[TRANSL + SCANS] 180323 Kim Jaejoong Interview @ “女性自身 (Josei Jishin)” Magazine April Issue (Vol. 2814)

“Initially, when the role was offered to me, I assumed that there would be only a few lines in Japanese since I was playing a Korean. But, as I was reading the script, I realized all the words are in Japanese, and even worse, they were all in the honorifics. I worried “whether I can do it or not”. I could sleep only a bit the night before”.

Jaejoong (32), who resumed activities in Japan early January of this year, will be featured in a variety show “Sukatto Japan SP” on March 26 as a guest (Fuji TV, Monday 19:00~). He will play a convenience store and a cake shop staff in the program section called ”Store Clerk’s Incredible Response,” a short drama reenacting the viewers’ actual experiences.

“I think all the fans who have been waiting (for my TV appearance) will be pleased because it’s been a very long time. Of course, I am happy too!”

In Korea, Jaejoong got back to dramas scenarios after his discharge from army in December 2016, and his return as an actor was a seamless one, too. He moved the stage to Japan, and worked with the filming crew for the first time. He engaged them without fear and even had a smile on him. Though he confessed some sort of nervousness lurking inside him.

“I felt my heart flutter. It feels like I’ve returned to my rookie days.”

This drama depicts an episode a contributor went through. An unexpected, god-like response of an ikemen (good-looking) clerk made a lasting impression to this viewer.

“The highlight is the deciding dialogue in this show. Since this is my first time taking on the roles of a store clerk at a convenience store and a pastry chef, please look forward to it.”

During the filming that day he played cat’s cradle with the child actor he hold, and made faces that he cannot show on stage.

“I had a little spare time recently and I could relax a little bit. As I start living in Japan again, I take walks around the place I used to live a long time ago, meet friends, such little things give me joy.’ He can not help but hold big expectations for his new beginning.”

The other day he appeared in the halftime show at the opening game of the J League. With a full performance, he received big applause and cheers from the soccer fans.

“It is my first experience to sing in front of a lot of people who do not know me, I was very nervous, I also want to sing live in Japanese soon and I want everyone to listen to new songs.”