The Human Side of Yonsama

Dear Thailand BYJ family,


This morning I read a wonderful translation by Suehan in Quilt , so I repost it KOB and here for us to enjoy. BYJ nim was interviewed by a News Entertainment Team and answered some questions !


Subject : [News Trans] See the human side of Yonsama, Bae Yong Joon.
[See the human side of Yonsama, Bae Yong Joon.]

Joint interview with domestic reporters after ‘TWSSG Premium Event in Japan’ on the 1st.[ 2008-06-01 20:56:38 ]
Osaka (Japan) = Reporter Cho Eunbyeol of Nocut News Entertainment Team


‘Yonsama’, Bae Yong Joon whom we met in Osaka, Japan on the 1st, looked very happy. Because he brought 35 thousand fans into the Kyocera Dome in Osaka where only international top stars can bring more than 30 thousand audiences, without any difficulties and it confirmed his stature again. The amount of fans he had brought was the limited capacity for the dome. The event that had started from 2:30 pm ended at 5:30 pm, a little after 5:00 pm which was the expected ending time. Many fans from all over Japan gathered at the pIace where the event was held.

After the event, BYJ had a joint interview with the reporters of 10 domestic media corporations who had crossed the Korea Strait. I personally had a chance to meet him at the concert in 1999 before he became a Hallyu star. He was in his twenties at that time and has now hit the later part of thirties. The time left the wrinkle near “Sama”’s eyes, but I could feel his composure. He talked about doubts and answered personal questions like rumors about the discords with the staff at the time of the filming of the drama ‘TWSSG’, the 200 mil won appearance fee, next career move, and his marriage.

Below are the questions and answers of Bae Yong Joon.

▶Congratulations. The fan meeting finished safely. Would you please tell us about your reaction to that?

The producer Kim Jonghak said, “It’s not over yet.” after the filming of TWSSG and it was on my mind until now. Well, I still have the same feeling, but I might wrap it up through this event.

▶You had numerous events in Japan. What is the difference between this one and the others and how did it feel meeting the fans?

The entire TWSSG team united for this event. It was exciting to go down from the stage and meet the fans eye to eye on the custom made vehicle. Actually I couldn’t see anything on the stage due to the strong lights (laugh).

▶You underwent a lot of pain during the TWSSG filming. What is your present condition?

I got injured with about ten days of filming remaining. But the filming schedule was so tight; I had no chance to go see the doctor. It was obvious to hear from the doctor’s recommendation for me to wear the cast. I decide to endure just 10 days with the filming location being Danyang at that time. I tried asking the nurse to give me a shot, but she couldn’t. Because there was only one hospital in Danyang, the nurse couldn’t leave the hospital due to the emergency patients.

So, I had to give myself IVs and shots. Now that I think about it, I can’t believe I did it. I was so brave at that time; I succeeded the 6th time (laugh).

Actually, my manager took pictures of it. It shouldn’t have been released. (Everyone laughed) It’s uncomfortable for me to walk. The doctor said that I needed to have more shots on my knee and I might have to have surgery in a few months on my shoulder if the pain continues to grow.

▶The producer Kim Jong said that you were an honest actor, what do you think about that?

I think it’s good to be honest. I couldn’t help but be honest because I’m not good at acting. If I have techniques, then I may do it differently; but I have no other choice than to express what I can’t feel. I think that’s why Producer Kim said that.

I learned a lot from Producer Kim during this filming. I admired his work on the production of the drama and his leadership towards many people even though his condition wasn’t the best. His condition wasn’t the best due to the car accident. I always called him father, but many times I thought of him as my friend. I was always grateful and appreciated him.

▶Nonetheless, the discord rumors were growing continuously in the TWSSG filming.

I believe the media influenced a big part of it. I have brotherly relationship with Joomoochi Park Seongwoong, Cheoro Lee Philip, and Hyeongo Gwangrok who appeared in TWSSG. Please don’t write about the discord rumors.

▶You blamed the media. But, don’t you think that your lack of exposure to the media is one reason for the growing rumors?

I’m not denying that. But I wish you accept my interviews as my true intentions. I’m upset when the distorting articles were released. Now the articles of Korea is being monitoring in Asia. I think the media has to have responsibility for that aspect.

It’s said that Hallyu is in a crisis. Now, Hallyu is in the process of Asialyu. We have to work hard to make good quality content. Even a villain can change to a hero. I hope I can read better articles leading into a better direction.

▶Do you have any activities planned in Korea?

I don’t have a special plan yet. I’m planning to produce the drama that was originally a Japanese animation. I appear as a voice actor in the animation “Winter Sonata” and I think it’ll broadcast next year on KBS.

▶Lastly, when are you getting married?

Lately, I have actually been thinking about it. All of my close friends have already gotten married. My parents have slowly begun to talk about marriage for me as well. I said that I would get married in the next 3 years at the MBC Awards Ceremony which was directed to my parents (laugh). But it’s not easy. Please introduce me to a girl, if you have one.


Dear Suehan at BYJ's Quilt,
Thank you very much ! Through your continuous effort, you have made us very happy and able to understand YJ a lot better. We appreciate you so much.

Have a nice day,
myoce