Through his roles in dramas such as ‘Protect the Boss‘ and ‘Time Slip Dr. Jin‘, JYJ‘s Jaejoong has proven his competence as a formidable actor. However, he recently revealed in an interview that he wanted to try something different after his more serious roles.
This urge led him to consider ‘Code Name Jackal’ (directed by Bae Hyung Joon), where he would be able to play a more comedic character. “I always want to show something new about myself,” he confessed. “With ‘Code Name Jackal’, I wanted to do that. I’ve always played serious, heavy roles, so I wanted to spread the word that there are other sides of me, too.”
“Through my character [in ‘Code Name Jackal’], I wanted to play a more trickster, sarcastic role,” he revealed. “A lot of my personal self is melted into my ‘Jackal’ character.”
Although the film itself is not doing as well as he had hoped – against big names such as ‘Wolf Boy‘ and overseas releases – Jaejoong considered the experience to be worth it. “Personally, the mere fact that I did a film was a great chance and opportunity. Of course we must consider the success of the film, but I feel that the movie was a way for me to show myself. It was a wonderful chance and I gained many things as well. I think that acting for this film gave me strength in life, as well as giving me motivation for music.”
While filming, Jaejoong experienced the true craziness and rush of a film set. “We really filmed like crazy,” he said. “I often dozed in the middle of shooting. If I ate, I would’ve given up on sleep; if I slept, I would’ve given up on eating. In order to combine the two, I ate vitamin supplements.”
Despite his grueling and hectic schedule as an actor and artist, Jaejoong sometimes thinks about a normal life. When asked what he would like to do if he had the chance to be an ordinary citizen, he answered, “Firstly, I want to go to a bustling roadside stand. I’d eat tasty food and have a drink, then get over my hangover the day after. Then I’d go shopping and sightseeing. It’s been 8 years since I’ve visited Dongdaemun [a landmark in Seoul]. I also want to go to the amusement park and go on all the rides I want. I’ve visited a few times due to filming, but I’ve never been on anything.”
However, Jaejoong also recognized the benefits of his celebrity status, especially pointing out his fans that had supported him since his debut. “I’ve had many incidents and fallen on hard times, and every time I’m grateful to my fans,” he said. “Because I was with you, I was able to get over my suffering and pain.”
One particular encounter with a fan is emblazoned into his memory, Jaejoong recounted. “I once told a fan to study hard prior to the exam, and she ended up placing first. There’s also a fan who got into Waseda University in Japan. It was a moment where I realized the importance of my relationship with my fans.”
“For those of you who have yet to watch ‘Code Name Jackal’, I hope you’ll go into it with an easy mindset and ready to laugh. There are a lot of positive traits hidden in our movie. The more you see it, the more film-like it becomes. Thanks for your interest.” he finished.
JYJ3 
Don’t be to hard on yourself JJ…Jackal is doing just great especially opening on the same day as Twilight in Korea. Wolf boy and Twilight movies are in 700 theater screens each and Jackal is only in less than 250 screens. Still a success!
I was wondering about the screen count. Fewer screens, fewer people to see it. Obviously, with the major distributor being an SM crony, and balking at showing it, this was to be expected. The mindset in that country just baffles the hell out of me. Business owners refusing to make money. Go Figure.
Well, have no fears JJ. When the movie is put out on DVD, one sold here! 😉
Yes it’s somehow unfortunate to be released on the same date with Breaking Dawn plus the rising popularity of the Werewolf Boy ( vampires and wolves are dominating, lol). And it’s a Lotte Ent. production, CGV just give Jackal a very limited screens. If the comparison is with the whole Korean movie releases of 2012, I think Jackal is doing above the average.
Korean Box Office
http://www.hancinema.net/korean_boxoffice.php
@kris
thanks for sharing this info kris, hmmm suddenly i’ve got mixed feelings while looking at the figures – happy for jae, for all the good reviews he is earning and for his expansion…sad too for the film’s standing vs werewolf boy. .but i do take consolation with your comment that given the circumstances & limitations, Jackal is doing above the average…
the greedy & impatient me wants Jae to be on top always — but its not really his time for that yet–Jae’s path is the road less travelled & im going with him with all the twists and turns…as long as Jae is happy, i am too
Hello @sis jyj1214
I think Jae is learning from Song Joong Ki a lot, to take acting career step by step. If I remember it right, it was SJK who told Jae that there’s no such thing as small role as long as you can relate and give life to the character well, it doesn’t matter if it’s not a lead role. I think Werewolf Boy has an awesome storyline which touches the romantic side of the viewers and it was released at the height of his drama Innocent Man/Nice Guy. Song Joong Ki is well known with the Korean public being a regular host of KBS Friday music program Music Bank from 2009 to 2010 and a cast member on SBS variety show Running Man from 2010 to 2011. He debuted in film in 2008 and his filmography, television dramas and shows list can tell how he becomes a household name compared to Jaejoong who has only 2 second lead role drama exposure. And I’m glad they are friends, hopefully Jae can reach SJK Werewolf status in the future, step by step like Werewolf is the 9th movie. project of my other sweetheat Joong Ki 🙂 .
Koreans generally prefer dramas vs comedies…
So, CGV did give Jackal some screens. I’m surprised they did. Given the fact they turnedcoat and dropped showing “The Day” when they got the 3 a.m. call from you know who. But I don’t think it was going to be lost on the folks at Lotte that the film wouldn’t be the top go getter. There are fewer theaters to show it. But nonetheless, this will still be a good experience for Jaejoong. Your points about Joongki’s prior experience so highlights how an established reputation makes a world of difference.
That’s one of the reasons, they will make their money when it goes for it’s international showing. Not to mention the sale of the DVD.
Thanks for providing the link. I was looking at other sites and not finding anything, especially the movie one that was quoted for “The Day.”
@BAF
I was monitoring at this link http://www.cgv.co.kr/ , Jackal presently is only #12, maybe CGV reduced the number of screens on the 2nd week, but last week it reached to as high as #4 for a short while but stayed for most of the days at #5 or #6. I can’t find the Lotte equivalent of this chart, I’m assuming it has better standing in Lotte cinemas.
Kris,
Did you try this link…
http://www.lottecinema.co.kr
I’m having trouble opening it. Not sure if it’s me or them. Everything else I go to opens. It could be the site is very busy.
@BAF
Thanks, yes I’ve been trying this link since day1 but can’t open.
So how is his movie doing?? What does he mean “the film itself is not doing as well as he had hoped”?? What are the results??
i read a translation of a StarToday article published one week after the movie opened to the public, and the writer reported that the movie only had about 180,000 tickets sold in the first week. There was stiff competition with Wolf Boy and Twilight opening on the same day as Jackal, and Jackal was showing on much fewer screens.
I think it,s actually doing better than I expected with that competition and not being shown everywhere.
JJ Hwaiting! And yes, JJ, you inspired a lot of us. You really did. :’D
Translated and reposted this on JYJtieba.
the overseas have not even start yet..im not going to worry
The numbers being published should show the number of tickets sold divided by or over the number of screenings of a movie for us to correctly compare Jackal with others. It sometimes very misleading and I take it as a propaganda or ads in favor of a movie. Even the commentaries of the supposed to be expert film critics or reviewers have their bias. Everybody is entitled to his/her own opinion though. Each and everyone of us has his/her intelligent judgement. As for me, I will buy the dvd copy of the film( or wait for a chance to watch it on movie houses if shown in my country) , watch it as many times over and make an intelligent judgement ( actually I will treasure it as it is Jaejoong’s first movie :D) Remember guys Jaejoong has just began his trek as a movie actor and nobody can deny his great talent and passion to his craft. I’m just proud being his fan. Fighting!
Hope we can buy the DVD of the film !!
Because oversea’s fans wanna to support the movie of JJ by the only way is buy the DVD !!
Fully support Jaejoong whatever he want to do and really feel that he always done his best ^^ He done well this time also ^^
Now words better than this say about my heart & thinking ……. I love Kim Jaejoong ^^
V@_^V
Jae – you will always be a box office hit to your fans, wish we- your international fans can see your movie very soon!
You did a good job, take heart & enjoy a well deserved rest!
Yes, it’s unfortunate that it was shown against Breaking Dawn. But no worries Jae, it’s just your first movie, I know time will come that you will be on top of the movie box-office too. You can rely on the intl fans support when the DVD comes out. ^^
Yes, it’s early days in Jae’s movie career. I’m sure he’s well aware of what ‘Jackal’ was up against for it’s opening and he’s looking forward to working harder in acting. We will definitely support you, Jae! “D
From my TL in Twitter:
Miracle Stars @SGMiracleStars
[PLS RT] Registration For “Code Name: Jackal” Private Screening In Singapore! Come on, join in the fun! o(^_-)O
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGpseFRPb2ZoaU5nVXdKTUlqQ3oyUlE6MQ
If you are interested in coming to Singapore to join the Private Screening, please help us to fill up the form and also if you have Twitter, Facebook etc. Please let the rest of the JYJ’s Fans and interested parties know. Thank you ^^
“Firstly, I want to go to a bustling roadside stand. I’d eat tasty food and have a drink, then get over my hangover the day after. Then I’d go shopping and sightseeing. It’s been 8 years since I’ve visited Dongdaemun [a landmark in Seoul]. I also want to go to the amusement park and go on all the rides I want.”
Sounds like a perfect day to me, especially going on all the rides at the amusement park. & I can’t wait until Jackal comes out on DVD & I can enjoy it.