Jang Hyuk: “My family is my strength”
by javabeans
I feel like I’m just repeating myself with Chuno — it’s popular, the men are looking mighty fine — so no need to labor over the intro. Here’s an interview with lead actor Jang Hyuk:
The reaction is intense. Do you feel it firsthand?
“I began filming in August of last year. Since a fairly long time has passed, it has felt calm. I watched the first episode at home, and afterward I started getting calls from my friends, which made me feel that the reaction was good.”
It’s a unique sageuk. As an actor, what drew you to it the most?
“Slave hunter Lee Dae-gil is a three-dimensional character. He doesn’t have that boundary between good and evil, and he covers a wide domain. As a slave hunter he is rugged and free, but his past is mysterious since he came from an aristocratic family of high status. I also found him appealing as someone who focuses everthing to find one woman.”
It’s also said that Chuno‘s popularity has contributed to the popularity of six-pack abs.
“Lee Dae-gil catches slaves. I think he’s got to give off the feel of the streets. I pay attention to my body and on the set, I carry around dumbbells everywhere. I train at least two times a week, and the scar on my left eye is something I suggested to the director.”
It seems like costumes are hardly needed. How is it these days?
“Around Episode 8, we’ll change to autumn clothing. These days we’re shooting Episode 13, and we’re battling the intense cold. However, since I’ve been training myself with Julkwondo and the like, I haven’t caught a cold once.”
Is it because of Julkwondo that the action scenes are unique?
“You can say that the action is like massaging your opponent. It’s not punching and dodging, but more like slowly dominating your opponent one beat at a time. Rhythm and tempo are important. It’s similar to the rhythm of koong-jak-jak, koong-jak-jak.”
Do you choreograph the action yourself?
“The martial arts director choreographs the action scenes, but I assert my opinions for my parts. The director is pretty accepting of that.”
The dialogue is also interesting. But isn’t the word ‘unni’ a bit strange? [Unni is what the junior slave hunters call the elders.]
“I knew the general meaning. Of course, at first it didn’t roll off the tongue but as I continued, it became fun. I’ve rarely made NGs from the dialogue.”
What’s a memorable line?
“There’s a line from when the young aristocratic Dae-gil puts shoes on Un-nyun’s feet. ‘I’m going to live the rest of my life with you.’ Another one hasn’t aired yet, but I say, ‘Living is insane.’ It’s a line that seems to sum up Dae-gil, which I like.”
Do you have dangerous shoots?
“There was one time that I fell in the marsh while riding a horse at a full run. Another time, my back got stepped on with a horseshoe. Fortunately the marsh absorbed the shock so all I got was bruises. I was really lucky.”
Your second son, born at the end of last year, must be a real blessing.
“My eldest son Jae-heon is also my best blessing. When he was born, I even won several awards. I think the second, Seung-heon, will bring the same luck. My family is my strength.”
I heard that you gave up plans to enter the Chinese market because of Chuno.
“That’s right. There was a 20-episode fantasy drama I was looking at. It was planned to broadcast over CCTV, and the conditions were good, too. But I read the synopsis for Chuno and fell for it completely.”
It looks like Chuno will be the source of rediscovery for Jang Hyuk.
“That’s too much praise. Bur rather than going for a completely new image, I think it’s important to keep looking like myself with every project.”
Via IS Plus
RELATED POSTS
Tags: Chuno, interviews, Jang Hyuk
![[Drama Chat] The mysteriously disappearing desire to watch](https://d263ao8qih4miy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/didiva_5-scaled.jpg)
Required fields are marked *
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
1 ujsid
February 5, 2010 at 11:09 AM
love him...he is great in chuno <3
and yeaaaa first :D
Required fields are marked *
December 8, 2010 at 1:09 PM
he,s so Wonderful & relly honst actor
Required fields are marked *
2 samsooki
February 5, 2010 at 11:18 AM
He looks soooo different from 8 years ago.
http://www.blike.net/files/frontimage/successfulstory001.jpg
Required fields are marked *
3 Sere
February 5, 2010 at 11:26 AM
I HATE to sound like a fangirl, but OMG the first pic! be back when my brain is back online.
@Samsooki He does, sort of. He's all grown-up now. :)
Required fields are marked *
4 Emeldy
February 5, 2010 at 11:27 AM
AHHHH Two sons, I thought he's single : (
I still love you.............
Required fields are marked *
5 Sheepish
February 5, 2010 at 11:28 AM
JANG HYUK!!! (squee)
Required fields are marked *
6 snow
February 5, 2010 at 11:33 AM
jang hyuk! <3 he's the reason i'm watching chuno. i didn't know he's got two kids already!
Required fields are marked *
7 ujsid
February 5, 2010 at 11:35 AM
@ samsooki
he looks better now dont you think?
Required fields are marked *
8 samsooki
February 5, 2010 at 11:52 AM
@7 UJ -
Well, hard to say.... hehe.
But guys can say whether other guys are good looking, right? I think he looks as good now as he did back then, just maybe 10 kg thinner and with longer hair?
If I were a woman, however, it is likely that I wouldn't go for the skinny Dae-Gil character. I would probably be attracted to General Choi. Hehe! But, since I'm not a woman, I can't even be sure if that's how I would feel. You can't really say without actually being a woman, so it's all just wild speculation. It's like saying, "yeah, if I were a female alien, I'd find that E.T. character to be totally squee hot." How would I know how a female alien would feel?
Anyhoo... hehe!
Required fields are marked *
9 avicski
February 5, 2010 at 11:59 AM
love him, love him, love him!!!! =)
Required fields are marked *
10 ujsid
February 5, 2010 at 12:00 PM
@ samsooki
i thought u were a girl lol my mistake
i like General Choi but i think he looks too old...not saying he is not hot...but i dunno Dae-Gil's character is more attractive for me...
i m a girl btw :D
Required fields are marked *
Minch
April 22, 2012 at 9:14 PM
me too, i thought samsooki is a girl....hahaha
love chuno very much, the cast, the director, the writer awesome!!!! cinematography is really great... it will be aired here in the philippines soon after dongyi...finished watched but still my family will watch it again...
lee dae gil and song tae ha best tandem....
Required fields are marked *
11 ujsid
February 5, 2010 at 12:08 PM
@ samsooki
just realized u r the one who reviewed city hall...great job at that!
also i agree guys can think other guys are hot..i think Lee Min Jung is cute...
Required fields are marked *
12 lb_tmi
February 5, 2010 at 12:09 PM
hands down, he looks better now.
why couldn't i stand to watch him in Robbers tho?? i didn't get passed ep 2 :(
Required fields are marked *
13 notorious
February 5, 2010 at 12:13 PM
What a wondering thing to await me when I click to check on DB!
I love the last line... "I think it’s important to keep looking like myself with every project.”
I completely agree. I haven't seen many actors do that without repeating characters but to me JH has been able to do that thus far.
Dae-gil is by far the most intriguing, must see character on Chuno! (For me at least :) )
Required fields are marked *
14 nokcha
February 5, 2010 at 12:23 PM
Yeah, I'd agree he's come along way....just to get a peek at how far, check out one of his early movies "Jungle Juice". You'll get a kick out of it. He was also in Volcano High, which was remade in the states by MTV. The remake was horrible, but I enjoyed the original. If I remember right, Shin Min Ah was also in it, as was Kwon Sang Woo, and many others.
Required fields are marked *
15 alert
February 5, 2010 at 12:27 PM
@samsooki
I'm a woman, and yes, I would be attracted to General Choi had I been in the drama. He's sleek, he's cool, he's playing hard to get, and he's the most reasonable of the bunch. Us-women (at least me LOL) love men who play hard to get as well haha. oh, should I mention his choc abs too? What's there not to like?
But again, I guess it's more of Dae Gil's loyalty towards his love that gives off a more attractive vibe. Us-women (again, me), are suckers for that kind of men. LOL.
Back to Jang Hyuk... it feels like yesterday since I saw him in Bright Girl Success Story. How time flies. Need. to. rewatch. Bright. Girl. for. Jang Hyuk. hotness.
Required fields are marked *
16 samsooki
February 5, 2010 at 12:33 PM
@15, Alert -
So.... lessee... date to the prom: each of General Choi and Dae-Gil have asked you to go as his date, who to choose?
Or, here's a question.
Wang-Son asks you first, and you don't know yet whether General Choi and/or Dae-Gil will ask you to go to the prom with him, maybe they already have their dates.
Do you agree to go with Wang-Son, because a slave hunter in hand is better than 2 hunters in the bush? Or do you roll the dice and wait for General Choi and/or Dae-Gil to ask you?
Required fields are marked *
17 Artemis
February 5, 2010 at 12:43 PM
Thank you so much for translating this interview, Javabeans! Jang Hyuk - man, he is HOT! He is the best part about Chuno. All the scenes he's in are awesome! I'd totally go for Dae Gil and not General Choi. He is so twisted, but multilayered and incredibly interesting! I have a feeling he will die in the end though and it will kill me! :(
Required fields are marked *
18 eiko
February 5, 2010 at 12:46 PM
@ Samsooki
LOL LOL....roll the dice. eh? I'm a gambler....if they've got their choices....oh well....if at first you don't succeed, try, try again!!!
Am enjoying watching Jang Hyuk! :-)
Required fields are marked *
19 alert
February 5, 2010 at 1:02 PM
@16 samsooki
Had they had proms in Joseun era:
Wang Sun would be adorable, but too dangerous to go out to prom with.
Dae Gil would be busy looking for Un Nyun.
General Choi would perhaps be a better choice. But he'd never ask.
Plus they'd be too busy hunting slaves, they won't have time for proms.
I'd say I'll take my chance with Chul Woong. Good looking, dress well, and I could simply threatened him with something so he'd agree of going with me.
Prom wise. :P
Required fields are marked *
20 Lena S.
February 5, 2010 at 1:30 PM
loving Jang Hyuk in "Chuno" although i never know if i should root for Dae Gil or Tae Ha.
this is OT but between the men from Chuno i would totally choose General Choi, he's got the choco abs and a good personality (he's the quiet type which i love)
Required fields are marked *
21 Jae In
February 5, 2010 at 1:35 PM
Really glad to read people like his character. Because in chuno He's not a goody-goody guy but there are something that his character Lee Dae Gil attract me more hundred time than Song Tae Ha character.
Required fields are marked *
22 hjkomo
February 5, 2010 at 1:42 PM
Silly Samsooki...
1) Of course, you put up a picture of JH with Jang Nara. My money's still on you having a poster of her hidden somewhere where the Mrs. won't see it. ;)
2) You don't wait for them to ask you to the prom. You just ask them yourself (love your idea, Alert!). DUH!!! :P
Required fields are marked *
23 mimi
February 5, 2010 at 2:05 PM
I think he's better looking than the actor who plays Tae-Ha. Tae Ha has those ears that stick out. Sorry, fans.
Required fields are marked *
24 darkyonan
February 5, 2010 at 2:39 PM
I want a man like him!! Why i cant find?! URHH!! Now i have to watch Chuno to see him. But he is so hot that i don t mind to re watch!! =P
Required fields are marked *
25 glencorajane
February 5, 2010 at 2:47 PM
#8 Samsooki - I am a girl and altho I can see where Gen. Choi's charm is, I am still in DaeGil's camp. He is oozing all the wild manly charm in Chuno!
All the way JH!!
Required fields are marked *
26 Jill4675
February 5, 2010 at 3:17 PM
I LOVE to read his interviews. :lol: Thank you! And thank you, JH, for not skipping to China! <_< You ARE "Chuno"...just wouldn't be the same with anyone else in the leading role...!
Required fields are marked *
27 su-pah
February 5, 2010 at 4:16 PM
Ooooh! Such a handsome fella....
Required fields are marked *
28 deannadsc
February 5, 2010 at 4:31 PM
...although I like Jang Hyuk & have watched most of his movies(windstruck,teach me english,thank you)...I'm more attracted to Oh Ji Ho & his Tae Ha character!!! He has tremendously improved on his acting( especially that scene after the fight wherein he realizes that his son was dead)...& he had to play a whole gamut of emotions...from relief,shock & grief? he was outstanding!!! OJH ought to graduate from his handsome-leading- man-roles & switch to more challenging roles, such as this to prove he's not just a macho-man w/ a pretty face, but can definitely act, as well!!!
Required fields are marked *
29 Emi
February 5, 2010 at 4:51 PM
"It’s also said that Chuno’s popularity has contributed to the popularity of six-pack abs."
Um, were six-pack abs ever UN-popular? Mmmm. :D If the guys can get Lee Da Hae looking pretty as a doll even while on the run, then by all means, lets see those abs on the guys. Equal opportunity fanservice <3 Jang Hyuk is great in his role here, I think all the guys are doing a fine job.
Required fields are marked *
30 sunflower
February 5, 2010 at 4:59 PM
What a beautiful man.
Required fields are marked *
31 Quidam
February 5, 2010 at 5:14 PM
This man is THE complete package. His wife is one lucky woman.
His performance in episode 10 blew me away. This show is the gift that keeps on giving..hehe. I am SO glad that JH chose Chuno instead of doing the Chinese drama. Good choice.
Required fields are marked *
32 serendipity
February 5, 2010 at 5:44 PM
Oh, I'm in love with DG. Of course. He's the archetypal tortured hero. Practically a Francis Crawford of Lymond (apologies to all who haven't read Dorothy Dunnett, but that's the archetypal period hero who cultivates a bad-boy image but is actually incredibly loyal and sensitive. And tortured, of course). What woman in her right mind can resist the dangerous man with a heart of gold? A heart of gold which, furthermore, bleeds?
In fact, because I also love Seol Hwa the Charmer, I want the two of them to get together. What fun they will have adventuring life away. OK, all right, Tae Ha can join them if he likes and make a threesome - the two of them have enough bounce to balance out his flatness. No, better still, TH should get together with UN - he's boringly noble, she's, well, just plain boring. Together they can raise lots of beautiful, beautifully behaved and boring children.
That's in K-drama terms. In real life, I'd probably marry Choi the Dependable. Why, do my eyes deceive me, or at the campside fire is Choi READING??! Geek Central! Next thing we know, he'll be doing crosswords during stake-outs. Oh. Wait a minute. I think I HAVE already married Choi...
As for the prom question, is that my prom-age me or present me we're talking about? If prom-age, I'd settle for Wang Son because I'd think I probably couldn't do better than him and would have no chance with the fascinating DG or the hot Choi. The present me would go with Wang Son because I KNOW I can't do better than him! He's actually a safe, easy-to-bully person, and he knows how to live for the moment and have a bit of fun. Choi would be dull (who wants a monosyllabic date?) and DG would be too unpredictable and high-maintenance; he'll either brood all night, or quite possibly drink too much and laugh too loud - who wants a manic-depressive date?
Required fields are marked *
33 Tha
February 5, 2010 at 5:51 PM
Jang Hyuk!!! Thats a real MAN, right there! FINE WINE is he!!! Gets better with age!!!!
Required fields are marked *
34 langdon813
February 5, 2010 at 6:22 PM
SKINNY DAE-GIL FTW!
OK, now that that's out of the way...I get the distinct impression that Jang Hyuk is misunderstood a lot. Anyone else? Hard to say what I mean, really. He's so serious and focused, and when someone teases him or if he's the butt of a joke, he doesn't really...get it.
But I think he's wonderful. Abs and all.
Required fields are marked *
35 Christine
February 5, 2010 at 6:27 PM
Jang Hyuk is a very handsome man. He's a really good actor. And I loveee him in FO. Hahaha. He's soooo funny and mischievous towards Jaesuk. I love this guy!
Required fields are marked *
36 Marie
February 5, 2010 at 7:34 PM
I LOve LOve Love Jang Hyuk he is adorable in looks and personality. I have watched everything he has been on and I am a fan of CHUNO I just hope he gets his girl in this drama or i will be peeved. I don't like OJH so he better not end up with LDH. in the series.
Required fields are marked *
37 ockoala
February 5, 2010 at 7:55 PM
@ serendipity - what a post! You are such a hoot!
I'd pick the bad boy any day, and I did do so, repeatedly in fact, until faced with the reality that CCWC never change, and then found me a nice General Choi. Who is actually lots of fun. Just not bad.
Required fields are marked *
38 serendipity
February 5, 2010 at 8:02 PM
@ ockoala
Hee hee. ;-)
Required fields are marked *
39 Kelakar
February 5, 2010 at 10:09 PM
@ serendipity, your post also boring, had a bad day? Take multivitamin dear, energize our mind so the world will look more interesting.
Required fields are marked *
40 serendipity
February 5, 2010 at 11:26 PM
@ 39 Kelakar
I am having an excellent day, thank you! I kind of like being provocative with my (honest) opinions, so your post has made me feel quite pleased with myself, in fact. I'm on a roll! ;-)
Required fields are marked *
41 bd
February 6, 2010 at 12:48 AM
JH totally looks diff. now than when he did "Windstruck" w/ Jeon Ji hyun.
Lost all his "baby fat" and has a much harder/masculine look.
JH was pretty funny in his two appearances on "Family Outing" - he appears to have, shall we say, quite a quirky personality.
Required fields are marked *
42 Soobi
February 6, 2010 at 1:20 AM
I have to say I'm very happy that he decided to take the role in Chuno.
♥♥
Required fields are marked *
43 bbm
February 6, 2010 at 2:36 AM
@37, ockoala unnie, just a couple of weeks ago KBSW broadcast Happy Together New Year Special with three leads of Chuno and God of Study (without the kids TT, but with JH n OJH, they soon to be forgotten :P), JH is always teased coz he's sooooo serious about his acting, he even got the name superman because ge can go shooting for 1 week WITHOUT sleeping, and apparantly he never had a gas problem, anywhere, anytime...
but seeing him so serious on variety show is quite something...
o, n btw, thank you JB for the interview
Required fields are marked *
44 kate
February 6, 2010 at 3:22 AM
JH is my first favorite Korean actor
Required fields are marked *
45 nycgrl
February 6, 2010 at 7:25 AM
When Jang Hyuk returned from the Army I noticed he looked a lot less doughy like in Thank You.His face got thinner and more masculine. I almost completely forgot he was in "successful story of a bright girl" which is a good thing. I like his look now.
I submit exhibit A
http://popseoul.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/11cover.jpg
and exhibit B
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/6598/janghyukhj2.jpg
Required fields are marked *
46 alert
February 6, 2010 at 9:37 AM
#45 nycgrl
LOL at the exhibits. Do you mind if I add exhibit C as well?
http://yeinjee.com/asianpop/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/letter-from-angels-2007-jang-hyuk.jpg
it's my fav JH exhibit. :P
Required fields are marked *
47 o-cha
February 6, 2010 at 11:48 AM
Thanks for the article javabeans. I always enjoy reading Jang hyuk's interviews..
Required fields are marked *
48 pabo ceo reom
February 6, 2010 at 5:10 PM
samsooki..
it's about time you label your post with "WARNING: CONTAINS JANG NARA" :P
Required fields are marked *
49 happy
February 6, 2010 at 7:13 PM
janghyuk.....he looks good...i like him since i watched thnk yu..god bleesss
Required fields are marked *
50 tika
February 6, 2010 at 8:52 PM
he's so funny!!!!!!!! 8d!!! I really like him in family outing.. hahaha this man is whackk!! so happy his drama is a success
Required fields are marked *