Jaechan's Full Interview for <DAZED> Korea September 2024 Issue
This is the fifth time Jaechan has shot with Dazed, including this shoot. Our first encounter was in February 2022, when Semantic Error was airing. Since then, Jaechan has shot three more times with Dazed, and about two and a half years later, we met again at the tango practice room near Chungmuro Station.
It feels like meeting a dear friend after a long time.
"Indeed. My first solo photoshoot and DKZ’s first group shoot were both with Dazed, right? I remember everything. During my first photoshoot, I wore a hat with horns on it."
Yes, we shot you in a Prada jumpsuit with a horned hat.
"Right, that interview was memorable too. Jaeyoung was the interviewer and Sangwoo was the interviewee. The title was 'Jaechan Will Grow Big.' Just as the title said, I'm growing steadily."
What did you do yesterday?
"I was shooting in Geoje-do and fell asleep around 2 a.m. But that was pretty early for me. I'm quite a night owl."
You’re known to not be a morning person. Aren't you tired?
"I was a bit sleepy when I first arrived at the studio, but today's concept doesn't require forced high energy, so it was easy to shoot naturally. It wasn't hard at all."
You’ve been busy filming continuously lately.
"When I’m working, I work hard, and on my days off, I rest well. I film about four days a week. The rest of the time, I'm at home reading scripts, sometimes meeting friends for a drink. I like it that way."
You seem more relaxed since we last met.
"Do I? I do feel a bit more relaxed compared to before, but not to the point where I’ve let my guard down. Maybe it’s because it’s a Dazed shoot, so I feel more at ease."
The final episode of "My Sweet Mobster" aired on August 1st. Your character 'Donghee' and you are the same age.
"Yes, but Donghee is much more mature than I am. He’s the type to keep his struggles to himself rather than burden others, especially because he feels so indebted to the company that took him in. From my perspective, I understood Donghee's feelings but also wished he could lean on others and open up a bit."
But he gradually opens up, right?
"Yes, he develops chemistry with the older brothers from Thirsty Deer. We often hung out together, like Jaesoo hyung, Manho hyung, and Honggi hyung. As someone who played Donghee, I felt like we were one entity. On set, we would discuss how to approach the scenes together. We would say, 'How about we try this? Or maybe that?' We had great chemistry, almost like shooting a skit with people who genuinely love acting."
So, you learned how to enjoy acting more comfortably through "My Sweet Mobster".
"Exactly. While it’s important to understand the script thoroughly, I realized that acting is also about rhythm and flow. Thanks to that experience, I found my next project much easier to approach."
How would you describe your personality?
"These days, I tend to go with the flow. I try not to stress over things that don’t go well and avoid forcing myself too much. To last long, I need to be kind to myself. I'm not a perfect person, after all. It’s more practical to focus on doing what I can do well."
I find that challenging. Since I know I’m an 80-point person, I believe in giving 120% to make up for the remaining 20%.
"That might work in the short term, but in the long run, it can be exhausting. I’d rather consistently maintain an 80-point average. And to be honest, getting 70-80 points isn’t bad either. Do we really need to aim for 100 points? That standard is vague, and I wonder what’s the point of hurting ourselves just to reach it."
So, what do you usually do first before acting?
"I think I try to clear my mind a bit. I don’t usually memorize lines word for word. Instead, I focus on what the character might be feeling in that moment. As I read the lines repeatedly, they naturally stick with me, so I put more effort into conveying the emotions."
What do you think are the unique charms of music and acting?
"If being a singer means pouring everything out in a short time, acting is more about a slow, delicate flow. I’m not sure if this comparison is accurate, but album promotions feel like finishing a semester and then enjoying a vacation, while working on a project feels like graduating from school. So, while you can meet your fans again through concerts during music promotions, with acting, once filming is over, you can't meet that character again, which leaves a longer-lasting impression."
Although you’re busy preparing to appear on screen, is there anything you’ve recently enjoyed watching?
"I recently watched a Japanese movie called "My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday", but I didn’t really understand it. So, I laid out a notebook with a timeline that was written up to the 30th and tried to figure out how the events were flowing, but I still don’t get it. (laughs) Personally, I like works that not only leave an impression but also make you question, 'What’s really happening here?'"
As a celebrity, you’re often on the receiving end of questions. But is there someone you’d like to ask questions to?
"I’m actually the type to ask a lot of questions because I’m very curious. Even on set, if there’s some interesting equipment, I’ll go over and ask about it. Everyone there is an expert in their field, and they’re always kind enough to explain things when I ask."
In conversations, do you usually listen more or talk more?
"I generally listen more. In acting, the most important thing is listening and responding. So, I prioritize listening because you need to hear what the other person says before you can respond."
Aren't we talking too much about work? (laughs) Have you thought about traveling?
"When people go on trips, they often have barbecues, right? I’m a bit different. I’d like to make a neat Korean meal and eat it while enjoying the outdoor scenery. Especially in spring!"
It seems like you can cook pretty well.
"Recently, I’ve been trying to cook more."
What dishes can you make?
"I’ve reached the level of making aglio e olio."
What’s your signature dish?
"Soy sauce egg rice. (laughs)"
It’s been about two and a half years since we first met. How does it feel looking back?
"I feel like it’s been a steady journey. Not too fast, not too slow. Compared to two and a half years ago, now I find myself urging to take things slower. After becoming an adult, I always thought the coolest age in your 20s was 25, so I wanted to reach that age quickly. But lately, I feel like there’s so much more I can do in the future, and I’m determined to keep moving forward steadily."
2024 is just a few months away. Do you have any goals for the remaining time?
"I want to show myself as a singer. Whether it’s solo or with a group, I’m open to both. If the timing is right, I might be able to do both."
That’s the end of the interview. What’s next on your agenda?
"I heard there’s a good sashimi restaurant nearby, so I’m thinking of checking it out. But I’m not sure if I’ll be able to eat there because the wait is supposed to be long."
Even though it’s only 3:44 PM?
"I heard it gets packed as soon as it hits 4 PM."
Good luck!
Source: @/halo_yom
See Scanned Magazine Here, Credit to @/halo_yom
Translated by Park Jaechan Updates
Go as far as possible. We are after Jaechan, we chase growth. <DAZED> Korea September 2024 Issue
A Bigger Jaechan
Including this shoot, this is Jaehan's fifth shoot with Dazed. The first time he met with Dazed was in February 2022, during the airing of Semantic Error. Since then, Jaehan has done three more shoots with Dazed, and after about two and a half years, we are meeting again at a tango practice studio near Chungmuro Station.
It feels like I'm meeting an old friend I haven't seen in a long time.
Exactly. Dazed was the first to shoot both my solo pictorial and DKZ's group pictorial. I remember it all. For my first pictorial, I even wore a hat with horns.
That's right, You wore a Prada jumpsuit with a hat that had horns.
Yes, that interview left a strong impression as well. Jaeyoung was the interviewer, and Sangwoo was the interviewee. The title was 'Jaehan will grow big.' Just like that, I'm growing steadily.
…
You seem to have become much more easygoing since I last saw you.
Really? I guess I do feel a bit more relaxed compared to before, though I’m not completely at ease. It might also be because today's shoot is with Dazed, which makes me feel a bit more comfortable.
It's been about two and a half years since we first met. How do you feel looking back?
I think it's been a steady journey. Not too slow, not too fast. Compared to two and a half years ago, I feel like I’m now focusing more on taking things slowly, really emphasizing 'slowly.' Honestly, after becoming an adult, I thought the coolest age in your twenties was 25, so I wanted to reach it quickly. But these days, I feel like there's so much more I can do moving forward, and it makes me think that I should just keep progressing steadily.
Source: DAZED KOREA 데이즈드 코리아
Translated by Park Jaechan Updates
DKZ Jaechan Appointed as Ambassador for the 2024 Seoul Webfest
Jaechan, a member of the group DKZ, has been appointed as the ambassador for the 2024 Seoul Webfest, which marks its 10th anniversary this year.
The 2024 Seoul Webfest will be held from September 4 to 5 at The Riverside Hotel's Montblanc Hall and Concert Hall.
The organizing committee decided to appoint Jaechan as an ambassador due to his refreshing portrayal of an 'outsider' in the film Semantic Error: The Movie, which heightened expectations for him as an actor. He also received high praise for his fresh performances in YouTube Class Seasons 1 and 2 and Dream. Additionally, his recent appearances in Bitter Sweet Hell and My Sweet Mobster and his ongoing filming for Check in Hanyang have made him a rising hot star, leading to his appointment as an ambassador, according to the organizing committee.
DKZ, the group to which Jaechan belongs, is a popular idol group leading K-POP domestically and internationally. They made a comeback in April, about a year and six months after releasing their 7th single CHASE EPISODE 3. BEUM in October 2022, and have been actively promoting since then.
Meanwhile, admission to the screenings on the 4th is free and will be on a first-come, first-served basis for 150 people. Three short films and one feature film will be screened, followed by Q&A sessions for each work. The organizing committee has selected award-winning works and recipients in 29 categories from the entries, and this year’s winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on September 5.
JTBC Drama “My Sweet Mobster” Director Kim Younghwan talks about casting Jaechan.
Q: The casting of the "Thirsty Deer" actors was fresh and fun. How did you cast them?
For Donghee, since he was supposed to be a handsome character, I initially thought of casting an idol. We met with many idols, but actor Jaechan definitely has a genius talent. His gaze and expressions aren’t calculated but naturally come out as he becomes immersed in the character. There's some regret that Donghee’s story wasn’t fully fleshed out due to time constraints.
Source: [조이人]③ "가족보다 더 신경 쓴 엄태구" 김영환 감독, '놀아여'로 얻은 힘 (joynews24.com)
'My Sweet Mobster' Park Jaechan: 'A work that feels like a new beginning, I will continue to strive for good acting' [Q&A]
Park Jaechan Shares His Thoughts on the End of 'My Swett Mobster'
Park Jaechan played the role of Lee Donghee, the diligent, innocent, but secretive youngest member of the meat processing company 'Deers,' in JTBC's Wednesday-Thursday drama 'My Sweet Mobster,' which concluded on the 1st. He showcased his unique presence in the role.
Below is a Q&A with Park Jaechan, who earned the title of 'growth-type actor' through 'My Sweet Mobster.'
Q. 'My Sweet Mobster' received positive reviews and concluded. How do you feel?
A. Although there was a burden and concern since it was my first attempt at a serious drama, I learned a lot while filming, enjoying it as the title 'My Sweet Mobster' suggests. I am very grateful that viewers enjoyed it! I am very thankful to the director and staff who filmed it beautifully, and I will always strive to show better acting in the future!
Q. You played the youngest, Lee Donghee, of 'Deer.s' Is there a scene or line that stands out the most to you?
A. There is a scene where I cry while talking to Prosecutor Jang Hyunwoo (played by Kwon Yul) in the interrogation room. Donghee, who always seemed quiet and innocent, had a difficult burden he couldn't speak of, and this scene where he reveals it is the most memorable to me.
Q. You played secretive characters in both 'Bitter Sweet Hell' and 'My Sweet Mobster' What did you focus on most in your acting?
A. Until Donghee's secret is revealed in the drama, I tried to act as naturally as possible to avoid giving away that he was a character with secrets.
Q. The behind-the-scenes footage showed a warm atmosphere on set. How was your chemistry with the other actors?
A. It was a time where I could learn a lot from acting with senior actors I respect. It was so fun that I felt like I was going to perform a skit rather than to shoot a drama every time I went to the set.
Q. What does 'My Sweet Mobster' mean to you?
A. It's like a 'new beginning.' I was able to start well and grow further by working with great senior actors.
Q. You debuted in serious dramas with 'Bitter Sweet Hell' and 'My Sweet Mobster' this year and earned the title of 'growth-type actor.' Was there a moment you felt your own growth?
A. I still think I have a long way to go, but sometimes, while acting, I feel like 'I'm not Jaechan, but Donghee!' or 'I'm Dohyun!' and those moments make me proud and feel that I have grown a little.
Q. What can we expect from Park Jaechan in your next work 'Check in Hanyang'?
A. Please look forward to seeing the passionate and spirited side of Goh Soora, and also his cute side as he gradually opens his heart to his friends. Please anticipate the various sides of Soora that will be shown in the future!
Source: '놀아주는 여자' 박재찬 "새로운 시작 같은 작품, 앞으로도 좋은 연기 위해 노력"[일문일답] (naver.com)
Translated by Park Jaechan Updates