Ji Chang Wook, a popular Korean actor who is known as a ‘versatile actor,’ an ‘Asian prince,’ and a ‘hit prince,’ is loved all over the world.

[Note: We refer to dramas and movies mentioned throughout by their Japanese titles.]

As an all-rounder, he has captivated what he sees, from sad and sweet love romantic comedies to hard action.  14 years after his debut, éclat exclusively interviews him, turning 35 this year [Note: Western reckoning], and talks about his peaceful current life without embellishing it.

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I want to be satisfied with every moment of happiness.

“I don’t really feel that I have to accomplish anything special.  Now is a peaceful time in life,” he says, expressing his feelings of turning 35 this year.  But last year, he continued shooting due to the Corona disaster, and he felt keenly that there were things he could not do by himself.

His wish for this year is currently being filmed, “Tell Me Your Wish” (original title) set in a hospice.  “After all, to finish in a healthy and safe manner.  There are a lot of difficulties in the world these days, but I think it’s a work that soothes my heart, so please look forward to it,” he says with glowing eyes.

And as an actor, he says, “I hope that through my work, I hope that people will feel emotionally fulfilled and rich, and from the perspective of my juniors, I want to be a person who looks a little cool.”

“The Corona disaster continues to cause uncertainty, but even if you run into a wall, you don’t consult with your friends, but find a solution for yourself.”

Happiness depends on how you feel. 

“When you start to think of happiness as something special, it’s hard for you to know.  In the first place, there are more moments when we don’t live with happy moments.  So I think it’s rather unfortunate to live with only happiness….  After work, I might be happy with such a trivial daily life of taking a warm bath at home and going to bed.  It makes me easier to feel happy and satisfied at the moment.”

 

 

When asked what he thinks of being called “the Prince of Asia,” he says, “Oh, really? I’ve never heard of it before (laughs).  I’ve never heard before.  I’m glad to hear that, please call me that more!” he laughs carelessly.  It is charming again in such a place where he does not care less.

Park Shin Woo, director of the drama “The Way of Love Between Men and Women in the City,” who has an attachment to everything from music to editing and directing, also praised [Ji Chang Wook] for letting go when he felt better just by looking, even though he was a star.  However, as I proceeded with the interview, I strongly sympathized with that.

He has a healing effect on the people around him.  He is rational, service-minded, sincere, careful, and firmly grounded.  A true entertainer, who has no choice but to fall in love with, will continue to evolve in a natural way to feel the wind and run freely on a motorcycle that is just comfortable and emotionally fond of riding.

So I think it’s rather unfortunate to live with only happiness….  After work, I might be happy with such a trivial daily life of taking a warm bath at home and going to bed.

The first part of the éclat magazine interview with Ji Chang Wook can be found here:  Beautiful Healer descends! [Part 1]

Source:  éclat magazine April 2022 issue

Translated from Japanese to English by cherkell; there may be slight inaccuracies. PLEASE DO NOT REPRINT, REPURPOSE, SCREENCAP OR OTHERWISE COPY OUR CONTENT WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION.