The following articles were posted by Priscilla a long time ago on Korean Drama discussion board. It is now also available on Hotelier2002, from which this is reposted from.

Unfortunately, Priscilla has stopped writing for the moment but the articles are very interesting and we hope all of you will enjoy them too.

INTRODUCTION

Who is this man.....BYJ?

He doesn't want a FAN CLUB. He doesn't have a Fan Club. Regardless of that, his sites are one of the most visited in the HINET society of Korea. His agency, following his reserved and elusive style, is said to be as reserved and quiet. Not many press releases... they don't promote him much. However, just like the way my pen-pal wrote, "BYJ doesn't need to be promoted, his fans can do that for free...he...he...he..." She was actually telling me her own experience with another of her "Korean idols" and how quiet BYJ's agency is, in comparison.

His fans are said to be different too, to the extent that many fans call themselves the fans of "BYJ's fans". In a way, I believe in this since my present condition has been brought upon by the "free promotional activities" done by "them". Following this tradition, I am now continuing the trend...
While YJ walks forward, let me bring you some steps back to examine his footsteps. This is the only way to know anything about this most elusive man: Bae Yong Jun.

After watching 99% of BYJ's works, I had ranked them in order of quality, starting from the poorest, all the way to the best.
9). Love Greeting (a.k.a. Salute D'Amore)
8). TV Specials:
-Tae Poong (Sea Wind)
-Six steps towards breaking up
7). Papa
6). A Sunny Place of the Young
5). Barefooted Youth
4). The First Love
3). Hotelier
2). Winter Love Song
1). Have We Really Loved?

It was pretty hard to rank the top 3 since each of them are top quality dramas. But I finally decided... and I shall explain myself later.
Let me now list them in chronological order now:
1994. Love Greeting
1995. A Sunny Place of the Young
1994-95: TV Specials:
-Tae Poong (Sea Wind)
-Six steps towards breaking up
1996. Papa
1997. The First Love
1998. Barefooted Youth
1999. HWRL?
2001. Hotelier
2002. Winter Love Song

Can you see a pattern? Except for a few setbacks, the quality of his dramas improved as time goes by. One reason is obvious: his acting skills has improved. The other reason could be : he chooses his projects carefully. While "raising the bar" each time, "the raised bar" is only high enough for him to jump, without falling.
In this waiting window for the release of his debut movie "SCANDAL", some are wondering if he has over-challenged himself. Looking at his past though, I would think he is aware of his own shortcomings, and that he knows what he's doing. Instead, I wonder, "Does he know what he was doing when he was cast as the main character for <<Love Greeting>>? Does he have any idea how much his life would change after that?"

TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR DESTINY

A word from the author:
The following is the combination the numerous articles I've read plus my own interpretation =) I have tried to be as factual as possible. Thus, I didn't "invent" any names I weren't aware of. I would like everyone to contribute and help me in this quest. If you know of anything I have written that contradicts with the truth, please feel free to post it or e-mail to me at lovepriscillausa@aol.com. (If you know the source, that would be even better. Sometimes, I couldn't remember the source either...) One thing I didn't include was his love life. I feel that's too personal (might just mention it but on passing only). Thank you to all, and hope you enjoy it!!!

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It was the year 1993, in front of Walker Hill Hotel. Many cameras and flash lights were set. People were walking in a hurry, some were even running. It looked like they were filming a movie: "A woman I want to love vs. a woman I want to marry." A young man just walked in, carrying a heavy amplifier, a little excited and anxious. He is tall and slender, with a clean-cut appearance. He seemed to be observing the place very carefully, and deep in thought. "Maybe today would be his lucky day."

He has been working at this joint-movie-company for many months, hoping to learn all he could about the process of movie-making... in order to become an actor. But all this time, he has been busy at the office, doing paper-work and other menial tasks. Today though, he was sent to the filming-site and he was ready to grab the opportunity.

"Hey you, boy! Come over here!" The head of staff was calling him. "Go down the street and make sure cars don't come in when we start shooting." So this was it. Another day would go by without him getting any closer to his goal. With a sigh, he walked away.
Who was he fooling anyway? Even though many people had suggested he should go into show business, he hadn't thought about it, at least not until last year. But when all other things failed him, he decided to give it a try. His mother wasn't too happy with the decision, telling him that he didn't have the personality for it. He is well aware of that, but he couldn't just sit there and rum about his inabilities. At least people told him he has the looks to succeed. The rest, he could make up for by sheer hard work. His father is a fighter, and he himself has fought enough to know nothing comes easily in life. On the other hand, if one tries hard, good may come out. It is a very good thing that his father hasn't opposed his decision, "It's your life ... Take charge of your own destiny." Maybe his father just know him too well, that he wouldn't change his mind easily. Besides, what else could he do, since he has flunk the college entrance exam? That is better than becoming a bum...

That day, as he was blocking the road making sure cars didn't go in, he felt like a bum. He isn't a teenager anymore, and his father is aging quickly. As the older child and the only son, he felt the responsibility of taking care of his family. When will he be able to do that? As for now, he couldn't even afford a cup of coffee.

Suddenly, he realized that that day was over, and the setup crew was dismantling the place. He started to walk, looking at the place, looking at the movie poster, picturing in his mind what it'll be like to be the face in that poster. As he was doing so, he caught sight of Son Chang Min. He was the main character in the movie. He also remembered watching him since he was a boy... and he was walking towards him!

Son Chang Min

"Herm herm... pardon sir, how are you doing?" Mr. Son stopped to look at him, "Hi, are you one of the staff?" To that, he replied, "Yes, and I'm going to be an actor." "I see. Do your best!" Not knowing what else to say, he just smiled. Maybe, today isn't a bad day after all.

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Winter 1994. They were still filming "A woman I want to love vs. a woman I want to marry." Lately, he has been spending most of his time at the filming site, but he isn't that excited anymore. From time to time, he worked with the camera. That was fun! But most of the time, he was too busy running errands he couldn't learn anything interesting. It was freezing cold. Everyone seemed to be coughing and getting sick. "Hey boy!" It was the head of staff. Couldn't the man remember his name? He isn't a boy! Come on, he is 21!... "Bring coffee for everyone!" Oh dear, how on earth was he supposed to bring coffee for all of these people? He hasn't received his salary yet. And that man didn't look like the generous type either.

After crossing out different possibilities, he figured the only thing he could do was to knock at the doors of the residents and ask for some. He is shy and proud and would rather die than do that. But what else could he do? Besides, older women usually like him, especially when he smiles, that bright tender smile.

By the end of the day, after having passed the coffee around, he washed the pot and the coffee mug, containing a laughter as he remembered the surprised look of the housewife over such a crazy request. He couldn't believe he has just done that! What a kind lady, isn't she?

It was really late when he was done with everything, but he didn't feel like going home. That had been a strange day, and he felt he had learnt a good lesson about pride, but his pocket was still empty and he didn't seem to be getting anywhere closer to his goal. He ran towards a pay phone and called his friend. No one picked up. He looked at his watch. It was closed to mid-night. Well, he knew his friend was home, so he must be sleeping. He smiled cunningly. After ringing a dozen times, someone finally picked up: "He...llow... " It was the sleepy voice of Kwon Ohjoong. "Are you sleeping? It's me, I'm done for the day." "... ... !!" "OK, then, go back to sleep."

The next day, he went inside the empty performing arts studio and changed. Someone hit him from his back. He turned around, startled. It was Kwon Ohjoong, wearing his Karate uniform, ready to pay him back for the good night greeting. But he wasn't going to just stand in there. He too, knows martial arts. Thus stumbling and screaming, they both threw more than their fists on each other, exchanging extravagant words that could not be spoken to anyone else without raising one's blood. It went on like that for like an hour, and they both fell flat on the floor, panting.

"Ohjoong... Why are we doing this for?"

Kwon Oh Jung

"Oh no, there you go again! Why do you have to analyze everything? We both want to be performers, our kind sunbae* found this academy that would give us acting lessons for free. Although the school closed down, we should be thankful we can still use this place to practice."
His friend was right, as usual. He always has a positive attitude. That's why he could talk about everything with Ohjoong, from cars to girls, work and study. He never know such a friend before.
"What are you thinking of? Move your butt up and let's practice... for our bright future!" Yes, he thought to himself, "for our bright future..." Surely such day would come. But why do he still have that lingering doubt?

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Later the same year, he tried his luck in another film-company, but things didn't look more promising than before. Actually, this one seemed to be financially shaken. They were in the process of making a movie called "Pilgu," which seemed to be a never ending project. At least he was glad he has learnt how to play around with the camera. Besides, he was asked by the director to play as an extra, a friend of the main character, Lee Min Woo. In a way, he realized they were trying to cut the production cost, which meant he would not be paid. But that was the least of his worries for he has appeared at other movies before, as a no name figure. Anything was fine, as long as he could get more exposure. Then, it seemed that he might not even get his monthly salary. His family has been patient enough with him. But he has bills to pay: a manager who kept insisting on being by his side, a new acting school he attended ... and what of his Ellantra car? Should he sell it? His manager has insisted he needed a car, but now he would rather give up his manager than his car! The only thing that kept his hopes up was what the instructor told him: that he has potential. His manager Shin Tackki said that too-- too many times! -- but it was different hearing that from his acting coach.
"For heaven's sake, stop thinking!" Ohjoong had parked his "Aquiles" car on the side walk, and was signaling for him to hop in. His good and faithful manager was there too. But why wasn't he too happy to see him? "Where were you? I've been looking for you everywhere." Mr. Shin explained that there was a new KBS drama that would start soon and they were looking for new faces. "The audition is tomorrow." He went on explaining that it was a mini-series about college students. And the producers were none other than Jeon Gisang P.D. and Yoon Sukho P.D. Really? Tomorrow? That meant they only had one day to prepare! He wasn't ready... "Calm down," he thought to himself. "It's just an audition." He'd been disappointed before, so he wanted to take it easy. It was a good thing that Ohjoong would go with him. They still have the entire day to practice and Ohjoong was amazing at improvising. Besides, their motto has always been, "If it doesn't happen, make it happen."
When he entered KBS Studio the next day, there were not many people at the hall since he was there early. People slowly started to come in. Kwon Ohjoong came running, nervous and excited at the same time. "I couldn't sleep all night," he complained. "It's alright. Let's just try our best, the way we always do." He said that out-loud, more to assure himself than to anyone else. The hall grew silent. The producers and others in charge were entered. He recognized one of them from an article he had recently read: Jeon Gisang P.D.

Ohjoong auditioned first. Watching at his friend, he couldn't help but laugh... Ohjoong had this gift of making people laugh. He himself went on stage much later. After 8 hours of long waiting, the names of the cast were finally called out. "Kwon Ohjoong..." Wow, he was really happy for his friend! Actually, he had known Ohjoong would make it. More names were being called. He was losing hope that he himself would be cast, the chances getting slimmer. Only the main character's name wasn't called out yet, "Bae Yongjun..."
At first, it didn't hit him. He wasn't sure if he had heard right. Jeon P.D. was calling him, giving him some further instructions, smiling at him and congratulating him. It was only outside that he realized what had just happened. His father has told him, "Take charge of your destiny." Then, at that moment, he feels confident, he could really do that. At once, he screamed and jumped with joy!

Greeting

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* sunbae: respectful way of calling an older person, not necessarily in age, but in experience. (Someone who started to work/study first.)

Reference:
From Korean-drama-forum: "Bae Yong Jun - Biography"
From Star Story (written by BYJ):#5 & #8 (English translation: # 5 & # 8)

LOVE GREETING 2: "THE WONDER YEARS"

It was 6:00 a.m. He was supposed to be sleeping since it was Sunday. His mother hates it when he falls asleep during the Mass. He didn't understand why he has to go to church even though they are not in Seoul. His father didn't go. In fact, Dad was already out at the barn, feeding the pigs. That's where he wanted to be too: with the pigs, smelling of sweat and excrement. He couldn't sleep just thinking about it.

He could hear his mom preparing breakfast. Soon, she would take the food to the men working outside. He was going to sneak out and come back before his mom returned.... He got up to change ...

"Oppa, what are you doing?"
Oh, no... "Shhhh! Be quiet! Mom will hear us!"
"Where are you going?"

He sighed. Why do they have to share the same room anyway? He is 10 years her senior, for goodness sake, and they didn't share the same room in Seoul. But he know well that bribing her wouldn't work.

"I'm going to the field. If you want to come with me, you better dress up quickly. And don't make any noise."

After making sure mom was not around, they sneak outside. Once outside, they started running. His sister was calling him, but what the heck... He ran faster, breathing the chilling air of autumn. To avoid the barn, he went up the low hill. From time to time, he turned back to make sure his sister was around. She could be annoying, but nothing could spoil the happiness he feels every time he is on the top: like a bird, looking at the sights below. He feels as happy as he is holding a new-born piggy. He feels like one with nature.

Coming back from his "escapade", he searched around for his sister. However, he couldn't see her anywhere. He called her, but there was no answer. He didn't want any adults to hear him, so he stopped. He ran down the hill, looking for her... There, on top of a huge rock, he saw his sister, sleeping under a tree. She looked so innocent, just like a little angel.

Relieved, he tried waking her up but she wouldn't. He was getting upset, realizing that mom would be back soon. With much effort, he carried her on his back and started running, thinking to himself she's grown so heavy that he has almost tripped. He slowed down, out of breath, saying to himself he still has some time to kill. He could hear his sister talking in her sleep, murmuring, "Oppa please... it hurts..." Oh, no! She was dreaming about "that incident"!

After covering her with a blanket, he smuggled inside on his own, pretending to be asleep, just before his mom come back. His sister continued to mumble nonsense. Wow, how could she sleep so well? But somehow, he didn't realize how tired he is himself. Soon, he took the time machine and travelled back into the land of dreams. All the scenes passed through his mind at a very fast pace, not making much sense. There were all incidents that had happened before his 6th birthday, things he would have forgotten, if his family has not been constanly reminded him.

One day, curious to know how many chick-peas could fit into her sister's nose, he'd convinced her to let him try it. But after the first chick-pea went inside her nose, he couldn't take it out. Somehow, he convinced her not to tell their parents, promising that he would take it out in the morning. She listened to him back then. The problem was that she woke up in the morning crying and with a swollen nose. He has been horrified then, to the big amusement of the doctor...

In another incident, he was watching TV and learned that adults often went to the cash registers and told them, "I'll pay you later." Finding this very insightful, he went inside his favourite store, grabbed some chips and candies and cried, to the astonishment of the store-owner, "I'll pay you later." Mother found this out on her way home, and he learn a good lesson that day. Another day, he saw a toy he longed for the longest time displayed outside the toy store. So, he took it. Knowing his mom was home, he left the toy outside, entered, and after some time he screamed that someone knocked at the door. After opening the door, he told his mother that somebody had just left that toy outside... but he couldn't have fooled her. He had a very memorable beating that day!

Since then, he has some kind of "allergy" towards lying. Right now, even in his sleep, he wonders if he is lying again...



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Born in Seoul on August 29th, 1972, he has a normal childhood. His mother is a housewife and a very devoted Catholic. His father worked at a company and always taught him that he is the head of the family. He is a very curious little boy, who is always intrigued at how things are made, breaking up toys in order to re-make it, and asking adults questions they couldn't answer. Still, he wouldn't speak to strangers. And how he hated when someone pulled his cheeks and tried "talking cute" to him! He feels like kicking them!

He has taken a few piano lessons before entering elementary school, but his father made him take up "Tae Kwon Do" instead, saying that piano was for girls. "A man must be tough." Well, his father has sent him to do many other kind of sports which he isn't too thrilled about. He would rather stay at home... He loved to be by himself, reading or even solving hard puzzles.

When he is in 3rd grade at the elementary school, his father had moved to the countryside to open a pigs-barn. The rest of the family visit him every weekend. As the boy is an introvert, he loves it there. But this barn didn't do too well. It went bankrupt by the time he is in 6th grade, forcing the entire family to sell the house and move, switching schools. At the new school, he has gotten into no little fights...

When he was in middle school, he enjoyed studying. He feels each homework like a game, and he is thrilled each time he solves a problem. Sometimes, he would stay up all night doing that. Thus, teachers liked him, but his introverted nature prevailed.

Things changed after he entered High School. He had a crush on a girl who studied at the same library. Instead of studying, he would furtively gaze at her and write "secret letters" and imagined being with her... But before he took the courage to approach her, she disappeared. He never learned her first name. Feeling himself a fool and a coward, he realized being a bookworm was of no help for him. Putting studies aside, he started to "hang out".

He has fooled around during his High School years. Playing sports and even skipping classes periodically, hanging out with peers the adults would not approve of. Acting tough was "cool" too, and he found girls liked that. By his Senior year, he has stolen his first kiss, ready to enter the adult world. But behind that "cool" mask, still lingered his shyness that has always hunt him.

Ever since the bankruptcy, his father has aged fast. Since then, they have not been able to recover financially. As he was graduating from High School, and being the only son, he feels the responsibility of the family upon himself. He applied for the Department of Architecture in Hanyang University, but his years of "fooling around" paid its toll, and he failed. A year later, after staying at a Temple several months in order to study, he tried for law school, but failed again. His mother prayed the rosary daily, mostly worrying for her son. His sister entered music school and is doing her duty as a good daughter. He knows he has to stop being the source of anxiety at home, but by then, he feels studying is not for him. He wanted to do too many things in life. Although his parents couldn't understand him, he feels he should make his own decision.




Then, he has worked in many different places, from being a factory worker to a street peddler. People usually has the wrong impression of him at first, thinking he wouldn't last at the job since he looked too "sheltered". But he is very stubborn and stayed longer than even he wanted... Usually though, the work place would close down, ending in failure. But the greatest reason why he would move on is - he is not satisfied. There should be more in life than this!
That's when he decided to become an actor. Why not? He wanted to do many things in life and what better way can he achieve that than becoming an actor? But deep inside, he knows he isn't too excited about that world. In fact, he is afraid, knowing he didn't like to be under the spotlight, knowing he still feels uncomfortable in large group meetings. But he wants to succeed in life. He wants to earn money and respect. He wants to stop being a burden to his family. After counting and balancing the factors, he decided to "take charge of his destiny."



It took him almost 2 years to get his first role in a TV drama. He was very unprepared for this role, being cast 2 days before the filming started. It came to him so very unexpectedly, he couldn't believe it at first: he was the main character. There was some deliberation going on among the producers and other judges on the day of the audition, but Jeon PD's voice prevailed: He wanted Bae Yong Jun to be Kim Young Min. On that day, the producer Jeon Gi Sang has finally met Bae Yong Jun... and the extraordinary legend is about to begin...

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***Explanation:
The above is the combination the numerous articles I've read plus my own interpretation =) I have tried to be as factual as possible. Thus, I didn't "invent" any names I weren't aware of. I would like everyone to contribute and help me in this quest. If you know of anything I have written that contradicts with the truth, please feel free to post it or e-mail to me at lovepriscillausa@aol.com. (If you know the source, that would be even better. Sometimes, I couldn't remember the source either...) One thing I didn't include was his love life. I feel that's too personal (might just mention the little incidents he himself talked about). Thank you. Hope you enjoy it!!!

Reference:
From Korean-drama-forum: "Bae Yong Jun - Biography"
From Star Story (written by BYJ):# 3, # 4 & # 5 (first paragraph) (English translation: # 3, # 4 & # 5 (first paragraph))

LOVE GREETING 3: "A LEGEND IS BORN"

Producer Yoon Sukho is in his mid-thirties, short and unappealing. Drama making has been his love, and he has none other. He is becoming known, especially after last year's super Hit "Neukim" (feeling), through which he made stars out of Son Jichang, Kim Minjong, Lee Jeongjae , Ooh Heejin and Ryu Shiwon among others.

Neukim

Jeon Gisang is a young drama-producer with potentials, gaining much recognition after his recent hit "Tomorrow, Love." Actually, this long drama was the result of the cooperation with other producers, one of them being Yoon Sukho P.D. This was filmed inside a college campus, portraying the life and struggles of young students who are fighting for their ideologies. Lee Byunghun has done a pretty decent job in there.
It was the fall of 1994; both producers have met again in order to make a mini-series that appealed to the younger generation. They were going to make another college campus drama, but it was going to be lighter and trendy. Trendy dramas were becoming popular, and relative unknowns were becoming super stars overnight. One example of this was "Last Match," with Jang Dong-gun, Son Jichang, Shim Eunha, and others.

The title of their new project was "Love Greeting." Sung HyunAe, that year's Miss Korea, was going to be the female lead. Yoon PD wanted Lee Jeongjae to be the male lead, but he was preparing for an SBS drama special called "Hourglass." "Love Greeting" was scheduled to begin filming in November. They found most of the other characters, but they couldn't locate their main character yet. He was supposed to be the narrator and Sung HyunAe's childhood friend and sweetheart. He was supposed to be the face of the entire drama. Lee Jeongjae had turned it down. Where could they find someone else with that innocent and clean cut look? They had tried several candidates before but failed. An acting school had contacted them about one of their students. Desperate as they were, the production decided to audition 2 days before the November shooting.
During the audition, they have readily decided that Kwon Ohjoong would be the perfect "buddy" of Kim Yongmin, the main character. As for the main character, Jeon Gisang had already decided: the first time he saw Bae Yongjun, he knew he had found the right person. Tall, lean, with a clean complexion, he is the personification of innocence, especially when he smiles.



However, his colleague was not that confident. Yoon PD was a picky and stern man and he still couldn't get over the fact that Lee Jeongjae had turned him down. This new face standing before him looked too insecure and untrained. But they had no other choice. He sighed.
Jeon PD, warm and jovial as usual, invited all the cast and crew to gather for a warm-up drink. That evening, Jeon PD welcomed his little hero, surprised to see him so early. When asked to sing a song, this 22 year old man sang "Please come back to Busan port"... a really popular song but more for the older generation. Jeon PD thought to himself that he has discovered a rare kid, indeed!

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Streets of Seoul, near a college campus. A girl was inside a telephone booth, waiting. Two firefighter's truck were stationed nearby, surrounded by multiple cameras and projectors. A short middle-aged man was holding a megaphone and the moment he shouted "ACTION" ... it started to rain. A young man walked towards the booth holding an umbrella, surprising the girl with a smile... "CUT!!!"

A groan was heard everywhere, and people were frowning. "What the heck you think you're doing! What kind of smile is THAT?! Have you come to ruin this show?" Yoon Sukho PD exploded, unable to control himself any longer. This was their first filming day, and here he was, stuck in a 5 minute scene for more than 4 hours. The worst thing was that the narrator and the main character of the drama was the cause of all this delay. Who was this guy anyway... What is his name? Yes, Bae Youngjun... Did he think he could just come and recite some memorized words and that is it? "You don't even know the ABC's of acting, for heaven's sake!" But as soon as he said that, he regretted.

All eyes were on them, few were feeling sorry for the kid but most of them were upset that they had wasted so much time and energy, all other shootings were cancelled for the day. The perpetrator was looking down, unable to answer. Yoon PD, perfectionist and harsh as he was, was a professional too, and he knew when enough is enough. They needed to get that scene over with. The rebuking could wait. Thus, leaving his rage behind, he called for another shot.



An hour later, everyone started packing, finally having gotten the "OK" from the producer, right before the water drained out. If it was any other day, he wouldn't have been satisfied with that scene, but with no sun nor water left, he had no choice. Besides, it was their first day. Ahhhrrr!! This kid was Gisang's idea, he should have been the one to handle this first scene. He was relieved that he didn't have to be there the following day. Let's see what Gisang think of his new discovery then. He smiled to himself, but he was actually really worried about this project...

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Yongjun and Ohjoong were silently walking towards the garage, followed by manager Shin.

Ohjoong said, "Hey... Don't take it so seriously, you were just nervous." He got no reply. "We always say that the most important thing is to do our best. You did your best, that's what counts."
"What?! He did his best?!!! Come on, he was terrible today!" The manager continued talking, unaware of the annoyed look of his listeners. "What happened to you today? You messed up... everyone ... else's... schedule..." He stopped, finally getting the hint.

"Tackki, I'll drive him home today. Pick him up in the morning."

Once inside his friend's car, Yongjun closed his eyes, pretending to be sleeping. Ohjoong said, while driving, "Actually, I'm going to a birthday party. I know you had a long day, but it might do you good. Besides, this will help us to know the others better. They seemed to be a very nice bunch."

"Just drop me home, I don't want to ruin anyone's party..." Silence followed.

Ohjoong started suddenly: "Wow, Yoon PD is worse than I thought! I heard he had a bad temper but I didn't think he could be so stubborn and picky like this..." Yongjun closed his eyes again. When they finally reached the destination, he walked outside the car, saying, "Do you know something? Yoon PD and Tackki were right. I was terrible today." He smiled weakly. "Good night!"

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Next day, when Jeon PD arrived to the shooting site, not many people were there yet. He had heard of the previous incident and he could imagine people's frustration. The work atmosphere was very important, especially to these group of newbies, none of whom had much experience... this was really not a good beginning.

Somehow though, he was especially worried for his main character. He was the heart of the drama. If he failed, the entire production was going to fail. Where was he now? Had he erred in choosing him? It was too early to say, but he didn't want to believe it. Even as he was thinking this, his eyes caught sight of the kid, seating on a little bench, practicing. The young fella seemed so immersed in what he was doing, he didn't noticed the watchful eyes. People started coming in, some throwing disdainful glances at him, but he was oblivious of his surroundings. Someone said, "Good morning Mr. Jeon PD!" That's when Yongjun realized his Director was standing before him. He awkwardly stood up, bowing, "Good morning..."

"Yes, Good morning. You're early, I see. Did you have a good night's rest?" "Yes sir..." Mr. Jeon padded the youngster's back. "OK, I see you got the eye-glasses I recommended. And the T-shirt suits you well also. It makes you look more like a college student... Go on doing what you were doing and pretend I'm not here."

Youngjun bowed again, and he went back to read the script. Later on, when Jeon PD cried, "Ready... ACTION!"-- this young actor delivered his work, to the great relief of the staff. The atmosphere was clearing out, and people started joking with each other, even among the cast members. They didn't know each other well since they were mostly new, thus they were nervous and yesterday's event have frustrated them. Now, they started to be more at ease.

A week had past and Jeon PD continued patiently instructing his young performers on the art of acting, correcting them whenever they made a mistake, and patiently going over every scene a dozen times over, without losing his composure. The first episodes had been aired, and already viewers started asking who these new faces were. Looking at Yongjun studying his script so carefully, he smiled to himself. People's greatest curiosity had been drawn towards this young figure, "What is the name of the main character?"

He looked around the filming sight and saw with pleasure on how the cast was becoming more united, Kwon Ohjoong being the most popular among them. But strangely enough, Ohjoong is the only one who is friendly towards Yongjun. Most other members either ignored him or avoided him all together. Or was it the other way around, Yongjun being the one avoiding them? The producer was starting to be more and more interested in his protagonist, but the fact that he is always by himself bothered him.

Thus he took him aside and spoke about the importance of getting along with others, especially if one wanted to succeed in the entertainment industry. The youngster nodded with his head and smiled, but he was trying to avoid the issue. The older man let him go, but he had a keen eye and it wasn't for nothing that people called him "Star Maker". He has been good at recognizing people. He felt the kid didn't fully recover from his initial shock and that he feared people still blamed him for that first day incident. The real problem with that was that others could easily mistake that as arrogance. So the wise man made a mental note about this.

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Yoon PD took turns at directing, even though the entire crew seemed to prefer his partner, himself being called a "dictator". But he didn't care, as long as there were nice shots. Besides, Gisang had been right about the boy. He searched around, and there he was, reading the script as usual. He remembered the first day incident, and somehow, he wanted to apologize.
"Hemm Hemm!" Yongjun heard and stood up to greet him. "No, you don't have to stand up. I just wanted to ask you if you were taking any private acting lessons somewhere else." The young man looked up inquisitively. "I wanted to let you know I've seen fast improvements in your acting... since the first day." And he smiled a big bear smile. Bae Yongjun blushed and smiled back, feeling that his hard work had finally paid off.

Soon after, both producers took the kids out for a drink, and Jeon PD lectured them on the importance of socializing. There, sharing soju and peanuts, he made them say out loud anything and everything they liked and disliked from each other. As expected, many had misgivings regarding the "hard to approach" Youngjun ssi. *Ohjoong was quick to answer, pulling strings to draw his close friend to get to know the rest of the members. By the end of the night, a wall had been broken between them, and a more confident Yongjun had emerged before the observant eyes of the producers.

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"ACTION!" It was Jeon PD's voice. Park Joonhee, the new female lead, took out her right shoes and threw it into the river. The male lead jumped into the water, swimming and searching for the lost shoes. When he came back with it, the producer gave the OK sign. Youngjun was panting on the floor, chilled by the freezing winter waters, and was very uncomfortable after having to swim with jeans on.

"I thought I was going to drown!", he complained. Jeon PD answered, "Really? Good, cuz your facial expression was magnificent!" The young actor smiled with satisfaction. If that's what it takes for a nice picture to come out, he was willing to go through even more near death-experiences!

They've been together for almost 3 months already. Through many mistakes and hardships, the cast members have completely changed. Now, they have become real performers. Other producers were seeking them. Mr. Jeon took special delight in helping Youngjun, his new protege, a mentor-pupil relationship has developed. Whenever he thought of Yongjun, his heart is filled with pride. Although he have lots of polishing to do, he is sure his pupil would go far, and he is excited to see the results.

Both producers have worked together before, but not like this, taking turns one day after another. That had been quite a challenge in itself since their working style were completely opposite. Yet in the end, all had worked for the best, both Directors complementing each other. Yoon PD, though less involved, was also sharp and knew when something was really good. He saw the intimate way the young actor and his mentor talked to each other, and he somehow envied that. What amazed him most about this new star (he was by now sure of that) was that although BYJ had created a "soft image" through the character of Kim Yongmin in "Love Greeting," the producer has seen a tough side too... He has seen his stubborn ways... Thus, Yoon PD would remember this for many years.**

Yoon SokHo PD

"Love Greeting" was the drama that discovered the future Emperor of Drama. "Love Greeting" was the vehicle through which Jeon PD's Legend began. What kind of drama was that?

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***Explanation:
The above is the combination the numerous articles I've read plus my own interpretation =) I have tried to be as factual as possible. Thus, I didn't "invent" any names I weren't aware of. I would like everyone to contribute and help me in this quest. If you know of anything I have written that contradicts with the truth, please feel free to post it or e-mail to me at lovepriscillausa@aol.com. (If you know the source, that would be even better. Sometimes, I couldn't remember the source either...) One thing I didn't include was his love life. I feel that's too personal (might just mention the little incidents he himself talked about). Thank you. Hope you enjoy it!!!

Reference:
*Kwon Ohjoong: To know more on his friendship with BYJ, go to:
http://www.hotelier2002.com/forum/viewthre...ead.php?tid=217 (Go down the thread to the one entitled: Kwon Wo Joong says we can trust BYJ )

**To watch an interview with Yoon SukHo PD (in Korean), go to:
http://www.yongjunie.net/multi_tv.html
Click on: 2002. 03. 13 KBS TV (?(??: ë_?´ ë'?ë_? ?_5ë ? ?9> ??9?` íJ@PD)

From Korean-drama-forum: Bae Yong Jun - Biography
http://www.koreanfilm.org/cgi-bin/dcforum/...D3&viewmode=all

From Star Story (written by BYJ): # 5 & # 6
http://agizagi.netian.com/agizagi/news.htm (go to "YJ ?????3 News" and click "ë'??'ië'l"... ? ?ë08 : [? 3?¾`?S¹9í 5?¸ ] ë¾?s¹8?9i? # ?&@?B? ë;ë@ë|5 97.8.20~9.20 ?C? 5 )

To read English translation:
http://www.baeyongjune.com/news/story.htm # 5 & # 6

LOVE GREETING 4: SALUT D'AMOUR

Salut D'Amour: The Drama
Date: November 1st, 1994 - April 25th, 1995
Length: 25 EPISODES
Producers: Jeon Gisang, Yoon Sukho
Writer: Jeong Yookyung
Cast: Bae Yongjun (Kim Yungmin), Sung HyunAh (Haeyin), Kim Byungdoo, Kim KyungEun, Lee Eujung (Minah), Kim Jiho, Kim Kwayun, Park Joonhee, Kwon Ohjoong (Heedong), Lee Yoonsoo, Kim Minhee, Yoon Sonha...
OST: LOVE GREETING; Ob La Di Ob La Da; Beatles; He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother: The Hollies; Love Hurts: Nazareth; Second Romance: Yuhki Kuramoto



Salut D'Amour: The Drama
Date: November 1st, 1994 - April 25th, 1995
Length: 25 EPISODES
Producers: Jeon Gisang, Yoon Sukho
Writer: Jeong Yookyung
Cast: Bae Yongjun (Kim Yungmin), Sung HyunAh (Haeyin), Kim Byungdoo, Kim KyungEun, Lee Eujung (Minah), Kim Jiho, Kim Kwayun, Park Joonhee, Kwon Ohjoong (Heedong), Lee Yoonsoo, Kim Minhee, Yoon Sonha...
OST: LOVE GREETING; Ob La Di Ob La Da; Beatles; He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother: The Hollies; Love Hurts: Nazareth; Second Romance: Yuhki Kuramoto





"Salut D'Amour" is the story of love and friendship of today's talented and bright young adults. Their struggles seem simple at first glance, but are warmly and seriously portrayed. Born in 1975, both Yungmin and Haeyin are childhood friends who grew up together. Coincidentally, both entered the same college and took the same major. It's about the challenge of entering university, and all its expectations and anxieties. Through Yungmin and Haeyin's friendship, many other diverse and warm relationships are developed, revealing the unripe love and hopes of the youth.

The straightforward Bongkwan and the funny Heedong befriended Yungmin while the aloof Minah befriended Haeyin. That involved the self reflection and challenges of the college campus and adventures of these five friends. Pure love, blossoming friendship, and the picture of youth!!
With experience, these young adults learn to love more, and they come to age before the very eyes of the audience.

Translated into English from: http://www.crezio.com/drama/series/love.htm

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PERSONAL REVIEW: * * 1/2

This is your chance to watch a very young, innocent looking and unpolished Bae Yong Jun. If you are his fan, this is worth watching for that alone. I watched this only recently, around July, and I must confess I used the fast-forwarding button... Luckily, BYJ is the main character, so I didn't have to use it too often. I recently tried to re-watch this, but they closed the site... That means I have to rely on my poor memory. If any of you had watched this (though I doubt it), please help me in this Quest. I don't think it's on sale anywhere, but I wouldn't recommend you to buy this anyway.

I translated the above description from KBS-crezio site. I think their initial plot was supposed to turn around Yungmin's love/friendship with Haeyin... But I witnessed a different plot. For me, "Love Greeting" is about Yungmin and his 2 house mates. It's about their warm friendship and how each of them mature and learn to love... in their unique ways.
BYJ acted as Kim Yungmin. His house mates were BongKwan and Heedong. Since I don't remember many other character's names, I will use their real names instead, or letters identifying them.

To watch FLASH of Love Greeting: http://www.papajun.com/drama1.html
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The following is a SPOILER ALERT!!!
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Three friends stay in the same apartment. Yungmin's older sister owns the place and she occupies one of the bedrooms. Yungmin has his own bedroom. The third room is shared by both BongKwan and Heedong. These 2 roommates are really different.

Heedong is funny, laid-back and doesn't like to study. He'd rather play and hang out. He likes to go on blind-dates. The problem is, at many times, he ended up liking the girl but that feeling is unreciprocated.

BongKwan is serious, hard working and very studious. His family owns a small farm, which is not doing well. He feels the economical burden and tries to live sensibly. One one hand, he is thankful to Yungmin for the apartment. On the other hand, he feels sorry, but he's too proud to say it out loud. Hhows no interest for women... Or maybe he just doesn't have the time for it.

Yungmin is a mixture of those two. More like Heedong in the outside, he hangs out more with his funny friend. But in the inside, he shares similar values with BongKwan. Sometimes, their unspoken similarities become a source of rivalry. What about his relationship with women? He is the personification of innocence, so he wouldn't openly go after them... and yet... things would happen.

Heedong went out to a blind date, met girl A and it was love at first sight. Since then, he went after her, trying to please her in everything. Girl A took advantage of that, even though she was interested in someone else. She uses him, making him do all kinds of work for her. But one day (around episode 20), she fell sick and is hospitalized. Heedong nurses her overnight. That's when girl A starts to really appreciate him... But soon after, she left school.

BongKwan would be the last person to go out or have a girl friend. But Park Junhee, a girl who appears later on in the drama, recognizes his hidden qualities and introduces him to her friend, Yoon Sonha. They meet without pressure, without any pretenses, and they both like each other's honest approach in life: what you see is what you get. Both down to earth, this relationship grows steadily, without hindrances.

When it comes to Yungmin, things get more complicated...



Kim Yungmin is a nice little brother to his sister. While studious and thoughtful, he is a generous and playful guy too. He is everyone's best friend. Professors like him too. One professor in particular who was dying of cancer, gave him a hard time in order to test him... because he saw hope in this young man.



The drama begins with Yungmin's voice narrating his childhood, and describing his friendship with Sung HyunAh (Haeyin). They went to school together, played together, constantly argued and made up easily... on and on... and by some funny twist of Destiny, they went to college together. Then, the camera focuses on a happy looking college student, wearing thick eye-glasses. He's listening to HyunAh talk as a radio DJ, looking at her through the window glasses, admiring her beauty.

She's very feminine and pretty. But once they start talking to each other, nothing of his admiration is revealed. Instead, he calls her "ugly" and "fat." She doesn't seem to mind him... as if she is used to it. He wants to do nice things to her, but he just can't do it right. A birthday gift that he has wrapped and personally delivered to her, under the rain, she mistook that it's a gift from his sister. He can't tell her the truth. He bought movie ticket to watch with her... but he can't ask her out. It's hard for him to show affection to his best friend. In a way, it seemed that she likes him too, but he wouldn't make that first move... During the first quarter of the drama, someone asks HyunAe out. After some hesitation... she accepted. Soon after, she transferred out of school.

Watch a FLASH of Kim Yungmin singing a farewell song to his first love: http://byjsmail.netian.com/ (click upper left)

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Kim Jiho is the most outspoken girl in their class. She is a very smart feminist. In the same study group, Guy A is a driven and ambitious guy. But at times, he seems to be concerned about his grades. He skips meetings and doesn't socialize much. Jiho tells him that's wrong... In the process, guy A starts to like her.

Yungmin and his friends belong to the same study group. Out of the blue, Yungmin was nominated to be the leader this semester. Jiho recented that. She would oppose many of his ideas and provoke him. Most of the time, he just ignored her. The truth was that Jiho liked him.
One day, she offers Yungmin a tutoring position at a private house. While he's tutoring, he found the little boy had a Playboy magazine. Yungmin took that away from the boy. Later that day, he was meeting with his friends, and he went to the restroom. While he is away, that magazine fell out... to the ashtonishment of everyone there!

His guy friends find this amusing. The girls look disappointed. (This was after HyunAh left.) Jiho is fuming mad, thinking to herself, "You can't trust any man, they're all the same!" When Yungmin comes back, he doesn't understand why everyone is acting so strange towards him. Jiho takes the tutoring position away from him... It is only sometime later that the truth comes out, and he makes up with Jiho. But soon, she left the school.

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Kim MinHee (from "5 siblings", SBS site)

Kim Minhee is borrowing books from the school's library. But when she shows the Student ID, it's girl A's ID... Yungmin is working there part-time. When he sees the ID, he suspected Minhee has stolen that. So he ran after her. But then, he learns that she is actually girl A's cousin (this was before girl A became sick), who came from America. Minhee is a nice and shy girl who found America too intimidating for her.

When Minhee's father came to Seoul looking for his runaway daughter. He found her with Yungmin. So he scolded him, "You are the cause of my daughter's plight, I see! Why don't you admit it like a man! So tell me... how did you meet her?" Yungmin is caught by surprised... but soon, he recovers. Then and there, he creates a story on how he fell in love with Minhee. The old man left for the States, assured that his daughter is OK. That's how a new friendship begins. Minhee likes him... but it is hard to tell how he feels about her. He treats her well for sure...

On a side note, Guy A was always tried to get away after stabbing people from their backs. For example one day, as they were preparing for an exam, someone got hold of last year's test, and it was supposed to be basically the same test this year. So the entire study group was glad that they just had to go over that exam paper, and they asked Yungmin to make copies for everyone. After dropping them in their respective mailboxes, Yungmin told Guy A to get his copy. Guy A went... and suddenly, he grabbed everyone elses' copies and destroyed them. Since it was a few hours before the test, the rest flunk... They trusted Yungmin's words, that he had dropped them at the right spot, but they couldn't figure out what happened. The irony was that Guy A, in his zeal to get good grades without competition, fell asleep and missed the test! Yungmin suspected something... and confronted him silently. This same Guy A, just like he liked Jiho before, would go after someone else...

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Park Junhee (from Park Junhee's official homepage)

Kim Minhee has a new roommate, Park Junhee. She comes home late, hardly talks, not even to say "hello." Does she have an attitude problem or what? Yungmin sees someone harassing her. He defended her but was beaten. She didn't thank him... she seems annoyed at him for intervening.

People talked about her, that she was expelled from school, and that she got into many fights. She didn't explain. Let them talk all they want. She doesn't care. Behind that mask, she carried some deep wounds of rejection. She is the daughter of a rich man's mistress. Her half-siblings made her life miserable, afraid that she would go after their inheritance. Because of them, she stopped college for a while. But they would continue harrasing her. Yungmin, through one accident after another, found pieces of her past. He wanted to protect her but she doesn't let him to.

Through her nice roommate, Junhee gets to know the "circle of friends." Cold as she is, but guys find her attractive. The more she tries to avoid them, the more guys follow her. Guy A also finds her attractive, even though he knows nothing about her. He starts hanging out with her a lot, and she lets him... Is she trying to make a statement to Yungmin? Yungmin struggles to see that. He had lost HyunAe before, because of his indecisive ways... It is here that he comes to his senses... and really learns to love.
He finally became a real man...

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Afterthought:

The drama had ended. It is time to say good-bye. This group of unknown had bonded really well, and the producers finally gave a sigh of relief. It had been quite a challenge, especially since these kids didn't have much experience.

A few years later, Yoon Sonha worked with BYJ at HWRL, and is presently very active in Japan. Lee Eujung is a top comidian/actress right now, Kwon Ohjoong came out in many light dramas and is the main character at a current KBS sitcom, "Hello! Balbary," with Jang Narah. Kim Minhee came out in super hit dramas such as "Fox and Cotton Candy" and "Women's Republic." This year, she starred in "5 siblings." Among them, Kim Jiho's popularity continued to rise. This year alone, he starred at dramas such as "Glass Shoes" and "Jung."

Bae Yong Jun... "Love Greeting" is his drama... the story of how he became who he is now... In spite of being a small scale drama, within a 4 months period, BYJ has already became a teen idol. Before this drama is over, Jeon PD pulled strings to get him to play a role in "A Sunny Place of the Young." That was going to be a Hughe production, with many Super-Stars. That was going to be a bigger challenge for the new actor... and a new chapter begins.

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Bae Yongjoon with Kwon Ohjoong's son (from Jun0829)

To watch more pictures of "Love Greeting": http://agizagi.netian.com/agizagi/film_insa.htm
To watch Flash on all BYJ's characters: http://www.junsmile.com/home.htm

A SUNNY PLACE OF THE YOUNG 1: "THRIVING UNDER PRESSURE"

He looked at his watch. He was ten minutes early. He went inside the cafe and took a seat at an isolated corner, telling the waiter he is waiting for someone else. He turned and saw his reflection through a mirror behind the bar. However, the face that was looking at him is a stranger. He had lost 13 kg during the past most incredible months. Even though he is 1.8m tall, he is presently at 64 kg. He sighed. He hadn't realized how tensed he had been all this time. But he could not relax. He still has to work on some final shootings. He thought of that and he took out a bunch of wrinkled papers, scrabbled all-over, and started reading.

"Studying again? You're really unstoppable, Yongjun."
YJ: (Standing up) You came, Jeon PD.
Gisang: (Seated and signalled for him to seat down) Have you ordered yet?

After ordering, Jeon Gisang PD handed the young man a small folder. "Here, read this." While YJ looked through it, he continued, "It's a weekend drama. My friend Jeon San is directing it." He gave a short summary, and added, "There's a love triangle between Ha Heera, Lee Jongwon and Park SangAh. You are SangAh's twin brother and heir to the largest perfume brand in Korea. Park Geunhyeong is your father. How do you like it?" The young man kept reading. "OK, read it first and tell me."

"Sir, I will do it... I was just awestruck thinking what it would be like to work with Ha Heera and Lee Jongwon sunbaes..."
Jeon PD smiled, "Are you scared?"
"Just a little nervous."
"Don't worry about it. You thrive under pressure. Always remember that."

"Excuse me..." Two teenage girls had walked towards them. The shorter of the two asked, "Aren't you Yongjun Oppa, from Love Greeting?" The young man looked surprised and blushed. The same girl whispered excitedly, "I told you! It's him!" The other added, "Would you give us your autograph? Please?!!!"

Jeon PD watched, and looked amused. He nodded his head to his protege, "Go ahead." Having dealt with many stars before, he is used to this kind of incidents. But this kid in front of him is special. There is a rare innocence that is rarely found in the entertainment business. That, combined with a stubborn determination, has made him like a dynamite that is ready to explode any time soon.

"So how does it feel to be recognized?", asked the mentor, after the girls left.
"I'm not sure... Everything is happening so fast I have no time to think about that."
"Let me see your eye-glasses." He examined it and gave it back. "So you can't see anything without it. How many pairs of these you have?"
"Just two. At home, I wear my old pair."
"The taller girl is wearing the same style of eye-glasses. You just started a new trend. Don't forget who suggested this, OK?"



"Yes, of course I won't."
"Haa haa haaaa!!!! There you go my boy! Just don't take things too seriously. Learn to relax."
"Yes, sir."

On the way home, he is thinking how on earth he could relax now. He has been waiting for "Love Greeting" to end, wanting desperately to get away from everything. He has always enjoyed being in a farm where he would become one with nature. Instead, he has been bombarded by too many watchful eyes, under the magnifying glasses of numerous cameras, with his every movement being scrutinized. He feels that he could never get used to that. But he also knew he had no choice... this is the world he has chosen, the world of show business.

Lately, his manager is getting excited, maybe a bit too much. Many times, he has to restrain Tackki from accepting offers that came their way. He needed a break for Heaven's sake!!! But a break is out of the question now, and this is just the beginning. Besides, he trusted and respected Jeon PD, so he his words are commands for him.

He took out the small folder and started reading it again. Already he felt his stomach grumbled whenever he thought of the his new drama. Ha Heera. She could be considered the #1 actress in Korea! And many others were famous veterans. After reading the script, he tried to picture himself there. His part is relatively small, seemingly easy... So far, so good. He didn't want to go through another 5 hours for a 5 minute scene experience again. Already he felt out of place, fearing he might make some foolish mistakes affecting the entire cast. He reminded himself of his mentor's words, "Remember that you thrive under pressure." He wanted to believe that. He is going to believe it!

He would miss the "Love Greeting" team. In spite of the poor beginning, he has grown attached to them, and they are really great kids. Ohjoong has been right about them all along. Strangely enough, he has grown to respect and admire, even the severe Yoon Sukho PD. This man really knows his craft. Regarding Jeon Gisang PD, he had been his shelter and he always feels safe when the old man is around. Such a man has put himself in the line by granting him this new role. And soon, this mentor is not going to be with him any longer. Soon, he will be all by himself.

No, he could not relax. But no matter what it takes, he is determined not to disappoint himself nor his mentor. Since he has already practiced for the next day shooting, he started to imagine what it would be like to be Ha Sukjoo instead: a rich guy, obedient to parents, friendly and warm Ha Sukjoo...

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More than a year ago, Jeon San PD has worked together with Jeon Gisang and others, launching the hit drama "Tomorrow, Love." This year, he is preparing for a weekend drama entitled "A Sunny Place of the Young." He was finished with most of its preparation. He opened his portfolio, and started to examine the profiles of the cast.***

The heroine Im Chayi is going to be played by Ha Heera. The actress is born in 1969 (from a Chinese mother), started acting since 1981, and she has managed to stay at the top for many years already. Not too long ago, she starred at "Sarangyee Mogeelrae" (What's Love), which became the highest rated drama ever (63.5%). She has married the superstar Choi Soojung and they are considered a model of Star-couple. The producer is thinking that she is perfect for the role as the angelic Chayi.

Park Inbom would be played by Lee Jongwon, who started acting since 1988 through a CF commercial, is 1.83 m tall, and is handsome enough to be noticed. Though he is of the same age as Ha Heera, he became better known only more recently, especially after the super hit "The Last Match" where he came out with Jang DongGun and Shim Eunha. Since then, he is considered one of the fast rising stars.

Ha Suknan, Park Inbom's rich and spoiled new girl, would be played by Park SangAh. Born in 1972, she was 1991 Miss Korea and this year's winner of Super Talent Contest. Jeon PD smiled. He knew well enough how much the audiences looked after their "stars" and he is confident that he had enough of them to keep them happy. Thus, he went down the list.

Park Sangah (from Agizagi)

The role of Im Chayi's younger sister, Im Jongyi, is given to Jeon Doyeon, 21 years old (born on 1973). She started acting only since 1992, but she has done many CF modeling before. By the time she came out in "Wooridulrae Chungook" (Our Paradise), Jang DongGun's debut drama, Miss Jeon has shown great potential already.

Park Inho, Inbom's younger brother, is going to be played by the 24 year old Park Sangmin. He started acting in 1989 and won the Rooky Acting Award a year later. Though he wouldn't be called handsome, his acting attracted the audiences. He would make a good "troublemaker".

The character of Ha Sukjoo, Suknan's twin brother, will go to Bae Yongjun, 22 years old, and a real newbie... He only came out in one mini-series so far, "Love Greeting," which hasn't ended yet. Jeon PD isn't too thrilled about his acting, but his friend Gisang is right. This young novice has some kind of aristocratic air that makes him very attractive. He shrugged his shoulders and continued analyzing his other cast, happy that this new kid is going to have only a very small part in the drama.

Lee Jieun is going to act as the twin's unknown half sister. Born in 1971, she too is a newbie, but she has come out at "Newkim" (Feelings) which has been extremely popular.

The father of the twins is going to be played by Park Geunhyung, a prominent father figure in Korea.
The 18 years old Hong Kyungyin will play the mentally handicapped youngest sibling of the Im family. Although he is one of the youngest among the cast, he is a good actor, having started since 1988.

The 30 year old Ho Joonho will be Park Inbom's childhood friend and Chayi's unconditional lover. Having come from a family of performers, he is a natural actor.

Being a huge production, there will be many other characters, including children, which the producer has examined carefully. He closed the binder with a smile of satisfaction. He is pretty sure that with this cast alone, he already has a hit drama.

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Lee Jongwon immersed himself into his new character Park Inbom. Ha Heera is a great partner and knows how to make him feel at ease. Park Geunhyung sunbae is the kind and caring man he is known to be, instructing and guiding the younger performers whenever possible. The old man is a real father figure, and Jongwon thought how wonderful it would be to grow old and wise as Park sunbae. He feels that it is only a wishful thinking though, since he is known to have a fiery temper. But what do people know anyway? People has thought that he wouldn't go far initally, pointing at his bad acting. But his determination brought him this far.

Lee Jongwon (from Agizagi)

Right now, he is the undisputed main character in this long drama, which is becoming quite popular already. His only complaint, if any, is that his character is not getting the attention due. But that is understandable; for he knew from the start he is going to play a social climber, who would betray his childhood sweetheart for material possessions; not a very likable character indeed. Nevertheless, he didn't mind it so much. He wanted to be an actor and not a star. He feels he would be on the right track.

He looked around and saw his "inside-the-drama" new best friend: Bae Yongjun. As usual, this kid was busy reading his script. He went towards him and forcefully hit his back. A startled Bae looked around, a bit annoyed, but when he found out who knocked him, he smiled. "Hyung, I told you I hate when people do that!"

Jongwon looked innocent, "Really, when? Anyway, I just thought you needed to be shaken up a little, otherwise you might have fallen inside those papers. I wonder what you keep on reading. I know you don't have much to memorize. Sometimes, I wish my part would be as easy."

Yongjun lowered his voice, "Actually, I was reading some other scripts that has been offered me. Suddenly, I'm getting calls from everywhere."

"Really? That's great! Can I have a look?" He saw some CF commercial offers, TV-movies, shows... "So what are you going to do with all of them?"

"I'm not sure. I'm just planning to follow Jeon Gisang PD's advise and be cautious."
"More cautious than you are right now? Impossible, kid, no way, hee hee!!!!"
"You shouldn't be so quick to talk, since I'm learning to be cautious from you Hyung."
"...???"
"Yes, you are my role-model, I thought you knew! Your work ethic, and attitude about everything, persevering till the end... and...ahh..."
"... what?"
"... and your frugal ways." He smiled big, "I'm learning what it means to spend money wisely from you."
"Are you calling me 'cheap'?! Who pays every time we go out? I guess I better think twice before I take you with me next time..."
"You know there is a big difference between being cheap and being frugal. But yes, I think next time I should be the one paying for the drinks."
"Forget it! How can you treat your sunbae like that?" He hit Yongjun on his head again, trying to get on the younger man's nerves. Took the scripts away, he said, "Come on, let's have another drink tonight."

Yongjun thought of getting even, but he bit his lips instead. He could never be really upset at Jongwon hyung, no matter what he did. How could he, when this sunbae was always going out of his way to help him and encourage him? Thinking about it, he felt this hyung was like an older brother to him, just like Jeon Gisang PD had been like a father at Love Greeting. "Wait for me!" And he ran after his older friend.

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Almost half-way through the drama, they were shooting a scene where the twins were vacationing with Inbom and some other friend. A yacht was going at full speed in the middle of the sea, then it stopped running. Whether it was the food he ate or the little sleep he had, he wasn't sure, but he felt seasick. The producer gave the cue, and Jongwon hyung jumped inside the waters, calling him. Yongjun is a natural swimmer, but today, the Sea looked dark and uninviting. He felt like throwing up. Since he has no other choice, he jumped, ignoring the pain in his back. The camera rolled, so they both played in the waters, swimming closer to each other. "Cut!" The camera stopped running. Suddenly, Yongjun felt the chilling waters sucking him, suffocating. His muscles were cramming... he started to panic and he signaled the staff for help. Someone threw something back at him. Forcing himself to swim, he searched for the little something, but to his amazement, he found it was a webfoot. Not knowing whether to laugh or to cry, he struggled back to the yacht, trying not to think of the pain on his chest. One... two... there he is... finally on safe ground. He came out of the waters, panting, shaking and coughing. People clapped, amused.

Jeon San PD had fun too. He secretly padded himself for having listened to Gisang regarding this young actor. Even though he only played a small part in the drama, he was drawing the attention of the audiences by the mass, especially female audiences. It is this mixture of toughness with innocence that attracted the viewers. He saw him screaming to the staff member, "What are you thinking via throwing a webfoot at me? Didn't you notice I was drowning?"

The producer echoed everyone's laughter. And he thought to himself that no, even if there was a heavy current going against them, this kid isn't going to drown so easily... he is here to stay.

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Jeong Doyeon

In 1998, Korea is still very conservative. A love scandal wrongly handled could easily ruin someone's career. But Miss Jeon is not worried, and most people didn't believe it anyways. She looked at herself in the mirror, trying to picture her supposed lover next to her. She contained a playful laughter. They looked cute together, and they surely got along pretty well, but she has to admit that their personalities are completely the opposite. Yongjun is as serious as she is playful.

"Doyeon ssi, are you ready to go?" There he is, she thought... polite as always. They have just finished filming their TV special and since they are both going to the same place, Yongjun has offered her a ride. Isn't he afraid of what people might think? Regardless, this drama would end soon, and the rumors would automatically die. It would be foolish thing to go separate ways and avoid each other just for fear of this rumors. So she followed him, in order to continue working with their drama... a very special one in her heart. And she was quite sure that "A Sunny Place of the Young" would be quite special for her partner also, since he became a Super Star through this.

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REFERENCE:
***Actors and Actresses information from: http://211.108.60.34/dailysports/starsearch/
Jeon Doyeon's thoughts: http://www.baeyongjune.com/profile/actress.htm
From Korean-drama-forum: "Bae Yong Jun - Biography"
http://www.koreanfilm.org/cgi-bin/dcforum/...D3&viewmode=all
From Star Story (written by BYJ)
#6: http://www.papajun.com/story6.html
#7: http://www.papajun.com/story7.html
To read English translation:
http://www.baeyongjune.com/news/story.htm
#6 & #7

****EXPLANATION:
The above is a combination of many different articles I've read plus my own interpretation =) I tried to be as factual as possible and I didn't "invent" any names I wasn't aware of. I would like everyone to contribute and help me in this quest. If you know of anything I wrote that contradicted the truth, do feel free to post it or e-mail me at lovepriscillausa@aol.com. (If you have the source, that would be even better. Sometimes, I couldn't remember the source either...) One thing I didn't include is his love life. I feel that's too personal (might just mention the little incidents he himself talked about). Thank you to all, and hope you enjoy it!!!

"THE DRAMA: A 1995 KBS PRODUCTION"

Producer: Jeon San
Writer: Cho Sohye
Cast: Chayi (Ha Heera), Inbom (Lee Jongwon), Suknam (Park SangAh), Sukjoo (Bae Yongjun), Jongyi (Jeon Doyeon), etc. ***

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Introduction

A LONG time ago, I remember watching the first episodes of this soap opera. Ha Heera was the main reason I started, but by the end of the first episode my eyes caught sight of the most interesting couple. The girl was driving a luxurious car, her pretty and proud countenance is enhanced by the neat ponytail as well as simple but expensive looking earrings. He was on the passenger's seat, his clean features complementing her beauty. My sister said something about his name, and that he was a new star... "Isn't he good looking?" Actually, he didn't struck me as the typical handsome, but there is something fresh about him that attracted me.
They are fraternal twins and not a couple. Their father owned the largest cosmetic industry in the nation. What makes things more interesting is their contrasting personalities. The girl acted as the rich and spoil person. Her brother on the other hand was aloof, having nothing pretentious in him, so detached from his surroundings that is was hard to link him with Shinmy Cosmetics.
"Cheer up bro. If anyone sees you, they'll think you've failed your entrance exam." The girl was talking as she drives.
"Why do I wish I have failed?"
"Come on, if you really wished to fail, you could easily have flunked it. But you know that wouldn't change father's mind. So accept the facts as they are."
As the only son of his father, he is forced to study business so that he could take over his father's company later on, but that meant that he had to give up his own aspirations. Since the time he could remember, he had only one dream and one passion: he love movies and he has always dream of directing his own one day.
"Isn't there any other way?" He asked his sister without looking at her.
"No, you know it's too late now."
She is right. Now that he had been accepted into business school, his future is sealed. He felt like a cow being taken to be slaughtered. Sad, really sad...



This was my first acquaintance ever of BYJ. Already was I drawn by him (or his character), so much that I still remember that "first impression." However, the drama was a complex web of too many different characters and plots, all of which were taking too long to develop. One word stood out in my mind: SLOW!!! Thus, I stopped watching.
I went back only recently, after becoming his die-hard fan. The following is a summary of the entire plot.
_____________________________________________________________
SPOILER*** SPOILER*** SPOILER***
_____________________________________________________________

Main Plot: THE LOVE TRIANGLE



SABOOK is a town of miners. People who lived there knew the earth and sweat of the day. Strong and rudimentary people who dug daily at the mine-field. 10 years ago, there was a bad accident and many workers died on that day. One of them was Park Inbom's father. Inbom was just a little over 10 years of age. His mother opened a cabaret style cafe and his younger brother grew up to be a bum and a troublemaker. But Inbom is a positive guy. He believed that he could go far if he just worked hard. Actually, there is someone who inspired him to be like that, who makes him happy and gives him the desire to study: his sweetheart Chayi, his beautiful angel.
It was 1988, and he has finally passed the entrance exam at the Seoul National University. But the celebration turned into mourning as his brother Inho got into trouble again, swallowing up the tuition money they had saved. It is here that his little angel comes to the rescue by providing for the tuition... Chayi's family was not well off, so he had no idea where she got the money from. He couldn't suspect that this nice girl had just stolen from her little brother's life-savings in order to send him off to college. "You can pay me back later!", she insisted.
In Seoul, Inbom finds out that Sukjoo, a regular looking kid of his class, is the actual heir of Shinmy Cosmetics. That is how Inbom starts a series of many lies. After having done some research, he told Sukjoo that he too was a movie fanatic. The naive Sukjoo fell for it, and they became best of friends. Then, he lied about his background, his family... and about his sweetheart. When Sukjoo asked him who was the girl who wrote him daily, he told him she is his cousin.
Suknan didn't trust Inbom at first. She could smell something fishy in the way her brother and him became best friend so suddenly... but eventually, she too falls under Inbom's spell. Then, Chayi comes to Seoul and spends her first night with him before learning that Inbom had found someone else. That's when she decides to leave, without telling him. It is only years later that she returned from her hiding... with a son. By then, Park Inbom was engaged to Ha Suknan.

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THE OUTCAST
Park Inho ran away to Seoul soon after his brother entered college. There, he met a homeless kid who followed the lead of an expert pickpocket. After playing much hide-and-seek, he found the leader, and they became partners in stealing from people's purses in the streets of Seoul. For a long time, he believed the leader, who dressed up like a man, is of his same gender. Surprisingly, this quiet and elusive person is a woman by the name of Jo Yunji.
Very often, she would disappear without notice, and then reappear all of a sudden. Inho found out later that her mother was in the hospital. What he didn't know was that this dying woman had once been the mistress of the President of Shinmy Corporation, and that Yunji was the product of such an affair. He didn't know that the daughter was brewing revenge... against a father who wouldn't acknowledge them, even when her mother died.
As the story develops, she goes back to the Mafia Boss from whom she had previously ran away... in order to gain the power needed to destroy Shinmy Cosmetics. In the process though, she falls in love with Inho, who has risked so much for her sake. This love eventually brought them both to a tragic end.

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THE FRIENDS
Yoonbae had lost his father on the same day Inbom lost his. Since then, both kids grew up like brothers. Yoonbae loved everything about his friend, including his friend's girl. She was actually his sister Yoonjah's best friend so Chayi was like a real sister to him. But his love for Chayi went deeper than that...
Yoonjah was an ordinary looking girl with a big dream: she wanted to become an actress. Going against his brother's wishes, she audaciously pursues her goal. Yoonbae was a natural fighter who eventually becomes a boxing champion. As he becomes nationally known, his sister becomes famous also. This is the story of two siblings who were orphaned since childhood but succeeded in life against all odds.
Yet the story does not end there. When Yoonbae finds out that Chayi is a single mom, he wants to protect her. Knowing Chayi well, he was positive the child was Inbom's. In spite of that, he looks after them. The boy Bomsoo starts wishing that mommy would marry the "ajussi" so that he would become his dad. Yoonbae dares not to dream that, knowing that Chayi would never consent to it.
Yoonjah gets upset at Chayi for standing in her brother's future, afraid she might ruin his life. Chayi is upset at herself for allowing Yoonbae to be so nice to her. "Please, Oppa," she begs one day, "get married and stop bothering me!"
Miss Lee was woman who loved him unconditionally for many years. To her, Yoonbae proposes, just like that... in order to please Chayi. Then, in a sudden outburst, he tells Chayi, "How I wish I could marry you! I want to be Bomsoo's father and take care of both of you!" But as expected, her answer was a definite "no". Did he know how hard it was for her to say that? Did Chayi understand her own emotions? Why did it hurt so much?

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THE IM FAMILY
Chayi has always been the sweet and caring oldest daughter. Her life revolved around her family (and her boyfriend), especially around her little brother Soochul. When he was a baby, she had dropped him by accident, and as a result he was mentally handicapped. She could never forgive herself for that. Her brother became her responsibility and darling.
Her sister is different. Jongyi didn't smile much, nor socialized with the people of the town. Books are her best friends. She reads all day long. She loves studying and she is determined to enter college and get away from her miserable life. She is confident she could do that.
Many things about her present life irritated her. She hated when people played with her brother treating him as a pet. Every time she saw that, she got upset at Chayi, "where was she?!" She also hated when people let Soochul get away without studying. Mentally disabled or not, he should learn to do things by himself. But Chayi spoiled him too much. Why couldn't people have more sense?
When Inbom entered college, Chayi told her parents she wanted to study. Jongyi didn't understand that. Since when was unni interested in studying? "Unni, I understand that you want to follow Inbom oppa, but I believe people who likes studying should go to college... unless you have money to spare!"
Jongyi is like that, straightforward and cold. She is especially harsh with her sister whom she thought is a softy, even though she loves her more than she knows herself. When this soft-hearted sister left a note saying that she was "going to pursue after her own dreams," and disappeared, her entire family was shocked, but Jongyi wished her sister the best.
Her father grew sick after that and Jongyi took over her family's responsibility. She taught Soochul some manual skills, finished college and became a writer. That's when she found out her sister is living by herself... with a child. Then, Chayi lies to her saying that the boy's father had passed away. Jongyi feels betrayed, "Is this the dream you are going after? Did you abandon us to live like this? All these years, I tried to understand you, saying that you deserved to seek your own life... but not like this!!" Thus saying, she disowned her.
A few days later, their father died, unawares that his oldest daughter was near. As the family mourned, Jongyi forbade Chayi to come to the funeral. Soochul still thought of his sweet sister from time to time, dreaming that she was coming back... In a rage, Jongyi told him that Chayi is dead, just like father was dead. "Don't ever mention her name again! Do you understand?"
A few years later, she learnt that Bomsoo was Inbom's son and that Chayi had known of Inbom's involvement with Ha Suknan before she vanished. Feeling sorry for her sister, ashamed at her own behavior, she ran to embrace Chayi, asking for forgiveness... telling her that she was going to quit being a novelist, since it had never occurred to her before what it was so obvious now: that her sister had not really abandoned her family out of selfish motives but she has just foolishly loved too much. Hugging her nephew for the first time, she realized how much the boy resembled Inbom... this man who was engaged to someone else. Jongyi was thinking what to do next...

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THE DIRECTOR AND THE NOVELIST
Ha Sukjoo's mother was a famous actress who retired after she got married but she never lost her passion for movies. Whenever she had a chance, she attended the premiers and she kept in touch with her circle of friends. Her daughter wasn't interested, but her son loved to go with her. He shared the same passion for movies... so much that they built a "mini theater" inside their house. Thus, he grew up to be an introverted guy who just loved to immerse himself into the movies, dreaming that one day, he could make his own.
When his father realized his son's obsession, he forbade his wife to take him out and the conflict began. It is a silent battle of the wills in which the father, who is used to winning, seemed to have the advantage. After a full year of rebellious wanderings, the son gave in to his father's desire and entered business school. His sister is right, he couldn't fight against father and win... not him.
Then, he met Inbom, who shared the love for movies, but who seemed to be passionate about everything else too. So he found him a position at father's company. Inbom is a great businessman, sharp and aggressive. Sukjoo's mother liked him from the beginning, his father got impressed only after seeing him at work... even his sceptic sister fell for him. As he witnessed a love blossoming between his smart friend and his sister, Sukjoo started to dream... again.
After graduating from college he was going to study abroad, and he brought his friend along. Inbom could surely benefit from the extra education if he were to become the next CEO of the company. As for himself, he had different plans. Four years later, the Headlines announced, "The heir of Shinmy Corporation has won a Movie Director's AWARD in New York.
Reporters invaded the airport in order to intercept the returning Ha Sukjoo. He was unkempt and unshaven, so he easily slipped away from the paparazzi and jumped inside his sister's car, just in time he was being recognized. He couldn't understand what the fuzz was all about. Since when was the media so interested in a movie director with no name? His sister explained, "They're not interested in the movie director. They're more interested in the heir of Shinmy Corporation. The reporters are having a field day writing dramatic stories about father and you. Suddenly, I find my name in between the stories!"
His father found this out after the News broke, and at once, he disinherited his son, commanding all family members to break all contacts with him. From that day on, he has no son. Mother did ask her son to reconsider and apologize to father, but she knew he wouldn't... it was too late for that. And she understands her son, as she always does.
The apartment his sister provided for him was suddenly bombarded with phone calls and strangers knocking at the door. One time, Suknan answered the phone and a female voice asked for Mr. Ha Sukjoo. Suknan was so irritated she responded, "Ha Sukjoo is dead," and she hung up, unplugging the phone cord.
On the other line, a dumbfounded Im Jongyi smiled in disbelief. She had made countless phone calls since the time her editorial asked her to interview this man. Finally someone picked up... to tell her the man was dead. She sighed. Maybe it was better this way. She knew who Mr. Ha was and she preferred not to have anything to do with his sister's ex, especially now that he was engaged. Did Inbom oppa ever forgive Chayi for vanishing so suddenly? So she tells her supervisor she didn't want to interview a "dead person".
Not too long after this, an aloof looking man came to the editorial asking for Im Jongyi. He was wearing a worn out dark brown sweater and he looked as if he hadn't shaved for many days. The supervisor looked at him suspiciously and informed him that she was not available. The man requested to have her contact number but the supervisor told him it was against their policy. The man understood, left his business card, and walked away.
The secretary thought the man looked familiar. She examined the business card and raised her voice in surprise: the man was none other than Ha Sukjoo. She ran after him, but it was too late. The man they had tried to interview for such a long time was gone.
After missing each other out several times, Sukjoo and Jongyi finally meets, at a park near her house. There, he showed her a book he brought, which happened to be the same one she carried. It was a novel entitled "The miner's daughter," written by Im Jongyi.

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Six Steps Towards Separation

Actually, this wasn't their first acquaintance. A little before he went to study abroad, she had come to the college campus looking for Inbom. Sukjoo was too busy admiring her he didn't notice the uncomfortable exchanges between his friend and the woman. Jongyi had come to ask for her sister's whereabouts although she knew Inbom wouldn't know. Sukjoo's curiosity for her increased when he saw her picture in the Newspaper: Im Jongyi had won a writing contest. He then called her to congratulate her before he flew to America.
In New York, Sukjoo read her novel and he became her fan. He wanted to make a movie out of it, and he was seeking her approaval. Furthermore, he wanted her to re-write the script for him. He needed money too, since the little fortune he had earned and saved on his own (knowing he would be penniless soon) was not enough. But fortunately someone had offered to sponsor him... a business woman by the name of Jo Yunji. And now, with Im Jongyi's help, he was sure they could conquer the world.
At first, Jongyi had agreed to help him with the script. But then she found out the truth about her sister's child, and she felt it wouldn't be appropriate. Yet Sukjoo convinced her otherwise... He would wait. Later on, she tells him that it wasn't at his college campus that they've met for the first time. When she was a High School student, Sukjoo had come down to the miner's town of Sabook to pay a surprise visit to Inbom. "Don't you remember asking a girl for directions? That was me..." Back then, her heart had jumped when she saw him coming out of his car... That first impression had remained in her memory all these years. And now, they both smiled timidly.
At the end of the drama, Ha Sukjoo was surrounded by many cameras and flash lights, in a crowded and noisy place, on the making of his movie. He is really active, shouting instructions and showing by his own example the different facial expressions and movements to be made. The script writer Im Jongyi has changed the title of her novel. The new title - "A SUNNY PLACE OF THE YOUNG."

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PERSONAL REVIEW: * * * 1/4
This drama might be attractive to some older and more sophisticated crowd... I remember it being VERY popular back when it first came out. As for me, I struggled all the way till the end... it was a tough and looong journey =) Someone please, help me breathe!!! Like I said before, it's too slow for me, too complex, with too many unnecessary sub-plots (more than what I described).



BYJ's acting was pretty raw, but you can see how he improved from one episode to the next. And he did shine in here... more than the main characters! He came out on an average of 5 minutes per/episode, so I abused the FF button. Thus, I cannot say that I really watched this. But don't worry, I didn't do much guessing. Besides, some of you might like it better, since this drama offers little of everything for all kinds of tastes and colors.

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AFTER THOUGHTS:
It took them more than half a year to wrap this up. There was a bittersweet feeling in the air. Lee Moonsae, a very popular singer and TV-Host, invited the entire production team and cast to his show. It was going to be a great "END OF DRAMA CELEBRATION."

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*** More information about the CAST- refer to previous chapter

A SUNNY PLACE OF THE YOUNG 3: "DRAMA ENDING PARTY"

Lee Moonsae SHOW: High-Lights
KBS dated 1995.11.11

Lee Moonsae is a famous singer, popular radio DJ and TV Host. Tonight is THE DRAMA ENDING PARTY for "A Sunny Place of the Young." He started the SHOW by asking which star the viewers are hooked on.

LMS = Who do you love? We will be showing 10 stars on the screen:

1) Park Sangmin 2) Park SangAh 3) Bae Yongjoon 4) Lee Kyungsim 5) Lee Jongwon 6) Lee Jieun 7) Jeon Doyeon 8) Ha Heera 9) Huh Joonho 0) Hong Kyungyin

We are asking viewers to call us with your vote. It will be a free call, so do not hesitate to call us and just press the number of your favourite star.

He proceeded by interviewing the cast, beginning with Kim Mihyun who played the role of Miss Lee, followed by Lee Jongwon, Ha Heera and Lee Kyungsim (Yoonjah).

When Lee Moonsae asked Kyungsim which other role she would like to play if she has the choice, she answered: The first one is the role of Miss Lee. The other is Jongyi. What I like about Doyeon's role is... well, I never acted as someone cold before. She was cold but really warm in the inside. The way she thought of her sister, parents and brother. She really has charisma.

Then, the host continued:

= Over on the other side, there is this couple that could not be separated even if we try to. Sukjoo and Jongyi. Let me introduce to you Bae Yongjoon and Jeon Doyeon. (Both stood up and bowed. The audience clapped and shouted.) Many people say that both of you are the perfect match. (They laughed.) Have you heard of that before?

BYJ: Yes, I have heard a lot...

= Then, have you thought of formally going out? (Both cracking up.) Really, while watching the drama, people might want both of you to really get together in real life. What do you think about that?

BYJ: (Handing away the mike to JDY) answer for me please...

= BYJ ssi is saying he's not interested...

JDY: (Laughing) I've heard that we look good together a lot whenever people see us on TV. I even heard people wondering if we are dating. But that's not true (Looking at Bae). We are really good friends. Well, he takes good care of me. (= Who?) Yong... choi... no, Yongjoon ssi... He's a very detailed person. I'm very careless. So he made sure I don't make mistakes.

= BYJ ssi. After the second half of the drama, you became a really charming man. Why did you act so charmingly?

BYJ: (laugh) Sukjoo is a charming man from the beginning. (shy laughter)

= Really...?



BYJ: No, I don't mean I am charming but the character of Sukjoo. (= I see) Yes, I feel inadequate portraying him. As I played the role, I learnt a lot. To be more like Sukjoo, warm, relaxed and confident, knowing what he wants. That kind of man is charming.

= Please, let's give another round of applause to BYJ!

The MC followed by interviewing Hong Kyungyin (Soochul), Ho Joonho, Lee Jieun and Yoon Dongwon (Taepoong), in that order. He then showed a Video Clip about some mistakes viewers found, and he interviewed the producer Jeon San P.D. in this regards and then, he asked, "Didn't you change the plot as the drama progressed?"

PD: Actually we developed the story as we first intended. Many viewvers asked for different things so there was rumours... but we sticked to our original plans.

Next, he interviewed the writer, who confessed she had a tough time developing the story. He then asked the supporting producer Kim Jongchal: "Who produced the highest amount of NGs?" To which he answered: Jeon Doyeon.

A song followed, sang by the young "Soochul" and entitled: "A really beautiful farewell" (Aju Arumdaoon Eebyul).

This was followed by an Award Ceremony.

= 1. Who was the one who came late most of the time?... I see everyone looking at each other, but we already know the answer. Are you feeling guilty? This is given to the one who caused some trouble because of coming late... Late comer!... Where's the drum? Late comer! (Drum)... Park Sangmin. You see, he's late even now... we're giving him an alarm clock. Huh Joonho ssi, please give it to him.

= 2. Now, we're choosing the saddest role. The candidates are (Drum):
1) Lee Jieun, 2) Park Sangmin 3) Taepoong 4) Kim Mihyeon

And the winner is... #1 Lee Jieun!
Congratulations, come out... to you, we're giving you Sunny Mushrooms.

= 3. The next one goes to the actor that broke most women's hearts. Heart-throb prize. This is not a good prize, since it just broke many hearts. All male actors are candidates here. And the winner is (Drum)... Lee Jongwon... is not... (Drum continues, camera focus on BYJ)... Bae Yongjoon! Congratulations! (He stood up and walked towards Lee Moonsae.)

Don't come out, there's no prize for you. (Laughing, turned around, back to his seat, blushing.) There should be a punishment for him. Go sit down! Breaking so many hearts... without giving anything back. Actually, his prize should be: a list of all the people who requested his phone #.

The Host continued, "Now we're starting the Real Prizes. We've prepared real trophies too.
Executive Producer Choi Jangshik P.D. will do us the honor of giving out the trophies. Applause please!"

= 1. Ero prize, given to the one who played in the most erotic scenes. Candidates are:
1) Lee Jongwon... kissing Suknan inside the car. 2) Park SangAh dancing 3) Lee Jieun, when Park Sangmin touched her breast and found out she is a woman. 4) Kim Soomi, with her lover 5) Ha Heera bathing Hong Kyungyin
Ero Prize goes to... Lee Jongwon! (Trophy and flower.)

= 2. Action prize: to the one who played in the most "tough scenes."
1) Yoonbae's Huh Joonho 2) The winner of "Late comer," Park Sang Min 3) Ha Hee Ra with a rod... made the audiences cry... 4) Kim Wooldong, fist fighting with Chun Madam.
Action Prize winner... (Drum.) Kim Wooldong! Congratulations!

Since the winner was not present, they put her on the other line and asked her few questions regarding the "tough scene."

= 6. This is the Grand Prix. This is the person selected by all the cast and staff of "A Sunny Place." It's given to the one who worked the hardest. The candidates are... well, no candidates. It's one among all. Grand Prix!!! Supporting producer, Kim Jongchal! Congratulations!! (Clap, clap.)

A little after this, Huh Joonho sang a love song: My love, by my side (Nae Sarang, Nae Kyutae). Ha Heera and Lee Jongwon joined him later...

= It was really heartwarming. The 3 of them joined to sing this sad song together. But soon they will be rivals competing for the MOST POPULAR spot at this telephone (ARS) survey. We picked the highest 3 right now. Let's see the results. Now we see them on the screen: Bae Yongjoon, Ha Heera and Hong Kyungyin. Wow, these are the people! Hong Kyungyin? ... I think Hong Kyungyin's song must have helped him. Who among the 3 should be the most popular? Who do you think? (He's asking the audience.) BYJ... that lady over there is saying BYJ. A man is saying Ha Heera. A kid is saying... the numbers are up on the screen!
Ha Heera stopped at 1200...
...
Hong Kyungyin stopped at 1400...

...It's... Bae Yongjoon!!! (2021 votes. Sparks!!!)
(BYJ came out and bowed.)

= OK BYJ ssi... (LMS presented the flowers and trophy.) I'm really giving you a trophy this time... (BYJ: Hee hee, thank you). By now, you should be like crying... Aren't you taking this too lightly?
BYJ: No... you just told me you were going to give me another prize... the telephone #.

= That isn't a prize. That is a list of people. Have you ever won any prize before?
BYJ: Yes, at elementary school...

= What kind?
BYJ: Attendance prize... among others.

= What about after you started acting. Isn't this your first?
BYJ: Yes, it is.

= Wow, how emotional it must be... though you don't look emotional. (laugh) You almost couldn't make it today, right?
BYJ: Yes, I rushed here from afar... (holding the trophy) I feel really honored to receive this prize.

= We feel honored too... that you've received the prize (Both bowed.) Once again, a round of applause for BYJ who won the POPULARITY AWARD which is just like the Grand Prize of the night.

= The drama will end tomorrow. You the audience are the ones who really made this drama a Hit so you all deserve the award. We've prepared rice cakes to celebrate this PARTY together with all the audience. The winner of the Grand Prize BYJ ssi must turn this upside down. (BYJ is trying...) OK, let us help... we need help here... (Ha Heera is coming.) Hong Kyungyin ssi, don't just sulk in there for having lost (Hong Kyungyin comes laughing. The 3 turned the bowl upside down). Taepoong's mother brought some tangerines.
Let's cut the cake! BYJ ssi... and Jeon San P.D., please come to cut the cake... applause! And everyone come out! Tomorrow will end the drama A SUNNY PLACE OF THE YOUNG... Good night everyone and thank you!!!

THE END...

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AFTERTHOUGHT

A few years later, Ha Heera retired from show buzz for several years in order to raise her two sons while her husband Choi Soojung continued maintaining the throne of popularity. She continued doing CF commercials though, especially those related to family. Her cook book was popular too. In 2002, she came back in the drama "I love to be by your side" (Nae Yuphaega Jotah) which is among the 10 most popular dramas right now.

Lee Jongwon appeared in many other dramas. At Barefooted Youth, he was BYJ's brother. He also came at Youth Trap, playing a similar character as Inbom, a social climber who betrayed his love for material wants. He almost met again with BYJ at SWAT POLICE, but BYJ changed his mind. At "KKokjee," the drama where Wonbin started to show his STAR power, Lee Jongwon finally married Park SangAh.

Park Sangmin came as BYJ's best friend at HWRL? He also took several starring roles and won the Popularity Awards in 1998. Last year, he came at the super Hit SBS drama "Women's Republic".

Huh Joonho had acted with Ha Heera before, at their MBC drama hit "What's Love." Years later, he came out at another MBC hit drama "Bogo toh Bogo." Then, he took a starring role in this most delightful family drama called "Foolish Princes" (Ondal Wangjaduel). That same year, he came at HOTELIER, as an ambitious Hotel Manager who learns that there are more important things in life than financial gains.

Hong Kyungyin. We've just witnessed his popularity during the polls. Viewers loved this young adult with a child's IQ. A very spontaneous acting. What's more interesting is that this same year, he also came at a landmark mini-series entitled HOURGLASS, which I will expand bellow. He came as a tenacious bookworm who would grow up to become a powerful Prosecuting Attorney (Park Sangwon). Hong Kyungyin was also the main character at "The Seventh Spoon" (Yilgopgaeye Sootgarak). This year, he is at the SBS popular drama Daemang.

A special note to all CHA TAEHYUN's fans. He was mentioned among the credits at A SUNNY PLACE OF THE YOUNG (Crezio site). But he only came in about two short scenes, as a teenager who had a crush on Im Jongyi. This was before he became popular. What's interesting is that this won't be the last time you'll see glimpses of him. You will see more of Cha Taehyun as the SEARCH unfolds...

JEON DOYEON. A year later, she came out at "Because We Care" (Jung Taemoonae) with Ryu Shiwon and both won the audiences' heart again. In 1997 she came at "STARS IN MY HEART" where Ahn Jaewook became a superstar but she wasn't noticed as much. Yet on that same year, she came at the movie "The Contact" next to Han Sukgyu, and that took her to the Top in the movie world. Since then, she's done many movies, all of which became box office hits, and she is considered one of the few movie Queens in Korea. In 2002, she returned to the small screen after a 5 year absence, through the SBS drama "Shooting Stars" (Byulrun Ssoda) next to Jo Insung. Not only did she become one of the highest paid actresses in Korea, but she won the Best Actress Award at SBS Acting Awards Ceremony.

And now, she is preparing to become a faithful widow of the Jeoseon Era... for the movie SCANDAL, which she will be playing next to BYJ and Lee Misook. Just as this will be the first time BYJ will act in a period drama/movie, this will be Jeon Doyeon's first "period movie" ever.

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PERSPECTIVE
1995. This was the year that the "Hourglass" (Morae Shigae), an SBS drama special, broke out. It is an out-cry about the political injustices in Korea that made the older people "repent" and the younger people be inspired... It is a landmark that changed the ways dramas are made and broke all records: 64.5% rating. The main characters Choi Minsoo, Park Sangwon and Ko Hyunjung obviously became MOST WANTED, but a surprising superstar is born in there too: Lee Jeungjae, who played as a "silent bodyguard."

Personally, I am neither hooked on Lee Jeungjae nor heart-broken with BYJ. I think I am rather fond of Ryu Shiwon in a pretty low quality drama called "Blue Sky" and was surprisingly obsessed with Ahn Jaewook from "War and Love". Neither of them were superstars yet... I also missed Jang DongGun from "The Last Match" and Lee Byunghun from "Tomorrow Love". Since I wasn't in Korea, I only heard "echoes" of what was happening there without getting the full picture. Echoes I heard, of HOURGLASS... Yes! I remember THAT! What I didn't know was that following behind Lee Jeungjae in the popularity chart, there was another surprising superstar that was starting his own syndrome. Like I said before, A SUNNY PLACE OF THE YOUNG was too slow for my taste. And yet... BYJ syndrome has started then and there.

One month after this drama was over, the 1995 KBS ACTING AWARDS CEREMONY was going to take place. And of course, our young actor was there at the ceremony...
Drama VOD (click on the left 'drama' column, Memory #7)
It's in Korean, but you can download all 56 episodes!

***CORRECTION
Bae Yongjoon: Bae Yong Jun was the most popular way of writing his name in English. But recently, his agency announced that BYJ's official name would be Bae Yong Joon. Thus, my change in the spelling. Whereas I've written Bae Yongjun before, now I must use the "official" way.

A SUNNY PLACE OF THE YOUNG 4: "A TIME TO WIN & A TIME TO LAUGH"


1995 KBS ACTING AWARDS CEREMONY (Hosted by the announcer Lee Sangbyuk and the actress Jeon Hyejin)

1) PHOTOGENIC Award (*1)

LS: The camera is rolling... There's an award chosen by the cameraman: Photogenic Award. This is a new award, so it's very special.
JH: Yes, that's right. All performers would like to win this award since this means that you come out nice...
LS: OK, let's see who the winners are. I just saw the cameramen discussing among themselves, trying to pick the winners. I'll call out the name of the male and female winners. This is the New 1995 KBS Photogenic Award... (drums) Male: Bae Yongjoon, female: Byun Sojung!
LS: (They both walk to the podium, receiving flowers and trophy.) BYJ ssi, please stand in front of the camera. And show yourself. Let's see what made the cameramen choose you. Please, say a word.



BYJ: I really thank you. I especially thank the cameramen Choi Youngkyun who made this ordinary face shine in front of the camera. And I thank all the other cameramen from KBS. Thank you again!
JH: Byun Sojung ssi, please say a word...
BSJ: I'm not sure if I deserve this prize. Even now, I'm not sure if I came out pretty, but I thank the cameramen that are making me look nice. I see so much work done behind the scenes... maybe it's because this is live, but I appreciate this award so much more since it's given by such hard working people. Thank you!

2) Rooky Award (*2)

Recorded Voice announcing Male Candidates for Rooky Award (Showing Clips):
1) From A SUNNY PLACE OF THE YOUNG: Bae Yongjoon
2) From A SUNNY PLACE OF THE YOUNG: Hong Kyungyin
3) From TUBULENT WIND: Son Hyunjoo
4) From THE CLASSROOM WHERE LOVE SRINGS: Kim Kwangphil

(The Rooky Award winners would be announced by Last Year's winners Lee Saechang and Lee Ahyun.)

LA: Aren't you curious who'll win?
LS: Well, they are newbies but they act unlike newbies. Ahyun ssi, how did you feel when you got this prize last year?
LA: I wasn't thinking about anything.
LS: Okay, and the 1995 KBS Male Rooky Award winner is... Ahh, there're two winners: Bae Yongjoon and Hong Kyungyin. Congratulations!!! (Congratulations!)
Jeon Hyejin: (BYJ bows to audience.) Hong Kyungying could not attend because of the Play "The Last Empress".
Lee Sangbyuk: BYJ will hold both prizes... Congratulations!!! (BYJ receives prizes and embraces Lee Saechang.) Please give us some words.



BYJ: Thanks. First of all, I thank my parents. And I thank Jeon Gisang P.D. who treated me as a son since my debut, Jeon San P.D., Executive Producer Choi Jangshik P.D., director Lim Kwangwoo and everyone else working for KBS. Thank you!

3) More about the Awards
Kim Heesun won female Rooky Award by playing in "Son of the Wind". Lee Byunghun won the Excellent Acting Award also played in "Son of the Wind" (the same category Park Yongha won in 2002). And the Grand Prix winner was a senior actress by the name of Nah Moonhee.

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1) SUPER SUNDAY: BYJ special (1996. 1.7) (*3)

(Lim Baekchun, Yungja, Lee Saechang and another Girl are hosting this show, clapping and screaming.)

LB: SUNDAY SPECIAL!!! (4 hosts are standing and clapping.) Today's special... Lee Saechang will do us the honor of introducing.
Lee Saechang: OK, let me introduce to you a man. He is the top superstar of the new generation and the #1 pick in surveys for dating partner. It's Bae... Yong... joon! (Screams and laughters. He comes out.)



Lim Baeksun: Welcome BYJ ssi, we're happy to have you here. I feel this place is shaking up. Do tell us something, to your fans and to everyone watching Super Sunday.

BYJ: Hello (Screams.) I'm BYJ. Happy New Year!
LB: (Putting his arm around BYJ's back.) When I see his young and innocent appearance, I remember when I was his age.
Yungja: (Takes his hand off BYJ, hitting LB.) How can you say that! (Why?) LB ssi and BYJ ssi's head size are different!
LB: Why, he is tall and exercises like I do.
Yungja: Congratulations for winning the Awards recently. At KBS Awards Ceremony.
LB: Yes, Rooky Award and Photogenic Award. Let's clap, he won both!
Y: How do you feel? It was your first time winning an Award, right?
BYJ: Yes, you can only win the Rooky Award once in your lifetime... that's why I'm honoured to win that. People asked me the following: "You won the Rooky Award because The Sunny Place of the Young was very popular. But how come you won Photogenic Award? (Bashful laughter.)
LB: Really, how did you win that?
BYJ: I'm not sure.
Y: Who gave the Photogenic Award?
BYJ: The cameramen.
LB: That means you are the man that comes out nicest behind the camera.
Y: Yes, but I heard that when they announced: "Photogenic Award winner: BYJ" you looked really surprised. "Really, me?" But I was also told that they had told you in advance: "You will win the Award that night." But that night when they said: "Bae...Yong...joon..." "Ah... me?" (Open-mouthed.)
LB: Wow, is that right?
Y: Yes!
BYJ: No, it wasn't like that.
Y: Then what!
BYJ: It wasn't...
LB: Super Sunday will be 60 minutes... no 120 minutes of trivia pursuits.
Y: So tell us. What is it?
BYJ: I'm sorry... it's true. (Jeongmalro falling off the chair.)
LB: Let's clap to the honest man: BYJ! (Clapping.) They tell you right before in order to get you ready, right? (Yes...)
Y: Actually, they don't really tell. But there was a betrayer among the cameramen. "Hey Yongjoon, you'll get the prize!"
BYJ: He didn't say "you'll get it" but that "you might get it."
Y: I see. But anyways, you'd more or less expect it. But when they call out "BYJ" What... me???
LB: Girl, you have some announcements.
Girl: Yes (reading) Name: BYJ, alias Inbom's friend. Birthday August 29, Wow! You're a Geminis?
BYJ: I'm a Virgo... (Really?)
Girl: Secret: hairy legs. Night fashion: sleeps with T-boxers only.
LB: Wait... (showing the waist.) That's all you wear?
BYJ: Yes... sometimes.
Y: Really, do you sleep with only that on?
Lee Saechang: Wait. You said "sometimes". Do you mean you don't wear anything regularly? Really?
LB: He must mean that.
Y: LB ssi, you are weird. Guys only wear one thing at night? We women wear two...
LBS: Hemm... Let's continue.
Girl: He sings so well he could be a singer. (BYJ shaking his head "no.") Let's hear him! (People clapping.)
BYJ: I'll sing a Lee Seungchul's song. (He starts... then he laughs. He tries again... and stops. People clap.)
LB: He could sing well if he wants... Let me share a rumour. During his years as a student... he had a child and a wife. Is that right?
BYJ: ... Yes.
Y: Wait. Then BYJ is not single. You're a married man?
LB: We have proof. Let's look!!!!

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2) Yungja's Drama Game (*4)
Super Sunday showed a shorter version. The following is the fuller version, dated 1995.1.15.

(Our story teller Jeongmalro (*5) presents... "YONG JOON in LOVE.")

Let me take you.........thru a little stroll into the past
...............to the only known comedy BYJ ever did....... bout the time he was doing Love Greeting.

Tis........ .April ....the new school year....... .everything is new and
fresh.........it feels good to be out in the open.....

Everyone's visibly excited.......Spring is in the air!.........
Tis the season of discovery and love........

Our heroine Yung Ja felt great this day......
Ahhh..........beautiful college years.........I have this wonderful feelings bout today.........

Our Hero Yong Joon.....a rather tall slender lad.......of
1.81m......weighing only 70kg........
His fine features hidden behind a pair of glasses..........he looked angelic..........

An inate sweetness........ when he smiles.......
.....Filled with dreams and hopes.........he continues......where our heroine left off..
..........he mustered up his feelings.... (and his courage........GO!).....with that...... he... burst into an
enthuthiastic.....jaunt........thru some extras....... acting as students.......

In a voiceover he says.....Something good is gonna happen.......
This is the..........hard part:
He had to.........hit a huge target...........(he cannot miss!.......hahahha).
According to the script........he hit it squarely ........and conveniently allowed his papers to be scattered in a flurry.............
Thereby creating an effect called......confetti.... or .....just hit the target................my goodness...... he went........my papers!........
careful not to look at her eyes .........because a little later...... he was suppose to be "shot by cupid's arrows"

Mindful of the Director's instructions : 5 seconds after bending down - LOOK UP!
(this is to prepare the audience.......to get ready for the......moment of truth........)

Accordingly...........He LOOKED UP.....the cameras focused on his
face..........this is what I saw.............He was laughing inside...........trying his darnest not to laugh..............as he pretended to ........take in that beautiful face and have it engraved into his heart...........
....I can't do it......he was thinking....OK.....OK.......OK......focus..focus on the glasses instead...........I see it.........I see it......brown ........nice tortoise shell.........a little like mine.......nice lines .......

It worked like a charm he thought.......his head turning........as he scrutinise that pair of glasses with a most intense gaze....he allowed his mouth to open.......to feign an .....enraptured moment...............suddenly he caught sight of her twinking eyes.............he almost lost it!...........



At the local pub............our Hero............is seated among friends...........and more importantly.............beside his ...beautiful Yung Ja................
Ah..............they looked beautiful together...............(this is a love story.....so they LOOK beautiful together, understand???...Folks, please cooperate...)

He sat down protectively beside her.........she is shy......and unsure of what is expected of her.......even tho they are in a group........she has eyes only for him .........coyly .......she indicated that she is not a drinker..........

Wordlessly he tells her................not to worry..........and gave her a huge wink...........I'll take care of you.............
Our heroine..........was like .......totally.......thrilled by this assurance..........
(For you .......the level of thrill will be the modern equivalent of your boyfriend giving you your first credit card!)

...Hey , Yung Ja..........what are you doing...........grinning like that?...looked like you swallowed a credit card.........Drink up!...
Startled..outa of her reverie..............she was suddenly at a loss.......and looked at the large mug of beer in her hand with dismay.........Oh no.......... That was our hero's cue..................with a florish he took the mug...........

And gallantly finished it in one go........! ...Burp!........... with a happy look..........his eyes told her............I'll do anything for you..........
As the rest of the group hooted and clapped at our Hero's gallantry...... Yung Ja blushed.............

Much much later..........along a very quiet street......lit by street lamps........ ..........we realized that our Hero is completely sod........and he was particularly happy.............. As the camera pans out................we see the reason for his happiness.........

His beloved Yung Ja is with him.......... (this is the only scene in Jeongmalro's memory........that we have ever seen a BYJ like that.............I guess I'm never gonna be seeing anything like that again.....)

You see..........Yung Ja is carrying him on her back (his long limbs like a spider!) .......bringing him home........... He was thoroughly enjoying his ride............head bobbing about.......... With a silly grin on his face...........he tells Yung Ja..................I'am going to marry you..........

Patiently........Yung Ja.........asked...........hmmmm...Why?... ...understanding that he is intoxicated.........and that it wasn't anything to be taken seriously......... ...My mom tells me that women with large butts are the best........he tells her unabashedly.. practically screaming into her ears.........What did you say?.................Yung Ja was startled...by this statement....... ..............that means she can have lots of babies...................he hooted at her happily.......

.............you animal...............wat a thing to say!.....Yung Ja was deeply offended by this suggestion........... ...Hump!.................

she decided that she does not want to have anything to do with this horrible creature ......... this uncouth animal........... with a huge heave.....................she dumped him there and then along the alley..........and went off..............not caring what was to become of him...........
...............Yung Ja!....ah ~...... dun leave me..................he went ..........lying haplessly like an octopus....all soft spinelessly frailing his limbs......trying.........to get up..........without avil......


Fade out.....................on our hapless Hero..........


Twas a beautiful bright morning............the next day................. Our Heroine.......is walking along with a girlfriend ..........she is very happy............actually she is hugging herself with joy..........for today is a very special day................

Far away.........our Hero suddenly appeared............he spotted his lady love...you can see his eyes lighting up .............
.....Yung Ja!............


Yung Ja.......did not seem to hear him..............and continued walking........... ...Yung Ja!..............
He called again................feeling a little upset at being ignored.........he suddenly brighten up and shouted out really loud...........
...Hey you! Chubby!..............

NOW....Yung Ja........heard him..........insulted, she turned to glare at him but she was in too good a mood to be angry for long.......


Her girlfriend....knowing that she is not wanted anymore.........wished....Chubby... good luck........and went off on her own...........Meanwhile our Hero ran up to his beloved...............panting away.......

Happily...asking her..
*pant*pant*
...where............
*pant*pant*
...are you going?...............


Yung Ja.......giggled .......
Curious......Yong Joon went ...Wat......how come you were not even looking
.........when I was calling you?
...I have a MEETING.............. (in Korea.....that means something like meeting a marriage prospect...kinda
meeting...that is why Yung Ja was feeling so thrilled this
morning.........)

coyly..........she tells him..........Tell you bout it later......... and she turns to go............
Now our Hero is totally upset by this news.............
...What??!!..........grabbing her arm.........forcing her to look at him.....
...Yung Ja..........you are MINE!....

A very surprised Yungja is at a loss.............she did not think that he was serious about her ............
...Marry me ..please.........

Shocked by the sudden proposal............she saw for the first time...........
How..loveable... he could be.
He threw a tantrum....... (Also a first time for this storyteller........ such a BYJ................)

He looked like a big kid with his mommy...........wanting a toy........
...gimme...gimme.......(Yung Ja) mommy.........ahhhhhh......ahhhhhhh.......
shakin his whole body.....with a pout......stamping his feet....

Knowing ............"his mommy"...will cave in.........If he just give her ...that look...........
...ummmm...........ummmmm............(Yung Ja) mommy
pleeease!.......aahhhhhh...

Shaking even harder..........and giving her the poutiest of pouts.........So totally irresistible our Hero...............Yung Ja says to herself..............Aye.....thanks to my ...maternal instincts.............NOW.....I have a....Kid........*sigh* shaking her head......
They marry.We see our love birds...............in blissful married life.................

Our Yong Joon had a wonderful taste of being married................ He has a-one-of-a-kind-pillow.........that heaves..............
In soft focus.........the cameras.........focused on his handsome face...asleep...on ...tat....pillow.........that heaves.......... He is lying on Yung Ja's.. ample midriff...........

(in afterthought..........methinks.......this is a better arrangement...........as an ...ample... Yung Ja using our skinny Hero as a pillow would have the effect of imprisoning him!........tho this storyteller........dun mind ...imprisoning... our dear Hero)The alarm clock rings..................shattering that blissful picture.........

They awoke with a start...........and did a ...MaCaulay Culkin.......... ......................(we are late!)..........hands clasping their cheeks in unison............They started their morning routine.................. It passed by in a whirl............of mixed pants and socks........and getting into the bathroom.....

Finally..........they settle down for Breakfast............Yung Ja started eating.............and tell Yong Joon to have his breakfast...... Young Joon..........came up to the table..........and saw the bread......Hey, it's toast again!.... Yung Ja responded .......I'm busy..... Yong Joon proposed that she could wake up early and cook something instead.......

Yung Ja suggested that Yong Joon does it instead..............

...But I am a MAN....Yong Joon protested..........
.........I am a woman.............she retorted..............

He called her FAT.............she screamed that he's.. lazy.................
Fat.....Lazy.......Fat.........Lazy............
Till he decided he's...had enough of this.............and leaves...........
Left alone..................Yung Ja........tore the bread with her teeth in
frustration......Men!..........


They carried their feud into their Classroom.............
Their very hip Music Professor asked................
...Who is the king of Music?........................ Kim Kunmo....(*6) replied a fat guy..............
The Professor .............. Hey, didn't he beat me up last year? But yes,
he's the king of reggae. And now, which is the best way to express
music?....
Yong Joon raised his hand and said ..... Instruments are the best way, and
Piano is the best..........
Yung Ja said..... No, voice is better.The lovebirds decided to make this personal...................
They argued tit for tat
.........Piano .....Voice.........Piano........Voice..........
Neither wanting to stepped down.............Yong Joon suddenly felt saliva on his face........................it was from Yungja........
his beloved..........he did not like fighting with her..............he did not understand how they ended up bickering like this...........
but his pride was hurt..............The screen opens .........as they entered the ."ARENA"...for a showdown in a....MOCK CONTEST..........
Twas a actually a contest of wills...............his and hers..........
Yong Joon was on the piano............
This will be Yong Joon REALLY playing the piano................
(For all intent and purpose..........ALL BYJ fans will go wild at this
performance.........regardless of how well he played.............)

I shall skip Yung Ja's song...............as it is hurting my ears...............
Suffice to say..............it was a terrible experience............The Piano wins.THE COLD WAR extends..............The lovers..............are doing things singly.....................

At school ..........Yung Ja is walking very much alone.........................
Her heart heavy as she remembered the first time they met ...........
It brought a bitter sweet smile to her lips..........her darling Yong
Joon..........Elsewhere on the campus...............Yong Joon is with a group of classmates........
(who just happens to be all girls).................amist all the
discussions and the laughter.......his thoughts suddenly turned to his beloved Yung Ja.............
He missed her..............a lot more than he was willing to admit...........
Suddenly he was no longer in the mood to laugh..............he wants to go home...... to Yung Ja..........At the front door.................they meet.........
Alas...........someone's... got to give................but as neither was willing...................
The cold war ..........continues..........Much later that night..........We get to understand...............wat goes on ..........in a
couple's...wedding night....

*Imagine the background music.....
THE LOOK OF LOVE..........that's...in your eyes..........a look that no one
can deny.........be mine!tonight...........*Our shy "bridgroom" Yong Joon...........approached his "bride" Yung Ja sitting at the sofa..............
Yungja........he called her softly.......
Surprised by his gentleness..........Yung Ja was getting more than a little thrilled...........even tho she was suppose to be still mad with him........
...What?.........blushing a little............
...Its late.................he said with "that" kinda wanting
voice...........
She glances at him shyly..............she was melting at his
gaze............her whole being is saying........"YES"........................she allowed him to do what he will with her...........
They tumbled into the sofa.............As the lovebirds made up.............
Actually....during that scene........
our dear Yong Joon was more interested in making sure that they fall properly............
it looked as if he was more concerned about their weight difference.....and that they(rather he) had to ensure...that they were both "in synch"....when they fall.......
He struck his arm out.......
As he went forward ..........as if to kiss her, the corners of his eyes
already "measuring the distance"........between him and her........and
between them and the sofa.......
The timing must be perfect..........they had to keel over beyond the
camera's range........
if not........he'd probably have to kiss her ..........hahahahha....
not exactly a prospect he'd relish..............
hahahahahha *clunk* our storyteller Jeongmalro falling off her chair.
THE Graduation...................
They finally graduate..............the happy couple are singled out
.............for special mention at the front of the classroom.............Their hip Music Professor congragulates them and hands over their diplomas
accordingly...............Our happy couple................is in a state of BLISS..........
YUNG JA is BLISSFULLY..........FULLY PREGNANT..............
Our happy father-to-be.........is just glad to be
"around".............making sure she does not lose her balance..........
Tis a touching sight.................with him holding her belly........Suddenly..................a little girl runs up to them.... holding a bunch
of flowers................
She shouted ...........Papa.....
Our Yong Joon ............happily scoopes her into his arms....................
to complete the happy family portrait.........
............she is the mirror image of her ..................................mother..............
THE END

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3) Continuation...
(Clap clap clap!)

LB: This is from "Yungja's Drama Game."
Y: Yes. But I'm still thinking this is an irony. The child, she should look a little like the father and a little like the mom. But she's totally me. Now that you watched it again, how do you like it.
BYJ: It's good.
Y: If this was your real life, how would you feel?
BYJ: In real life? ...?
Y: Yes, for real. Be honest.
BYJ: I think I will like it.
LB: BYJ is today's guest. I heard you started a new drama. Already it's the talk of the town. Would you like to introduce it to us?
BYJ: It's a KBS mini-series "Papa".
Y: "Papa?"
BYJ: It's on every Wednesday and Thursday evening at 9:30 p.m. And my role will be a college professor, a divorcee with a daughter. And he treats girls really well... he is a little bit of a flirt.
LB: Saechang ssi... let's show BYJ's new face.
Lee Saechang: Yes, BYJ as a flirt at KBS mini-series Papa. Let's watch the high-lights!

(HIGHLIGHTS.)
LB: This will be BYJ's new face. Warm, tough and charming man. This was today's special with BYJ, the top superstar of the new generation.
Y: Our KBS drama production is very lucky and proud to have you...
Girl: That's very true!
LB: We'll be expecting great many things from "Papa".
BYJ: (Bowing) Yes, I'll try my best.
Girl: Thank you!
LB: Good bye!

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PERSPECTIVE:
Before doing "Papa", while he worked on "A Sunny Place of the Young". He had appeared in TV-drama specials: "Six Steps Towards Breaking Up"; and the one before was: "Sea Wind" (Hae Poong).

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REFERENCE:
(*1) Optional way to watch PHOTOGENIC Award VOD [Click KBS(20), go to page 7 and click the second to the bottom]
(*2)Optional way to watch Rooky Award VOD [Click KBS(20), go to page 7 and click the one at the bottom]
(*3) Optional way to watch Super Sunday VOD[ Click KBS(20), go to page 4 and click the one at the bottom<1996.1.7>]
(*4) Optional way to watch Yungja's Drama Game VOD [Click KBS(20), go to page 5 and click the one in the middle <1995.1.15>]
(*5) Jeongmalro Saranghaeyo: Our storyteller. She is a BYJ fan in Singapore since November 2002 after watching WLS. Please e-mail your comments to Jeongmalro
(*6) Kim Kunmo was the pioneer of Reggae in Korea. The Professor is another pop singer by the name of Kim HeungGook

(Tiff's note: Unfortunately, none of the links work anymore)

Papa 1

"Creating the Image"

1) HAE POONG: SEA WIND

***FULL ENGLISH TRANSLATION: Appendix A (tiff's note: will put this up later)Production: 1995 PSB (Station in Pusan), Anniversary Special
Producer: Hwang Eungjin
Cast: Bae Yongjoon (Jang Moonhyung), Jin Jaeyung (Misoon), Meng Sanghoon (Yungook), Jang Seohee (Gilja).
OST: Follow me, by Demise Russo

PERSONAL RATING: * * 3/4



Honestly speaking, I had a hard time translating this =). I am REALLY happy when I finally got to watch this... since this is one of those "hard to find" among the BYJ's collection... But to translate it... that's a different story. You get to see every small "t" of it as you listen to "word to word" conversations. I translated 16 chapters of "Barefooted Youth" but "Sea Wind" felt so much longer... (It's hard to translate without "love".) But let me stop complaining and get on with the program.

BYJ, as Jang Moonhyung, is "different". Younger... that felt even younger than Kim Yungmin from "Love Greeting". It is my guess that he filmed this while doing "Love Greeting". So the same innocent image has been there, combined with a rare immaturity (both of BYJ and his character). The rest of the characters talked in Pusan's dialect. A review said that this "drama" was able to capture Pusan's way of living quite realistically. As for me... I just thought the "accident" thing was handled in a VERY irresponsibly/unrealistically way. (Watch and you'll understand.) Anyway, if you are a fan, I guess it's a MUST WATCH... since it's just 2 episodes. (Thank Goodness for that!!!) Actually, you better watch this since otherwise... I had translated in VAIN!!! I'll check if you did...

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2) "SIX STEPS TOWARDS BREAKING UP"
***FULL ENGLISH TRANSLATION: Appendix B (tiff's note: this will be put up later)Production: KBS Drama Game (TV Special)
Producer: Jeon Gisang PDWriter: Oh Sooyeon
Cast: Bae Yongjoon, Jeon Doyeon, Cha Taehyun

PERSONAL RATING: * * *



Compared to "Sea Wind", this one is a breath of fresh air. The story is simple (What else can we expect from a TV Special?) but is kind of cute... Even though, at times, Lee Kyungmin came out a little "unnatural" (a bit embarrassed?), still it's WORTH watching. If the character of Jang Moonhyung (Sea Wind) was similar to Kim Yungmin (Love Greeting), Lee Kyungmin reminded me of Choi Hyunjoon from PAPA. No wonder... the same writer and the director will produce the later drama. Watch this as a "preview" to PAPA...

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3) "HOUSE DISMANTLING PROJECT: TV Show"

BYJ appeared at a TV Show where TV-stars volunteered to do any kind of social work and donate the earnings. This program staff would take shots of the respective star "working" and they would show how the work was done.
BYJ had chosen to work with construction workers... learning how to "unconstruct" a house. In other words, he was involved in dismantling a house by taking out the nails. The trick here is, he had to do it without destroying the wood... since 70% of the wood had to be re-used. He was having hard time, really... hee hee... And he earned $70,000 won.

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FOLLOWING FOOTSTEPS:

I) JANG SOEHEE. She came at "Sea Wind" as a very assertive girl who kind of like Jang Moonhyung. At first I didn't pay much attention to this loud girl. Then, I realized who she is... Amazing how different she looked. I remember seeing her before at "Hoejoon", a period drama about a medical doctor. This drama had a rating higher than 60%... but she only had a supporting role in there. I also saw her at "Foolish Princes". Although she had a bigger role in there, she wasn't the real main character. 2002 changed all that. She was casted as the main character at this MBC family drama called "Miss Mermaid". This drama became one of the highest rated last year... One of the reasons was that she, Jang Seohee, had become a superwoman that stole the hearts of the audiences by her outstanding performance. And she was crowned as last year's MBC Queen, the winner of 5 Acting Awards on TOP of the Grand Prix. "Miss Mermaid" was her first starring role after more than 15 years of acting. Two thumbs up for her!!!

II) CHA TAEHYUN: As I mentioned before, at "A Sunny Place of the Young", he only spoke a few words to Jeon Doyeon. The same thing happened here. At "Six Steps Towards Breaking Up," he came out almost at the last scene with Jeon Doyeon, with only two full spoken sentences... But again, we'll see more "shadows" of this future super-star as the SEARCH continues.

III) JEON DOYEON: We already know her from "A Sunny Place of the Young". They looked so good together that Jeon Gisang PD casted them for this Drama Special. We already introduced her credits during "A Sunny Place of the Young" 3. But let me expand on it. The following is an insert from "Korean Film Discussion Forum (http://koreanfilm.org/actors.html#jeondy):"

[Quote] (b. February 11, 1973) spent five years starring in television dramas before achieving instant star status with her film debut opposite Han Seok-gyu in The Contact. She has since gone on to take a wide variety of roles, from her performance as a schoolgirl in Harmonium in My Memory to that of a wife having an adulterous affair in Happy End. Her popularity has increased steadily, as audience fell for her warm and direct personality. In late 1999 she received a Best Actress award from the domestic Chungryong Awards Ceremony.
Jeon's most recent role was as the tough-talking "Sunglasses" in Ryu Seung-wan's No Blood No Tears. In the coming months, she will star in a TV drama. [Un-Quote]

Updating Jeon Doyeon's profile, she made HEADLINES last year by returning to the small screen after 5 years of roaming in Choongmooro*1, and by becoming the highest paid actress in Korea. A few weeks later, Kim Haesoo (from HWRL), who belonged to the same agency, broke that record when she was casted for Jang Heebin. By this time, they BOTH made HEADLINES since Shooting Stars and Jang Heebin were going to be aired at the same time: "Which actress will be more popular?" In the end, Shooting Stars really shoot the skies while Jang Heebin became a complete disappointment. JDY won an acting Award and a "little" love scandal spread about her and her young co-star Jo Insung (8 years younger). "Do we really look good together?"~ she would ask, smiling playfully.

She usually takes things slowly, doing an average of one piece of work per/year... But now, she is becoming more ambitious. She wants to do around 2 movies and one more drama this year. Her first movie... we all know: SCANDAL, her third role with BYJ. Actually, she was casted as Hyunsoo from HWRL, but she had turned it down. Otherwise, it would have been their 4th role together...



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CREATING THE IMAGE OF... PAPA

Let's review BYJ's first year after his debut. Jeon Gisang PD had helped him create an image of pure innocence and gentleness. Then, he had advised him to keep this image. "That's more important than the money you make."

It all started with Kim Yungmin (Love Greeting) who was the personification of innocence. Two months later, he did a Comedy Clip at "Yungja's Drama Game", making fun of that image. He came at "Sea Wind" as Jang Moonhyung, another nice guy, but one who is spoiled, immature and naive.

Before he was finished with "Love Greeting", following his mentor's advise, he became Ha Sukjoo (A Sunny Place of the Young). Just like in "Sea Wind," he was a "rich heir," but older and much more mature than Moonhyung. In fact, Ha Sukjoo was more similar to Kim Yungmin but wealthier and more assertive when it came to choosing his career and his love.

At the same time, he did "Six Steps Towards Breaking Up", which was directed by his friend and mentor. Lee Kyungmin was also a nice guy, a psychiatrist who had a hard time forgetting his dead fiancee. Meanwhile, he came at a TV-Program where he did some kind of social work...

And exactly one year after his debut, he was done with Ha Sukjoo. He was already at the Top of popularity, winning the New Star Acting Award. His next project was going to be a combination of all his previous characters. Written by Oh Sooyeon and directed by non-other than Jeon Gisang PD, PAPA was going to be BYJ's next challenge. Was he ready for PAPA?



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REFERENCE:
*1) Choongmooro: Place where Korean Movie Stars meet. Kind of "Korean Hollywood."