Visual Couple! It’s Your First Time Seeing a Jung Hae In & Jisoo Couple Photoshoot, Right?
Jung Hae In, who had a busy year, and Jisoo, who is newly taking off. Two actors who met as the protagonists of the ardent love story <Snowdrop>. The two have such similar eyes. Just like any good* lovers.
*n.b. As in, ‘characterized by fundamental goodness.’
11.23.2021
Q) I heard that recently you’re inundated with scripts. I’m curious why, out of all of them, you chose〈Snowdrop〉?
A) The biggest reason is the writing. The strength of the writing, the strength of the story. Also, I had infinite trust in the writer and director. Actually, because the [filming] schedule overlapped with〈D.P〉I nearly wasn’t able to take part, but the writer, the director, and the producers gladly made adjustments so I could. So, I ended up feeling more responsibility and pressure. Because I had to return the trust they had placed in me.
Q) Return in what way?
A) Acting is a given, but outside of that, as well. For example, the atmosphere on set. When you film, exhausting and trying situations are bound to occur, right? Actually, at those times, creating a good atmosphere doesn’t require all that much time. In a few seconds, it’s done. The director continually played that role, but watching him, I kept thinking I ought to help him as well. The staff are all wearing masks for over 10 hours, aren’t they? That must have been so stifling. Because of the masks, even if they smile, you can’t see their smiling expressions very well. So rather than just simply greeting them with my eyes and smiling and such, I think I made an effort to create a joyful atmosphere. After the final filming concluded, the director said this [to me]. “Thanks for putting in so much effort.”
Q) As you said,〈D.P.〉and〈Snowdrop〉ended up being produced one on top of the other. How did you focus on the character of Soo Ho?
A) Because if your physical strength gives out, your mental [stability] can also give out with it, to start, I made a point of increasing my stamina. If my center is well-grounded as a player, even if the tone of the production is different, or even if the filming site changes, I don’t think I get particularly shaken up. On top of that, the hints about Soo Ho were all there in the script. So I think I lived with the script grasped in my hand from morning to night. Observing the other actors on set was also a big help. If you absorb the other person’s emotions, your reactions and expressions just come out naturally.
Q) The backdrop for the production is 1987. Is there anything about the historic background that you researched or studied ahead of time?
A) I was born in ’88. 1987 is an era that I never directly experienced. Though there are many productions set during that era, I actually think that the right answers all lie in the script. If you examine the script well, an image forms in your mind. For me, through this production, more than anything I felt that the props team and the costume team are amazing. Just because it’s a period piece, [the process of] acting doesn’t change, right? The people of that time all lived exactly the same way [we do today]. In the end, I think the difference between a period piece and a modern one is the props, the set, the artistic elements, and the costumes. For example, in our production, things like a glass bottle of orange juice and snacks from that era are reproduced exactly as they had been. The same goes for the clothing and hairstyles that had been in fashion at the time. Seeing as there are an exceptionally large number of characters that appear [in the drama], it can’t have been an easy feat. Just to shoot one scene at the women’s university dorm, nearly 100 characters appear, and beyond simply doing hair and makeup for each of them, they managed to highlight the unique characteristics of each person. Everyone worked really hard.
Q) Portraying universal human emotions may not change whether it’s a period production or a modern-day one, but even so, aren’t the underlying sentiments a bit more serious and honest because it’s the 80s?
A) There weren’t any mobile phones, they had to send and receive letters, and there is a certain sincerity that’s unique to that era, yes. It’s not as if because we can now easily send texts or make video calls that there’s a lack of sincerity, but it’s unquestionable that to the extent [that they couldn’t], they’re more ardent, right? If you can’t get in contact, you have to wait silently. I think period pieces have that flavor to them.
Q) This story starts with Soo Ho one day suddenly stealing into a women’s university dorm. According to what Jisoo-ssi hinted at just earlier, there were a lot of funny anecdotes while filming those scenes.
A) For example, in the group shots. The camera was filming my bust, so the majority of people weren’t caught on camera. But because they all acted passionately nonetheless, it really helped me a lot. It seemed as if their energy filled the film set. Acting for nearly ten hours straight like that is never easy, right? I was really thankful. On the day filming wrapped, the director gifted flower bouquets to each and every one of the actors who played the female university students. And he made time for each of them to come forward one at a time and give their thoughts on wrapping. He told me, ‘Soo Ho, come out and say something, too,’ so I said this: “Thanks to your help, I was able to act comfortably. There’s a chance I may not recognize you, but if we ever meet again on another set, I hope you’ll be sure to come up and say hi.”
Q) How was your chemistry with your co-star, Jisoo-ssi, who played Young Ro?
A) Every time we filmed, I was continuously amazed. It was like, ‘Has she always been this good at acting?’ Jisoo-ssi’s scenes in the drama were by no means easy. I also, while reading the script, at certain emotional scenes thought, ‘How would I have done this if I was playing this role?’ It was daunting to the extent that I was at a loss. Watching her work through those sorts of things calmly and well was amazing. More than anything, she immediately absorbs the director’s feedback. Usually, before you’re able to translate that into acting there tends to be a sort of buffering, but her processing speed* is incredible. Of course, I’m aware that she worked really really hard, too. I joined the filming a bit late, but during that time, she met with the director countless times, developed her character, and put a lot of work into this production.
*n.b. i.e. ‘quick reaction time; ability to think on her feet’ (순발력)
Q) Did the director give you any directions in regard to ‘Soo Ho and Young Ro’?
A) Rather than making any special requests, the director just said this: “Having you two in the same frame is really great, you suit each other well.” He complimented us saying that even if we don’t go out of our way to do anything in particular, he can feel the energy going back and forth between us.
Q) One thing I felt anew while looking at your filmography is that you’ve really lived diligently.
A) Since my debut in 2014, I’ve never taken more than a month off. I think that ‘I should work hard when people want me.’ While there is a demand for me, I have to work even harder.
Q) You really work with an extremely modest attitude.
A) It’s collaborative work, and just because I want to do something, that doesn’t mean I always can. I’m grateful when a situation is made to allow me to do something. I think that, at any time, the work could suddenly dry up.
Q) Are you the type to have professional consciousness as an actor? Do you tend to feel a sense of duty?
A) To be an actor is to work as an entertainer, which is, after all, the service industry. It’s work where you provide enjoyment and move people. That’s the extent of it. So I think ‘sense of duty’ is too grandiose. It’s closer to a sense of responsibility. I guess you could call that professionalism. Everyone wants to do their job well, don’t they? I’m the same. I believe that, even if things don’t work out, I want to do my best to go as far as I can without regrets.
Q) No matter how thorough your professionalism, it seems like you would get worn out if you work without rest for 7 years.
A) I’ve burned out before. But what’s important is that, it’s work where you receive love from the public, isn’t it? Not all work is like this. I think that was what sustained me. When I feel the support of my fans and the public, no matter how tired I am, I end up wanting to keep going.
Q) You have the nickname ‘Master of Romance.’
A) Well, I’ve never gone around saying “Hello, I’m a Master of Romance.”(laughs) The reporters started calling me that. For me, it’s something to be thankful for.
Q) What do you think is the appeal of the melodrama/romance genre?
A) In reality, too, when people become a couple, the people around them wish for their relationship to go well and support them, right? I think, in the end, melodramas are similar. The feeling that you hope the two characters in the drama end up happy together? [The appeal comes] from the fact that it contains that sort of support.
Q) In regards to the movie〈Tune in for Love〉 that you appeared in, I thought your observation that “The word ‘self-esteem’ doesn’t appear in the movie, but I think this movie is a story about self-esteem,” was quite astute. If that’s the case, then what do you think〈Snowdrop〉is a story of?
A) I want to say ‘Romeo and Julliet.’ A story of a heart-rending, sweet, ardent love between a young man and woman.
Q) There’s not long left until the first broadcast. How do you plan to watch?
A) As always, I’ll probably watch with my family. I’m all jittery, I don’t know if I’ll be able to watch properly.... I’m more nervous than ever.
Q) Is there a reason you’re particularly jittery and nervous about this production?
A)〈Snowdrop〉was the production in which I came up against the most walls. ‘This is my limit, huh? So this is the most I can do....’ The production was really difficult throughout, and you could say that I lost confidence some. To the extent that I did, I relied a lot on the people around me. The director and Jisoo-ssi, of course, but also each and every one of the staff. While doing that, I think I felt it; the fact that there really isn’t anything that can be done alone.
Q) It seems you’ll be wrapping up the year with the start of the production.
A) I guess so. Next year, I want to take another step forward as the person Jung Hae In.
Q) As a person?
A) Being an actor is only my job. I want to become a bit better of a person. And I hope I’ll be well. In both body and mind.
Q) What was your first impression when you finished reading the script for〈Snowdrop〉?
A) I received the script before the audition, but Young Ro, the character I play, was extremely charming. She’s a character who’s only just turned 20, but I think the personal magnetism she possesses came across to me. I thought her clumsy yet steady growth made her cool.
Q) How was the experience of filming a drama?
A) It’s the first production I participated in as a main character, right? While participating in this production, I spent a long time with a lot of people. Through this drama, I had the opportunity to look more closely at who I am as a person.
Q) I feel your sincerity towards the character of Young Ro. What were your feelings as you acted [her]?
A) I worked hard to portray her with a focus on Young Ro’s justness and goodness. The discussions I had with the director about Young Ro were also a big help. The director wanted Young Ro’s bubbly charm and consideration for others to be very apparent [to the viewers]. I also tried to become Young Ro and think like Young Ro and conduct myself like Young Ro. Young Ro is still at a young age where trial and error is necessary, right? I think I acted her with the wish that, as young as she is, people would embrace Young Ro and understand her.
Q) What do you think are the similarities between Young Ro and Jisoo? It seems like there would be points that gave you a sense of catharsis. As you said, she’s an extremely just character.
A) Young Ro is a character who works to make sure everyone is able to be happy while spreading her bright energy to the people around her. I think that the way she works hard in a crowd is similar to me. And I think her way of never giving up on anyone and leading everyone, trying to move forward together, is something that I can learn from.
Q) To the extent that it was pre-produced, quite a lot of time has passed since filming wrapped. Regardless of that, it seems like there would be a scene from the drama that remains in your mind.
A) Actually, the last scene from the last episode remains in my mind the most. This is a secret, so I can’t tell you about it right now. (laughs) Please see [for yourself] later while watching the final episode.
Q) You participated in this production in tandem with your BLACKPINK activities. Was it not hard to immerse yourself in the project?
A) Young Ro and Jisoo live in such different worlds that I conversely didn’t experience any confusion. On top of that, from the second I arrived on set, everyone treated me not as Jisoo but as Young Ro. Thanks to that, I was able to fully immerse myself in Young Ro, so I was very grateful to the staff.
Q) You debuted as a singer at a young age, and now you’ve even tried your hand at a new genre like this. What is your ‘center’ that sustains you and helps you not to waiver?
A) More than anything, I think not losing ‘me’ is the most important thing. As long as I don’t lose myself, I can remain unshaken no matter what difficulties arise. And I believe that the more grounded I am, the better I can look after the people around me. Since debuting, up until now, I’ve been receiving love from many people, you know? I think that if I want to repay that love, I have to have it together all the more.
Q) What do you think is your strong point as an actress?
A) All of the advice I received from many people while filming was a huge help to me. The process of learning and getting to know something [new] was a fun experience for me. So I think that’s why I always immersed myself in filming with a smile. I think maybe my greatest strong point is that, without giving up, without getting discouraged, I work diligently with a smile.
Q) You said that the support from your fellow BLACKPINK members lent you strength throughout filming, right?
A) The members all said they’d be sure to watch the live broadcast. And while I was filming, we were naturally in contact very often, so they always rooted for me. The members were all so curious that it also gave me energy and I ended up working all the harder.
Q) How do you plan to watch the first broadcast? It’s the first step taken by the actress Jisoo, after all.
A) Honestly, I don’t have the confidence to watch it together with anyone. I want to watch it at home alone, but I don’t know how it will turn out. I feel like I’ll just barely be able to watch it by covering my eyes and peering through a really small gap in my fingers.
Bonus: Harper’s Bazaar Portrait Interview
The original Korean feature from Harper’s Bazaar Korea can be found here.
All source materials belong to the parties to which they are licensed. All translations are our own.