[article-3] Jang Keun Suk “Love? ‘Asia Princess’ hasn’t appeared yet”

Original source: OSEN
English translation: Wen Lee from ECI
Edited by tenshi_akuma

Jang Keun Suk, who turns 30 this year, is actually an experienced actor and singer. He has been already working for 25 years in the entertainment industry. In his life as an artist, there were happiness and also difficulties which were many more times than others.
Because of his job, even one word or an instant facial expression would be recorded. It must be stressful. However, in today’s interview, JKS spoke in a detached tone. In addition, he shared his thoughts on love and ‘so-called Hosei (bluff) Keun-Suk’, showing his honesty as a ‘masked artist’.

– You debuted 25 years ago. In the entertainment industry, when was the hardest time for you?
It was after the Tokyo Dome concert. I set a goal of going mainstream in Japan market within 10 years. I made it to hold a concert at Tokyo Dome in 9 years. After Tokyo Dome concert, my brain suddenly stopped working. The reason why I had been working insistently was to achieve the goal, but as it was realized, I couldn’t find my next goal. For 6 months, I stayed home and didn’t go anywhere, I switched off my phone. But time was probably good therapy, I started to became curious about the world again. Before that, I had pushed myself to my limit. People need rest. But I seemed to have made a mistake by working nonstop all the time. That’s why an error occurred in my brain I guess. I couldn’t understand how people get depression, but at the time I thought I could understand it. Since then, I have learnt the importance in the distribution of my time. I play when I play, work when I work, rest when I rest. In fact, I like going to temples. I drink tea and eat vegetarian meals with the monks. Please call me ‘Temple Prince’ (laugh).

– Then, when was the happiest time?
I can say now is the happiest as I turn 30. I’m very happy every day. I have very good people by my side, good managers, PR team, family, friends. As to my comeback, they have given me help, gave me courage to persevere. A while ago, I was having dinner with a friend. The TV was showing ‘Produce 101’. The friend said “Oh, you’re an artist?” I replied “I’m not. I’m prince”.

– On the internet, is there any photos or interview you would want to delete?
None at all. I’m satisfied with my life. For example, even funny photos can make people laugh when they see them. That’s ok, isn’t it? I have lived righteously. I’ve been teased for more than 10 years for the underwear advertisement I did, but I don’t care. I used the money I made from that to pay for the 2.2 million won house rental for one year.

– What do you think about the term ‘Hosei (bluff) Keun Suk’?
My growing up pain. In the late teens and early 20s, recently it’s been called ‘8th grade disease’ (tenshi_akuma’s note: In Japan, this term is often used for young adults who are still innocent and rebellious like 8th grade kids. We call it ‘中二病’ Maybe in Korea, they also have the similar expression)? It happens to everyone. So, please don’t just look at mine, but look at your own blog. Maybe it’s funnier than mine? (laugh) I still read mine occasionally. When I’m at home alone, what I like most is searching my tracks. Typing my name in a search engine, and seeing my past concert DVDs or TV dramas, then I came to the conclusion what I want to do in my 30s. If I was a Hallyu star JKS before, I’m prince now. This year, I will be more active locally as well as overseas.

– You would have thoughts of marriage, right? Do you have someone you’re seeing now?
None at all! But I seem to have a girlfriend (laugh). I have a lot of occasions to drink with women. I love partying. I have a good time with my fellow artists and friends in a group. I’m not good at doing several things at once. Once I fall in love, I will focus on it. Now I have to think about JKS foundation and comeback, there won’t be time for it. Due to my age, I need time to rest. But going to meet up in the carpark, picking up and dropping off etc, I don’t think I can handle it. But if the right one appears, I suppose I would do it. But ‘Asia Princess’ still hasn’t appeared yet! (laugh)

– Is there any female stars you would like to date?
As female stars are in the same career field, rather than woman, I feel more of a colleague. In my opinion, I think looking after a female actor is the responsibility of a male actor. She needs to look prettier than I do. If her makeup is messed up, we need to stop filming and let staff touch up her makeup before we continue filming. A female actor needs to look beautiful for me to fall in love with her. If a tofu seller’s daughter is pretty, then I will be fallen in love with her, right? I think women need men’s protection and assistance. Especially female actors.

– What is your ideal type now?
A woman who is loyal and sincere. I think Koreans are very suspicious. Magicians from other countries say Korean audiences are the most difficult. They always think there are some tricks involved. But you don’t have to be suspicious with me. I don’t lie or play around, so there is no reason why I would flirt with a girl. But if I find a girl whom I really like, I would love her sincerely. I will work hard for the sake of peace in Asia. (laugh)

– You seem to prefer long hair. Is it your personal preference?
Actually I want to have my hair cut short. Men don’t like fussing with their hair. But I think it’s best to wait until I can show people through a production. Although I am on a break now, I don’t want to make an issue out of it.

– Singer, DJ, Actor, etc. You have a lot of talent, but which of these is the one you really want to do?
Acting until my death. Although I can’t do everything at once, I’m good at allocating my time. So I also want to continue singing. Singing alone and listening to my own singing alone. If an opportunity offers, I want to sing on stage. I can sing by myself, but acting is not something I can do by myself. Actually, I want to act everyday. But with acting, there is consideration for other actors, producers, schedules. choosing good scripts etc. Actors always have to wait. It’s the same at filming locations.

– Finally, please give us your message.
I want to say to fans, “I love you, please continue to support me.” To the audience who likes seeing TV, “I want you to know JKS is back in the new year for you, please become eels (JKS’ fans) in the quickest way! I will work in handsome and straight forward manner.” [END]