[Interview] Park Jin-joo "Meeting Yoon Je-kyun and Yoo Jae-suk Changed My Life"

'Hero'·'Hangout with Yoo' Versatile Performance
Teenage Independence Fighter Supporting Ahn Jung-geun
2022 MBC Entertainment Awards Rookie Award Achievement

Actress Park Jin-joo (34) was cheerful. She made a strong impression with her debut in the film Sunny (2011), and now she is in her 12th year since debut. She has been diligently active. Although she has taken on numerous roles across both television and the big screen, she has recently been receiving the most love calls. Last year, she gained attention as a member of WSG Wannabe on MBC variety show Hangout with Yoo, and last month she stood out in the film Hero (directed by Yoon Je-kyun), which depicts the assassination of An Jung-geun. The year 2022 will be remembered as an unforgettable year. She was recognized for her achievements by receiving the Rookie Award at the MBC Entertainment Awards at the end of the year, and she also met audiences through stage greetings in the Seoul metropolitan area, Busan, and Daegu for Hero.

Recently, Park Jin-joo met at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, and said, "'Trendsetter' is a scary label. Please don't call me that even as a joke," waving her hand. She added, "I always want to deliver laughter and energy without getting tired to those around me."

The Girl Influenced by An Jung-geun's Spirit of Independence

Actor Park Jin-joo [Photo by CJ ENM]

Hero, which was released on the 21st of last month, is a film that depicts the last year of An Jung-geun, who assassinated Ito Hirobumi in Harbin in October 1909, was sentenced to death by the Japanese court, and died as a martyr. Director Yoon Je-kyun, who achieved double tens of millions in box office hits with Haeundae (2009) and Ode to My Father (2014), adapted the musical of the same name, which premiered in 2009 and has been performed for 14 years, onto the screen.

In the film, Park Jin-joo plays Ma Jin-joo, a comrade who cares for the independence fighters. This character is a newly created fictional role, not a historical figure. She plays the sibling of Jo Woo-jin (who plays Ma Du-sik) and brings emotion, and shares a fresh romance with Lee Hyun-woo (who plays Yoo Dong-ha), bringing laughter. She said, "The young girl is by the side without knowing anything and then joins the independence movement. She goes along without knowing what big event will happen. I thought it would be realistic and heartbreaking to express the feeling of being innocent and then witnessing an accident happening beside her."

Park Jin-joo, who liked the character Ma Jin-joo quite a lot, explained, "Jin-joo could have run away out of fear, but she does not break down and participates in the independence movement. Everyone around her is bravely working together for the country, so she is influenced and stands up without realizing it. She is truly a strong friend."

'Hero' still image [Photo by CJ ENM]

While preparing for the role, she even visited a dermatologist for the first time in her life. Park Jin-joo said, "After being cast in Hero, I felt burdened playing a teenage role in my 30s. Unlike the stage, the film is shown on a big screen, so it shows. I was worried that it might break the audience's immersion or make them uncomfortable." She added with a laugh, "Until then, I hadn't lived a life of dieting and grooming, but for the first time, I took care of my skin."

Her cheerful image was an obstacle. She worried that the image many people recognize might interfere with immersion in a solemn work. She said, "I was worried that if Park Jin-joo appeared in important scenes, it might break the audience's immersion," but added, "When filming started, I freely expressed sadness and played around without calculation. I focused on the scenes. Fortunately, behind the camera, they helped me immerse myself. They asked if I was okay as I was deeply into the role and showed consideration. The atmosphere among the actors was good. The close-knit filming environment helped me capture the emotions."

Wants to Be Someone Who Gives Courage to Others

Actor Park Jin-joo [Photo by CJ ENM]

If Yoo Jae-suk is the king of variety shows, then director Yoon Je-kyun is the king of films. Before Park Jin-joo rose as the "variety trendsetter," director Yoon recognized her talent and flair. Park Jin-joo said, "A lot happened during the three years the release was delayed. I was worried that the difference would show, but the director beautifully completed it. The emotionally touching scenes were a challenge for me, but many people empathized and felt heartbroken, thanks to the director."

The members of Hangout with Yoo supported Hero. Lee Mi-joo attended the preview to show support, and members including Lee Yi-kyung watched the film in theaters. Variety shows are another source of energy for Park Jin-joo. She especially gave special meaning to Yoo Jae-suk, saying he is "someone I will never forget for life."

"Senior Yoo Jae-suk leads by example by wearing a bald wig first. Seeing his selfless attitude makes me work even harder. I can't just stay still. Seeing him put everything down and work hard for laughter makes me resolve to 'let go more' and 'stop guarding my image.' Even though I am a far junior who just received a rookie award, he treats me carefully, and I feel there is a reason why so many people love him."

Park Jin-joo called Yoo Jae-suk and director Yoon Je-kyun her "benefactors." She said, "My life has changed since receiving support from these two. I gained the strength to move forward strongly. Before, I was afraid and hesitant because I didn't know what was in front of me, but after meeting them, I became a brave Jin-joo running in the right direction. I want to be someone who gives courage to people like me."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.