“I now call The Days director Jang Yoo Jung as my mother. I met her the first time when I auditioned for the movie Finding Kim Jong Wook and I failed the audition. She gave the reason ‘because you can’t be too handsome’, which was some consolation (laughs).” Although he laughed it off coolly, those days were not easy. Despite failing over and over again, he did not give in and went for the audition. Just looking at him now, it may be hard to believe, but that was the beginning of actor Ji Chang Wook. 6 years after his debut, that shy youth who busily hurried between movies, the small screen and stage has since grown into a star who can give anyone a good feeling at first glance. But there is something that has not changed. “When I see a project, I only think about whether it is interesting, whether the character is appealing, and whether I have the confidence to handle this.” And among the numerous choices that were placed in front of Ji Chang Wook, he chose to do a musical again. Being able to have a presence there alone is good enough, and he was also happy during practices. To him, the musical The Days was irresistible.

Hallyu star, you are distant when we get close to you?

Definitely no such thing. I think it’s really because I appear on TV and Empress Ki was also very successful, that’s why people feel I’m distant. Personally, I don’t think I’m that distant. Just like as usual, I fool around at the practice room, and I also appear frequently at Daehangno (*place in Seoul where all the musical theatres are). When the musical starts, you will be able to see me around more often at Daehangno. Because we often have wrap-up parties (laughs).

An unforgettable year 2013

To put it accurately, I did three musicals at the same time. While starring in the musical The Days, I also ended up starring in Jack The Ripper through Yoo Joon Sang hyung’s enthusiastic recommendation. But the next day after I decided to appear in the musical, director Jang Yoo Jung asked me to work with her for the performances of Brothers Were Brave in Japan. Although I was worried, her words of “You can do it!” gave me confidence so I ended up doing that musical too. At the end of the year I even ended up joining the filming of Empress Ki, so I thought I was really going to die (laughs). Though exaggerated somewhat, I had an IV injection once every two days. Fortunately, the musicals were completed enjoyably, and Empress Ki also received lots of love. 2014 is a year where I took breaks intermittently. This is also the reason why I didn’t immediately start on a new project after Empress Ki.  From late October, performances for The Days will start again, and I’m also preparing for writer Song Ji Nah’s Healer that will go on air at the end of the year.  Both shows seem interesting so I’m looking forward to them.

You are joining The Days again

I couldn’t possibly not perform in The Days. During the first run last year, this was a show that I had prepared with difficulty, and I have a strong attachment to the show and the character. It was something I had created, it felt like my show, and I said “If there is a re-run, I will definitely do it.” What if the show is staged again? If it’s after my return from the army, I think I will have to consider (starring in the musical) for a while. Because by that time, my mentality towards the show and Mu Yeong will probably have changed.

Your approach in facing the new The Days

During the first run, I wasn’t excluded because of unavoidable situations and I didn’t miss any of the practice sessions. We practised from 10 in the morning till 10 at night. I even grabbed the director and cried a lot (laughs). The stage was fun but also scary at the same time, so I was even more obsessed with practising. More than anything else, the ticket prices were the scariest. I worried about what could I possibly show to the audience. Actually, I’m not an actor who can sing so outstandingly like the other musical actors. I know that very well myself. I can’t improve my singing ability quickly overnight, so I try my very best to show my own style, and I think of that as making the ticket worth its money. It’s also the same now. Even if I have to find time, I work hard not to miss any of the practices. That’s the only way right? Because I already have a good grasp of the basics, it wouldn’t be as difficult as last year, but on the other hand, there is a pressure of wanting to show a better performance than last year. However, I do not wish to let myself be shut in by the strong need that I have to change. Working together with people who are also preparing hard and practising with them, I believe the performance will naturally get better.

First-run members vs new members

We went for a MT (*a Korean term for excursions) together, and we all got up together with one heart to dance along to the late Kim Gwang Seok’s songs. Though those songs were not easy to dance along to (laughs). The atmosphere was better than expected. I also got to learn a lot from the new actors. Through Kim Seung Dae hyung who newly joined us, parts that I had left out last time are now pointed out to me. Working together with Choi Jae Woong hyung and Choi Ji Ho hyung whom I worked with in Thrill Me brings back the old feelings again. Especially since Jae Woong hyung is playing the role of Jeong Hak this time, while practising, I proclaimed that I must definitely fork out money to watch his performance. That’s how fun it was (laughs).

Kim Gwang Seok’s never-ending songs

Although all are good, I really liked the song “A Night Alone” when I was performing last year. In the show, the song is sung by the girl, and it brings sadness even from the title alone. Everyone has such moments. After being around with many people, you suddenly feel empty when you are left alone. At that time, listening to this song helped me a lot.

Mu Yeong’s doppelganger

I dislike being shut in by convention; I like to have fun when doing anything, so I always work hard to do things with a smile. Mu Yeong is also such a friend. Although he never deviates from decorum and is polite, he is a free spirit. That’s why although Mu Yeong does not have many appearances, he is full of charm each time he appears. In particular, the scene of “My Song” is one of the scenes in the show where he plays childishly like a young kid. Ah! Last year, Joon Sang-ie hyung made a public pledge to take off our tops and smash the blocks if we crossed the break-even mark, and I did it with him.  That was this scene. I feel uneasy about what kind of pledge he will make this time (laughs).

And, the days of the youth Ji Chang Wook

I hope it won’t be rushed. Slowly, not chasing after money or fame, but my aim is to live life and have fun at the same time. After successfully finishing The Days and the drama, and if I come back from the army, I think I will be able to live life more leisurely. I don’t have any kind of dislike for the army. On the contrary, getting over it quickly will be better. Although it isn’t fast already. It will be a place where different kinds of people come together, so I’m looking forward to it. It would be good if I could also have fun doing my work like that, and also become a good father (laughs).

Translated from Korean to English by Gabby. Please do not re-post without credit.

Source: Scene Playbill magazine