[Interview] Jung Ji-hoon "Hollywood trip canceled due to pandemic... Going back to the US"

'Ghost Doctor' First Doctor Role
24-Year Veteran Rain
"Hollywood, Kkang, Ssaksseuri, Mukbo... Continuing Challenges"
"Respectful Kim Tae-hee's Advice, Never Taken Lightly"

Jung Ji-hoon / Photo by Sublime

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] "I had planned to finish a drama and then shoot two Hollywood projects in the U.S., but I couldn't go because of the pandemic. It was disappointing, but I guess it wasn't meant to be. Then suddenly the 'Kkang' craze hit, I did Ssangssuri, and even went on a trip with my bearded hyung (Noh Hong-chul). Whether I succeed or fail, I will keep moving forward."

Actor and singer Jung Ji-hoon (Rain) said this during a video interview with Asia Economy on the 22nd, expressing, "I want to keep challenging myself until I die."

He debuted in 1998 as a member of the six-member group 'Fan Club' and changed his stage name to solo singer 'Rain' in 2002, reaching the top. Since then, he enjoyed immense popularity overseas and became a global star.

He also achieved great success as an actor. Starting with the drama "Sangdoo, Let's Go to School" (2003), he appeared in "Full House" (2004), "The Fugitive: Plan B" (2010), "Come Back Mister" (2016), and films such as "Cyborg But It's Okay" (2006), "Speed Racer" (2008), "Ninja Assassin" (2009), "R2B: Return to Base" (2012), and "The King of Jokgu, Eom Bok-dong" (2019), establishing a unique domain.

Meeting Jung Ji-hoon for an interview after three years, he recalled his motto, "It’s not over until it’s over," and said, "I live with the mindset of always doing my best without expectations. Things might not go well, but I try not to be disappointed and keep challenging myself." He also revealed, "I plan to go to the U.S. next month for work."

"Not fearing challenges is the driving force that pushes me forward. Since I was born, I liked competition and hated losing. Like fate. My final challenge as an actor is to work overseas. In Korea, my goal is to act in any role, whether supporting or minor."

On the 22nd, Jung Ji-hoon took on his first doctor role as the cynical and arrogant thoracic surgeon Cha Young-min in the tvN drama "Ghost Doctor" (written by Kim Sun-soo, directed by Boo Sung-chul), which recently ended.

He completed Cha Young-min’s visual by referencing Christian Bale’s character in the movie "American Psycho" (2000). He confessed, "It was my first time acting in a fantasy that crosses life and death, and my first time playing a doctor, so it was burdensome and tough to the point I never want to do it again. It’s not a profession you can master just by studying. Acting scenes lying down and portraying a ghost emotionally were not easy."

Jihun Jeong / Photo by Sublime

When asked who he would want to live as if he could enter someone else’s body and experience a different life like Cha Young-min in the drama, Jung Ji-hoon answered, "I want to live as a chef or an athlete. I want to enter the body of a young athlete and enjoy exercising to the fullest."

Jung Ji-hoon was busy last year. He filmed "Ghost Doctor" for six months and also appeared in the online video service (OTT) Netflix variety show "Mukbo and Bearded Hyung." Viewers responded by saying he is "serious about bikes and delicious food."

He said, "We received a lot of love, gained a fanbase, and ranked number one as soon as it aired. We started with the intention of showing Korea’s natural scenery to the world. Since there wasn’t much fun content, I didn’t expect much, so I’m grateful for the love. If it’s with director Kim Tae-ho and bearded hyung (Noh Hong-chul), of course, I want to do season 2."

He also recalled meeting Lee Hyori. Jung Ji-hoon said, "Among ourselves, we talked about definitely performing with junior singers. Noona advised me to form a group with male singers who are good at dancing. Many juniors follow ideas well, so it might be good to try. It’s no longer an era where one does things alone. I want to do groundbreaking collaborations too."

Jung Ji-hoon / Photo by Sublime

He also shared his plans as singer Rain. He promised, "The Asia tour contract from three years ago is still buried, but I want to perform once the pandemic ends. I released an album last year, and I will continue to show you new albums in the future."

"I have a project scheduled for this year. There’s a jinx that things don’t go well if I talk about them first. (laughs) I think I will do one more work as an actor, and as a singer, I want to show you singing in black-and-white scenes. Like singer Frank Sinatra, wearing a tuxedo with a glass of whiskey in front of me, singing songs with calm melodies and good lyrics."

Finally, about his wife, actress Kim Tae-hee, Jung Ji-hoon said, "She is a wise person." He added, "She always supports and advises me, and since I respect her, I never take her words lightly. I am grateful and try to put them into practice," smiling.