March 2006, CAH
Jo, Ga-yeon reporter
Do you remember an extravagant and cute bodyguard on the Korean TV drama? People who watched ‘Praha for Lover’, know him instantly. He is ‘Ha Jeong-woo (Theatre, 98).’ However, when he graduated with a Theatre Degree from Chung-Ang University (CAU), his name was ‘Kim Seong-hoon’, not ‘Ha Jeong-woo.’ When he made his TV debut, he changed his name. Although he won prizes and shot several movies, he is seldom seen on TV shows. Therefore, we do not know his real image. So, Chung-Ang Herald (CAH)’ met him to interview the REAL ‘Ha Jeong-woo’ and CAU student ‘Kim Seong-hoon’ at the same time.
CAH: How was your university life?
Ha: ‘Theatre’ is a popular department at the university, however, we had a very closed lifestyle. Although the atmosphere was not oppression, we restricted our activities with associations and school events. I did not have much time for me because of theatre demands.
During my university life, I received scholastic warning twice. Now I recall that time, I could study and do theatre at the same time. However, I was avaricious to study only theatre. Therefore, I took my time going to learn external curriculum.
In order to practice theatre, I did not do group meetings. But alas, from other people’s point of view, I was a simple person. Only extraordinary thing I did was be a representative of students when I was first discharged from the military.
Ha: I think, the film, ‘The Unforgiven’, was more of an influence to people. The change was my new popularity. In addition, owing to those two films, I could have a chance to meet good directors, and get a good chance at other films more easily than before.
In addition, at this time, ‘Praha for Lover’ is exported to Japan. Therefore, Japan magazine company requests an interview. It is chance for people to get to know my face. However, I do not have many expectantions. The jury is still out on whether the two products will be ultimate successes, because my path of duty to the films are still far from finished now.
CAH: You took ‘A Prize of New Face’ last year. Although many new face debuted last year, why did you take the prize?
Ha: The movie, ‘The Unforgiven’, was made by students who only have a passion for their work, so it was made under poor conditions. Although it was made under such conditions, our movie compares quite well with established movies. We expressed our strong passion and will power through making the movie.
Many people were indifferent to that movie, while we were making it, and said to our team, “What are you doing wasting your time for one year?” In spite of those many obstacles we underwent much meandering, and finally met with good results. So, I feel fruitful and thankful.
CAH: You perform your part with brilliance. Which castings do you like the most?
Ha: I performed ‘Othello’ for graduation work and I acted in ‘Othello.’ I like that cast of a play very much. Shakespeare’s works are all about the character which is expressed in their lines.
‘Othello’ is a family’s story. Then, each character’s line expresses people’s delicate shades of psychology and situation a lot. I felt sympathy for him and did not feel it was a difficult part to act. When I practiced this play, I thought this would be my last theatre performance in my life. Therefore, I practiced very hard and the lines remained in my memory. If I will get opportunity to act ‘Othello’ again, I want to do one more time.
CAH: From now, you act in a heavy cast on TV. Therefore, many people think you are dignified person. What is your real image?
Ha: I am a naughty man. Therefore, the image on TV and my real image is so different. Anyway, through Dongnam in ‘Praha for Lover’, many people know my existence. That image is so strong to people and I think Dongnam is more similar to me than anything I acted ever before.
Because of Dongnam, I did something really off the wall, because I acted as my natural self, and Dongnam is a concealed part of my personal character. However, I think I acted in character because he is part of my feature. When I express any character, it starts with me.
CAH: What do you want to shoot a movie or drama?
Ha: I like Timothy William Burton’s (Burton, Tim) movie very much; ‘Edward Scissorhands’, ‘Corpse Bride’, and ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.’ Therefore, I want to act in such movies. However, I feel there is a lack of that genre in Korea. Although a movie impresses work in theatre, I like fantasy films better.
So, for my next work, I choose ‘An Old Fox Family.’ This movie has a little bit of a fantasy feeling. I am cast as the only son in the family. I expect very much from the performance.
CAH: Many freshmen will see this magazine in March. What do you want to say them?
Ha: You went to great pains to enter CAU. These days many students prepare for employment from their freshman year. It makes my heart hurt to see such a university life. I want students to understand that you are not tied down very much. A major is possible to change anytime. When you worry about employment too much, maybe you will become a stuffy youngster. You should always live your younger life and spend time doing joyful things every hour.
All freshman enjoy yourselves to the full, do not go out of students range. Laugh heartily and often make noise. In a word, make your life happy.
Because he is alumnus of our school, we want him to be a good actor in Korea and let many people know about our school. In the future, he will be good and popular actor all over the world.
This movie is different from Kim Ki-deok’s previous movies. He is the principle writer. However, this movie is very friendly to people.
This movie is a love story. A couple of long standing find their love fading as time goes by. One of the lovers, finds a breach in their relationship in order to overcome a period of weariness. The woman undergoes plastic surgery. Because she wants to show new features to her lover and hopefully rekindle their love. Then, she changed into a new woman. The man searches for his lost lover and feels regret at losing her. After one year, the man meets the new woman. Though she changed her appearance, he feels a similar love for her as before. Then, he falls in love with her again. Once they have developed their love, she confesses, “I am your ex-girlfriend.” He is shocked and leaves. Afterwards, he also decides to undergo plastic surgery, but does not return to her. She meets many men, but she does not find who her ex-boyfriend is and the film finishes.
<Jeong-woo’s thinking>
Anyone can undergo feelings of love. Therefore, I act with experienced feelings, and can fall in love easily.
However, when I act in a scene, where a woman confesses to her love, acting is very difficult. I do not know the degrees of shock in acting out ones feelings or in having control over those feelings. Therefore, I remain in my memories, and follow my personal experiences. Always, the most difficult thing is regulation of feelings.
Source : The Chung-Ang Herald, Chung-Ang University Campus English newspaper.
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