Re-introducing Go Jae Hyun. An interview
In this interview Go Jae Hyun talks to us about his acting journey thus far, his role in the K-drama “Tomorrow” and tells us who his acting role model is.
To the viewers who have not watched “To My Star” or “300 Year Old Class of 2020” yet, who is Go Jae Hyun?
Hello, I'm Go Jae Hyun, who is working hard as an actor in Korea.
Can you describe what influenced you to pursue a career as an actor?
I usually liked watching dramas and movies. I was curious and wanted to stand in front of the camera. So naturally, I think I wanted to act.
From playing a +300 year old student to playing the brother of a sexual assault victim, what techniques do you use to develop your characters?
First, I think about interesting things. How can I express the character and situation in an interesting way?
Then, you can naturally create various settings and details. I think that's how the characters are gathered one by one. For example, it was interesting that characters like Hyung-gi in ‘To My Star’ had an inferiority complex compared to me. So, I focused on this a little bit more while setting the personality and character.
In “Tomorrow” you play the brother of a rape victim, which must have been very emotionally demanding. What do you believe is the most challenging aspect of being an actor?
I think it's definitely hard to act emotionally. It was a feeling I had never experienced before, so it was difficult emotionally and physically to express it while acting, but I worked hard to convey that to the viewers. Actually, acting in every drama is a challenge everytime (hehe). I think that's the charm of acting.
You have proven that you are an actor capable of playing many roles, what roles do you really want to play next?
I want to become an actor who can play various role, I am still in the process of proving it hehe. I want to play any role, but if I had to pick one, even if there aren’t many lines, it’s a character that shows the face and expressions. I want to play a character that I can fully show expressions.
We live in a world where, unfortunately, victims face scrutiny for experiencing sexual assault. Having played a character that directly deals with this, what are your thoughts on this?
It felt like a second offense in some ways to scrutinize the victim. She is a victim who needs to be protected, but even though the investigation comes before protection and is a special case of sexual violence, she goes around to be investigated and answers the same questions several times. I think it causes a bigger wound and trauma for the victim. Even though it was a shoot, I felt it, but I thought how hard it would be for the victims. I think protection for victims must be guaranteed.
Where do you hope to be in your career in 5 years?
An actor who can play any role. I want to become an actor that you can trust and see, an actor who gives charming performances.
Picture supplied by Management Sagae
You impressively feature in many advertisements and dramas, what hobbies or activities do you do to maintain balance in your life?
Work is good and fun, but I like to meet people, so when I have time, I meet my acquaintances and talk. I feel good when I talk to my friends. My hobby is exercising, I walk a lot near my house, and I work out a lot, but these days, I work out my shoulders a lot.
Who do you consider to be your acting role model whose career you would like to emulate, and why?
I like Jim Carrey. He acts as if he is swimming while entrusting himself with the waves. He seems to be a free-spirited actor, I’d like to emulate that too.
It has been about 3 years since you made your debut as an actor. Since entering your career as an actor, what has been the most interesting experience you have dealt with?
It's still an interesting experience, Hahaha. When I'm acting and my face comes out on the screen, it's fascinating and weird, and there are fans who cheer for me and leave comments. ^^ For the time being, I think it'll be fascinating to see myself on screen. I'm always thankful and I feel good when I see myself.
Picture supplied by Management Sagae
You recently changed your name, what inspired the change?
The CEO of my agency suggested that I should do it. Thankfully, I experienced various roles while acting in several short films and media. He thought of a name that has a lot of weight and can shine in many genres. I listened to him and liked it, so I changed it. Fortunately, the fans liked it too. In the future, I'll show you more various sides of me as actor Go Jae Hyun.
Picture supplied by Management Sagae
Long term what do you hope to achieve in your career?
In the long run, I want to become an actor that you can trust, watch and say “Go Jae Hyun, he acts freely like the actor Jim Carrey, sometimes he is boyish and sometimes a creepy villain”. I want to be an actor who works in various genres (romance, thriller, melodrama, comedy, science fiction, noir, etc.)
Picture supplied by Management Sagae
