[article-1] Jang Keun Suk “To promote national pride, but never lose initial heart”

Original source: OSEN
English translation: Hazy Lee from ECI

The real Asia prince is back. Jang Keun Suk who turns 30 this year, appears more mature and presents his real self to everyone. The 2 years in solitude is considered neither long nor short, on the contrary, made him shine brighter and bond closer to his fans.

Parallel to the phrase ‘Asia Prince’, one will relate to his overseas activities speaking of Jang Keun Suk. After ‘Beautiful Man’ was aired on KBS2 TV in 2013, he was not seen locally in Korea, but spent his busy days in China and Japan. Now that he is officially making a comeback, not just his fans, but Jang Keun Suk himself is equally excited.

– How does it feel after initiated making a comeback?
Very excited. Those days I spent overseas had been very lonely, I will especially treasure the precious moments I could spend in my own country, with my friends and colleagues. One can’t help feeling nostalgic, and yearns to be back home. I spent around 1.5 years overseas, the warmth of returning to Korea feels so good. I do have many friends overseas too, but this is the place where my family, staff and childhood friends are and I want to protect them. I miss the place, and miss the people. To promote national pride, but never lose initial heart.

– How did you spend the past 2 years?
Overseas activities, did performance tours in Japan and a show in China. A typical actor would, after filming a drama, venture overseas with this drama with a fresh start, from publicity to shows, remaining organized till the end. That is similar to my character. As I have put in a lot of efforts in the works, I want to see it through till the end. Will do marketing after the publicity activities, and thereafter Jang Keun Suk individual performance tour, leaving very little time in Korea.
I also went to school, and worked hard to obtain my Maters and Doctorate.

– A strong mysterious imagine, drawn closer to the public recently
Am I mysterious? (laugh) I was mostly in school last year, hence did not have much activities. I am able to take on some variety shows now as it is the school holiday. The first being ‘Produce 101’. I am the representative of 101 trainees, who gathered from various entertainment agencies such as JYP, where the audience will cast their votes in the live show to select the final 11. We have done majority of the recording and now left with the live telecast and actual voting.

– Held a lecture last Dec in alma mater Hanyang University. Really love the school
I was able to donate to the school, although I used to give in small amounts since young, but many good things happened after I made the substantial donation. When I was filming a short film in school, about 4 guys who participated as staff in the production came to thank me. I asked the reason. They said “it was bro who paid our school fees”. My thought then “this must be Philanthropy”.

Although I donated to the school, I never know who it will ultimately benefit. They grew up, become filmmakers, and participated in my short film without any remuneration, truly thankful, they did not give up their studies and persevered till graduation, for that, I am deeply touched. [to be continued…]