OK, I admit it. Right now my daughter and I are obsessed with Goong. We are on our second time watching it and just love it. We really like the prince, Shin and the actor who plays him - Joo Ji Hoon.

I went on Koreanwiz.org to see what I could find out about him and info is sketchy. Anybody know anything about him, other than what is posted on Koreanwiz.org?? (Basically, name, school, height and weight and that he plays Shin)

We both think he is very talented and are absolutely amazed at how someone who seems to spend a lot of time walking around with his hands in his pockets or leaning against walls or pillers or railings can convey soooooo much while seeming to do so little!! It's a puzzle.

Any info or photos out there that are not on the website about the drama? We downloaded a bunch of photos from the site, but can't really learn anything as it is in Korean...go figure...LOL!

catt

(I have three favorite KD actors now - LCH, Lee Ji Hoon and Joo Ji Hoon - the only thing I can figure is LCH's total charm is filtering over all those who share a "Hoon" and I don't have a chance against it!! But LCH is still #1, of course!)

hammycatt wrote:

OK, I admit it. Right now my daughter and I are obsessed with Goong. We are on our second time watching it and just love it. We really like the prince, Shin and the actor who plays him - Joo Ji Hoon. I went on Koreanwiz.org to see what I could find out about him and info is sketchy. Anybody know anything about him, other than what is posted on Koreanwiz.org?? (Basically, name, school, height and weight and that he plays Shin) We both think he is very talented and are absolutely amazed at how someone who seems to spend a lot of time walking around with his hands in his pockets or leaning against walls or pillers or railings can convey soooooo much while seeming to do so little!! It's a puzzle. Any info or photos out there that are not on the website about the drama? We downloaded a bunch of photos from the site, but can't really learn anything as it is in Korean...go figure...LOL! catt (I have three favorite KD actors now - LCH, Lee Ji Hoon and Joo Ji Hoon - the only thing I can figure is LCH's total charm is filtering over all those who share a "Hoon" and I don't have a chance against it!! But LCH is still #1, of course!)

He was a top model. So he really did not have any acting experience prior to Goong. He did go to acting school and majoring in Acting in college, though. But several directors saw his potential. The director of Spring Waltz (who directed Winter Sonata and Autumn in my heart) wanted him in Spring Waltz. Evenyone is waiting for Goong II. The rumor has it that Goong II will air early next year with JJH and YEH. No sequel drama has ever been made yet in Korea. Goong II is possible because its cartoon version from which this drama is based on has not completed yet.

http://blog.naver.com/guramajo?Redirect=Log&logNo=70006576880

Here are JJH pcitures. Thousands of them.
http://kr.img.search.yahoo.com/search/images?b=41&p=%C1%D6%C1%F6%C8%» C6&subtype=com&z=&viewtype=

Have you checked out these Goong sites? Click on each post for pictures. http://www.imbc.com/broad/tv/drama/gung/netparazzi/index.html

http://mmsmo.imbc.com/BbsList.asp?EvtDiv=254&CateDiv=1&CateSub=1
http://www.imbc.com/broad/tv/drama/gung/wallpaper/index.html
http://mmsmo.imbc.com/BbsList.asp?EvtDiv=256&CateDiv=1&CateSub=1

He truly is very good at acting from silence, of conveying the lonliness he must be feeling with simple gestures and facial expressions. The scenes with Alfred are particularly touching.

Jason to the rescue, again!! You know about everything Korean...I would bow to you in respect, but as I am all the way across the country, I don't think you'll see it!

Jim, yes, the scenes with Alfred were often very touching and well done. I really liked the way they developed that relationship, how as Shin started to become more thoughtful of the others around him, less cold and distant, you could see many of the steps with Alfred. I especially liked the scene in the - I guess it was a gazebo of sorts - where he talked about how (I guess traditionally) as royalty, he was the "sky" or "heaven" to Alfred - yet he was going to call Alfred his "heaven" because of the way he cared for the prince - and then he told him, you must be tired, go and rest. It showed a big change in Shin, to someone who noticed what was being done to make his life as prince trouble free and the person who facilitated so much for him.

After I posted, I found a few fan sites with photos and an interview...here's the interview for anyone who might possibly be interested. I would have put the link, but I forgot to save the webpage, only copied the interview and now I can't find it...sorry!

catt

Interview with Joo Ji Hoon

"There are a lot of modern TV dramas, however this is the first one whose setting is modern-day Korea as a constitutional monarchy. Strangely enough, tradition and modernity are in harmony in this story. A lot of attention is given to Prince Shin in the Story.The 2314(0.57acre) set in Osan cost 1.5 billion won to build. What does it look like? Prince Shin's room is filled with a high-tech home theater and an old movie projector, which represent his fascination with movies.

An interview with Prince Shin, Joo Ji Hoon-

Have you been to a fortune teller this year?

I don't like to go to fortune tellers, however I do think that everything will go well this year.The drama "Princess Hours" starts well, and I will try my best with my first role. Recently I have been more stressed, but I believe a person's destiny is based on their effort.

What has been the reaction to your role so far?

The comments are 50 - 50. I thank those who are supporting me with their kind thoughts. But I also thank the other half for being honest about my performance.

What are the difficulties in playing the role?

Many scenes are not that easy for me, especially the ones where I need to express extreme changes in emotions. It is difficult for me as a young actor to express opposite emotion in a short period of time. Also I feel a lack of skill when I have to hit or while being hit. When I am hitting or being hit by others, I am not satisfied with my performance. I have heard that there are special schools that can help me with this part of my acting. I think I will continue to try to make this part of my acting more life-like.

You were a model. Are there any strengths or weakness in going from being a model to an actor?

Still shots and video are definitely different. With 3 years of modeling experience I feel confident in a still photo. I think I am too used to radiating a feeling in still shots so I feel like robot in front of the movie camera. I realize that acting in a natural way is much more difficult than just being myself without a camera.Of course others before have made similar changes. Audiences prefer to be satisfied in a visual way, thus actors and actresses that were previously models are increasingly popular. It is a mixture of fashion and broadcasting. I would like to encourage models who have the talent and desire to take a shot at acting.

Did you have any difficulties because of your height?

Handyman was my nickname in high school. Because of my height, I was very recognizable to every teacher and student. I was 6'1'' tall at 22 years old and now I am 6'2'' tall. I stretch every morning, afternoon and night. It is easy and indeed it works. If you have a problem with your height, try that.

Do you like Prince Shin dolls?

I like to pick up the dolls in vending machines. My odds of success are pretty high as I spent so much money on those machines when I was in school. With 1000 won there are 3 chances and I can normally pick up 7 to 8 dolls. I like to play Prince Shin as he and I have several similarities.

What do you think about the idea of a marriage of convenience?

I don't like a marriage for any purpose other than true love. Also I don’t like too many differences between couples. I haven't had a girlfriend for 3 years and I hope my new girlfriend will be similar to me.

Do you work well together with Yun Eun-hye?

Both of us are in the learning stage right now therefore we are getting better with each scene. As time goes by, Yun Eun-hye is really becoming 'Chea-kyung' while I become Prince Shin. She used to have the image of a singer from 'Babybox' however now she has her own image. I didn't know it before but she has a great complexion

How does your personality compare to Prince Shin's?

Everyone has different sides to their personality. I am very outgoing when I am with others however I don't like to go out once I get home. Also I like to listen to music and read books. Personally I believe that everyone needs to have their own space so they can enjoy time on their own. I am pretty much similar with Prince Shin's character at the beginning of the drama. He is extroverted when outside but not when at home. However he slowly opens his heart to 'Chae-kyung' at the end of the drama. It is great to see how Prince Shin becomes a real 18 year-old boy.

How did your parents react when you decided to become an actor?

I have a very big family; 8 people including my grandparents, therefore they are very conservative. However when I decided to change my career from modeling to acting nobody said anything about it. Indeed, my parents liked it when I got into university with an acting major. Even though they never say anything, I know they love that I’m on a TV drama, as one day my mother brought a stack of papers to me to put my signature on.

Do you have a role model among other actors?

Every actor has his own style. I like to watch movies to study the actors when I have spare time, but instead of picking several actors to follow, I want to learn from all the actors I can. Before I started acting, Jung Woo-sung was my favorite, as we are from the same generation. I want to be an actor that someday somebody else wants to follow.

This interview took place on the set, with Ji-hoon sporting a nice smile throughout. He seemed so quiet at first, however he is a very smooth talker. His deep love of acting was very noticeable throughout the interview. Let’s look forward to seeing more of him on the screen.

Poor kid just destroyed his career. `Tis a pity and a sin as he was shaping up to be
quite a fine actor (ya know in addition to the high YUM factor.) So sad.

from Javabeans/Dramabeans

Quote:

Joo Ji-hoon busted for drug use April 25th, 2009 // by javabeans Whoa. Five people have been busted for drug trafficking, selling, and/or use — and three of them celebrities. Most shocking is the involvement of popular actor Joo Ji-hoon, of movies Antique Bakery and The Naked Kitchen. A representative from the Seoul police’s drug investigation department told reporters on April 26, “Joo Ji-hoon was investigated and admitted to drug use.” Joo reportedly bought the drugs — which include Ecstasy and Ketamine — from a fellow celebrity. Two non-celebrity individuals were booked for drug use along with Joo, but the three were not jailed. Police have filed for arrest warrants for the traffickers, movie actress Yoon Seol-hee and model Yeh Hak-young. According to the police, Yoon is suspected of having received approximately 100 million won ($75,000) from Yeh and others between August 2007 through December 2008. She allegedly traveled from Japan fourteen times to purchase, smuggle, and sell Ecstasy and Ketamine. (Yeh supposedly accompanied her several times.) The drugs had been smuggled into the country by concealing them in underclothes worn by Yoon. Joo Ji-hoon is thought to have used the drugs on two occasions along with the other reported individuals, at a Kangnam club and at home. The 26-year-old Joo Ji-hoon shot to fame after acting the lead role of the prince in the incredibly popular teen drama Goong (Princess Hours) in 2006, which he followed with the dark thriller drama Devil in 2007. Most recently, he took the lead in the manga-adapted film Antique Bakery and the offbeat romance The Naked Kitchen. YIIIIKES. I’m guessing he’ll be dropped from the Tokyo Tower remake now — if not prevented from acting altogether. Drug use — particularly in South Korea — is a big, big deal, and potentially career-killing stuff. Don’t do drugs, folks! UPDATE There isn’t much information available on Yoon Seol-hee, other than that she is an actress who was born in 1982. Yeh Hak-young, on the other hand, was born in 1983 and got his start as a model in 2001, and appeared in numerous clothing, cell phone, and other advertisements, as well as music videos for groups like SG Wannabe and Gavy NJ. He made his first acting appearance in the MBC Nonstop sitcom series, then acted in the 2006 cable television version of Dasepo Naughty Girls, and Hyun Bin and Lee Yeon-hee’s Millionaire’s First Love. UPDATE 2 Yoon Seol-hee has confessed more names of individuals who took drugs from her. Of the approximately 15 additional names, there are seven or eight more celebrities. Police will be following with investigation of those additional parties, “some of whom are as widely known as Joo.” Eep! This thing could get big(ger) and ugly(er).

and more-

Quote:

More on the drug scandal April 27th, 2009 // by javabeans Actress Yoon Seol-hee is the main player in the drug scandal that erupted over the weekend, but as Joo Ji-hoon is the most recognizable name, he’s getting a lot of the attention. There’s also some confusion about the facts, but to reiterate: Joo Ji-hoon was NOT arrested for trafficking the drugs, dealing, or for possession. He was charged with using. Here’s a rundown of some of the facts and new info: * Yoon Seol-hee was arrested on April 26 for trafficking ecstasy and ketamine into South Korea from Japan, which she then sold. She allegedly made a total of fourteen trips between August 2007 and December 2008. * Model Yeh Hak-young was arrested for supplying Yoon with 100 hundred million won with which to buy the drugs. Both Yoon and Yeh also took the drugs. * Joo Ji-hoon was booked without detainment on the 26th (along with two non-celebrities) for drug use on two occasions at drinking parties in March 2008. * There have been celebrities in the past who have been busted for drug use, but this is the first instance involving the smuggling and sale of them. * The police are currently working to confirm Yoon’s confession that there were 15 others who took the drugs from her, and are looking into her phone records as well. * According to police, these include at least a couple of easily recognizable names. Some reports say there are seven or eight entertainers in all, other say at least five. One in particular is “a famous singer who appears on television talk shows frequently.” The rest are host bar employees. * I know the situation isn’t funny, but this tidbit is as hilarious as it is gross: Yoon smuggled the drugs past customs by inserting them into a menstrual pad (ewww!), which she then wore over an extra pair of underwear. Naturally, people are wondering what made Yoon Seol-hee do such a risky (and stupid) thing. * Yoon had bit parts in several films, but hadn’t been able to get her break and took other jobs working in bars in Seoul’s upscale Kangnam district. * She had been increasingly worried over growing debts, according to friends. * Yoon appeared in small parts in movies like A Good Day To Have An Affair and Sex is Zero 2. She played a room salon girl in both the film version of Tazza (aka The War of Flower) and the television drama On Air. As for Joo Ji-hoon’s future: * He has been dropped from the Tokyo Tower remake. No surprise there, particularly because the scandal has been picked up by Japanese media and reported “with particular gravity.” * The Tokyo Tower production, which stars Kim Ji-soo, is not canceled at the moment. A production representative said, “We’re planning to cast a different actor in Joo Ji-hoon’s place and begin filming at the end of May or early June.” * Joo was planning two Japanese fanmeetings on May 15 and 16 in Osaka and Yokohama, which may be canceled. Both events sold out on the first day, which means that cancellation may result in a lawsuit. Worst. Birthday. Ever. * Joo’s two recent movies also have shaky futures in Japan: Antique Bakery is currently screening there, and The Naked Kitchen is scheduled to release at the end of May.

even more

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All Joo Ji-hoon events canceled April 28th, 2009 // by javabeans The names aren’t out yet, but we do get a few initials and hints as police look into the circle of acquaintance of the celebrities booked in the drug scandal: * Joo Ji-hoon’s two Japan fanmeetings have been canceled. Tickets will be refunded. * His film The Naked Kitchen (co-starring Shin Mina and Kim Tae-woo) was scheduled for a May 30 release in Japan, but is canceled as well. * Will Joo Ji-hoon be held responsible for Tokyo Tower’s problems? He has already been dropped from the cast, but things get complicated because the production received several billion won from Japanese investors who had put up the funds with the stipulation that Joo Ji-hoon be cast in the drama, banking on his name value. Now that he is no longer involved, the entire production is endangered. One source with the production hinted that Joo bears some responsibility for this. * One industry rep said, “Before the drug case, Joo Ji-hoon was deemed an actor with enough name value to bring in investments. The atmosphere has completely reversed now.” Meanwhile, things get worse for smuggler Yoon Seol-hee and her backer Yeh Hak-young: * Over March and April 2008, Yoon and Yeh are said to have inhaled meth twice, at a Tokyo hotel and at Yeh’s home. * Starting in 2007, both regularly called friends over and did ecstasy and ketamine at home and at four clubs in Kangnam and Hongdae, approximately ten times in all. * A certain Mr./Ms. Park, Kim, and Jeon also supplied Yoon with funds and requested that Yoon buy them drugs in Japan about a dozen times. * Actor “I” recently appeared in a drama and is being investigated. * Police are looking into Joo Ji-hoon’s entertainer friends with whom he regularly attended Kangnam clubs. They are also investigating a certain Kangnam area club for marijuana and ecstasy use among models and entertainers. * Police have found a certain music cable channel’s “A” in possession of four ecstasy pills. * Police are investigating a model “Kim” for allegedly smoking marijuana in front of a Cheongdamdong club. * Kim denied these claims, saying, “People think I take drugs because my image seems like I go to clubs often, but I’ve never taken any. My going to clubs has nothing to do with drugs, I just went to have fun.”

I saw this on Sunday and was so very disappointed in Joo Ji Hoon.

He had so much going for him and to risk it for a short lived high ... it's a shame.

But it makes you think --- here is very talented performer, who, if the news reports are to be believed, will have destroyed his career over taking drugs twice (he admits).

And yet over here in the US, celebs are alcoholics, get high, go crazy in all kinds of ways and not only doesn't it affect their careers in many cases ... sometimes it even helps! (The no publicity is bad publicity factor!)

As much as it is a shame for JJH, I think I prefer the Korean/Japanese stance of pretty much zero tolerance.

But I do really feel sympathy for JJH, even though I think it was stupid to mess around with drugs when so much was at stake. Guess you can't even use the excuse, being young and stupid. I hope he can turn things around someday and get back what he has lost ... seems unlikely though.

It really comes down to an integrity issue. And he has lost his. Sigh.

Most Asian countries are zero tolerance w/ regards to drugs, some to the extent of execution.

... Yes, when I read about that... what a stupid kid that ruined his "should be" very bright future...

Taiwan was seriously damaged by one big typhoon... many people died or become homeless. Please pray hard for the place, for the people. Thank you very much!!!

Seems like a fairly light sentence...Still pretty sad, though.
I hope it ends up 'forgotten' by the time the kid gets finished
with his military service.

Quote from Javabeans/Dramabeans

Quote:

On the morning of June 23, Joo Ji-hoon appeared in court to receive his sentencing after pleading guilty to drug use of ecstasy and ketamine, and his fans can relax, since he got off pretty lightly. His punishment is six months of jail with one year of probation (a suspended sentence) and 120 hours of community service, plus a penalty of 360,000 won (which is only approx US $280). That’s lighter than the one year and 440,000 won fine he had sought earlier this month. What this means is, he gets to suspend his six months of hard time while he is on probation for a year; if he remains clean (of any crime, not just drugs), the offense is essentially cleared and he doesn’t have to serve his initial sentence. The decision was explained, “The nature of the crime is by no means light. However, he has reflected deeply on the crime and has not taken any drugs since the time a year and two months ago. Also, many fans from within the country and from overseas have appealed for an appropriate handling of the matter and sent petitions.” Joo’s lawyer explained, “Of course he must accept the price of his crime, but wrong information kept coming out and exaggerated him as a habitual user, and some of it was unfair.” As for his partners in crime, actress and trafficker Yoon Seol-hee was given three years in jail, while model and financer Yeh Hak-young and the unidentified Mr./Ms. Jeon were both given two and a half years of jail, but with four years of suspended-sentence probation, plus two years of regular probation and 200 hours of community service.

i do hope his future isn't ruined for it - i've really started to appreciate him more as an actor
(recently watched him in Naked Kitchen & Antique Bakery & loved him)