Rain Special Interview: "I'll get married immediately once I meet a girl who I can get along with ease"
16 may 06, Korean Herald
Journalist Gil Hye Seong reports(comet@heraldm.com)
Pictures by Bae Seon-Ji (sunji@heraldm.com)
Credit: biwithrain// jinlees@soompi
Kr to Ch: irbi @ 비withRain
Ch to Eng: Rayndrop
Rain (real name: Jeong Jihun)
Borned on 25 June, 1982, Single, 24. Yet every movement of Rain is not only closely watched by people in Korea, but are also of concern those in many other Asian countries. Just only been four years since he made his debut as a singer, and he has already achieved marvellous results in the Asian entertainment industry.
Since July 2004, he has made an income of US$6 million in the Asian market. In terms of economic value, he can be considered as a "one man enterprise". Rain's fame and value in the Asian market has achieved recognition when he became the first Korean artiste to be chosen as one of "Time 100 Most Influential People". Having returned to Korea on the 10th after attending the Time 100 party held at NY Lincoln Center, Rain accepted Korean Herald's special interview at JYPE, Seoul Cheongdamdong, for our 3rd anniversary special.
First of all, congratulations for making the Time 100 list. How do you feel about being chose, and what left you with the deepest impression at the Time 100 party?
It's like a miracle getting chosen as one of the Time 100. As a Korean, and as an artiste, I am very surprised I got nominated. I also feel a great sense of responsibility. The Time 100 Party was held at 8pm (US time), and I met the US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice; Senator, Hillary Clinton; Jennifer Lopez, P Diddy, Famous producer, Jerry Bruckheimer, Movie guru George Clooney. In particular, I had a long chat with Jerry Bruckheimer. He said the Asian art culture is of very high standard, and suggested we worked together to produce a good piece of work when there is a chance. I was very happy.
We heard that your Asia Concert Tour will start end of this year, consisting of 35 concerts in 11 Asian countries with a total investment of 40 billion won in production fee.
I plan to kick off the Asia Concert Tour at the end of this year after I've released my 4th album in October. This concert tour holds a lot of meaning to me. I guess it will be of the standard of of a global artiste, and it will be my chance to build a firm foundation based on my Asian performances. I'm looking forward to it.
Going beyond Asia and becoming a world-reknown global artiste. What do you think is the force that fuels your rapid growth?
I think it is the credit of serial dramas that allows me an opportunity to show my singing and dancing performances. I'm not handsome but is loveable. That could be one of the reason *laughs*. Most importantly, I try my best to show the real me.
Recently, there have been discussions in Korea about Hallyu losing its effects. What kind of strategy is needed to keep hallyu going on?
Going totally localised is the best strategy. I also feel that close interactions between artistes in Asia are very important as well. As an artiste who goes overseas very often, I feel that the support from my local fans are really important.
You made an income of US$6 million between July 2004 and June 2006
Really? I'm not too clear about these money matters, and not too concerned as well. I think as long as you put your heart in your work, wealth and fame will come naturally.
You started living in Pusan since late March to film Director Pak's "I am a Cyborg, is that ok?" What are your thoughts on this?
It's going to be an interesting movie. You'll be able to see a very different me in this movie. Director Pak is well-known to all as a master in his trade. I have a lot to learn from him when it comes to acting.
There were rumours of "10 billion won contract signing fee". Everybody is very concerned about whether you will continue your contract with JYPE.
I don't think it is time to think about the contract yet. I still put work as number one, as usual.
What are your secrets to relieving stress and maintaining your energy level?
I don't have much stress. When I'm tired, I like to play Starcraft. This invigorates me. And of course, eating well and working out to increase my stamina.
What's your ultimate goal in life?
I want to be a good father who can command respect, just like my father, because family is very important to me. If tomorrow, I meet a girl who can tolerate me when I'm angry, and whom I can tolerate when she is angry, I think will get married immediately. Come to think of it, if I get married, I may work even better (laughs). In my work, once I begin, I work give my best, just like breaking into the US market.
Korean Herald is celebrating our third anniversary. Please say something to our reader.
I will work hard to reach higher, but I will never be proud. I hope the readers of Korean Herald can scale the heights with me. I hope everybody can come watch my concert if you have the time. Thank you for your support.
Journalist Gil Hye Seong reports(comet@heraldm.com)
Pictures by Bae Seon-Ji (sunji@heraldm.com)
Credit: biwithrain// jinlees@soompi
Kr to Ch: irbi @ 비withRain
Ch to Eng: Rayndrop
Rain (real name: Jeong Jihun)
Borned on 25 June, 1982, Single, 24. Yet every movement of Rain is not only closely watched by people in Korea, but are also of concern those in many other Asian countries. Just only been four years since he made his debut as a singer, and he has already achieved marvellous results in the Asian entertainment industry.
Since July 2004, he has made an income of US$6 million in the Asian market. In terms of economic value, he can be considered as a "one man enterprise". Rain's fame and value in the Asian market has achieved recognition when he became the first Korean artiste to be chosen as one of "Time 100 Most Influential People". Having returned to Korea on the 10th after attending the Time 100 party held at NY Lincoln Center, Rain accepted Korean Herald's special interview at JYPE, Seoul Cheongdamdong, for our 3rd anniversary special.
First of all, congratulations for making the Time 100 list. How do you feel about being chose, and what left you with the deepest impression at the Time 100 party?
It's like a miracle getting chosen as one of the Time 100. As a Korean, and as an artiste, I am very surprised I got nominated. I also feel a great sense of responsibility. The Time 100 Party was held at 8pm (US time), and I met the US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice; Senator, Hillary Clinton; Jennifer Lopez, P Diddy, Famous producer, Jerry Bruckheimer, Movie guru George Clooney. In particular, I had a long chat with Jerry Bruckheimer. He said the Asian art culture is of very high standard, and suggested we worked together to produce a good piece of work when there is a chance. I was very happy.
We heard that your Asia Concert Tour will start end of this year, consisting of 35 concerts in 11 Asian countries with a total investment of 40 billion won in production fee.
I plan to kick off the Asia Concert Tour at the end of this year after I've released my 4th album in October. This concert tour holds a lot of meaning to me. I guess it will be of the standard of of a global artiste, and it will be my chance to build a firm foundation based on my Asian performances. I'm looking forward to it.
Going beyond Asia and becoming a world-reknown global artiste. What do you think is the force that fuels your rapid growth?
I think it is the credit of serial dramas that allows me an opportunity to show my singing and dancing performances. I'm not handsome but is loveable. That could be one of the reason *laughs*. Most importantly, I try my best to show the real me.
Recently, there have been discussions in Korea about Hallyu losing its effects. What kind of strategy is needed to keep hallyu going on?
Going totally localised is the best strategy. I also feel that close interactions between artistes in Asia are very important as well. As an artiste who goes overseas very often, I feel that the support from my local fans are really important.
You made an income of US$6 million between July 2004 and June 2006
Really? I'm not too clear about these money matters, and not too concerned as well. I think as long as you put your heart in your work, wealth and fame will come naturally.
You started living in Pusan since late March to film Director Pak's "I am a Cyborg, is that ok?" What are your thoughts on this?
It's going to be an interesting movie. You'll be able to see a very different me in this movie. Director Pak is well-known to all as a master in his trade. I have a lot to learn from him when it comes to acting.
There were rumours of "10 billion won contract signing fee". Everybody is very concerned about whether you will continue your contract with JYPE.
I don't think it is time to think about the contract yet. I still put work as number one, as usual.
What are your secrets to relieving stress and maintaining your energy level?
I don't have much stress. When I'm tired, I like to play Starcraft. This invigorates me. And of course, eating well and working out to increase my stamina.
What's your ultimate goal in life?
I want to be a good father who can command respect, just like my father, because family is very important to me. If tomorrow, I meet a girl who can tolerate me when I'm angry, and whom I can tolerate when she is angry, I think will get married immediately. Come to think of it, if I get married, I may work even better (laughs). In my work, once I begin, I work give my best, just like breaking into the US market.
Korean Herald is celebrating our third anniversary. Please say something to our reader.
I will work hard to reach higher, but I will never be proud. I hope the readers of Korean Herald can scale the heights with me. I hope everybody can come watch my concert if you have the time. Thank you for your support.
posted by Flor at 9:17 PM
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