it. For me, i don’t really want to grow some outstanding muscles because i don’t like to work out!
Because of preparing to film “You’re My Pet” and to meet the film role, then i started to work out recently, Ballet dance is the main focus. Still having some jogging, cycling. In this way, im not afraid of being a muscle man!
Jang Keun Suk finally met the project of his heart in 2006, “Hwang Jin-i”. In the drama, he acted Kim Eun Ho, the first love of which Ha Ji-won took up, Hwang Jin-i. Both of them fall in love with each other and become a lover, however it ended in tragic due to the different level of status they’re in. At that time, the Netizens were surrounded by this particular character, and resulted in many different views. Worrying the age gap between Ha Ji-won and him will be a problem and also the criticism for his acting skills are quite not less.
Q: How did you see the opinions of people with regards of your role?
JKS: To me, “this is not a wall which cannot be overcome.”
“Why do you have to put Jang Keun Suk beside Ha Ji-won?” For the opinions and views of the people, i think, “Let you all say all you want, i will prove you all wrong! I will let you all see!”, As compared to present, that time im still a youth who is still young and crazy, [laughs] but because of this passion, i can really focus on the role, Eun Ho itself.
Q: How did you manage to walk into the mental&physical state of Eunho?
JKS: In fact, I just broke up with my girlfriend whom i really like alot. The one who ask for break up is her, and I don’t have any meaning by heart thus i keep apologizing to her. Still she said the word of leaving after what i did. So, I went to her place and wait for her but i got “Don’t wait for me” in return… Then, i wrote a letter to her everyday, she only replied … “Let’s stop it here.”… The reason is when i accidentally say the word of breakup during a mini quarrel that leds to this. The stubborn of being selfish. I keep thinking that if i can still be with her till now, love her alot, and can’t leave without her, but she just left me like this. The hurting me didn’t go out for at least a month, never did i have a meals normally, and keep coping up at home. Lost of motivations, no energy to do anything, loss alot of weight, and become very thin. At that point of time when im feeling real down, i received “Hwang Jin-i” ‘s script.
Q: Do you feel pain when you think of the girl during shooting?
A：Not when im acting Eun Ho, but when EunHo become me, that feeling came up to me.
That time, because of only feeling heartpain so only know how to cry. And also tried reading the script in the car, but end up crying and sobbing secretly. Sometimes, i will regard Ha Ji-won noona’s face as the girl. Though, i still want to do more things for the girl but this wish is no longer can be fulfilled. This makes me and EunHo’s feeling to be parallel. Not only during acting, after acting and filming, just to find back my ownself, i really did suffer for a few moment.
Q：Feeling pain … but being an actor…
A：Though it’s quite torturing, but the sadness/pain did helps my acting alot.
Q：Wedding proposal site is very romantic. Are you one who are romantic too?
A：To be truth, it’s me who like to create the romantic feel. Let me tell you a few of my childish story for the Hot.Chili.Paper’s readers. [laughs] I actually did by letting balloons out with strips tying on it writing “i love you” and let it up to the air when the car boot is open. And, tried writing letters on the diary for the next 3months then send it out as a present on the anniversary. But the most romantic thing i did was by renting a Limousine on anniversary day and bring her around for a ride!
Q：Limousine? It’s sure very expensive!
A：It’s not what i imagine! I only have to pay 20million won, not only car there’s also chauffeur too. [laughs] After renting the car for 2hours, we went for a ride in han river and had red wine in the car.
Q：Do you like yourself being so romantic? If not, like seeing the reaction of the other party?
A：Erm~ i like myself when doing different kinds of plan…. Because of girlfriend, i strive for myself and are very proud of it. Other than that, i find it very cool by doing some actions to prove to her that i like her and by not telling ‘i love you’ by mouth only.
Q：So, do you have any other plans you want to try on?
A：Because im an actor, plus im very confident of editing videos myself. So, first i will book the whole theatre down and play the video that i made myself then both of us will have popcorns while watching the video on screen, it’s sure exciting! But however, if i were to do that, that will be quite a big expenses. AHH~ i don’t have so much money! [laughs]
Q：Thinking back, what is the presence of tv drama “Hwang Jin-i” to Jang Keun Suk?
A: “Hwang Jin-i” is my first starting line and pathway for being an actor. I dream of being an actor, and the first time i understand what an actor needs to be after this project. Because i’ve got my own love experience, thus, “Hwang Jin-i” is no other than other people’s story but my story. The first time i used my own experience to act; And from that on, the perspective of me to everything single thing changed. Until today, no matter where i go, I will bring manager with me. Food will be prepared for me when i said im hungry, and still will make appointment with the salon, So, now i will do my own things myself.
Because, if one who live in luxury, can’t talk about acting at all. If never used own experience to act, that will be the same as reading the lines out from the script.
Recently, the event at Hanyang University, Lounge H, I contact the sponsors myself, and also write my own proposal to get approval for the organising of the event. In the event of lost & found during the event itself, all the calling and compensation is done by myself. By doing this, i learn new things again. It’s not the manager who live for my life, not the parents who close the curtain and hide me in somewhere, it’s me who find activities for myself, and gain some experience from there and overcome the new challenge. These might also help me in the entertainment industry in the future…
Q：You gained the importance of experience in “Hwang Jin-i”.
A：Yes! I understand how important is it to experience so much. So i don’t really like manager. [laughs] Because they are the ones who do things on my behalf. Take this interview today as an exception, in daily lives, i wish to do everything by myself.
Q：The movie “Happy Life” which is up after “Hwang Jin-i” is also one that made you learn alot? In my memory, i remembered that you said something that “it’s the turning point of your life in some interview. ”
A：When i was shooting “Hwang Jin-i”, all im feeling and thinking is “manager can’t live my life on my behalf.” All the seniors who are involve in the show all knows this point. Seeing them walking out from their residence area, and sat at the bench infront of the convenience store and chat till 4am in the morning, i was thinking, “I also want to try living that kind of life” But if it’s not what the fans and the people around me wants, it will be like a live bird living in a cage which cannot be like that. I want to be a bird which can fly out of the cage and not one which is trap inside, yeah.
Q: In the drama “Hong Gil Dong”, you acted as one who seek revenge, Lee Chang Hwui. According to your saying, “It’s the first idol period” [laughs]
A：Not only clashing with the movie “Baby and I”, also i’ve 7 commercial offers, so it’s very tiring. But at this circumstances, i still have to perform the role of Chang Hwui well no matter what.
Q：How do you feel when you’re in the role of Chang Hwui?
A：Tv drama itself is very angry, and interested, and it’s only me who acted as Chang Hwui this very scary role. It’s like out of the whole drama atmosphere and so at the beginning it’s quite panicking. However, by chatting with Ji Hwan hyung and other actors, we got the same feeling too. Just by only filming, it’s a continuous pain. [laughs] Filming is mainly done in the mountains, and it’s very cold. So my feeling towards cold have already reached pathological type of hate, plus we have to leave Seoul & back home once in 2weeks. And when schedules are tight, you have to rush back to the filming scene right after you wash up. If this life continues, the mood will become worsen. Not only me, the staff and the actors are all becoming more and more impatient. Continue on, the atmosphere will become very heavy. I think, thats how i ended the filming well in that particular situation.
Q：Next is “Beethoven Virus”.
A：After “Hong Gil Dong” and “Baby and I”, I went to europe for a vacation for about 2months. And before leaving for the trip, i told my manager, “If you were to give me a script during my vacation, I will tear it and burn it down without a second thought!” [laughs] I just didn’t want to talk about work for the time being. Just like what i said earlier, schedules becoming more and more tight, body become more and more weak, plus fatigue and heart limping down. “Though i don’t know if i will go back to korea, just don’t care about me…” I still remember thats what i said that time…
Still, my manager start sending me the script via e-mail. [laughs] And at that time im at Germany having my vacation, plus thinking if i should open it before deleting it.
“Maybe this will be the period I decide to take up the next project or not…” and this mindset change, so i open up the mail and read the script without deleting it. Then i started to fall inlove with it after reading 2 episodes, so I called up the company and say, “i want to take up the role”
Q：Which part of it that attracts you?
A：The music is played with bass, also the art piece is Lee Jae Kyu production. Plus, there’s also the participation of Kim Myung-min sunbae in the drama. I know i can learn alot of things from the senior. Also Lee Soon Jae sunbae also, this production is very important to me.
Q：What’s your impression of Kim Myung-min sunbae?
A：Asking for perfection for every single thing but not as stubborn as Kang Gun-woo. [laughs] I am the last to confirm for the role in this drama, because i didn’t want to disappoint the sunbaes so i did put alot of effort in it. If i didn’t start on learning trumpet, there will be alot of trouble, and this is not like other projects/production, because i don’t feel a single pain during filming itself. During shooting, even if there’s no time to sleep i don’t really feel the impatient in me acting on. Not only myself, everyone was very happy while filming this, which i find it weird.
Q：Everyone was very harmony at the scene
A：Maybe it’s because of using music as the theme, when filming the performance, the actors seems to be in the line with the music and stick together. The notes which is out of tune slowly becomes in harmony, though it’s only filming, however when the performance ended, it really touches people’s heart and left in tears.
Q：Not regretting on rejecting “Boys Over Flower” for “Beethoven Virus”?
A：Ah haha. [laughs] I think i made a good choice myself. Plus, the result get from “Boys Over Flower”, I can get it through from “You’re Beautiful”
Q: “You’re Beautiful” script is written by “Hong Gil Dong” Hong sister’s script writer right?
A：I heard the sisters wrote the script while thinking of me. After reading the script, though it’s just only the draft, my mind have open a very fresh image of it. Through this drama, i think i can fully present the cute and fresh image of the 23 years of age myself. So, i agreed on the role immediately. But this drama have alot of questions. [laughs] While during filming, we changed alot of production company. And both producers are quite worried, “What should we do if Keun Suk also give up?”. “No problem, after reading the script… i’ve analyse the character roles myself, contact me if there’s a confirm schedule date for filming”, i said. After this and that, we finally started filming in August.
Q：Many said the character HwangTaeKyung is almost alike to the role Kang Gun-woo that Kim Myung-min acted in “Beethoven Virus”
A：After hearing this, it will be fake if i say im not stress over it. Because TaeKyung’s lines is very self-centered, the thought of me using Kang Gun-woo as a reference is off from my list. thus, i used the editor in “The Devil wears Prada”, Miranda as a reference.
Q：Have you finish watching “You’re Beautiful”?
A：Yes, on the day I got the DVD I’ve confirm over the phone and there’s no any part which i find it a pity, just that the tight schedules rushing for filming is quite a sorry. When we just finish filming in the morning on the script, there’s another scene in the afternoon. but the main script haven’t get on hand… so in that case, all the actors and staffs have to persevere till the last together.
Q：Any views on the same time broadcast drama, “IRIS”?
A：I don’t feel that it’s broadcasted at the same time will make it feel like a loss. Because i will watch the replay of “IRIS” on weekends. Just that i don’t feel that there’s a battle of luck in it.
Q：So is your character same like TaeKyung?
A：Erm~ How do i put it? When im working, i can’t tolerate a bit of mistake, and im very picky. But after finishing work, i will thanks my manager and the staff for all that they did, “Though im not very strict in the requirements, but in order not the fall into the last, i pull it through all together” Still prepare present. But, when i start working again, i will be sensitive to the degree of touch. That’s my character.
Q：Accurately speaking, what is Taekyung to you？
A：One who can allow the 20years old plus me shine, and the role which is most alike to Jang Keun Suk’s character.
Because of Hwang Tae Kyung sequela, and the uncomfortable Jang Keun Suk, all slowly resolve. Now, to meet the new image of his for the upcoming movie, “You’re My Pet”, he’s preparing everyday.
“Though, I don’t know if people will think in a way of that not seeing me on tv screen is because im playing outside everyday. But, to be truth, everyday im at some place which you all can’t see me and learning things seriously and adding own-valued to my life.”
He left the studio after leaving this message behind just to rush for his english class.
One who determined to change himself, and to play the role of Jang Keun Suk, he promised, “For the next production, I will give everyone an image that no one has seen before”
Translated by: pinky@jkscrisg
Credit: Baidu, miniejungle, daily_tofu
reposted : searsblog
Cri-Jang Keun Suk Malaysia 