Song Ji Hyo: “It took me a year to be able to speak comfortably to Running Man’s Tiger, Kim Jong Kook”

Running Man‘s ‘Ace’ Song Ji Hyo laid bare her thoughts about her feelings when she first began filming for Running Man in a recent interview with Newsen, revealing that she is one who has a tendency of going along with her first impressions and feelings, and that she is ‘very reserved in front of guys’.

Known to the audience of the SBS variety programme,‘Good Sunday-Running Man’, as ‘Miss Mong (Blank/Vacant) and ‘Ace’, Song Ji Hyo’s unconventional charms have gained her a huge following.  Her exploding popularity among elementary schoolchildren has also gained her a new alias, which can be loosely translated from Korean as ‘Chief of Elementary Schoolchildren’ (‘초통령’).

If Song Ji Hyo had not chosen to do ‘Running Man’, it would have been an unfortunate accident, as the ‘Ace’ has proven that she is the right woman in the right place right now. Assenting to this hesitatingly, Song Ji Hyo gives a furtive smile while airing her honest thoughts on the compliment being paid to her as possible only ‘because of the viewers’ support’ for ‘Running Man’, as [she] still ‘bristles at the recollection of her performance during the first shooting’ for the programme.

“I made my debut with Wishing Stairs, but after that production, I strangely beginning to appear in productions that had huge male casts. I have seen and heard many comments like ‘I think Song Ji Hyo is really feminine’ and ‘Isn’t Song Ji Hyo a vixen?’ (laughs) In the initial phase of ‘Running Man’, as the only rose among the thorns, I thought I received a warm reception. Presently? As you have seen, now..well..”(laughs again).

Every time the ‘Running Man’ members call out Song Ji Hyo’s name, they never fail to remind her that she is a female, and an actress. Each time the focus returns back to these facts, the overwhelming pressure that arises have caused Song Ji Hyo to worry and to reconsider (her actions). “If I like it, it must be alright (to act in a certain way). I am funny, aren’t I?” says Song Ji Hyo, who appears to be judging for herself how she should present herself in the difficult world of variety in order to keep her reputation as the ‘Ace’.

“I think the males and females have(natural) tendencies that make us different. With (Kim) Jong Kook oppa, it is indeed a fact that it took us a year before we could let go of speech formalities and speak comfortably to one another. Even the title ‘oppa’ itself was [a] difficult [appellation for me to use]. It was the same with HaHa and Gary oppa as well. Although that [title] is used during filming, from the beginning, titles like ‘hyung hyung’ and ‘senior’ were more regularly used (by me). After having filmed together for one year, somehow it seems like we have become one family. [During filming] we use harsh words to attack each other, saying things like ‘really? Okay, I get it’ and then letting things pass coolly. I think that made [Running Man] become much more interesting”.

Although Song Ji Hyo regards variety shows as ‘works (of art)’ similar to dramas and movies, she reveals that she did feel burdened when repeatedly she was posed this question: “How did an actress [like you] end up doing a variety programme?” Song Ji Hyo offers her explanation on why she thinks they are not that different after all:

“It might be just me, but I wish to remove the perceived distinction between a person who acts and a person who does variety shows. Variety can also be considered as a ‘work (of art)’. No, it is a real ‘work (of art)’. Doesn’t it also give the same feeling as a drama which one looks forward to watching every week? (laughs) I know it is different after all but I just hope people would enjoy watching [the show]. I too will work hard in order to show a different image to everyone, because there is no reason to cover up or to fix [what I’ve shown thus far]”.

In related news, ‘Running Man’ has just aired its 121^st episode with Lee Seung Gi and Park Shin Hye as guests. The next episode on the 2^nd of Dec is a return to the good old times of the 1980/90s, starring guests Goo Hara (KARA), Kim Wan Sun, Park Nam Jung, Kang Su Ji and members of Fire Engine.

Source (News & Picture): newsen

 

 

Interview: hellokpop chats with David Choi and Clara C in Atlanta

hellokpop had the pleasure of meeting with David Choi and Clara C for an in-depth interview, in Atlanta. Read to the end for a special treat coming up soon!

The evening was chilly and rain showers were expected, but that didn’t stop diehard David Choi and Clara C fans from queuing up to be first in the door at The Vinyl at Center Stage, on Wednesday, November 14, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Atlanta was the fifteenth stop on David and Clara’s 2012 North American Fall Tour. Sponsored by YesStyle.com, the tour took about two months and spanned twelve U.S. states and two cities in Canada. Since their home is Los Angeles, David and Clara do not get to Atlanta too often. So, this rare appearance here thrilled their Atlanta fans, especially the new ones who had just discovered them and their amazing talent.

“I’m a new fan,” Carlos said. “My friend told me there was going to be a concert today, so I thought it would be a really great experience to get to know them more by going to their show.”

“I recently became a fan because of my friends I came with tonight,” Samantha said. “I’m really excited to see Clara C, because she has a beautiful voice. It’s so exciting to actually see her in person.”

“I recently found out about them also,” Mi Keun said. “I heard so much about them. I heard their songs in my friend’s car and they were so beautiful. I love Clara C’s songs. And I’ve seen so many of their covers and they are really good. I really enjoy their music.”

The show opened with a moving performance by spoken word artist, Kavi Vu, winner of Kollaboration Atlanta 5, and several original tunes from keyboardist Brandon Ghorley.

Then, it was time for Clara C to hit the stage.

Clara started off the show with Quesadilla, a bluesy number from her latest album, esc. Backed by the tour’s awesomely talented band (Electric Guitar – Ken Belcher; Keys – Brandon Ghorley; Drums – Josh Doyle; Bass – Tyler “Taco” Carroll), she followed with more songs from esc., including a funky False Start and a rocking Wanting What I Need.

Having missed the show in Charlotte, North Carolina, due to illness, Clara appeared especially determined to give it her all—and that she did. Even though she didn’t seem particularly pleased with parts of her vocal performance, fans in the audience had no such complaints.

“I’ve been a fan of hers since she first started putting up YouTube videos,” said avid Clara C fan, Hannah. “Every time she’s been to Atlanta, I’ve missed her. I spent my summer in Korea actually, and she was there, but I missed her then, too…and I finally got to hear her tonight, and she sounds so much better live.  And on top of that she says she’s sick. She doesn’t sound sick at all!”

“I wasn’t really a fan of hers [Clara C] before,” said Nathan, “but listening to her live, I was like, whoa! She’s pretty amazing. I didn’t realize she was that good, but I’m going to start listening to her more now.”

Clara closed out a spectacular performance by asking the crowd for a song request. The winner, hands down, was her new romantic ballad, Fish. Judging from the crowd’s reaction, Fish is sure to become everyone’s favorite “wedding song.”

 

After a brief intermission, David Choi claimed the stage with Underneath Your Love and Can’t Take This Away, two feel-good love songs from his new album, Forever and Ever. More new songs followed, as well as some old favorites like So Weightless and That Girl.

The biggest crowd-pleasers of the night were Lucky Guy, which David revealed was based on a sad (but true) story from his love life, and Rollercoaster, a bittersweet, poetic song with which many fans in the audience appeared to relate.

 

He topped off his performance with a sweet rendition of By My Side, a sweet song and the title-track of his second album.

What? It was over already? Not if the fans could help it. Shouts of “encore” brought both David and Clara back to the stage to perform their duet, Darling, it’s You, their tour kick-off song, sponsored by YesStyle.

  

After the show, the stars held a meet-and-greet, where they autographed merchandise and took quick photos with some of their fans.  Then, David and Clara graciously sat down with our hellokpop crew for a chat.   We thoroughly enjoyed talking with them.

Hellokpop Chats with David Choi and Clara C

November 14, 2012, The Vinyl at Center Stage, Atlanta, Georgia

hkp: The first thing I want to tell you is that tonight’s was an awesome performance.

David and Clara: Thank you!

hkp: Especially kudos to you, Clara. What a trooper you are, being so sick and feeling so bad and still doing the show—and now this interview. We really appreciate your both being so generous with your time.

Clara and David: No problem!

hkp: So, how did you two decide to get together to do this tour? Where did that come from?

Clara: Well, we were just sitting on a couch.

David: Yeah, we were just sitting on a couch.

Clara: And I was like, “You wanna tour together?” And David said– (cues David)

David: Yeah! (laugh)

Clara: Badda bing, badda boom.

David and Clara: (laugh)

David: Easy as pie.

hkp: Where did you two meet?

Clara: Oooh.

David: The first time we met? I think it was at the San Diego Film Festival?

Clara: We did? I don’t recall.

David: I saw her performing, and I said, “Hey, you were great!” And then that was the end of that. And then I think I saw her somewhere else.

Clara: Yeah, I just kept pestering him. I just kept popping up at events where he was. I don’t know.

David: Well, it worked. We became really good friends after that.

hkp: That’s awesome. So, you are enjoying your tour?

David and Clara: Yes.

hkp: What has it been like to tour across the United States and into Canada? I know you’ve stopped at a lot of places.

David: Whew, yes. It’s great, but it’s also tough.

Clara: Oh, yeah. It’s hot and cold. But it’s amazing.

David; It’s a lot of this (gestures across the venue).

Clara. Yeah, it’s a rollercoaster ride. It’s a lot of driving. Like, tomorrow we’ll be riding for fifteen hours, going to Austin, Texas.

hkp: That’s a long trip, but Austin’s a great city for musicians.

Clara: Oh, definitely. I love Texas.

David: We have to go.

hkp: Of course you do. I understand that YesStyle is sponsoring this concert tour.

David and Clara: Yes.

hkp: What’s has it been like working with them? I know you did a music video for them.

David: Yeah, we did.

hkp: That was a really cool video. Where was that shot?

Clara: Ooh. All over Los Angeles.

hkp: What about the part with the airplanes?

David: In the Mojave desert there is an airplane graveyard, where a bunch of broken airplanes are just sitting. It was done there. It was amazing.

Clara: Yes, it was.

hkp: I enjoyed that a lot. I particularly loved the fashion in that video. YesStyle seems to be extremely supportive.

David: They are very supportive.

Clara: They are really easy to work with and they are good people.

hkp: Have most of the venues on your tour been this size? The size of The Vinyl?

David: It fluctuates.

Clara: It varies. We’ve gone as big as six hundred plus in some places. And there have been much smaller venues too.

hkp: I asked that because this venue was awesome. As an audience member I really appreciated such an intimate venue.

David: Yeah, this venue is great. It is so intimate.

Clara: Yeah.

hkp: Once you get really big, it will be impossible for you to perform in places like these. So, we’re grateful we got to be here and see you perform in such an intimate space. Your band was also great. How did your band come together, by the way?

Clara: I handpicked them all.

hkp: Did you?

Clara: Yes. I knew them. I knew how well they played. They are all the greatest players I know—and the greatest people.

hkp: Well, please tell them we thought they were awesome too.

Clara: I will. I will relay that message.

(L to R: Tyler “Taco” Carroll, Josh Doyle, Brandon Ghorley, and Ken Belcher)

hkp: Let’s talk career for a few minutes. How did you both get started in music? I’m pretty sure that your fans and our readers at hellokpop.com know a lot about this subject already. So, give us something that we don’t know. When you got started in music what made you decide that this was it? I’ve now decided that I’m going to be a musician—regardless of the fact that it’s a difficult industry in which to work.

David: Hm. To phrase it differently than I have in the past? At first, I didn’t know that I could be creative. Initially, I was practicing music that was already written by the greats. I was playing classical music, piano and jazz—things like that. So, at first, I didn’t realize that I could create my own music. So, that first thought, that I could create my own music, grabbed me, and was the main the reason I started on this journey.

Clara: The biggest thing for me was I had no songwriting experience prior to the first day of my career. So, I think I came into it like, wow, anything is possible, and it’s not too late for me. It’s not too late for anyone. So, I hit the ground running. You can succeed that way. You just need the passion and the hard work.

hkp: David, you were actually signed by Warner Chappell weren’t you for awhile?

David: Yes, as a songwriter.

hkp: When you are signed as a staff songwriter, what does that mean for you? I am honestly clueless about that.

David: There are a lot of artists out there that don’t write their own music, and they are always looking for music for their labels, and publishing companies are looking for music. So, when I was signed with Warner, I was writing music for different artists that were looking for music. We would try to write something that fit them, something in their genre or style.

hkp: Ah.  Did any of the songs you wrote ever hit?

David: I got close many times, but that doesn’t mean anything to me. It was tough. It was really tough. There was a lot of competition. I went into it really young. I was 19, and I was working with one of the biggest producers out there at the time. It was tough, but I definitely learned a lot.

hkp: Clara, you were going to school when you first started out, right.

Chara: Yeah. I was doing the juggle thing.

hkp: I think most musicians do the juggle thing at first, when they are trying to find their fit. You were working in several different areas all at the same time. I know that you have a degree in Psychology, with a minor in Education. Do you still work with children today?

Clara: No. There’s no way. The problem is that music is a really jealous hobby. It won’t let you do anything else. I used to stack all of my classes into Tuesdays and Thursdays, so that on the weekends I could be touring or gigging. But it was really rough, and so my GPA took a hit in my last year. But I still think I ended up on the right side.

hkp: We think you did too.

Clara: Oh, thank you.

hkp: Some people lean towards being composers and songwriters more. They love the creative process, the art. That is their passion. They may enjoy performing, but it’s not the end all, be all. On the other hand, some people love performing the best. They love getting out in front of a crowd and showing people what they’ve got. Which side of your music career do you prefer?

David: Probably the former [songwriting]. I feel more fulfilled during the creative process. Of course, there are also great things about performing, but I just like writing more.

Clara: Yeah, I love the comfort of that [writing], and I love the intimacy of just being with your art. But I do feel alive when I play it [my music] onstage.

hkp: You did look alive—which is amazing since you were so sick just a few days ago.

Clara: I was so sick I couldn’t move. I couldn’t even walk. But then right before I come on stage something possesses me and then I go on—and then I pass out afterward.

hkp: Both of you are incredibly talented musicians.

David and Clara: Thank you!

hkp: Speaking of talent, where did that come from? Have you always been musical? Always played music? I know your family, David, has some musical talent.

David: Yeah, on my dad’s side.

hkp: I’ve seen your dad on YouTube, playing his autoharp.

David: Oh, cool.

hkp: He’s very talented. So, you grew up with music around you?

David: Yes, I did.

hkp: So, you just gravitated towards music?

David: No! I actually hated music.

Clara: Really?

David: Yeah, I hated it growing up. All I got to listen to was classical and jazz. That’s all they would play for me.

hkp: Oh, you mean that was all that your parents would allow you to listen to? To play?

David: Yeah, until I hit sixth grade, and people at school started listening to other music, and I was like, wow.  You mean, there’s more music out there than just classical and jazz? What’s strange is I love classical and jazz music now. That’s my default now.

hkp: But you learned that [classical and jazz] was not the place for you? You learned you belonged somewhere different?

David: Yeah. Like I said, the finding the creativity part grabbed me and pulled me in a different direction.

hkp: I know that in the beginning both of you won contests, which gave your early careers a boost. David, you won John Lennon’s Songwriting Contest? You were very young when you won that.

David: Yeah, that was in high school.

hkp: Then you won a David Bowie mashup contest?

David; Yeah, that was a remix contest.

hkp: Ah.  And Clara, you won several contests too, including Kollaboration 10. So, those wins got you both started and gave you both confidence?

Clara: Yeah, totally.

hkp: Okay, let’s talk about favorite songs. How about that?

Clara: Ooh. Good territory.

David: Yeah.

hkp: Of all the songs you’ve written so far, which one is your favorite? In other words, when you think about your songs, which one gets you right here (places hand over heart) every time?

Clara. Oh.

David: The latest song that I’ve written is usually the one that gets me.  But I never really perform it. I did at the last two shows, though. I performed a brand new song. So, whatever the most recent one is that I’ve written is the most relevant song to me—at that moment.

hkp: Emotionally you mean?

David: Emotionally and—well, just everything.

hkp: But you don’t have a particular favorite song right now, though?

David: You know, I wouldn’t even say I ever have a favorite, really. My songs are more like journal entries to me. I just write them down and then they’re there. It’s not like you would call a particular journal entry your favorite journal entry, right? So, it’s more like: here’s part of my life, right here, right now. That’s kind of how I look at it.

Clara: For me, there’s Fish, which is one of the songs I did today.

hkp: Oh, that’s my favorite.

David: My favorite too.

Clara: Oh, yeah?

hkp: Absolutely.

David: (nods)

Clara: Thanks!

David: You know that’s a hit song.

hkp: It is a hit.

Clara: Is it?

David: You’ve gotta push that one.

hkp: Agreed.

Clara: Well, okay! Point taken. Yeah. That song always resonates for me. Then there’s one called Wait on Me, from my first album. It’s the underdog. Nobody really knows that one and the power it holds. At the end, it just gets ridiculously huge, and there are like 20 gang vocals. All the people in the studio are all chanting and singing: (Clara sings) “I…I’ve been broken in, but I sure ain’t been broken down.” It’s huge, it’s moving, and that part always brings me to tears. Yeah. So, those two.

hkp: Great. And your favorite for me right now, David, is “Rollercoaster.”

David: Oh! Thank you!

Clara: I LOVE Rollercoaster.

David: Thank you.

hkp: Maybe it’s because I’m so old.

David and Clara: (laugh)

David: What are you talking about? (laughs)

hkp: Well, I mean I’ve lived long enough to know that real life is like that. It’s up and it’s down—and that it’s okay.

Clara: Yeah, you’ve gotta adjust.

hkp: Yeah, you really do.

hkp: I’ve got two more subjects I’d like to talk about. The first is commercial films. I know you’ve both done the YesStyle commercial, well, the music video for this tour, but what other commercial projects have you both done? David, maybe you’ve done a few more of those types of projects?

David: Are you talking about with YesStyle? For the ads?

Clara: You mean like placements?

David: Oh. Placements on commercials?

hkp: Sure. Placements on commercials.

Clara: Oh yeah. Tons of placements.

David: Oh, yeah, she’s had a lot of placements as well.

hkp: Really? See, I honestly don’t know anything about those.

Clara: Well, we don’t really talk about them much.

hkp: Nobody ever does.

David: Well, for an example, one of my songs just got placed in a coffee commercial.

Clara: Mine too!

David: But the song has nothing to do with anything that they are talking about in the commercial.

hkp: Which song was it?

David: It’s called Deserve to Be. It’s an older song.

hkp: Which coffee commercial?

David: It’s a commercial in Korea for a coffee product called Maxim.

hkp: That’s important. Our readers will probably know that product.

Clara: Yeah, they make those like instant packs of coffee.

David: Is that what it is?

Clara. Yeah.

David: Okay.

Clara: That’s mine too? Right?

David: You got a Maxim placement?

Clara: Yeah. And in America we’ve covered pretty much every TV network. Like MTV, Showtime, HBO, blah, blah, blah. I have a national commercial in Austria. That was nice.

hkp: That’s interesting. I knew your songs were being used a lot, but I didn’t know the details, because most musicians just don’t talk about it. I know your songs are also used in Korean dramas, David. I watch Korean dramas, and sometimes I’ll hear a song and I’ll think, that sounds just like David Choi.

David: Do you, really? Yeah. They [the songs] are always in the coffee shops. (laughs)

hkp: So, let’s talk about the future. Once your tour is over, what will you be doing next?

Clara: Deep sleep. Deep deep sleep.

David: Relax. Gosh. I just moved. So, I still have boxes in my house that I need to organize and stuff.

hkp: And you both still live in L.A.?

Clara and David: Yes.

hkp: So, you are both just going to rest for awhile then. Any new projects on the horizon, though? Any scoops you can give me,maybe?

Clara: Well, I’ve got several music videos in the works. And they are going to kick some serious behind.

David: I’m going to go to Europe for the first time in the new year. And I’m going to go back to Asia and try to do more touring there. I’ll also probably slowly start working on my next album. I won’t be releasing anything for another year, though. At least.

hkp: So, you’re going to get some rest, then?

David: Yeah, get some rest. Be creative.

Clara: I’m going to work on another album. Oh, and I’m going to Japan.

hkp: Are you?

Clara: Yeah.

hkp: For?

Clara: For a little business, a little R & R. I’ll figure something out.

hkp: Well, David, Clara. I appreciate your time. It has been a pleasure. Thank you so much.

Clara: No problem!

David: You’re welcome!

After the interview was over, Clara and David also kindly autographed a copy of their new CD’s for us.  So readers, be on the lookout for a special hellokpop David Choi and Clara C CD giveaway, which will be coming your way soon!

Lastly, check out our previous video interviews of David Choi and Clara C, when they were in Australia!

Event and Interview by Terri@hellokpop

Sources: News & Videos – David Choi Music, Clara C Music, YesStyle.com and Kollaboration Atlanta; Photos – hellokpop.com

 

 

‘Jackal is Coming’: Song Ji Hyo, the Up-and-coming Actress

 

 When ‘Song Ji Hyo’ is mentioned, the first thought that comes to mind is the smart ‘ace’ who is ironically slow at times on the variety program in SBS’ ‘Good Sunday’ corner, ‘Running Man’. Hailed as the national variety programme, it is indeed difficult living up to ‘Running Man’s’ reputation. Before this variety show gained popularity, Song Ji Hyo was one of the many female actresses who struggled with having to secure the role of the lead protagonist in both dramas and movies.

Song Ji Hyo’s acting portfolio has grown since her debut days and currently covers a wide spectrum. It has been a full ten years since she made her debut as a rookie actress in ‘Wishing Stairs’ in 2003, and she has since been casted in a string of historical dramas, beginning with ‘Goong’, ‘Gye Baek’, ‘Jumong’ and the historical movie ‘Frozen Flower’. Moving on to modern movies and dramas – ‘Sex is Zero 2’, ‘Crime Squad’ and ‘My Love for You’- Song Ji Hyo expanded her acting range with these various works. With her new movie ‘Jackal is Coming’(directed by Bae Hyeong Jun and produced by Nomad Film), much is to be expected, as the incompetent killer Bong Min Jung carries a mere 2% likeness to her image as seen on ‘Running Man’.

  “An actress with a wide spectrum of roles? (clears her throat) I am flustered when I receive praise, haha. Actually I have heard many comments about me not being suitable to be casted in historical dramas. When I was inserted into the cast of ‘Jumong’, there was very severe opposition to that decision. But I did not want to disappoint the director who stood by me and worked even harder, ultimately obtaining good results. After filming ‘Frozen Flower’ and ‘Gye Baek’, I received praise as ‘the most suitable female actress for historical dramas’. The generous comments are the motivation to showing an appearance worthy of that, and I have been worrying about [whether or not I am doing so].”

Song Ji Hyo has thrown off the heavy and cumbersome clothes in ‘Gye Baek’ and embraces a role that is easier to play, but which is still physically demanding in ‘Jackal is coming’. From scaling walls to doing stunts with wires involved, Song Ji Hyo does most of the dangerous scenes herself without the help of a double even though the stunts carry with high risks of injury.

“ ‘Gye Baek’ was a very long historical drama, and as a queen, I had to act the part of a silent and deep character. Hence, I wanted to star in a bright and dynamic movie for the next project. In ‘Jackal is Coming’, the character Bong Min Jung is very bright, and this poses a huge challenge to me.”

In this movie, Song Ji Hyo is a hired killer who has to keep up with the target, an idol member played by Kim Jae Joong. As the female protagonist starring opposite Kim Jae Joong, the fact that she can act alongside label mate Kim Jae Joong has prompted the jealously of numerous female fans. When asked how she felt about the enviousness expressed by others, Song Ji Hyo flashes her characteristic easy-going smile and returns the question with  “Aren’t I also human?”

“I treat Kim Jae Joong, Park Yoochun and Kim Junsu as first and foremost my dongsaengs, then as top idol stars.  People who ask me “how I feel acting together (with him)?” cannot understand [how I can be casual about it]. Therefore, when I went to formal meetings, I was really surprised.  There were comments about how I could not even hold a candle to other celebrities, sasaeng fans followed me around, and it was to the extent that I felt awkward at times while  looking at my dongsaengs”.

 ‘Jackal is Coming’ was released in South Korea on the 15^th of November, and Song Ji Hyo will be appearing next year after making preparations to meet with the audience in her next show ‘New World‘.  With a storyline revolving around a huge criminal organization, the character played is a clear departure from her usual onscreen image, depicting a complete and perfect transformation with which Song Ji Hyo can affirmably say she has widened her scope of roles.

 “When I get the feeling that I have surpassed and broken down my own limitations, the sense of satisfaction is great. Therefore, I want to challenge more and more genres.  There is a completely different feel when one steps into a ‘new world’ that is different from the present.  Instead of creating a steady image, I have dreams of becoming a Song Ji Hyo who is known for having the ability to act in a variety of roles”. 

From the girly Song Ji Hyo of the ‘Goong’ days to a tough and intelligent Song Ji Hyo on ‘Running Man’, this actress has already numerous successes under her belt, and will continue to shine brightly with this ability to adapt to change. Fans of these six countries would be delighted to know that their distributors have already signed for the rights for the movie even before it opened in South Korea – Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei! You would be pleased to know that ‘Jackal is Coming’  to you, to your local theatres! What are you waiting for? It’s time to meet Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jae Joong in their latest comedic hit film.

Source (News): sports.hankookie, koreajoongangdaily

Source (Pictures): Song Ji Hyo’s Facebook

[Translation] Interview with Lawyer Park of ‘Nice Guy’, Lee Sangyeob

 

As the popular KBS2TV drama Nice Guy has just ended, we met up with Park Junha (played by Lee Sangyeob) for an interview.

When he debuted in 2007 with Happy Woman(행복한 여자), he had received criticism from the viewers as ‘robotic acting’.

“After that criticism, I had to focus solely on acting classes. The help from senior actor Jang Hyuk was very big. While practicing, all that was in my head was that I was a character with no presence. I guess I needed more ‘intensity’ in me.”

As the actor’s father was strongly against Lee entering into the acting profession, he spent his time at his mother’s side to practice acting and prepared a presentation for his parents.

“(Laughs) I wanted to persuade them so much. I said that in a month, no, in a year that I would be part of many roles to make money, be stable, and many other things to persuade them.”

After gaining some experience through sitcoms and historical dramas, Lee was successfully selected for the role of Lawyer Park in the drama Nice Guy.

“The writer created a character that really fitted me well. Even though the character had small presence, I was burdened by the character. The one to help me overcome was senior Kim TaeHoon (Lawyer Ahn). We have the opportunity to depend on each other as two conflicting characters.”

In the drama Nice Guy, he played a character who didn’t laugh a lot however during the interview, he laughed a lot and said, “my heart feels at ease now,” as he explained a bit of his personality. “I’m very shy. I feel inferior a lot of the times too. I’m usually very careful in everything I do.”

His birthday falls on May 8th, which is also the Parent’s Day. Before even finish asking the question of who to take care more, he shouted “My parents!” He revealed that the birthday present he wanted  to receive was the red carpet. “I want to go and watch the end of the year’s award ceremony and be among one of the actors to wave to fans and audience like the others. Do you think it’ll be possible?”

Like actor Lee Byunghun in the movie Sweet Life (달콤한 인생), Lee Sangyeob says he hope to have more presence with the general public and continues to grow.

Source: news, photo, video-The Star

[Translated Interview] Nice Guy Song Joong Ki is ‘afraid of rising popularity’

“I don’t want to keep rising. ‘Popularity’ is something that if you keep going up, you will also have to come down some day as well. Popularity is something not only celebrities but human are afraid of. I want to become ‘thick’ from the different experiences I have. So that when the popularity does drop, I will have a thick hardened skin, so I won’t be hurt as much. I want to become wider through the experiences I am able to get instead of going straight upward. Honestly, I have become popular, but I don’t have much experience so I’m very lacking to receive such attention. I want to become someone like senior actor Han Seok-gyu.”

There’s been a saying that 2012 was started with the ‘trend icon’ actor Kim Soohyun and ends with Song Joong Ki, that’s how popular these two have gotten. Regardless of these saying, Song Joong Ki was humble toward it. On November 16th, the reporters who joined him for lunch asked him this to himself, “Am I really that popular?”

“Am I really that popular? I’m honesty not sure. Through popularity, I am able to get some more roles but I try to keep my heart humble so that I don’t get the mistaken thoughts. Seniors like Jo InSung and Cha Taehyun give me a lot of advice.”

As an actor, we’re thinking that this year will be an unforgettable year. With the drama Nice Guy being a charismatic character and through the movie A Werewolf Boy, many people are saying ‘they have rediscovered Song Joong Ki’.

“As I am also human, I am very excited that the movie A Werewolf Boy is so successful. I was supposed to be looking at my script at the drama scene but I was checking the homepage for the movie. Then I kept thinking to myself ‘I shouldn’t be doing this right now. I should be focusing on the drama now’ and tried to calm myself down. Even though I’m very tired these days, I’m very thankful and happy with everything now. So starting tomorrow, I am going to try promote the movie throughout the nation which I wasn’t able to do properly due to the drama.”

For the drama Nice Guy, we assumed it was a piece he kept close to his heart. As we asked him to select the major scenes and sayings from the drama, he hesitated and thought deeply to answer.

“When the stylists asked me yesterday, ‘Oppa, what was the scene that was most memorable to you?’ So I’ve been thinking. As for a man it’s hard to erase his first love, I think when Kang Maru said to Jaehee (Park SiYeon), “My heart for you is finished” and instead of crying in front of her, he cries outside of her sight. I think that was the most memorable moment for me.”

To a man, ‘first love’ is a special thing and especially to Song Joong Ki, ‘first love’ is a very special person. Someone he can’t forget till he leaves this world, someone who can suddenly pop into mind. But then, it is also someone he is not willing to meet again. Quite differently, a woman’s ‘last love’ is someone that will not leave her heart, a man’s ‘first love’ is someone that will not leave his heart.

“To a man, his first love is someone of great importance. As you can see in the movies Architecture 101 (건축학개론) and A Werewolf Boy, men who watch these can really relate to the story of their ‘first love’. I watched Architecture 101 about 3 or 4 times already. I don’t think I will ever forget my first love either. But I heard recently my first love got married.”

Like in the drama Nice Guy, he is devoted to his love Seo Eunki (Moon Chaewon). In the movie A Werewolf Boy, he shows even more dedication and loyal love toward the Park BoYoung‘s character. From Song Joong Ki’s perspective, how does Moon Chaewon and Park BoYoung look like to him?

“Park BoYoung is very proper in basics and straightforward. If  I am uncomfortable from outside the drama scene, I will be uncomfortable in the film set but since I’ve been friends with Park BoYoung for a while, it is a little easier. It must have been hard for her to act with me because I had no dialogue but she didn’t complain once and completed the filming so I was very touched by that. On the other hand, I thought Moon Chaewon would be very cold and stiff but even though we didn’t sleep for two nights straight, she didn’t lose focus and worked very hard. I was surprised at her faithfulness and I respect her very much for that. Actress Park SiYeon is similar as well.”

We think that the drama Nice Guy has become the turning point in Song Joong Ki’s acting career. The viewers say that it shows a mature side and also how well Song Joong Ki could act the character in the drama.

“I actually really feel the emotions that the characters are feeling. I’ve heard that the pieces written by author Lee Kyung-hee are complicated at times so I was afraid, but I was able to live as Kang Maru. So I think this piece is something more meaningful to me as well. I kept wanting to cry at some scenes too.”

“I think for now I will be taking a break from my schedule.  If there is a next piece, don’t you find out soon too. (laughs) If there is a next piece that comes in, we will let you know, but for now I’d like to rest and travel as well.”

 

For the first time, Song Joong Ki sang a ballad OST track Really for the drama Nice Guy which has caught many viewers and fans’ attention, winning praises that he could sing well.

If you have not listened to it yet, watch Song Joong Ki’s Really below:

 

Source: news and photo-The Star, video: Yozohhh1