Joo-won: Growing up and shedding his boyish image

75 October 25, 2015October 25, 2015

by javabeans

I always enjoy when an actor finishes up a project and has time to do the interview circuit, and Joo-won is pulling double-duty, with his drama Yong-pal recently wrapped and his upcoming movie That Man just about to release.

That’s good for fans, since he recently gave a ton of interviews, and I’ve been reading them up. Here are a selection of quotes and comments he made while on his media circuit about his projects, working schedule, army duty plans, and more.

He described Yong-pal as being particularly tough; of roughly 60 scenes that make up an episode, he would be in 50. Coupled with the live-shooting schedule and the pressure to retain its impressively high ratings (it peaked at 21.5%, which is a number I thought we wouldn’t see anymore from miniseries), that made for a stressful experience, though I’m sure it was also rewarding.

He said, “My heart hasn’t recovered yet. It was especially difficult, both mentally and physically. I’ve done other projects that were much more difficult physically, but this time I felt the stress and pressure of ratings. I was surprised to see that stress even revealed on my face.”

A comment he made in the November issue of Singles magazine has been making the rounds in the media; everyone jumped on his answer to what he gained through Yong-pal: “Naturally, that’s Tae-hee noona. She’s not just a pretty face, but has a beautiful personality too. How should I say, she’s someone who becomes more charming the more you look at her.”

On dating: “I’d like to date! I’d like if it could be someone that I and everyone around me could like. Someone who I could meet without any worries, it doesn’t matter if she’s a fellow actor or if she feels sisterly, but I don’t really like sexy women. I like cute women. Come to think of it, I haven’t dated anyone younger, just mostly women my age.”

As a 1987-er, he’ll have to think about military service soon, and anticipates going in the latter half of next year. He said, “The time is approaching for me to think of going, but for others, before they leave, they do a lot of work in a hurry. But I always worked a lot, so I’ll just do as I normally do.” It’s crazy to think that Joo-won’s normal state of busy-ness is what everyone else considers mad frenzy, but having watched him work over the years, it doesn’t surprise me.

He also said, “Everybody has to go, and I can’t deny that it’s something that concerns me. It’s likely that when I go into service, there will be people who forget about me and those who remember me, but honestly I feel confident that when I return, I can do well. Even if I start all over at the beginning, I think I could enjoy myself. Of course, that hasn’t happened yet so I don’t know, but that’s how I feel now. Even if nobody recognizes me, I honestly think I would be okay.”

A lot of the interview material touched on the topic of transformation as an actor, both in relation to his recent roles and as an actor heading out of his twenties.

Asked why he felt a need to make a transformation, he replied, “I started in musicals at twenty, and made a plan for myself. Back then, the role wasn’t important—I just took on whatever performances I could. For television and films, I did things I wanted to do, but I didn’t worry too seriously about it. In my twenties I wanted to try anything, to try to do as many things I could. If my ‘color’ became set as an actor, I wanted to take on some change as I cross into my thirties.”

He said, “When choosing projects, I kept in mind that I wanted to remove the youthful, boyish image. You can’t keep the boyish image forever.”

That’s why he was drawn to the character he plans in That Man a thriller where he plays a coarse factory worker whose adored younger sister is murdered. There are no clues and no leads, but he vows to find the killer and get his vengeance. Joo-won thought, “This is a role I need right now.”

Opposite to their release order, Joo-won filmed That Man first, and then jumped right into Yong-pal afterward. He gained 8 kilograms and worked out to shoot That Man, and then quickly shed all the weight to do Yong-pal. While it could be tricky switching gears so quickly, he said, “The characters are so opposite each other that it was actually more comfortable. I didn’t have to worry that I might seem too similar in both.”

He explained, “In the past, I wasn’t confident I could pull off masculine things. And if I tried, it felt forced. Of course it is acting, but you can’t ignore years of experience. It feels a bit beyond me now, but I need it now and think I’ll have to bring it out.”

One interviewer asked whether that masculine side had been hidden inside him before. He joked, “We’ll say it was hidden inside. [Laughs]”

“I’ve done a number of projects, but thinking about it, there haven’t been two characters who are really the same. I have a sense of pride about that.”

He was asked whether he didn’t want to do roles where he looked cool or impressive, and responded, “I find the appearance of being grubby and dirty onscreen extremely satisfying. When you have to look cool onscreen or shoot prettily, I find it very uncomfortable for me. Rather than a good-looking role where I have to be careful not to muss one lock of hair, I’m more comfortable with characters like Jang-woo [in That Man] where it doesn’t matter if I’ve got pepper flakes stuck on me.”

In That Man, his character adores his younger sister, which is apparently a feeling he could relate to (at least, theoretically). Joo-won explained always wanting a little sister to spoil and dote on, going so far as to call it something of a romantic fantasy.

“When I was younger, I pestered my mother about wanting a little sister. I just thought if I had one, she’d be so pretty and I wanted to take care of her, and if she got a boyfriend I would lock her up. [Laughs] Maybe that’s why I found [Ryu] Hye-young, who plays Eun-ji, so cute.”

On the other hand, the role had its difficulties, and a key one was the accent he had to adopt:

“The saturi [dialect]. I held on for three months. After about the first month, I was doing a reading with the director, who’s from Busan, who even suggested that we go with the Seoul accent instead. I thought it was almost like speaking a foreign language, but I got extremely stubborn. It felt like we needed to use the saturi, and I wanted to do it no matter what. I spoke in saturi 24 hours a day. Even after being that stubborn, I felt periodic regret. [Laughs] Thankfully, the others around me looked favorably on it, and later on the director and the actors from Gyeongnam [province] said ‘Ah, not bad.’ That gave me confidence.”

The movie is a crime thriller that’s entirely without romance, and one interviewer commented on the fact that Joo-won is something of a romance king (at least, in dramaland). He replied, “I wasn’t sad about it. I really liked it. There were even scenes that were taken out because they might seem romantic. Thanks for calling me the romance king. [Laughs]”

When told of a rumor that he never sleeps because he’s so busy, Joo-won said, “You can always make time if you need to. And I do sleep these days. [Laughs]”

I would venture to disagree, since there’s a limit to how much time you can “make” by sheer dint of will, but Joo-won doesn’t seem to have those concerns. Either that, or he’s discovered a door to a dimension he’s withholding from the rest of us.

He said, “In the past, I didn’t even think thoughts like that. I would wonder, ‘What’s the point of resting?’ These days, I do think that I need time to rest, but I don’t think this is the time. I don’t have much of this left. After I come back from army service, I don’t think I can do that. Then, whatever I do, I’ll have to think more seriously as I choose. And then, when I take breaks, I think I’ll be able to do so with an easier mind.”

Last but not least, he had a few words to say about idols and role models, like musical (also film and drama) superstar Jo Seung-woo: “Seung-woo hyung has been my idol since high school. Back then, I saw the premiere of Jekyll and Hyde and it made me shiver. Every day at school, I would sing ‘This Is the Moment.’ When I was doing Spring Awakening, hyung came to see it and encouraged me, and it made me really happy. I ran into hyung by chance in front of MBC when he was doing Horse Healer, and he said, ‘You’re working again? You should rest!’ Nowadays I still look up to him but I’m really happy that we’ve become closer.”

Then there’s Jo Jung-seok, who’s starring in a film that’ll be a box-office rival, The Exclusive: Beat the Devil’s Tattoo (which released this past week). “Jo Jung-seok hyung is really awesome onstage. Because I know he’s that kind of person, I’m happy for him when things go well for him. Hyung has ambition with his acting, and his outlook on acting is very clear. Back when we would perform onstage together, he would give me suggestions, and I’m really happy that someone like him has become successful.”

Also: “I also really like Kim Dae-myung hyung [Misaeng, Inside Men]. When I didn’t have money to buy food, he paid for me, and if I asked him to buy me fried chicken at night, he would buy me fried chicken.” Then he laughed, “But I think he changed his number. I called him to invite him to the screening and couldn’t get through.”

Yong-pal wrapped earlier this month on SBS, while crime thriller That Man releases on October 28. Knowing Joo-won, he’ll be announcing his next drama any day now. He may be one of the rare people for whom active military duty would offer a less strenuous schedule than everyday life. Why rest when he can work, right?

Star News, Asiae, Hankook Ilbo, Newsen, Newsen, Asia Today

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Tags: interviews, Joo-won

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1 kimchikay

October 25, 2015 at 12:08 PM

I still remember when I watched King of Baking, Kim Takgu and Joo Won was second lead in his first drama...the whole time, I was like "who is this guy who looks like TOP from Big Bang!?" (sorry huge VIP here)...have been following him since them and am so happy to see how much he's grown as an actor...he's come a long way and really risen to the top in a matter of 5 years - impressive indeed. I look forward to seeing him perfect his craft...thanks for the interview translations javabeans!

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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉

October 25, 2015 at 12:27 PM

He really is a good actor - even when I can't get into the actual drama, I cannot fault his acting. Even if I do worry about when he ever gets to sleep!

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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉

October 25, 2015 at 12:29 PM

speaking of resemblances, he's almost freakishly similar to Kang Dong-won, face-wise. Maybe he's a touch on the cuter side while KDW is more elfin?

But if someone told me they were brothers, I would have bought it with the greatest of ease.

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Daehoney

October 25, 2015 at 3:26 PM

I don't want to sound like a broken record here, but yeah they are similar. Joo Won was in fact mistaken for KDW once and was attacked by a bunch of fans before he was famous. And I once read an article about Korean Spring Awakening and they use "The lead who really looks like Kang Dong Won". I first binge-watched Kang Dong Won starting from My Brilliant Life (late, I know!) and I went, "Joo Won what are you doing there?!" Good thing KDW doesn't take many comedic roles that require him to smile because I'll be having a hard time separating the two actors image when I see their works.
And I really want them to atar in a movie together, as brothers. I even imagine the stylist will give them the same hairstyle and make-up and they'll fool around by having the same expression to show how similar they are.
But yeah, Joo Won needs to rest and pick a good-quality projects first after coming out of the army.

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KompaktneHaare

October 25, 2015 at 1:55 PM

Oh, I had the exact same journey with him! I must say I probably watched the whole King of Baking until the end because of him. Although his character was kind of nasty I still rooted for him. Only Joo Won can do that, hehe.

And ..Oh god, Joo Wonnie, nobody who has already noticed you cannot UNnotice you~.

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sunnyl

October 26, 2015 at 4:33 AM

I remember the interview in SeongSeongJangGu/win win? with Jun InHwa (Joo Won's mom/evil chairman's wife), Yoon Shi-yoon(Takgu) and Joo Won (Gu majun) regarding the show. Yoon Shi-yoon said when he and Joo Won run into Jun InHwa in the hallway, He bows to her saying Hello, and when he raises his head, he sees Joo Won already run and cling to her, calling her 'Mom', playing cute.
I also remember they mentioned there was a scene YSY gave JIH piggyback, and YSY guessed her weight right (embarrassingly). lol btw when YSY comes back from the army duty again?

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Alessar

October 26, 2015 at 6:59 AM

I tried to watch that show and I had technical issues, plus I was so mired down in the "back in childhood" sequence.... I never got past about episode 6 or 8.

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2 Dilys

October 25, 2015 at 12:12 PM

Swooning forever

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Dilys

October 25, 2015 at 12:13 PM

Thanks for the post!

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3 Miky

October 25, 2015 at 12:18 PM

Oh boy,i really really love this guy and even more knowing he doesn't care looking "dirty" on screen and is actually confortable,really admire this type of actors that go full on rather that beying extra on their image even on a project looking all cool and stuff...Hope he'll find his other half and i actually see him having a girl as child somehow...He really looks like the workaholic type,i would like if i'd say i don't want him to return to dramaland with another drama project before going to enlist next year,i want him back soon,hope with a good project

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4 pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉

October 25, 2015 at 12:25 PM

oh man, why did he have to go and mention that he's known Jo Seung-woo, Jo Jong-seok, AND Kim Dae-myung? Now I want a project starring all four of them, and I didn't even know I wanted it before!

(side note: theatre-trained actors always seem to absolutely kill it once they move into film/tv. These guys, Kang Haneul, and even our new fave Ji-soo.....)

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Daehoney

October 25, 2015 at 3:15 PM

Yes, and he's also close with Kim moo yeol (JW was his understudy at Spring Awakening) and Kang Ha Neul. Theatre actors seem to be really close with each other.

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Comeonsense

October 25, 2015 at 6:38 PM

I just read that in Kang Ha Neul's interview. Appears that Jo Jong Seok, Kim Moo Yeol, Joo Won and Kang Ha Neul still catch up with each other.

I second @pogo. Why doesn't anyone put up a musical staring all of them? Or a drama? Make a special or something?

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mary

October 25, 2015 at 9:31 PM

They're thinking of our poor hearts. Who can survive that kind of show?

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Kiara

October 25, 2015 at 10:35 PM

Lol true that!

Watching Joo-won as the lead in "Ghost the musical" with my new favorite stage actress Park Ji-yeon is a real treat. I hope he'll do more musicals while serving in the army.

Comeonsense

October 26, 2015 at 5:50 AM

It's okay, we will just be in heaven!

Comeonsense

October 27, 2015 at 10:00 PM

Just read that Kim Ha Neul is offered a role in Moon Lovers(what a name!), the K adaptation of a huge Chinese hit drama Bu Bu Jing Xin.

This story has so many characters...what if all these guys take role. *dies*

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Chesens

October 28, 2015 at 5:27 AM

Let us light a gazillion candles as offering to the dramagods to grant us your wish!

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5 no name #6

October 25, 2015 at 12:28 PM

Thanks so much for this! I always love his totally unabashed gushing about other actors. And I can totally see him as someone who doesn't necessarily like all the work that goes into looking perfect onscreen for that type of character (hair, makeup, etc.). 1N2D should have taught us that, at least. Haha. Despite his protestations about manliness or the lack thereof, he's definitely a guy in that way. Well, if it gives us more authentic characters, I'm all for that.

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6 Rinturiel

October 25, 2015 at 12:28 PM

I guess the saying "You should never meet your heroes" (in this case - read what your heroes have to say) holds painfully true in Joo Won's case. I'm a big fan of his, but I was utterly dumbstruck at what he had to say about locking his hypothetical sister up for having a boyfriend and treating her like a "pretty" doll and about doing "masculine" things (WTH does that even mean?). I know, I know, Korea has its own specific culture etc. etc., but being, or striving to be, a decent and respectful human being should be a universal prerequisite, even if your evironment teaches you questionable things. Even if it was a tease or joke, it ain't funny.

Not to mention that his new film's premise seems to depend on cliche fridging of his character's sister. Classy...

I think I'm going to stick to watching his dramas from now on and give his interviews a wide berth.

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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉

October 25, 2015 at 12:34 PM

It might be worth remembering that different cultures have different standards for what constitutes an acceptable joke/public comment, and whatever standards apply to the culture you're most familiar with, are far from universal. And yes, given that, it may be better not to read his interviews if they offend you.

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Javabeans

October 25, 2015 at 12:35 PM

To be fair, the Korean word for treating someone prettily is kind of difficult to translate. The word literally is "treat pretty" but the meaning is more like "dote upon."

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Kiara

October 25, 2015 at 1:55 PM

I think he meant that he would be the over-protective big brother and one who would spoil his little sister that's all.

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C

October 25, 2015 at 5:42 PM

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changhyun

October 25, 2015 at 6:38 PM

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Comeonsense

October 25, 2015 at 6:21 PM

Most men say this in self deprecating way because they know they won't and can't do it in reality. It is not just in Korea but in America, you have jokes and comedies on fathers who are ridiculously protective in their imagination but fail humorously in being so. Moreover, Joo Won said about wanting a sister and being overly protective when he was a boy.

Except for certain cultures, I would definitely say this joke is on the men.

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changhyun

October 25, 2015 at 6:39 PM

Definitely reaching here. Every guy wishes they had a cute little sister they could be a good older brother too, nothing more than that.

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saranga

October 25, 2015 at 9:41 PM

it's really hard to interpret korean interviews into english. there are some things that simply don't translate and are just downright awkward or sound off. what joo-won said about having a sister would be one of them.

like the other replies, he really just meant that he would be a protective big brother who would treat his little sister like a princess and wouldn't want to see her dating a bunch of guys.

it's a common thing for korean fathers/parents and brothers/close male acquaintances to say that they would "lock up" their daughters and sisters if they tried to date—or dated certain types of men.

they mean it in a very protective, no-guy-is-good-enough-for-you sort of way.

it's like how a lot of american fathers are about their daughters—looking in askance at the guys that want to date their daughters. if that helps.

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NP

October 25, 2015 at 11:59 PM

I think its just what older siblings feel. Im a girl who has a brother 8 years younger than me and even thinking about him dating is uncomfortable.. Its just our protectiveness... dont think he meant anything "masculine" by it.

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Trinity 🍆

October 26, 2015 at 9:27 AM

"Not to mention that his new film’s premise seems to depend on cliche fridging of his character’s sister. Classy…"

I read the description and my first thought was 'of course it's a younger sister because it always is'. The trope of fridging women is getting old and the only reason I would watch this movie is because Joo Won is in it.

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7 maieutikos

October 25, 2015 at 12:50 PM

Yeah...okay. I love Joo-won, I really do, but the sister comment is weird. So is the liking "cute women" thing. I'm willing to give him a pass because I don't understand the context or the culture, but it's still not cool. I would be so pissed if a male friend said that XD
Besides that awkwardness, I really do admire his work ethic and acting skills. And I'll definitely give his new movie a try, it sounds interesting :)

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blnmom

October 25, 2015 at 7:58 PM

I'm not sure if you're interpreting the word 'cute' as 'good-looking', like in the US where we call Brad Pitt 'cute'. Anyway, JW means he likes women that act cute and give off that vibe, instead of sexy. I don't think it has anything to do with beautiful or not.

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stuffed

October 25, 2015 at 9:41 PM

He mentioned once that he likes girls with 'a belly' or something. I think he prefers normal-looking girls as opposed to those glamorized, skinny and sexy idols.

It comes of a bit weird at times just how specific he can be when it comes to his ideal type etc. but if you've followed him from the beginning of his career (not that I do, really), you will find him the earnest type.

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mary

October 25, 2015 at 9:42 PM

I think it's in contrast with liking "sexy women".

I remember in a past interview he mentioned liking chubby girls. Maybe he was trying for a word that's not heavy/chubby/fat. So he went for cute or adorable.

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Wang

October 26, 2015 at 2:09 AM

I think 'cute girls' like Park Bo Young, Choi Kang Hee or Suzy type rather than sexy like HyunA or Clara. He said it himself that he have never dated women younger than him.

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8 pingabingme

October 25, 2015 at 12:53 PM

So much respect for him. So happy he's going all out and not holding anything back :) Gotta do everything yall want to do and not have any regret in the future. Wishing him the best of luck!

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9 jennyannyen

October 25, 2015 at 12:57 PM

I think Joowon is a great actor. But I wouldn't call him the romance king. To be honest, I don't buy his romance in any of his dramas. How do I say this...it is as if he has chemistry with the actress in every other sphere except the romantic angle. I could never buy the fact that he was very attracted to his actress or love them. I think the only drama that I bought some semblance of emotional romance is in Gaksital. Even then, I feel like it is more of a childhood longing rather than full on adult love.

He emotes really well, I just don't buy the attraction. But, I CAN'T WAIT for him to come back from the army. Boys always come back with an air of masculinity and maturity.

Now..if only descendants from the sun comes out faster so I could see my Joong ki ah...

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Lixie

October 26, 2015 at 6:45 AM

Yes, I was thinking maybe I was the only person feeling like that.

Romance king? I love the boy but he never sells the romance and I know the blame must be more on the writing but even then, he lacks something in this. Maybe he has no real life experience on love? He works so much he has never had real crazy relationships? I find it hard to believe but it's possible.

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Trinity 🍆

October 26, 2015 at 9:30 AM

I agree with you. Joo Won is such an excellent actor and one of my top favorite Korean actors but his romances always feels a little awkward.

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Amulya Kolusu

November 2, 2015 at 9:32 PM

For you and for all those who think like you, haven't you watched Ojakyo Brothers, I think its the best Joo Won drama. It was perfect even from the romantic side.

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10 aida

October 25, 2015 at 1:03 PM

Will forever be crushing on Joo-won. End of story.

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11 alua

October 25, 2015 at 1:13 PM

He seems interesting enough and decent actor, but I'm still waiting for a drama of his that I'll actually like. Found them all to be mildly entertaining to totally-not-my-cup-of-tea. :-/

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Lixie

October 26, 2015 at 6:47 AM

The only one I truly liked was Gaksital but it was far from perfect. I feel maybe he chooses the roles he would like to play and forget to consider the quality of the drama itself.

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12 Kiara

October 25, 2015 at 1:18 PM

I've always liked him for some reason but never got into his acting. Maybe because I find him a bit too aggressive on screen so I prefer to watch him sing and act on stage.

I'm not surprise that Jo Seung-woo is his idol and role model. Love him too.

I wish he was my big brother. We'd hang out freely like close friends and talk to him about boys lol.

Rock on Joo-won! Best of luck with future projects!

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13 Beez

October 25, 2015 at 1:56 PM

Can someone explain the term "miniseries" as jb used it here? I thought all kdramas were miniseries as in not ongoing the way American tv series go indefinitely until interest/ratings fall off.

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no name #6

October 25, 2015 at 2:24 PM

I think the distinction may be more weeknight dramas (the ones covered here, generally) vs. dailies and weekend dramas, which tend to have longer runs (50-100+ eps) and higher ratings. Dailies and weekend dramas exceed 20% all the time and no one bats an eye. Most Mon-Tues and Wed-Thurs dramas have been struggling to get much past 15% for a while now. And only very few even get that far.

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14 Beez

October 25, 2015 at 2:18 PM

Now that I've read all of the comments - y'all trippin' about his comments about locking up his sister. It's equivalent to "father's lock up your daughters". Across cultures it's referring to protect them from horny teenaged boys - nothing more.

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blo

October 25, 2015 at 2:47 PM

+100 Seriously. I thought it was obvious but I guess there will always be a few who will take it the wrong way.

Anyways, thank you JB for all the work!

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natalie?

October 25, 2015 at 3:56 PM

+ infinity

He is just saying that he will be an "over protective brother or family" which means he is a filial person.

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NaijaNoona

October 25, 2015 at 5:44 PM

I don't find it cute in either context—whether it's fathers or brothers joking about being gatekeepers of girls' or women's sexuality, it's not amusing. It is, however, very common in many, many cultures, and I'm inclined not to think ill of Joo Won for being one of a whole host of men who think this way.

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15 Daehoney

October 25, 2015 at 3:30 PM

Seeing how DB even posted post(or pre) project interview, looks like they're fangirling. Rarely saw this kind of article before.

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16 Winda

October 25, 2015 at 3:53 PM

I agree with a comment above....What he lack is the attractiveness in romantic scenes, I don't know he doesn't make me swooonning for his romantic scenes, cough kiss scenes cough...in fact that's the most important factor to attract fangirls especially the young ones...nevertheless he is a good actor though.

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17 damadelpuente

October 25, 2015 at 4:49 PM

Thanks so much for this! I love Joo Won and his ability to become such different characters and so different from his aegyo-filled self. His acting never dissapoints me.

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18 eny

October 25, 2015 at 4:54 PM

i don"t think he lack on romance, it's just he never act in drama which focus on romance, romance is just small part in his drama, his most beautifull romance story is in baker king kim tak goo, i'm really touch with her love for shin yu kyung n yes he got the girl

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19 mary

October 25, 2015 at 5:26 PM

I just want him to rest a little bit T____________T

But his comment about the usual pre-army project cramming being his usual pace is kinda funny XD

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20 mary

October 25, 2015 at 5:32 PM

I just want him to rest a little bit T____________T

But his comment about the usual pre-army project cramming being his usual pace is kinda funny.

Joowon, get in bed. NOW.

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21 wackycashew

October 25, 2015 at 5:35 PM

Thanks for updating us on Joo Won's interviews. I love his personality and his acting. And it's great to see him in different roles. Definitely will not forget him while he's away, and I can't wait for his next project. Will check out this movie as well. He is so hardworking that I want him to take a good rest before jumping into the next series. I can see how tough Yongpal's schedule was for him physically and mentally. So, take a short break first, Wonnie. ^^

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22 KDaddict?JCW

October 25, 2015 at 6:15 PM

I watched him in Catch Me starring with Kim Ah Joong. He is great in it. I like him better in it than in any of his dramas. And I think they've romantic energy there.

Also saw his film Fashion King, in which he looks very much like Kang Dong Won. I've to remind myself thru out the film that it isn't KDW on screen.

He's hardworking, he's cute, he's filial, and he seems naive for his age and profession, as his appearance in an ep of Win Win has shown. He's a rare entity in drama land. Him and Lee Seung Ki. More power to them!

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23 Comeonsense

October 25, 2015 at 6:33 PM

What! He and Kim Dae Myung? I love Kim Dae Myung in Misaeng. I didn't know he started in theater, I do now. Wow, it seems that actors who have beginnings in theatre are really impressive. Jeez...now I have the image of Kim Dae Myung buying cute Joo Won fried chicken...awww...

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24 poliwag

October 25, 2015 at 6:46 PM

I loved Joowon since his 2 Days and 1 Night days, where he was still relatively unknown but remained hard-working and humble as always. He was always incredibly lucky in his bokbulkbok too ;w; I'm so glad he's getting so much attention, yet continues remaining the same at his core \o/ Hwaiting, oppa!

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25 Valerie Gudorf

October 25, 2015 at 8:19 PM

I honestly don't see how anyone can watch K-dramas if they get their knickers in a twist over what Joo Won said about his fantasies of being a big brother. Really, how do you do it? One thing anyone surely must ascertain from watching their very first K-drama, is that Korean is a very traditional patriarchal society that, in general, places great value on the maintaining of somewhat strict gender roles. Like most patriarchal societies, the supposed "honor and virtue"of a familiy's women is vigilantly guarded. We can debate all day anout whether that is a good thing or bad thing, but there's no debating the fact that is is what it is in Korea, and that it is constantly reinforced by their entertainment industry. Even in the United States, fathers and brothers still tend to feel very protective of the girls in their family, wishing to keep them "safe" from the perceived threat of sexually predatory males. You can say it's all about "controlling women's sexuality/bodies/lives, etc., but women likewise often feel protective of brothers, sons, and husbands, and want to keep them safe from perceived female sexual predation. You're "disappointed" by Joo Won's attitude towards a fictitious sister? Really? Did you not notice that he was born and raised in Korea? What society's values did you expect him to adopt instead?

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Rachela

October 26, 2015 at 6:51 PM

Thank you! Exactly what I wanted to say.

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26 nhisayshi

October 25, 2015 at 8:23 PM

I maybe an exception because I started liking Joo Won from Tomorrow Cantabile. At the time, I had no idea who he is and I didn't event like to spend time on Korean dramas. I watched TC because of the excellent anime and Shim Eun Kyung, yet I ended up loving Joo Won most after that drama. I thought he portrayed Chiaki well, but also added his own elements, making Cha Yoo-Jin very unforgettable.
It has been one year since I started liking Joo Won and getting into this K-drama fandom as well as Korea research because of him. To be fair, I am not blown away by all of Joo Won's projects because there is always something wrong with his dramas, either plot holes or terrible production. The only drama that I truly enjoy from him is Good Doctor, in which everything fits my taste. I think that the reason I like him has to do with how his real personality is so different from the roles he had on screen. I also love his humbleness, fine behaviors and friendliness. He is too hard-working, which makes me feel like he should calm down first, taking a break to really wait for a project that serves him right. He is such a talent, and most of the dramas he is in fail him.

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Chesens

October 28, 2015 at 5:39 AM

Have you seen Gaksital already? I was blown away with his performance there! Yes, the drama does have its missteps but I don't mind them with the intense acting of the two male leads!

I didn't like Joo Won before Gaksital. Even tried to watch Cantabile because the Jdrama version is one of my all time favorites. Stopped after episode 1 because I thought Joo Won was meh as Chiaki and the female lead could never live up to Ueno Juri's Nodame. But I might have judged it too soon. I'll try to see that show again. I juts might love it (now that I love Joo Won!)

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27 random guest

October 25, 2015 at 9:22 PM

Okay, have to admit that I had the longest aversion to Joo Won, until Yong Pal, which finally attracted me enough to sit down and watch him act. I just thought that the show was easy to watch and entertaining enough in the early episodes. Even though the quality of the drama was not sustained in the later episodes, I was increasingly drawn to Joo Won as an actor. Watched Gakistal and Cantabile Tomorrow which I had actually avoided & to my surprise, I enjoyed them. He really grows on me. Now I totally agree with the dramabeans post on 'The Hotness Effect' about how he sucks you in with the intensity of his acting.

And of course, I also agree now that he is really pretty! (Look at the first photo of the post!)

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28 Onion

October 25, 2015 at 10:22 PM

Love this guy! I'd really like him to come back with a drama very soon but I need him to take a break after his movie promos and premiere. A one week break will do. To sleep. Poor guy and his eye bags. (Though I have similar eye bags because I stay up late to marathon his dramas and watch his videos on youtube...)

As for the romance in his dramas, I personally think that a lot of his female co-stars are not a good match for him... visually and image wise? (Don't know how to describe it and don't mean to offend anyone). I'm not a fan of large age gaps noona-dongsaeng romances on screen so I don't always feel the magic or excitement with the pairing in Joowon's projects (most were with noonas) but he makes me fall in love with his character and him as an actor. When he has a romantic scene with his [very very noona] costar I just edit out their faces and photoshop myself in the scene... in my head. Heh. Ok that last part was just a joke. Well, for the most part...

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Kiara

October 25, 2015 at 10:49 PM

I do get what you are saying. On stage Joo Won has 2 leading ladies in "Ghost" Ivy who is his noona and the younger Park Ji-yeon. Nothing against Ivy but I love him with Park Ji-yeon. They just look and sound better together imo.

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29 Sintia

October 25, 2015 at 11:45 PM

Thank you so much for this article. It was really frustrating to see that he does so many interviews and not to be able to understand it. I love Joo Won as an actor and as a person. Hoping for the very best for him.

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30 Dead Mafia

October 26, 2015 at 1:23 AM

He has been drew my attention since Bridal mask. And I just realized that he was Ma Jun in Baker King.

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31 Gladys

October 26, 2015 at 4:11 AM

I just love him!! He's quote mature in his answers.
I forget to be surprised everytime he announces a new project three days after he wrappes the previous. And when you come to think about it it's actually a good thing : there will be a lot of him to watch while he'll be at the army :)

Fighting Gaksitaaaaaaal :)

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32 Athena

October 26, 2015 at 5:23 AM

Thank you so much Javabeans. It is so difficult to find English translations of Joo won’s interviews and I always find his answers to questions so interesting.

I have so much respect for him as an actor and person. He seems to be such a good guy, caring, sincere and earnest - that’s’ why I liked him so much in 2D1N (and his hyungs there loved him too). When he was a guest in Healing Camp recently, they showed video clips of Kim Tae Hee and Jung Woong In. Apparently, Kim Tae Hee said she wants a son like Joo Won while Jung Woong In said he wants a younger brother like Joo Won.

I hope he is offered to do good projects before he has to leave for military duty.

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33 earthna

October 26, 2015 at 1:15 PM

Thanks for this, javabeans!

I felt the need to stand up and clap after reading this. This just is so hardworking and puts every effort into his projects. I agree with what he said about not having played same characters through out his career. Every time I see him, it's different. he completely becomes the character. I've always thought that Joo Won has luck on his side for everything that he does (beginning from how he got into theatre and securing his first role in Baker King, Kim Tak Gu) but with that luck, he surely puts in 100%. That's why he is successful now. I also like how confident he is about going to the army and his willingness to start over if needed when he comes back. End of next year is still far away but I know when that time comes, Joo Won, you'll surely be missed!

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34 sunandhearts

October 26, 2015 at 4:50 PM

Thank you for the trans JB! And the gorgeous photos! *swoon*

I always love reading Joo Won's interviews. You can see his consistency in the way he answers from way back til now. His answers, or at least some if not most, are not the cookie-cutter showbiz type of responses. And that you can see that he has already pondered about such interview questions even before and has really thought about what he wants to do or wishes to achieve. I also like that he already has planned what he wishes to do with his acting career and that he wanted to be an actor and not just a star.

I can't wait for his new projects before army duty and most especially after. And I don't know whether him having back-to-back-to-back projects would help his fans endure the 2 years without him (lots of projects to rewatch!) or if it would make us miss him that much more. Awwwwwwwwww!!!

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35 SS

October 26, 2015 at 9:53 PM

Thank you JB for bringing us the translation. It's a pity that Joo Won's interviews aren't often translated into English. If I can't read Chinese, I would have missed out a lot.

Joo Won's interviews have always been interesting. When he was in Singapore recently, he impressed the reporters. Granted there were few who couldn't see beyond his reserved nature and shyness but there were more perspective ones who realized he wasn't the typical Hallyu star they often interview who would only give standard answers. Consensus was that he answered seriously, gave much thought into them and was genuine and sincere.

The world of showbiz is harsh and cruel. I am glad that he knows what he wants and has always been willing to sacrifice for his craft. I am always amazed at the lengths he goes through to perfect his art. If he had wanted to be a Hallyu star, I would be worried. But he clearly wants to be an actor above all things. That I think is something which I can see him doing very well, now and in the future.

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36 kate

January 6, 2016 at 6:21 PM

the first time i saw him in 7th grade civil servants,and he is really good in that drama, there are times when he makes me laugh in it, and i've been a follower of him since...he is a really,really good actor,and i'm happy that he won a lot of awards this 2015...keep it up joo -won...:-)

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