A Noble Ji Jin Hee
July 10, 2005A Noble Man on and off Screen
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By Krista Kim at 2004.01.24
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Across the country, Koreans are glued to their TV sets on Monday and Tuesday evenings at 10 to watch the ratings-sweeping MBC program, “Dae Jang Geum.” Set in the 16th century, the drama is based on the true story of Jang Geum, Korea’s first female physician to the king, starring Lee Young-ae as the main character Jang Geum and Ji Jin-hee as her handsome love interest, Min Jeong-ho.
“I prefer to wear my hair short, but for the purpose of this drama, I’ve let it grow out a lot,” said Ji as he posed with a boyish shag for the camera. In character, he wears his hair tied in a topknot, covered by a hat typical of noble men during Joseon times.
Viewers apparently cannot get enough of Jang Geum’s adventures, beginning as a royal cook, then training as a royal physician. The writers have meticulously included ancient herbal remedies, acupuncture treatments and cuisine of the royal court, capturing the nostalgic attention of the Korean audiences - still boasting the highest TV ratings ever since it began late last year.
Ji is redefining sex appeal of the Joseon dynasty men with his dignified good looks. His character is an official in the royal court who falls in love with Jang Geum and remains on her side through all the crises that entangle them both.
“I feel that I know my character very well, so I am comfortable in my performances. The drama is also easy to follow. I am impressed and satisfied with the acting of Lee Young-ae and others involved in this project,” Ji commented.
The drama has gained such a strong following that hat the community board for the program on www.imbc.com is flooded with words of encouragement for the actors and messages addressed to the fictional characters, themselves.
“Our writers are under much stress because there is so little time to prepare scripts. Viewers make requests to save a character’s life, or to change the plot somehow, so the story is changing as we go along with production. I prefer one set storyline from start to finish, like a film,” Ji said.
Production of “Dae Jang Geum” is scheduled to end by March with a tragic ending based on Jang Geum’s true-life story. A DVD for the first season is already on the shelves and the English subtitled version is also on release.
Ji, 31, caught his first acting bug when he was 12, in a school play. He struggled early in his career, an experience that Ji has since embraced.
“I started working for 200,000 won per job, which makes me appreciate the work that I do now. Many new young stars shine bright, then suddenly burnout. I learned how to work hard, have hope, and stand up after each fall,” Ji said.
Acting isn’t the only pursuit of this Korean heartthrob - photography, graphic design and charity work are other areas where Ji would like to excel.
Ji was never attracted to the spotlight of the entertainment industry, instead working behind the scenes as a photographer and layout designer. In 1998, Ji was shooting the Maxwell House canned coffee campaign, featuring Hong Kong-based actor, Takeshi Kaneshiro (Geum Seong-mu). Curiously, Ji strongly resembled the actor, and when Kaneshiro had to leave the shoot prematurely to go to Hong Kong, Ji simply stood in for him, unexpectedly opening doors for him. Siddus, a big player of talent management, requested Ji to start an acting career because of his charismatic good looks - Ji refused their proposals until the Asian economic crisis forced him to reconsider.
“I can’t say if I will act for the rest of my life, though I could easily do it with great satisfaction. I never set out to become an actor - it was my destiny. In the long term future, I wish to do more photography, charity work and designing, though I cannot predict which will become my full time occupation,” said Ji.
Contrary to his cool image, Ji is a warm hearted, talkative and opinionated fellow. Marriage is a popular question for Ji, as one of Korea’s most eligible bachelors. Unfortunately, for most women, Ji is in relationship - but he won’t tie the knot until he feels confident about commitment.
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this story is very touching especially the actor and the actress and their costume.. its very natural. i enjoy the show very much. looking forward to two of this guy to shoot more drama..
Comment by katherine tan — October 25, 2005 @ 12:30 pm
He is really a charismatic actor! I remember him acting in one of the dramas aired here in the Philippines (Love Letter). Too bad that i heard that he just got married..pls correct me if i’m wrong..anyone who has update on his profile and career?
Comment by alaina — November 17, 2005 @ 7:43 pm
He is so handsome in the movies, esp. with his beard. I like his character a lot: steady, loving, sacrificial, a scholar & good in martial arts! Hope to see more of his dramas & news.
Comment by Seris — November 27, 2005 @ 6:33 pm
Ji Jin Hee is coming to Singapore in early Dec! He will appear in Star Award next Sun, 4th Dec 2005 presenting award to best new comer. Hope he will look good. He seems to put on weight, from his photo on the newspaper. I’ll definitely support his movies that is going to screen soon. Heard he will sing in the movies as well. Read that the reporter cooments it’s a great movies!
Comment by Seris — November 27, 2005 @ 8:25 pm
Was disppointed when Mr Ji is not coming to Singapore in Dec. Would support his movies, Perhaps Love. Bought Ms Kim Millon Dollar Quest & Spring Day VCDs. The dramas are very good & with good story line. Please work harder Singapore TCS! His acting was fastastic. Thinking of buying the 100 weddings as well, which he acted with Taiwan actress.
Comment by Audrey — December 6, 2005 @ 11:58 pm
I’m a big fan of Mr. Ji Jin Hee. He’s so cool!!!
Comment by meowcat77ph — December 7, 2005 @ 3:12 pm
I like him very much …but feel dissappointed because he didn’t come to Malaysia to promote his new film'’perhaps love'’.Anyway,my dad and mum really like his character in ‘’dajanggeum'’…..and me was attracted by him of his dignified good looks…summore he looks steady and loving…..Ji Jin Hee rules!!!
Comment by han — December 8, 2005 @ 7:04 pm
from what i have read so far… the man is almost a consumate actor… keep up the good work…. reminds me of VIGGO MORTENSEN of LORD OF THE RINGS fame; who is also an all-around artist… hope to see more of your work Mr Ji Jin-Hee
Comment by WENG — December 10, 2005 @ 7:04 pm
He is really all rounder star! Brought Spring Day, it was a fantastic drama. Heard he sang track 6. Very nice song. Watch Perhaps Love mainly to support him. Don’t like the story line. He sang well in mandarin & good voice. Keep it up Mr Ji. So far you have delighted me in Ms Kim Millon Dollar Quest & Spring Day. Will buy the spring day OST & The 100th Wedding! Love U, Mr Jin.
Comment by Audrey — December 10, 2005 @ 7:21 pm
I just finish watching the movie called:”dajanggeum”. I really like his character in that movie, and he is also very looking in that movie. It is too bad that Li Jin Hee and Lee Young Ae are not dating in real life. I like Lee Young Ae as well ==))))).
Comment by Yen Trieu — December 13, 2005 @ 1:07 pm
Hi Ji Jin Hee!!! I wish you & Lee Young Ae would visit us here in the Philippines..Dae Jang Geum is such a nationwide craze here in our country!!! It’s ratings were amazingly high as each episodes were aired..your show really deserves to be the highest-rating Asian drama!!!
Comment by Christina — December 14, 2005 @ 1:16 pm
hi the jewel in the palace is very nice at talagang napkaganda lagi ko sinusubay bayan ang telanobela hindi lang ako kundi pati mga kapatid ko pero sana paagahin ninyo ung timemasyadong gabi na kaya ung iba hindi na nakka panood.sabi nga ng iba ko classmate na napakanda ng istorya nito subalit gabing gabi na para sa kanila dahil may pasok kami kinabukasan.at cguro ganun din ung iba na dahil sa pagod hindi na nakakpanood dahil masyadong gai na.ito lang naman ay komento ko. ang masasabi ko po napakagana ng jwwel in the palace sana po mapagbigyan po ninyo ang aking kahilingan na paagahin ang oras nito salamat po
Comment by christian deleon — December 16, 2005 @ 2:21 pm
i love him………
ji jin hee is so cool in this movie. love u love u love u….
Comment by anike — December 17, 2005 @ 1:18 pm
Mr. Jin Hee, u look so wonderful with your beard and costum on daejanggeum. would you like to visit Indonesia someday?
Comment by nova novita setiamy — December 17, 2005 @ 5:34 pm
even if it is aired 2 am, i will still stay awake to wait for it!
kahit alas dos pa yan ng madaling-araw, aabangan ko pa rin yan!
wala ka nang kawalang jang-geum ka!
nakakainis si jang-geum! ang kinis ng mukha
tsk!tsk!kawawang ABS
Comment by Bee — December 17, 2005 @ 7:24 pm
Dear Xi Xi, (this is what china’s fan called him, a lot of his films & info can be found in chinese web site- www.baidu.com.)
Love his personality & good acting. Have bought Miss Kim’s Millon Dollar Quest, Love Letter, Spring Day & 100th Bride. All the story lines are fantastic except the 100th Bride which has a weak story line. He look very handsome in all dramas.
Love you Xi Xi.
Comment by Serene — December 29, 2005 @ 7:59 pm
This first time I show your acting but I really really interes to have much information about ji Jin Hee and Lee Young Ae.Now both of you are very popular in my country.you have many fans here, expecialy you Mr Ji Jin Hee I love so much.You look so cool in this film,how the really you are??I hope You would come to Indonesia, please………..
Comment by Rina — January 6, 2006 @ 8:43 am
ji jin hee u are really 4x handsome I LOVE YOU!!!! jewel in the palace is the best. its deserve to be the NO. 1 I wish that ji jin hee and other cast can visit the PHILIPPINES.
Comment by tess — January 6, 2006 @ 12:15 pm
I really love “jewel in the palace”. The story, the characters, the place, and everything in the novel makes it wonderful. Im so amazed! Lee Young-Ae is such a beautiful lady and Ji Jin-Hee, “you’re the man!”.
Comment by lyncel — January 6, 2006 @ 2:15 pm
I really love “jewel in the palace”. The story is amazing I can believe that it really happen during the 16th century of Joseon dynasty.It touches the heart and even cry.I love the characters,WONDERFUL………..
Comment by mimi — January 9, 2006 @ 2:36 pm
Brillian acting are played in this dorama!!!love all the characters too much!!!i just wanna say great acting!!!hope they can come to indonesia!!!
Comment by devi — January 11, 2006 @ 9:02 am
superb performance…. it made us realized that great acting comes from a well-crafted story. the actors and actress were simply adorable.
Comment by joie — January 11, 2006 @ 5:21 pm
Very Nice
Comment by val — January 15, 2006 @ 1:14 am
i like the movie and the cast specially the role of jang geum,lady han and madam jung ang yun sang
Comment by sayago,karla — January 15, 2006 @ 2:30 pm
The best role a man could ever have in the drama was the role of Ji Jin hee as Min Jung ho!!! It’s simply the best! I love everything about him.
Comment by hannah — January 25, 2006 @ 3:23 pm
Dont miss jin jin hee mayroon syang bagong drama series nasa kabilang chanel the tittle is( srping day) kapalit ng only you.
Comment by gretchen — January 26, 2006 @ 4:04 pm
I love you ….JI JIN HEE……….hope to see you in person…take care…….
Comment by mherce — February 3, 2006 @ 12:12 pm
He has shown such a great love in the story. He acted the way that I guess many women would have wanted their men to show a love like that in real life. No matter what happened, he stood by the one he loves even in the darkest of time and even when his heart was weak. He always have that understanding looks in his eyes. It’s like he’s got this overwhelming feelings inside but just showed them through his eyes. Without saying anything, they both understand each other. I was very impressed.
Totally love the work.
Comment by Nui — February 19, 2006 @ 10:18 pm
OH! I’VE NEVER SEEN SUCH AS DRAMA BEFORE IT MADE ME SHOCK THANKS TO MAKE IT . I LOVE YOU LEE YOUNG AE, JI JIN. YOUR ROLES ARE EXCELLENT .I WISH YOU SUCCESS
Comment by MISS UMIDA — February 20, 2006 @ 2:24 pm
i’m crazy ’bout lee young ae and ji jin hee. i love you so much min jio (ji jin hee).
Comment by betsy vevyola — February 21, 2006 @ 4:03 pm
two thumbs up!!! what a cool movie..ji jin hee, visit indonesia please..
Comment by hna — March 8, 2006 @ 6:09 pm
Man, I’m so crazy in love with you now Jin Hee. Even while I’m reading all the comments that people have on you, my heart beats fast. I love your acting in Dea Jang Guem, i love everything about Min Jung Ho’s charater. I really wish that the true love like your’s in the story really exists in real life. Well, some people say that my brother looks a lot like you….like you, love you and adore you very much. Looking forward to wathching your new plays.
Comment by Nisss — March 9, 2006 @ 1:42 am
I love you Jin Hee
Comment by Nisss — March 9, 2006 @ 1:45 am
ANG GANDA NG JEWEL…………………SANA PUMUNTA HERE SA PHIL. LHAT NG CAST NILA
Comment by ANDREA — March 25, 2006 @ 11:28 pm
oh,i am so greatifull to you all for such kind of roles.i have never seen such as drama.i am from tajikistan,i began to learn your language as soon as i saw you Lee Yaung and you Ji Jin.I HOPE,THAT YOU SHOULD WRITE ME.GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by maggie — April 7, 2006 @ 3:57 pm
Completed the series in less than 2 weeks… great story, good casts… Felt really touched when Young ae & Jin Hee comes together in the show.
Funny NGs too… Hope to see more of these kinda stories, movies or dramas from the both of ya’.
Comment by J LEW — April 8, 2006 @ 2:33 pm
I had refused to watch this show for a couple of time. Finially, start to watch with U-channel and got caught instantly. Got caught because of all the story line, then the motherly love, then the beautiful ladies, the unique charaters. And the least expectedly, the romance,…. the charm of Ji Jin Hee as Min Jung Ho. Very well played and very well scripted. A show that will certainly lasts in many memories.
Comment by mabel — April 10, 2006 @ 3:00 pm
your so cute capitan. im just joking!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Secret — April 19, 2006 @ 12:06 pm
Hello Jin, i am watching jewel in the palace every night. your costume is so cute like you… Take Care!!!!!!!!
Comment by G. — April 19, 2006 @ 2:16 pm
min jung ho…saranghae..no tu chuae… min junga….
Comment by ety — May 10, 2006 @ 2:03 pm
I love Min Jung Ho’s character in Dae Jang Guem because of his coolness, amorousness, faithfulness. Furthermore, actor Ji Jin Hee is so wonderful as Min Jung Ho. Min Jung Ho and Ji Jin Hee, I love two of you both in the movie and real life.
Comment by Jenifer_Nguyen — May 21, 2006 @ 12:38 am
Ji Jin Hee and Lee Young Ae make a great Daddy and Mommy.. or Appa or Omma.. hehe
Comment by Vina — May 29, 2006 @ 7:09 pm
The whole family love the series Jewel in the Palace. We watch it every night. We also record it so that we can watch it the 2nd, 3rd times.
Comment by Ligaya — June 4, 2006 @ 3:18 pm
i wonder if ji jin hee ever fell for lee young ae. they will make a good couple for sure..
Comment by morgan — June 14, 2006 @ 5:10 pm
The best korean drama i have seen.
Comment by allen — June 22, 2006 @ 9:44 am
It is Korea drama of extreme popularity in Japan.
I watched this drama, too and knew ji jin hee and came to like you. I am wonderful.
The reason why a Japanese formal fan club is established will be that it is popular.
Comment by nao — June 23, 2006 @ 1:57 pm
so beautiful.very nice story
Comment by nymp — June 27, 2006 @ 5:48 pm
After watching the drama…I really luv Ji Jin Hee. He is so very handsome and cool man!
Comment by cindy — June 30, 2006 @ 3:23 pm
lee young Ae is really grt..i love u soo much
u r so pure n innocent..u n choi ji woo r real stars …hope to develop more n more with succes in ur profess.life n …(i love u all///thanks 4 enjoying us,,,nice beard ji jin…u look grt n natirall( a real nobleman)
“)
Comment by lidya(lili) — August 18, 2006 @ 6:51 am
i love Jewel in the palace very much
Ji Jin Hee is really a gentle man
Lee Young Ae is really a princess
Comment by dody — August 23, 2006 @ 4:17 am
I love Ji Jin Hee sooooooooo much
I love Lee Young Ae very very much
Comment by dody — August 23, 2006 @ 4:22 am
MY favorite show
Comment by Zerochief — September 11, 2006 @ 4:48 am
min jung ho is the kind of character that i wish exist in real life. you did really well here! hope to see more of your works in future
Comment by smilewah — November 10, 2006 @ 11:47 pm
hi, I very like you, because you acting in jewel in the palace is very good.
in your character as ming jung ho is very good. I hope, I wiil meet you and lee young ae. thank you
Comment by Ratih saputri — February 26, 2007 @ 5:53 pm
hello
I am nilofar . i am living in iran . i am loking film daejanggeum. it very butifull. thanks bye
Comment by nilofar — March 6, 2007 @ 7:48 pm
this is good!!!!!!
Comment by cha xiong — May 1, 2007 @ 12:19 am
love u ji jin hee, u r excellent, your acting is perfect
Comment by yasmin — June 7, 2007 @ 2:10 pm
hi to all of the iranian in this web
Comment by amir — July 7, 2007 @ 5:24 am
I’m a big fan of Mr. Ji Jin Hee. He’s so cool!!!
Comment by karim — August 30, 2007 @ 5:28 pm
wonderful acting
Comment by mehrsa — September 22, 2007 @ 5:51 pm
Ang gwapo tlaga ni Ji Jin Hee. D best ka. Lgi kong pnapanood ang mga palabas mo tulad ng Jewel in the Palace, Ms. Kim’s Million Dollar Quest at 100th Bride. Sana makita ko ikaw sa personal at bumisita kayo sa Philippines. I love you so much!!!
Comment by Anette de Leon — October 7, 2007 @ 9:15 am
Words can’t describe how much i love the character of Min Jung Ho. Kudos to Ji Jin Hee. Hope to meet you and Jang Geum as well…:) Love your acting so much..
Comment by nani — November 8, 2007 @ 4:35 pm
cook guzel bi dizii..we sizi cook sewiyorum.oynamış oldugunuz karakter de superr..
Comment by haticegul — April 15, 2008 @ 8:46 pm
sizi cok seviyorummm..dizi super!
dizi de ki oynamış oldugunuz karakter de ole..
Comment by haticegul — April 15, 2008 @ 8:48 pm
i like very much this serial and i like lee yug ae and ji jin hee becouse your acting is perfect andvery nice.plz send me id and wallpaper.i watch evey sunday this serial.i love u lee yug ae.
Comment by maya prajapati — September 8, 2008 @ 5:07 pm
Hello, hola, sziasztok!!!!!:P
Nekem eza sorozat nagyon tetszikk, és álltalában kevesen ismerik, de sztem nagyon jó…nem csak Amerikai, és angol, francia, orosz, és német, hanem egy kicsit Dél-Kóreát is kell képviselni:D
Comment by Kincső — September 9, 2008 @ 10:33 pm
Hello,
I am a Hungarian girl, and I like to look at it very much the Jang Geum
Comment by Kincső — September 9, 2008 @ 10:39 pm
msn:kincs5@windowslive.com
byby
viszlát, hola
konicsiváxd
viszlát:P
Hungary
Kincső
Comment by Kincső — September 9, 2008 @ 10:42 pm
hellow hungarian girl! im lean. nice to meet you!
Comment by Parantar — October 17, 2008 @ 9:46 pm