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Jung Il-woo: “Acting is a marathon”

Oh, I love Jung Il-woo. True, when I first saw him, I was more swayed by his bashful sweet charm than his acting talent, but 2009 was a year of transformation for the young actor, as he went from baby-faced young boy to a fierce, confident adult in the MBC drama Return of Iljimae (and yes, I know recaps are, um, exceedingly late at this point, but they are not dead. Promise).

Now he gives another interview as he prepares for his next role, which takes him one step further into adulthood as he steps into character as lawyer “Lee Tae-yoon” in KBS’s new Wednesday-Thursday drama My Fair Lady.

My Fair Lady follows a year that’s already been pretty busy — after Return of Iljimae ended in April, Jung spent a month traveling through Europe, visiting England, Spain, Germany. Last month, he also visited Tokyo to meet with approximately 1,000 fans, since Return of Iljimae is currently broadcasting in Japan.

I get the feeling that Jung Il-woo is not very popular among international kdrama fans, especially compared to his profile in Korea; perhaps that’s unsurprising because Unstoppable High Kick — the hugely popular sitcom that made Jung into a household name in 2006 — isn’t much watched by overseas drama fans. (I’m sure the length and the lack of reliable subtitles contributes to this.)

But I’m betting his profile will soar sharply when My Fair Lady premieres on August 19, in which Jung Il-woo forms a love triangle with Yoon Eun-hye and Yoon Sang-hyun. Though he is the youngest of the three, his character is about four years older than Jung’s own young age (22).

“Acting is a marathon. I’ve learned to give myself space”

“At the time, I received about thirty offers for acting roles. My shoulders tensed up, and I restrained myself. I tried to go back to the beginning. The year I took off gave me the chance to feel a lot of things. If I had kept going with that momentum and continued working, I may have gained a lot more other things. But that wasn’t the answer. It’s not like I’m going to quit after a couple of roles; this is something I’ll do for the rest of my life. I want to go slowly. I think acting is like a marathon. I learned to give myself space.”

This is the confession of a 22-year-old young man who’s shot the stars. This is Jung Il-woo. In 2006, he made a quiet acting debut in The World of Silence. That year, he shot to fame as Lee Yun-ho in the MBC sitcom Unstoppable High Kick.

He stirred the hearts of women ranging from teenagers to fortysomethings. Back then, his every move was the focus of attention inside and outside of the entertainment industry. He chose the film My Love, and in that movie, Jung Il-woo’s image as a pure young man strengthened. This year, he took on the sageuk challenge in MBC’s Return of Iljimae, and showed an unfamiliar image for viewers who were looking for the “rebellious child” Lee Yun-ho [of High Kick]. Against industry expectations, it faced troubles on the viewership ratings front, but this was not a painful result for him. According to Jung Il-woo, “It was a drama that enabled me to learn a lot of things, which I’ll never be able to forget.”

Next month, Jung Il-woo returns in a modern drama — his first in three years — in KBS’s My Fair Lady [아가씨를 부탁해]. Already Jung Il-woo’s fans are clamoring, because they’re looking forward to his role as a second-generation chaebol and human rights lawyer. As time passes, the excitement builds even more.

I met with Jung Il-woo on July 21. I had guessed accurately. With his innocent smile, he’s not the rebellious Lee Yun-ho or Iljimae, but a young man with dreams that shoot up as high as the skies. He’s full of positive energy. Healthy in body and mind, an honest and true man.

Were you disappointed with the ratings for your previous drama, Return of Iljimae?

It was my first lead role, so at first I felt some pressure. After it began airing, though, I relaxed. I also grew more stubborn and wanted to work even harder.

At the time, my mother told me, “You’re still young, and if you lose confidence because of falling ratings or look unhappy on the film set, you can’t continue in this work. It’s a fight with yourself.”

I put my utmost into filming the drama through the last scene. I have no regrets. It’s a drama where I learned a lot of things as an actor, so I am really grateful to director Hwang In-roi.

I’m curious why you chose the drama My Fair Lady.

The script is really entertaining. I’ve known about this project for a year, when it was in the planning phases. I thought it would be a fun drama, and I’m happy to be a part of it. The best thing is the two solid supports — I’m glad to have my very close hyung [Yoon] Sang-hyun and Yoon Eun-hye sunbae.

I’ll do my best with my role, but I’m glad to be working with my sunbaes. I also wanted to do a romantic comedy, so I’m pleased to have this chance.

Yoon Eun-hye is the focus of attention, as this is her acting return after two years. Does that bother you?

I’ve never once thought that. Yoon Eun-hye sunbae has an easygoing personality, and she’s very nice. I thought that the atmosphere would be awkward at our recent first script rehearsal, but it was really positive, thanks to Sang-hyun hyung. We haven’t begun shooting yet, but I’m looking forward to it.

I wonder how you feel about coming back in a contemporary drama.

I think it’s a drama I can take on while enjoying myself a lot. I’m excited to be doing a contemporary project since it’s been a while since the last in Unstoppable High Kick. I feel more excitement than burden.

What ratings numbers are being anticipated for My Fair Lady?

I worried back with Return of Iljimae. I can’t really guess, but I hope the ratings will be good. I hear that our rival drama, SBS’s Swallow the Sun, is getting good ratings. I think I’ll keep an eye on that one.

How do you think it’ll be, acting with Yoon Eun-hye and Yoon Sang-hyun?

Contrary to my expectation, Yoon Eun-hye sunbae is extremely easygoing and friendly. Although I thought the first script rehearsal would be awkward, it was completely the opposite, and we worked in a very peaceful, mellow atmosphere. I’ve known Yoon Sang-hyun hyung for five years, and we even received acting coaching together. The actors who took lessons together back then are all good friends, and we go to restaurants and noraebangs together.

At the first script rehearsal, even when it wasn’t our own part, we helped each other along with the dialogue and discussed a lot of things together. I’m looking forward to it.

What would you like to gain through working on My Fair Lady?

I’ve never thought of what I want to gain. Whatever the project, I learn a lot of things from each one. I think I’ll learn and gain a lot through this drama.

In the drama, you’re a second-generation chaebol. Do you like the character? How does he compare with you in real life?

There are a lot of similarities with my real self. Haha, just kidding. I’ll pour myself into that character to become one with that person. Actually, when I first got the script, I felt a bit of a burden because he was a lot older than my real age, but he’s a very appealing character. I think it’s appealing to act an age older than myself.

Say something for your viewers.

It’s a light, cheerful drama. I think you’ll be able to watch it comfortably, and I’ll be able to show a side of myself that isn’t heavy or dark. Since it’s the first modern drama I’m doing in three years, I think viewers will see a different appeal to me than before. I’ll create a different appeal. I flatter you. I shortened the drama title so it turns from “Please take care of the lady” to “flattery” [아가씨를 부탁해 = 아부해], and a lot of fans enjoyed that. Haha.

Season 2 of Unstoppable High Kick is going to broadcast soon.

Like a lot of other people, I’m really looking forward to the second season. I’ve enjoyed director Kim Byung-wook’s sitcoms since I was young. Soonpoong Clinic, LA Arirang, they all didn’t disappoint, and I’m anticipating this one too. I heard that Lee Soon-jae is appearing in it. I’m planning to follow it closely.

I’m curious about your love life, now that you’re at that age of passionate youth.

I don’t think dating happens just by wanting to, just like you can’t avoid it by saying you want to avoid it. I think people have to become close naturally, and begin dating naturally. I do think it would be nice to have a girlfriend.

Does your close friend Lee Min-ho encourage you?

He tells me to do my best and act without regrets.

When will we be able to see the two of you acting together?

I want to, before we turn thirty. We promised each other, and I think we’ll keep that promise.

Via OSEN, Star News

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"Now he gives another interview as he prepares for his next role, which takes him one step further into adulthood as he steps into character as lawyer “Lee Tae-jo” in KBS’s new Wednesday-Thursday drama My Fair Lady."

Isn't he Lee Tae Yoon? I don't know, that's what it says on the Drama Wiki page. Lee Dong Wook plays a lawyer named Lee Tae Jo in Partner, maybe you got the two mixed up?

Lol, or maybe Drama Wiki screwed up and the two dramas just have the same name.

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Ohhhh! I sure hope that Jun Il-woo will get to act with Lee Min Ho, that'd be something to watch indeed XD

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I just have a lot of respect and admiration for Jung Il Woo...he just seems like he is well-rounded. I am looking forward to all his future endeavors. If Min-ho and him act together I think that would be FANTASTIC:)

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i think he's soooo dreamy...
seeing him in Return of Iljimae shows he's growing as an actor... i surely hope he'll do well on future projects

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4 years older? Oh thank god. I think I remember seeing he was supposed to be in his early 30s or something, which will never ever be believable given how youthful he looks. I miss the long Iljimae hair tho, he's pretty with it, but there's a certain masculinity in how he pulls off the long hair.

Oh wow, I thought he was kidding when he said he and YSH were close. He mentioned the acting class in another interview too, but they were all giggly and cracking up I thought they were just joking around, haha..

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" I’ll create a different appeal. I flatter you. I shortened the drama title so it turns from “Please take care of the lady” to “flattery” "

Haha, he's so cute. I guess we will see another Lee Tae-jo lawyer...but wouldn't that be a little confusing for viewers?

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I thought it was rather weird that his character is a lawyer named Lee Tae Jo which is exactly the same character played by Lee Dong Wook in the current KBS Wednesday-Thursday drama Partner. According to DramaWiki, Jung Il-woo character's name is supposedly Lee Tae Yoon.

Anyways, Sarah... I'll continue to ask you to do recaps of Partner. The plot thickens now and I really love the twists in this one. One particular one gave me that familiar "Sixth Sense" and "The Others" feeling about it. I may be too gullible in finding the court cases interesting though... i mean, I have zero idea about legal procedures... but they have been enjoyable so far.

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He seems like a really nice guy. I can't wait to watch My Fair Lady!

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oh wow, i didnt know he was good friends with Lee Min Ho.....now that'd be something.....i wouldn't want em fighting for the girl though...

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i never saw any of his projects so this wld be a good chance for me to see him in my fair lady (wished they didn't have to change the title though, i kinda like Lady Castle since there's already another drama of same name with Go Soo & kim hye sun? a few yrs ago). anyway i love to see this cause of eun & my other fave actor yoon sang. good luck guys!

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*sigh*
*staring dreamily at his pics...especially the one in dark suit*
*sigh...cant even comment*

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aww, that last part was so sweet. haha (:

i feel like jung il-woo is such a sweet and charming guy. Maybe i will watch this drama.

but isn't he the guy that doesn't get the girl? if that's the case, i don't want to watch him suffer.

...hmmm maybe i still will watch it. haha. i wanna see ALL his charms.

FIGHTING!<3

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@1, I think the article messed up about the character's name, because the one I read (http://sportsworldi.segye.com/Articles/EntCulture/Article.asp?aid=20090722004243&subctg1=40&subctg2=00) calls him Tae-jo, but I checked a few other articles that say Tae-yoon.

By the way, the actor's name is Yoon Sang-hyun. People keep calling him Yoon Sang, and that messes with my brain because there's a popular singer named Yoon Sang, lol.

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He looks so hot here! Looking forward to My Fair Lady :-)

Is it me, or does his haircut make him look a lot like Mukai Osamu does in Atashinchi no Danshi?

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all the best to him..
just wanted to ask you Dramabeans are you following up on the drama Partners..
I am finding it extremely interesting ..Lee Dong Wook & Kim Hyun Joo are fantastic in the drama...!!!!

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ahh i'm still on episode 80-something of high kick and am still chugging my way through return of iljimae!

if i end up watching 아부해 (which i'm sure i will -- YEH's another plus!) i'm gonna get so confused between all 3 of his characters LOL

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He seems like such a nice guy, very down-to-earth and well-rounded. Great actor too. I totally agree that he has a ton of charm <3.

I loved all those things he said about Yoon Eun Hye too!! Great to hear that she really is as sweet and easy-going and kind as she seems :D

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I'm looking forward to Lady Castle (they shouldn't have changed the title) with YEH and the two cuties but I hope the plot won't be too cliche ^^;

@14 Artemis: Haha, yeah. I think his hair does look like Sho (: especially in the gray blazer & don't kill me for this but I think Mukai Osamu looks better with the hair -cough-Ithinkhelooksbetteroverall-cough- /run away from JB.

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Jung Il-woo is becoming more interesting (I should watch his dramas and movies). He looks sincere and his smile is simply contagious. And he looks so clean and put-together!

Javabeans, I am glad that you are featuring more of My Fair Lady in your blog. I am really looking forward to YEH's comeback.

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I was pleasantly surprised to know that he's close to YSH :)
there's depth to his answers & I like it. Hmmmm....we are all clueless on who will get the girl at the end in TCOA. The synopsis didn't really reveal it.
I'm so excited on how he will tackle his role, from Iljimae to 2nd chaebol heir-human rights lawyer can't wait can't wait.....
amazing how the PD rounded up a cast of endearing good actors :)
I hope PD & script will charm all of us as well.....A-Boo Fighting!!
JIW = gorgeous

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Can't wait to watch this drama. The more news posted about the cast and story, the more i'm intrigued.

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The script is really entertaining. I’ve known about this project for a year, when it was in the planning phases. I thought it would be a fun drama, and I’m happy to be a part of it. The best thing is the two solid supports — I’m glad to have my very close hyung [Yoon] Sang-hyun and Yoon Eun-hye sunbae. I’ll do my best with my role, but I’m glad to be working with my sunbaes. I also wanted to do a romantic comedy, so I’m pleased to have this chance.

So JIW has been eyeing MFL for a year...how interesting. So it's good for him to be casted in this drama finally. I hope the 3 of them can delivered their acting well. Judging from the clip (youtube) of MFL photoshoot session, they definitely have chemistry and they seems having a great fun together. Good luck for them : D

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To gauge how honest he is as a person, I prefer to watch a direct video interview. Many written interviews were based on personal opinions of the writer, translator, editor etc. Reading the mere written articles can be very deceiving if not accompanied by visual observations. ^__________^ His answers appeared too mature for his age?

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i LOVE Jung Il-woo and High Kick too! I think the awesome person(s) subbing it stopped at episode 30-something and i was SO disappointed! I was an addict trying to find my next High Kick fix for the longest time but had to let go after not finding anymore subbed episodes. I would totally pay to have the series subbed again! LOL

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sorry! what's a second generaton chaebol?

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I like him very much. He seems very humble.

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Hi all , anyone whom are IlWoo fan, come and visit here, we need a team to help, we need person whom know Korean,,, this is fan sub group not for sell
http://www.viikii.net/channels/goto/LadyCastle?angel=mint0017

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He's like Joo Ji Hoon.

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there are so many pretty handsome boy faces in the industry. In order to stand out among the rest, it really takes alot of hardwork to brush up the acting skill. So as o gain recognition.
All the best and wish u luck Oppa ll woo.

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First time i know him as Lee Min Ho best friend, i think he's look like a cute girl, too cute to be a boy. Than lately i watched My Fair Lady and wow, i start fallen' in love with his smile. Yeah, he still cute but i can see his charming personality through his acting. And he has good body even don't have six pack, haha...
Dramabeans, thank you for your MFL articles, i'm not love that drama as i love BOF cause i don't like the way YEH acted in that drama, i think she's not chaebol enough. But yeah,i like the other cast, especially JIW. I really like to see JIW and MCW together, they're so cute together just like soeul couple that's the reason i still watch this drama. I'm not see drama Iljimae yet but after read ur article may be i want to watch it. Good to see u Dramabeans, love ur articles, cia you......;)

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i forgot something, i really really want to see JIW acting together with LMH, wow i'm waiting for that. I hope the actress as pretty as Song Hye Gyo and the story is fabulous or touching. Wow, can't wait for that....

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i love Jun Gil Woo
he is so handsome.
sa rang hae oppa!!

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hello,i,m atefeh asadi
are you good?
are your imail to me?

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