[INTERVIEW] Kim Jaejoong, a Man of Many Appeals, Like Two Sides of a Coin

Kim Jaejoong: “The (Systematic) Under-estimation of Idols is Regrettable… I Wish To Be an Idol Forever.”

There is here a man who was an idol, is currently an idol, and wishes to be an idol in the future also. To define this man in one word is a considerably difficult task. Under the main card of the “singer” there is the “stage director,” and now he has acquired the name of the “actor” as well.

He has the look of the cold, city man but he bursts out here and there in an affectionate country dialect. Underneath the face that bursts out into a hearty laughter even at a small word, there is a strong heart that does not fear challenges. In words that are blurted out softly, the inside of this honest man who has been maturing for a long time can be seen.

The name of this man is Kim Jaejoong.

The New Challenge of Kim Jaejoong, “Acting”… “There is No Limit.”

Kim Jaejoong has stood in front of a new starting line in order to clear the hurdle called acting. Kim Jaejoong has taken on the role of the Prince of the Financial World Cha Muwon in the new SBS Wednesday-Thursday drama Protect the Boss. As he faced the debut in the drama scene in earnest, anxiety and excitement crossed on his face.

When I told Jaejoong about the sunbae actors who appear with him praising him, the hard and wide shoulders suddenly shrunk. “Shall I really break big, do you think?” Jaejoong asked back, but soon broke into laughter and he hid his face. “I am nothing but thankful. I think they turned around the words meant to be a whipping for me to try even harder.” He waved his hands (in denial) and scratched the back of his head as if embarrassed.

It is not that he has no experience in acting but this is his first time debuting in the domestic drama scene. It is the first time that he is meeting with the viewers through the TV screen and so it is expected that he is even more nervous. Further, to Kim Jaejoong whose face and name is already familiar (to the public) as a singer having been one for more than 7 years, a more unforgiving measuring stick may be used.

Kim Jaejoong said: “I cannot under no circumstances tell you that ‘I wish I can receive tremendous praise.’ However, I want to meld into the other actors inside the drama and show you a good project. My biggest goal is to show not the image that I’ve shown as a singer so far but rather to show you myself who has blended into the work.”

“I want to be a person who—as a member of a group called JYJ, and as Kim Jaejoong, the individual, can challenge himself at everything and can successfully pull off everything. To become a group without limits, to become a person without limits—that is my goal.”

The “Idol” Tag? “I Wish To be an Idol Forever.”

To a person whose start is that of an idol, always the tag of being an “idol” follows him. Some people is ashamed by the label of idol and hide them, and some sweat in order to evolve into the label of the “artist.” Among these men, Kim Jaejoong had a firm opinion about idols that was unique to him.

“I like the name of ‘idol.’ Wouldn’t it be more pressure to debut as a singer-song writer and to become an idol later? (laugh) There are many people who have preconceived notions about the label of an ‘idol’ but when I see the idol hubaes of nowadays I think there are many people who would do well even if they came out as solo artists. I think it is not right to keep someone tied to the field of an ‘idol’ due solely to the label of the ‘idol’ and to the external image of the team when everyone is so very good.”

Kim Jaejoong also expressed regret at the fact that idols are given (artificially) low evaluations. Kim Jaejoong revealed his thoughts honestly: “Idols are in fact in a position where they can try even more things. I see it as an occupation that is more beneficial (than many others) when one is looking at the matter as in the (idea of the) entertainer itself.”

Further, he even returned with a question: “We JYJ are also getting into the late twenties, but we are still idols, and I think we’ll still be idols even in our thirties and forties. Back Street Boys and SMAP are also called idol groups, are they not?”

Kim Jaejoong, who even while smiling shyly quickly states his belief with conviction. He who has inside of him many forms, just like the two sides of a coin—we are looking forward to his challenge at acting.

Source: Joynews24
Translation Credit: JYJ3

Posted In: News
Tagged: Interview, Jaejoong, Protect The Boss