Jo Hyun Jae in “Father and Sons”

The following is an article in a Korean magazine (summer 2001), introducing Jo Hyun-Jae in the SBS drama “Father and Sons”.  The drama premiered on July 21, 2001 on SBS, and ended its run on October 28, 2001.

Editor:  JHJ was then known as “LEE Hyun-Jae”.  He later resumed his real surname “JO”.

A brand new actor Lee Hyun-Jae.

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Not 제 (Je), but 재 (Jae) — Lee Hyun-Jae corrected me.

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Many people don’t care about how their names are written, but Lee Hyun-Jae shyly confirmed the proper way to write his name — Lee Hyun-JAE.

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There are so many new actors. There are many who want to become actors and many who want to find new actors. There are many with good figures and fresh looks, but the age at which appearance determines everything has passed.

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In SBS’ weekend drama “Father and Sons”, the actor Lee Hyun-Jae’s sweet smile attracted a lot of viewers. His radiant smile reminds one of the good, kind young man in the fields of times past. In this time and age when good looks is a definite advantage, Hyun-Jae’s fine features bring a breath of fresh air.

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But why is it that when I actually see him, I do not sense the pastoral feel at all. His sculptured profile and his sparkling eyes are so dynamic. Hyun-Jae has the superior appearance of a fine actor: simply handsome and as required by the drama. No matter what the role is, he can dramatise it with many rich facial expressions.

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Looking at the fresh-faced Hyun-Jae who plays the youngest son in the new weekend drama “Father and Sons”, I see a sweet young man full of dreams, so fine and fresh, beautiful bright eyes, full of artistic feelings. They say people with pure souls have particularly clear eyes. Hyun-Jae must have the soul of an angel. Such clear eyes, so remarkable on close scrutiny!

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Because of a stellar cast, the SBS weekend drama “Father and Sons” attracted a lot of attention lately. Some parts have been decided beforehand. Finally, there leaves the role of the youngest son. Who is to play the youngest son? Such an important role in a weekend drama — all newcomers want to play this role. Why did it finally fall to Hyun-Jae?

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It is said because of his “potential”. Hyun-Jae said: “When I was in primary school, I was very shy. Probably a lot of my classmates won’t remember me. I was small and said little.”

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Most actors have one thing in common — they may look ordinary, but once they are on stage they become someone else; they lose themselves in their performance. But Hyun-Jae is not like that.

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How does such a shy person perform?

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“I don’t understand how to do well in talk shows. Even if I really want to, there is nothing I can do.” But he has a voice that is clear and pleasant to compensate for his shortcomings. Like Mozart’s passion, like Beethoven’s tirelessness — he never lets up.

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Hyun-Jae was discovered in a gym. “They saw me exercising in the gym and signed me up. I was really lucky.”

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Recently, the drama division wants to recruit him too. It is as if fate is leading him onto the entertainment road. A TV series has a very tight schedule — shooting 5 days a week. Hyun-Jae feels very thankful to be doing this at the moment.

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Hyun-Jae mentions that he has been “scolded” by the director till he cries and despairs. He is an introvert and is often immersed in his character; he wants to be able to control his emotions as an actor.

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From the beginning to the end of this interview, Hyun-Jae often ponders long and hard over an answer. He has the qualities to be a great actor. He will become an actor of substance and depth — this is certain.

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Editor:  I created this post on October 15, 2012 but changed the date to July 30, 2001 for archiving purposes.  I don’t know the exact date this article came out, the date I used is just an approximation.

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Credit: Photos and article by Crystal in EVERjohyunjae’s Japanese forum. This English version is translated from the Chinese version on johyunjaeChina by 苹果芊芊. Edited by wulijohyunjae.  Thanks!