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original in japanese: Josei Jishin 6-10-08 p.57-59
scanned & posted by: miemi / byjgallery
translated into english: a sweet sister / bb's blog


Five Trusted Friends Reveal Yonsama Secrets Before Japan Visit

Hwan Su Yeon, Hair Stylist of 6 Years

“During the May Trip to US, he Took Us to Tasty Restaurants”

“In early May, I also went to New York for CM filming. Oppa (older brother) met up with us as we arrived after him, and he introduced us to tasty restaurants
and acted as our guide to tourist spots.”

Smiling as she said that was Hwan Su Yeon of the Jung Saem Mool beauty salon. She is the hair stylist in charge of Yonsama.

"Last year, my senior that was in charge of oppa went out on her own and left the salon. As her junior, I was chosen to succeed her. When you take into account the time I supported my senior, I have been with oppa for six years.”

The two of them call each other “oppa” and Su Yeon-ah (Su Yeon-chan) just like in an older brother and younger sister relationship.

“He likes to joke (laughs). Even outside of work, he is friendly and treats me like family.

I don’t know where he got the information, but he knows the birthdates of all the staff members.

In our conversations during the filming, we never talked about birthdays. But as I was leaving to go home, he surprised me by giving me a birthday gift. I was very touched.”

Yonsama also regularly sends mini bottles of dessert wines (sweet tasting wines served for dessert) which he has personally taste-tested along with the message, “These are delicious, so please try it.”

That Yonsama shows such consideration toward Su Yeon is due to her obvious ability.

“’Su Yeon-ah, I leave it up to you’, ‘If you think it looks good,’ Oppa rarely makes demands. The responsibility is enormous but I feel honored to have his trust.”

Yonsama regularly uses the L’Oreal Kerastase line of hair products. Depending on his physical condition, different products are used.

“His hair texture is, by nature, very good. Because TWSSG was a historical drama, we played up his original hair color and let it grown out naturally.”

Yonsama normally ties up his own hair and he was aggressive in creating the role.

“When oppa styles his hair, he does it not because he will like it but with the family and the role foremost in his mind.

Though filming has now ended, we hear many loud voices coming from the Japanese family calling out, “the long hair suits you so well, please do not cut it.”

“I will do my best to style his hair at the June 1 event to live up to your expectations so that his hair is becoming!”


Sohn Ki Hyeon, TWSSG co-star actor

“Despite Major Accident During Filming, Blessing of 4 Gods”


“Since my earlier interview in Josei Jishin, I’ve become recognized by everyone. The other day, when I was in the supermarket, there were Japanese tourists that recognized me (laughs),” said TWSSG co-star actor, Sohn Ki Hyeon, smiling warmly.

When the conversation turned to Yonsama and TWSSG, his gaze turned serious.

“I understand that there is so much interest in Japan for it to be screened in theaters. I am amazed at such enthusiasm and I think that to acknowledge such an honest expression in Japan, is something that Korea should also learn. The anti-Japanese education, which I also received, has changed because of this project, and because of meeting YJ.”

Ki Hyeon praised Yonsama as “a valuable asset to dramas within the Korean culture.”

“He is an uncompromising, hard working, wonderful actor. Above all, he is passionate.

He continued dialoguing with the director to further deepen the understanding between him and the director. Actors exist as a profession because of fans and moviegoers. YJ understands that fact perfectly well.”

While he is the greatest star in Asia, Ki Hyeon said he was attracted to him for his humble attitude.

“He is young but he is big hearted. Of course, he treats his elders with respect but he also doesn’t forget to show consideration toward his juniors.”

Ki Hyeon was also at the scene when the accident occurred where the actor on the high wire fell on Yonsama.

“The truth is, please forgive me for saying so, but it was a major accident where he could have become paralyzed. The reason that the injuries could be controlled and kept at a minimum was because of the divine protection he received from the “Four Gods.” I strongly believe that he is a person with powerful luck.”


Tomisawa Mina, Megane Top, Business Promotions Manager

“During CM Filming Breaks, He Urged Me to Taste the Ttoppoki”


“As the CM character, the high level of BYJ’s sincerity and trust are well matched to the “confidence, credence” of our Megane Ichiba target customer.

Since he has appeared in the CMs, he has contributed much for which we are grateful,” said the Business Promotions Manager of Megane Top, Tomisawa Mina.

Yonsama has been appearing in the CMs since spring 2007. His contract runs through March 2009.

“There have been three CM filmings up to now, which I have all attended. At each filming, I have been impressed by his gentlemanly character and his professional attitude where he strives until he is satisfied. Though he is a star, he does not forget to show consideration for others around him and he is a kind and approachable person. It was at the second or third filming at the Korean studio, there were fans waiting for him outside for long hours, and I thought that it was not just his physical appearance but it was his personality that was the reason why so many women loved him.” Ms. Tomisawa also talked about this episode.

“At the first filming, I exchanged greetings, but since he is an actor that comes into contact with many people everyday, I did not think that he would even remember the names of the staff members, so when it came time for the second filming, I tried to introduce myself again. Then immediately he smiled back at me saying, “I remember you” which overwhelmed me.

Also there are snacks provided in the studio during breaks in the filming. YJ also helps himself to these snacks. There was a time when he was eating ttoppokki and he called out to me, “Please help yourself to some also.” Of course, he was not just showing me consideration but he did not forget to include the entire staff.”

Here, when we asked about Yonsama’s favorite pastime of glasses…

“He seemed to be very interested in those items made with the shape retention metals. Oh yes, YJ is also very fashion conscious when it comes to his everyday wear. When he comes into the studio wearing sunglasses, casket hat, and jeans, you can feel his aura turned up at full power.

At this years March filming, when we were making small talk, Yonsama himself brought up the Osaka event saying, “I am looking forward to it” and he seemed to be enthusiastic about it."

So when will the next Megane Ichiba filming take place?

“The date has not been set yet but it will probably be around the fall. He will certainly show us once again his fabulous appearance.”


Kwon Hee Soon, Makeup Artist of 10 Year

“Japanese Cosmetics Mikimoto, Essential Part of Skin Care Routine”


“Oppa’s skin has no major problems so there is no need for heavy makeup application (laughs). I am always careful to keep his makeup natural looking.”

Kwon Hee Soon of Jung Saem Mool, has been in charge of Yonsama’s makeup for 10 years now. She is a “beauty magician” that can understand one’s skin condition simply by looking at it.

Even men and it is not just a few that wear makeup in show business. When asked what the secret to Yonsama’s makeup is, Hee Soon replied, “to change the makeup according to the time, place, and occasion.”

“In WS, in order to express a refined image, his makeup was light and translucent. In TWSSG, in order to bring out the character’s tough manliness, we toned down the skin tone."

For each drama or long-term filming, Hee Soon’s job function is to determine the overall character concept. For location filming, she turns the makeup duties over to the filming team.

For the photo album, “The Image, Vol. 1” she took on the challenge of body makeup.

“For events such as awards ceremonies, I will research the venue’s lighting and environment and such, before the event takes pl*ace.

I meet with the stylist, Eun Kyung and hair stylist, Su Yeon, to coordinate the total effect.

No matter how good the makeup may be, if it looks completely out of pl*ace, then it is all for nothing.”

On the other hand, if it is a private affair like a wedding, then the makeup is kept at a minimum. There is Yonsama’s consideration where, “I am just a supporting player to the end.”

“I also advise on everyday skin care procedures that can be done at home.

At the salon, we spend time on the fundamental areas. If there is time, we also offer packs and facials.”

Yonsama is a big fan of the Japanese cosmetic brand, Mikimoto and the products are so popular that family stock up on them when they visit the salon.

“The image for the New York CM filming the other day was healthy and transparent. New York was not as dry as Korea so his skin was in good condition.”

Hee Soon shares the same opinion as hair stylist, Su Yeon, when it comes to Yonsama’s complete thoughtfulness toward his staff.

“He knows the drink preferences for each and everyone of us and brings back drinks as souvenirs for us.”

Yonsama’s face, whether with makeup or “au naturel” was beautiful!


Shin Yong Fei, TWSSG Assistant Director

“He Remembers the Entire Filming Staff and Calls Them by Their Name”


“All of YJ’s family strictly followed the rules while they watched the filming. I remember those times fondly,” assistant director, Shin Yong Fei of Kim Jong Hak Productions reflected back on the long-term location filming.

There are many instances where two assistant directors are assigned to one project on a Korean drama. For TWSSG, the greatest project ever in Korean drama history to use such large scale locations, six assistant directors were assembled.

Assistant director Shin was at the top of the six directors.

“I have seen many actors up to now but he is of top caliber. He has good athletic ability, good concentration, and he is intelligent. Whether it is horse riding or martial arts, he is a quick learner.

The total self-management he shows and the way he does not find practice or putting in the effort loathsome, is something that young actors could learn from him,” says Shin-ssi as he vouches for Yonsama as an actor. As a person, he says that Yonsama is also first-class.

"He remembers the names and faces of the entire staff. When he greets someone or calls someone, I was impressed at how he would properly call them by their name.”

He also valued the “drinking culture” with the staff.

“When he was offered alcohol from the director or seniors, there were times that he would refrain. But with the lighting or props assistants that are considered “peons” in this industry, he would always accept their offers of soju.

Though he has risen to the top as Asia’s greatest star, he is never arrogant. He is personable and he is a person with a very big heart.”

Both Shin-ssi and Yonsama have gone beyond the framework of “staff and cast member” to create a family-like relationship.

“ ‘I’m going to get mad. I’m going to strike you!’ ‘Come on and try it!’ were some of the things we used to joke almost everyday (laughs).

I often saw him reading the script or playing around with some of the staff he was close to when he was waiting while filming.”

Long-term location filming can be strenuous, making for a hostile working environment. But because Yonsama played the role of mood maker, filming became an enjoyable experience.

“I felt that Japan and Korea were still countries that were close but yet so distant.

But I am very happy that the Japanese are enjoying this project. Through the cultural exchange of such contents, we can begin to understand each other better, and hopefully create opportunities for both countries to become closer to each other.”