Dec 2006 Premiere Magazine Article

Transfer post please credit to huhuhuhu@Rain-Asia

This is the translation of the article "How rain poured on Park chan wook (director of "Cyborg")" in Korea’s Premiere Magazine.

There is a singer named Rain who dances well
People all think Rain can only dance
But Rain wants to be Jung Jihoon
He wants to act.
To Rain, it is a casual encounter with Jung Jihoon
To Director Park, it is also a casual encounter with Jung Jihoon.

Writer Lee Kyung Hee (writer of Sandoo and ALTK) almost had the feeling of being struck at the back of her head. She was trying to select the male anchor character for the drama series 'Sandoo, Go to School'. At first she just wanted to have a look, so she went with PD Lee to JYPE. Rain’s acting was different. Writer Lee said: "I gave him the script first, it was amazing to see the sensibility he evolved out from the character Sandoo. Many new actors could understand the script, but they failed to touch your heart, they acted just like machines. But Jihoon was different." Rain performed the scene when Sandoo missed his first love, and Writer Lee was shocked: "He was only 21 years old, but his performance gave the feeling he’s in his late 20s". Writer Lee changed her mind on the spot: originally they were already at the stage of signing a contract with another male actor, but she overturned that decision. "I feel sorry to the other, but there is no choice". As a result, Rain took up the role of the hero of KBS drama series 'Sandoo'. At that moment in the summer of 2003, Singer Rain became Actor Jung Jihoon.

Rain, Go to School

In spring 2003, Singer Rain, who had debuted for 1 year, became the leading character of the spring drama series 'Rain became the Disco King'. This was an imitation of the 2002 series '** became Disco King'. It was a mini drama performed by singers who could act, and was a kind of SHOW. Usually things were over when the show finished. However Jung Jihoon got into trouble here. Director Zhao of JYPE said: "All the people complimented him on his wonderful performance. From then onwards we received many proposals for drama series. However for most of them you know the content with a glance: acting as a dance singer. Jung Jihoon was still dancer singer Rain. 'Fight' was one of them, and it almost became Jung Jihoon’s first work, it’s image was a dancer who could fight. However to Jung Jihoon, 'Sandoo' was waiting for him."

Writer Lee of 'Sandoo' was interested in Jung Jihoon not because of the mini drama 'Rain became Disco King'. The female leading character was already decided to be Kong Xiaozhen. She nominated Jung Jihoon. Writer Lee said, "I had heard that he acted well, but there had always been prejudice against singer who became actor. It's better now, but at that time nobody had nice feelings about singer acting." When Writer Lee and PD Lee decided that Jung Jihoon should be the hero of the drama, people started to talk about this. There was public opinion that Jung Jihoon was selected because there was no suitable actor. People were waiting to watch a joke. Writer Lee said, "There were opposite views even in the drama team, because his acting had not been verified. Sandoo was 27 years old, was a father with a child. Jihoon was only 21 then. He's too young. Everyone thought we should get someone who's in his late 20s. At that time, Jung Jihoon told Writer Lee, "I, really have confidence."

Jung Jihoon, in order to portray a kind, crude, tragic, reticent Sandoo, watched 200 DVD, read 300 cartoons books. Director Zhao of JYPE said, "Jihoon had said before that other than singing, dancing, he’s also confident with his acting. We all thought that's merely lip service. We just didn't expect he acted so well". Many characteristics for the 27 year old unmarried father Sandoo were created by Jung Jihoon before the script was out. Sandoo started shooting when summer was about to end in 2003. Writer Lee told Jihoon, "How could you just be a singer?"

Wind and Rain Samurai

Rain ran and ran, until he reached the peak. On the cliff, Rain stood upright with stretched arms, howling. A glider with camera attached to it shot everything from the air. In the spring of 2003, Rain became 최배달(name of hero). In the first time of his life, Rain was in movie, playing the lead role in the movie Wind and Rain Samurai. This was totally different from SHOW programs or acting during his high school years. In 2002 with his No. 1 album he became a singer in the name Rain. But Rain always wanted to act. Wind and Rain Samurai was particularly suitable for him. The sensibility part might be crude, because the hero was not a delicate person, but quite rough. However because it was an action movie it required a flexible body, and Rain possessed this. Wind and Rain Samurai could have been Rain's debut movie. It started simulated shooting in January 2003. Rain ran and ran.

But things didn't turn out as one wished. Wind and Rain Samurai was interrupted after simulated shooting. Shooting was originally planned from January to May, but March had passed and shooting didn’t start. During this time Rain prepared his 2nd album. Although he had some fame now, Rain was still a new singer, so he had to release his 2nd album quickly. At the end, Rain was not able to be 최배달, and his face could not hit the screen. Rain gave up his contract with Wind and Rain Samurai. By May he had to finish his preparation for 2nd album. At that moment, Rain was not an actor, he’s just a singer.

Things he wanted to do but didn't work out were not just confined to Wind and Rain Samurai. Jung Jihoon joined "FanClub" in his high school years to sing and dance. At that time the popular groups were HOT and 젝스키스. Other groups just couldn't survive. Fanclub released 2 albums. They worked hard, but were disbanded when Jung Jihoon entered senior high.

It took 3 years for Jung Jihoon to prepare to become Rain. Rain on stage was gorgeous. But since his debut in 2002 he had been dancing with almost no spare time. Director Zhao of JYP said, "Whether it was on stage, or in a show, or in drama series, or even in CF, they all requested Jihoom to dance. Other than that, nobody wanted to tap the other side of him. We did have a headache because of that!" This was also one reason why Jung Jihoon tried hard to free himself from the Rain image, which cost billions to build up. Compared to the Rain on stage, the Jung Jihoon in front of the camera was naked. Rain was created. Rain on stage was gorgeous and handsome, but Rain did not exist. One day Rain would stop. In reality only Jung Jihoon exists. In order to become Jung Jihoon, Rain worked hard in 'Sandoo'. At that time, singers were keen to be on show - if an album did not sell well, just being a singer may be hard to earn a living. Movies and drama series were popular then, so record companies also started to create singer actors. Director Zhao of JYP said, "He might become one of them. There was only one answer. The key point was what level could the actor called Jung Jihoon reach. If he didn’t act well then he would be scolded. If he did well then he would survive."

The Warm Rain

By winter 2005, Director Park was doing post shooting recording for the movie 'The Warm Jinzi'. Normally he would use the studio on Jingjidao. This time by chance he used the studio in Cheongdam dong. Director Park said, "At that time, Jihoon came to the studio. Jihoon said he came to say hello and for a visit. Previously I saw Jihoon quite closely at movie award ceremonies – he was dancing on stage, then he sat at the audience and I was behind him and saw him in between gaps. The next time we met was in the studio."

Jung Jihoon, Director Zhao knew the manager (Mr. Li) for Lee Ying Ai. When Lee finished shooting 'The Warm Jinzi', her manager Li was with Director Park in the studio. Jung Jihoon and Director Zhao received a call from Manager Li and came to the studio. Jung Jihoon said, "At that time I just wanted to say hello." Director Park said, "Compared to Rain on stage, this time I saw Jihoon having a childlike quality. This was very special. There was a big difference between the real him and the singer Rain." It happened that Director Park was preparing the script for 'Cyborg'. Director Park and Jung Jihoon went to a nearby pub and had a passionate drink and chatted as they drank. Director Park felt Jihoon to be a very down to earth young man. Later Jung Jihoon met Director Park again at the screening(?) of 'The Warm Jinzi'. For the first time then Jung Jihoon had a deep encounter with a movie producer. Cui Minzhi, Song Kangho were also present then. And it was by such chance they decided to cooperate. Starring 'Sandoo' is by chance, there were bound to be happenings by chance in human relationships.

Jung Jihoon had met other movie producers previously, such as Director Jiang (?) and (?), and it's the same with Director Park. Jihoon said, "There wasn’t really who's first or last. Director Park talked about 'Cyborg', and said it was a very interesting movie, then we talked about us cooperating. At that time the script of Cyborg had been revised over 15 times." Director Park said, "Can't remember who started the topic of movie first. It just happened naturally that in between our conversation we formed this cooperation relationship."

Director Park said, "I had always been looking for an actor who had the sensibility like Jihoon's – that is, completely new, young actor, who hadn't been polished. That's it." Jihoon said, "I don’t think Director Park had other thoughts. It's just by chance. We met by chance."

It's Rain, but that's OK

People started to talk heatedly again when they heard Director Park and Jung Jihoon would cooperate for a movie. Some people commented it was Jihoon who approached Director Park first, and begged Park to let him star in the movie. Rain wanted to cooperate with Park because he wanted to become world star. The view rating and review of drama series 'A Love to Kill' was just so so, therefore Rain must maintain the popularity brought to him by 'Full House' etc. etc. All these people thought their comments and debates were very logical. Jung Jihoon said, "I absolutely did not go to see Director Park to beg to star in his movie. Some people thought I pestered Director Park for a role. This was not true. When we first met, I didn't even know what movie he was preparing." It didn't take long for those debates to become conclusions, just like when 'Sandoo' was being shot. The music industry was declining, many singers tried to change to actors. When Jung Jihoon starred in 'Sandoo', people all said Rain did that to earn money. But Writer Lee discovered the other side of Jung Jihoon. Writer Lee said, "After shooting a few chapters I suddenly realized that, Jihoon was not using his brain, but his heart to act. The moment I realized this, I solemnly respect Jung Jihoon."

At the 'Cyborg' shooting studio Director Park also felt the same from Jung Jihoon. Jihoon once told Park: he didn't need big box office hit, he didn't need any best actor award, he would be satisfied if he could be recognized as a good actor. Park said, "When I saw Jihoon on stage I found him having this performing quality, he was like acting out a character when he danced, he was like an actor." Still, when it came to actual movie shooting, there was some difference in Jihoon from what Park had expected. Park had imagined a green 20 year youth, and that's why he chose Jihoon as the leading actor. "He was like a little adult. He was lively in front of the camera, but when it came to actual shooting he was sober and steady, although after he got familiar he's naughty again... On the contrary, compared to Jihoon, senior Cui minzhi was more like a naughty boy." Lin xiujing was the leading actress in 'Cyborg'. There were rumours at the studio that Park favoured Lin more. Lin said, "That's why Jihoon always pretended to pout, because Park only liked actresses." Park said, "He learned it from senior Cui, there was the difference in sex... So subconsciously males were overlooked. Of course these were all jokes. So I pretended to like Lin even more, and then I'd watch Jihoon looking regretful and I found it very interesting. We always played jokes like this..." Jihoon pretended to look disconsolate, but he also observed his own acting beside the camera all the time. 'Cyborg' was not an easy movie. Zhao of JYP said, "Actually when we received the script we didn't know what it was about, except that there were 2 extraordinary kids in an asylum... We accepted it because of Director Park." Park said, "To tell the truth it not easy to analyze the two characters. It would be too difficult to use normal thinking to understand them, because it was an absurd movie. There were even corners where Jihoon and Xiujing still could not understand even now. Despite that, sometimes you didn't need to understand to act, as long as you have the sensibility. Jihoon and Xiujing had good feelings."
Jihoon said, "While acting 'Cyborg' I looked back at my previous performance and found they were totally different. I then understand what acting was..."

About Jung Jihoon

2 Feb 2006, Rain gave a concert at Madison Square, New York. This was the first time for a Korean singer in such a place at such a scale – there were over 10,000 people. New York Times gave a high review on the concert, with the title "The Ambassador". The journalist was one who felt the Korean pop wave. The reaction in Korea was huge too, many believed Rain would enter the US market immediately, some also wanted to take the opportunity to belittle Rain’s public performance. There was an uproar when Rain was named one of the 100 most influential in 2006 by Times, and the title World Star could be heard. However Zhao of JYP said, "This was an empty name made up by the public. Jihoon and us knew very well the concert at Madison Square was just like a showcase, we just wanted people to know there's someone called Rain. We couldn't see it as success and brag about it. We should cool down before others lose their passion." Jihoon said, "I was really pleased to be selected in the 100 most influential, but my biggest problem now was the world tour staring in December: how to keep my body well, to persist until the end, these were my worries." Zhao said, "These few days Jihoon practiced his singing and dancing day and night. When something came up Jihoon would just stop sleeping." Writer Lee who cooperated with Jihoon in 'Sandoo' and 'ALTK' said, "[ALTK] did not receive good reviews. As the writer I got big pressure psychologically and I was hurt badly. Jihoon gave me strength at that time. If a drama did not have good review, usually the relationship between the actor and the writer would get worse. But Jihoon would still call me whenever he had time, and talked about stories at the movie shooting. In our conversation, Jihoon would always said: teacher, my nose was bleeding now!"

Park said, "During the movie shooting I learned that Jihoon has suffered a lot when he's young. From the outside he looked bright, clear, but he also had sad, dark corners. Now he could tell with dignity his sufferings when young, without tears, as if he was talking about others stories. It was because of those experience, Jihoon looked like a little adult." Lin xiujing said, "Jihoon had abundant energy! Sometimes watching Jihoon on stage and watching Jihoon in front of the camera I wondered where he got the strength to finish all these jobs? His sensibility was also different from others. He would not rest." Zhao said, "Perhaps because of the setbacks, Jihoon never thought of needing some rest. He knew very early that things did not come by easily. May be this was the source of energy Lin talked about." Writer Lee met Jihoon in early 2003 and spent almost 4 years beside him. She said, "Jihoon’s mother died early because there was no money for treatment. Jihoon once broke up and ate hard, uncooked noodle because he was hungry. Therefore Jihoon would never waste 1 cent even now. He said when he spent he would always think of his mother. Jihoon transformed all these thoughts into power. His energy came from here. I think that's why he didn't want to take a rest..."

Now he's Rain and he's Jung Jihoon. In the past 5 years. Fanclub accomplished dancer singer Rain. Rain became drama series actor Jung Jihoon. Jung Jihoon once again became world star Rain. Rain again became movie actor Jung Jihoon. As Rain, as Jung Jihoon, he ran all the way without stopping. Park said, "Singer Rain, Actor Jung Jihoon, because it's him, he would do well in both. It's not necessary to choose one only, because he has the ability. At 'Cyborg' shooting studio, the passion he demonstrated shocked all of us: where did his energy come from? 'Cyborg' also contained such Jung Jihoon power."

Outside the window, rain was falling, without stopping...

Credit: huhuhuhu@Rain-Asia.com