credit: Daum Communications
English translation: tenshi_akuma
“I’m actually Prince of Asia, but…”, even though he said like this, we don’t feel unpleasant. In this way, he has no qualms about describing himself as such. He is the very person, Actor Jang Keun Suk. He celebrates 20 years as an actor this year, but it’s been only a couple of years since his merits started to be appreciated. JKS, who played the role of one of the children in the drama “Fairy Keommi”, has eventually become a top runner of the Hallyu boom. How did he succeed to grab the public’s attention? We have high expectations for the future of this smart young actor.
Was this boy a real show-off?
Jang Keun Suk debuted as a child model when he was six. Since then, he appeared on several dramas such as “Ladies in the Palace” and “Fairy Keommi”. In this way, he solidified his position as a child actor. When he turned seventeen, he appeared on “Nonstop 4″ and attempted to change him into an adult actor. However, he didn’t draw much attention.
Instead, his pictures and writings he had posted on “My Space” became a hot topic. He was given the disgraceful title, “A show-off, Keun-Suk”. At that time, he was in his late teens. He was underage. Everyone in his late teens can experience such “bravado of youth”. Nevertheless, the public was cold toward him. JKS became a laughing-stock of the public, but he didn’t give in without giving any excuse for that.
After a while, he played the role of Kim Eun-ho, Hwang Jin-yi’s first love in the drama “Hwang Jin-yi” and got noticed. The public found that the show-off guy is quite a good actor. Then, he succeeded the transition from a child star to an adult actor, starring in various TV dramas such as “Hong Gil Dong” and “Beethoven Virus”. He showed us well-established performances based on his long acting career. He received high praise that he’s grown up well.
But this was not the end.
The show-off became “Guen-chan”
After his steady acting activities, he was back on TV with SBS drama “You Are Beautiful”. In the drama, he played the lead role, Hwang Tae-Kyung who puts on thick eyeliner and is full of confident. Without a doubt, Hwang Tae-Kyung was just like Jang Keun Suk.
He gained stardom for his role in YAB in Japan. He was infinitely good-looking and tender. On the other hand, his inside, acting and personality was quite tough. He was considered as a new-found star. In this way, Japanese people were really into him and he was placed as the best Hallyu actor following Bae Yong Joon. But still, in Korea he was considered as a show-off. Korean people couldn’t understand JKS who dances shuffle at concert venues and loves to put on eyeliner with long hair.
Then, his appearance on TV show “Kneedrop Guru” triggered to change Korean people’s minds. When he appeared on the show, he frankly told us the rumors surrounding him and behind-the-scene stories. He was honest and open. He willingly and boldly answered sharp questions.
The MC was sometimes going too far, but he showed us affirmative response. He succeeded to change the prejudiced eyes of the public. Rather, those who had been prejudiced towards him started to feel sorry for their past idea. JKS was as frank and positive as that.
If we were in his shoes, we would remain in a mysterious position to some extent. In general, stars are careful in words and deeds to protect their image. However, Jang Keun Suk hasn’t changed his way after becoming a Hallyu star. He openly says that he’s clubbing whenever he wants to dance shuffle. And he wants to confirm how popular he is. Looking at “Kneedrop Guru” from a different standpoint, their conversation might look light. But more than that, his diligence and positive way of living looked brilliant.
Geun-chan hasn’t exploded yet
Jang Keun Suk whom we met at “Love Rain” press conference was more profound than we had imagined. He said, “I’ve been called a Hallyu star, not an actor for several years. But my goal in life hasn’t been completed yet. Keeping tense situations is source for my living.”
Then he added, “Therefore, I’ll always try to perform at least once a year. In this way, I’m searching for my identity as an actor. No rest is one of the ways not to lose myself.” Judging from his remarks about his acting management, we can feel how sincere he is.
He is just a 26-year-old guy. Considering his age, we can say his life as an actor has only just begun. Jang Keun Suk is careful in woks, but on the other hand, frank and unconventional in himself. We are interested in his future.
A free spirit, Jang Keun Suk selected a “mellow” drama in 2012. “Love Rain” could bring blessed rain in his acting life? We are now paying a lot of attention to it.
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