Joo Ji-hoon makes his comeback in sageuk film
by javabeans
Joo Ji-hoon‘s first project out of army duty was supposed to be the musical Dr. Zhivago, but he backed out due to health reasons. (Rehearsal strained his vocal cords; he was replaced by Jo Seung-woo.) After a bit of rest, he’s announced that he’s on a sageuk film instead, called I Am the King.
(Seriously, movie-title-deciders? We have Lee Byung-heon’s I Am the Joseon King, Ha Ji-won’s The King, and now this?)
The movie centers around a fictionalization of the youth of King Sejong the Great, in the years before he was king. The plot depicts him swapping places with a beggar (a literal prince and pauper scenario) in order to experience life as a commoner firsthand. The role will have him playing two roles, although justifying running across a beggar who just happens to look exactly like you (in the absence of birth secrets and hidden babies) will probably require some hefty suspension of disbelief.
Presumably Sejong’s travails make up the experiences that would shape him as he later ruled as one of Korea’s most well-regarded monarchs. King Sejong is always a popular figure in literature and film, but the recent popularity of Tree With Deep Roots, which followed his work in inventing the hangul alphabet, ought to add interest to this project.
This’ll be Joo Ji-hoon’s first project since 2009’s Naked Kitchen, after which he was busted for drug use (ketamine and ecstasy), dropped like a hot potato from his upcoming projects, and went into the army to spend a quiet two years. And behold the cleansing powers of army duty — one stint and all is well again. (In that regard, he’s lucky he hadn’t done it yet; had he already fulfilled the service requirement, it’s likely he would’ve found his path to image rehab much rockier. But the army has an interesting equalizing effect that, in Joo’s case, means a blessing and a second chance.)
I Am the King plans to finish casting soon, and will begin filming shortly.
Via Star News
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Tags: Joo Ji-hoon
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1 Mama J
January 19, 2012 at 10:40 AM
MAJOR SPAZZING GOING ON HERE
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Cynthia
January 19, 2012 at 11:14 AM
LOL
I'm telling Rain that you're cheating on him - AGAIN!!
(Why he continues to put up with a shameless hussy is beyond me...)
:)
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Mama J
January 19, 2012 at 1:06 PM
I'm not quite sure I understand what you are getting at, Cynthia. My husband understands that I will have a soft spot for my first love and that I'm merely expressing my happiness at his success. And anyway! Our love transcends these petty dramas! So there!
(Goong took my KDrama cherry...seems like a life time ago. I did have a crush on Ji Hoon but man...once I saw my guy it was all over.)
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Barbara Starks
January 19, 2012 at 5:00 PM
OMG, he took mines too it was one of the most exhausting nights of my life, 48 hours with no sleep. Back, Neck, Thighs all sore from being in so many positions and when it was over I was happy and satisfy but it didn’t take long be I start to feel that throbbing sweet ache deep in the pit of your soul. That had me making that embarrassing AM-Addiction search at 2:00am for the latest upload of K-drama.
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Nicole
January 24, 2012 at 8:18 PM
Ha LOL well said.
momche
January 20, 2012 at 6:14 AM
i am thankful that we have a principle known as repentance. i am thankful as people we are willing to forgive. admitted JJH made a mistake as a youth.he suffered gravely because of that mistake.maybe the army is the best way to achieve serious repentance. maybe he learned humility and maturity since then.its obvious he was forgiven by some and given a chance to start over again.lets be happy for him.to forgive is to forget so why bring up the past.i welcome him back and wish him well. i am not a fan really just one who feels happy for others good chances.
momche
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2 danna
January 19, 2012 at 10:41 AM
HE's back!!!!!!!!!!!! I wanna see him in a drama after this
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Bengbeng
January 20, 2012 at 7:43 AM
me too!!! i really want to see him in small screen again =)
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3 langdon813
January 19, 2012 at 10:52 AM
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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4 T.
January 19, 2012 at 10:58 AM
he looks so different
:o
I'm glad he's back
Its been too long
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5 Tani
January 19, 2012 at 11:00 AM
I love him. I don't know why I love him, after such a long time of Not being there, but I simpley love him! :) hope he plays in a drama soon. He's one of the best (young)korean actors-> My opinion!! :))
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6 Mystisith
January 19, 2012 at 11:07 AM
Is it politically correct to say there are too many Kings down here these days ?
The story reminds me of the Siddharta's heroic journey : Fleeing the palace to discover the meaning of life. Will it be realistic or fantasy like ?
I hope he has solved his health problem. I' m all for second chances, so good luck.
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7 ninji
January 19, 2012 at 11:11 AM
Whoa. Has it been 2 years already? Time sure flies by.
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matinsoleil
January 19, 2012 at 1:00 PM
Exactly, I feel like he entered the army like six months ago! But i'm not going to complain! Welcome back Ji-Hoon ^^
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8 zoe
January 19, 2012 at 11:20 AM
YaY! Uri Jeonha back as Wang kekeke~
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9 gaeinalee
January 19, 2012 at 11:23 AM
YAY!!!!! Finally, Jihoon is coming back to noona.. ^^
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10 Maricel
January 19, 2012 at 11:38 AM
Omg!!!! I love this news...i have been waiting for so long!!! I was so sad when he left Dr Zhivago, but now this is so great!!!
Joo Ji Hoon boshipda!!!! :)
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11 kopytko
January 19, 2012 at 11:52 AM
Now I know I WILL watch a sageuk. Huh. That is an argument for, isn't it?
Welcome back, JJH!
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12 lilypunk
January 19, 2012 at 11:55 AM
wow... that army duty's a magical thing alright. i really should watch the devil already.
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13 HeadsNo2
January 19, 2012 at 11:56 AM
Anything about King Sejong is a winner in my book!
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lenrasoon
January 19, 2012 at 12:52 PM
hahaha me too, thanks to TWDR.
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Tha
January 19, 2012 at 8:06 PM
Right! Learning Korean history through its drama is a plus! But I'm still not over "the king" of TWDR yet! I'm not sure if anyone will top him! What an awesome portray.
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Ruthie
January 19, 2012 at 9:41 PM
looking for a super like button for your comment!!!
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14 Laeah
January 19, 2012 at 12:05 PM
Yes!
Joo Ji Hoon
+
Joo Ji Hoon in hanbok again
=
SO EFFIN HAPPY
I missed you! :)
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Bluefyre
January 19, 2012 at 12:20 PM
Couldn't agree more!
He is awesome :)
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15 annsue
January 19, 2012 at 1:08 PM
been waiting for his comeback...
He's one of the best actors around.
I can settle for a film starring him for now but I also hope to see more of him on tv.
Soooo Excited!!!!
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16 Cam
January 19, 2012 at 1:46 PM
(claps) Bravoooo ~ Welcome baaack, Joo Ji Hoo.....Long time no see. Time flies by! How impressive.
I expect that he will work hard as a actor for his new film & get his future awards, of course! HWAITING! \^__^/
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17 Christina
January 19, 2012 at 2:11 PM
One of his eyelids looks different from the other making him look tired...
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kopytko
January 19, 2012 at 2:31 PM
I thought it was a plastic surgery gone a bit wrong. I know I am a monster LOL
BTW It were his eyes that made JJH so attractive to me, so I paid attention to that picture, too.
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paula253
January 19, 2012 at 4:02 PM
take a look at some older pics of him ~~ same. It's just that with very short hair, it's more obvious. Almost no one has perfectly symmetrical eyes, and he is no different. ^^ i'm glad to see his eyes are actually a little bit off -- i.e., he's actually a human being, not a plastic surgery specimen.
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Zeffir
January 21, 2012 at 4:56 PM
yes, the haircut makes him look very diferent, I vote for him to get bangs again :)
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Laeah
January 19, 2012 at 4:06 PM
No, they've always been that way. It's just more noticeable in some pictures than others.
I love his eyes. I don't care about the unevenness because no one has perfect eyes.
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lily
January 19, 2012 at 9:48 PM
Kang Dong Won's eyes are the same, him and JJH both have one eye with single eyelid and one eye with double eyelid. I think it may be the same eye too that has the double eyelid too for both, the left eye. Hmm, there maybe a few other actors I've noticed this about too, can't remember right now.
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kopytko
January 20, 2012 at 2:46 AM
Maybe they went to the same suregon? ;)
*just jokin, just joking*
18 apqaria
January 19, 2012 at 3:24 PM
I thought he will appear in the same movie "I Am the Joseon King" with LBH o_0
Too many kings these days :) They surely need to change the title.
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19 curiousme
January 19, 2012 at 3:32 PM
I wonder who will be his female lead since he had a "bad" background (being involved in a drug case). Some actresses tend to stay away from some actors with "bad reputation". Hoping that they get a good actress to be his counterpart in this project.
Anyway welcome back Joo Ji Hoon.
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Laeah
January 19, 2012 at 4:07 PM
I think it will be fine. More celebs in Korea have come back from drug use than you think. It's not honestly a big deal as long as they repent.
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20 celestialorigin
January 19, 2012 at 3:45 PM
Welcome back <3<3<3
So happy to see him back and restored^^
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21 Maki
January 19, 2012 at 3:52 PM
awesome! i feel like he's been M.I.A since forever.
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22 Ahjumma
January 19, 2012 at 4:16 PM
I never comment on blogs but this just got me too excited -- LOVE this guy
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23 nokcha
January 19, 2012 at 4:51 PM
I'm thrilled. I think he's one of the few model/idol/singer-turned-actor that actually has a talent for acting. Or at least killer come hither charisma.....However, spare me on the shower scenes. Dude is just too skinny. I'll take the tummy rubbing in a tight space with the light falling just so on a rainy day.....
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24 hanie
January 19, 2012 at 5:00 PM
OPPA!!!!! *squee like a crazy fangirl*
Welcome back.
Yay for new movie, cant wait.
I watched Antique Bakery so much I already remember the lines..
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25 Rita
January 19, 2012 at 5:00 PM
Jihun is my one and only favorite, my numero uno favorite above any other one. Whatever project he does, I will follow and support him. Now that his new project is a movie, it gives me even a bigger chance to see him on the big screen over at my neighborhood theater - CGV Cinemas if it will be shown in one of the theaters.
Jihun is one excellent actor and his fans like me remains loyal and faithful to him.
Jihun - fighting!
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26 Aya
January 19, 2012 at 5:43 PM
lol, korea dun care bout celebs taking drugs anymore anyway
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Jae-Hwa
January 19, 2012 at 6:16 PM
Your totally wrong. Anyways hope he learned his lesson.
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27 Thee
January 19, 2012 at 6:27 PM
Wow... when i looked at the title of this article and I saw Joo Ji-Hoon.. i was like "that sounds familiar" after 2 second... "yayyy its Shin in Goong" and i'm so so so happy. Believe that this article make my day?? btw, i will be more than happy to see him in a drama this year!!
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28 Jea
January 19, 2012 at 6:36 PM
wow! Miss him so much!! Glad to see him again...
but, isn't the plot quite similar with Lee Byung Hun's 'I am the Joseon King'?
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29 Renshukki
January 19, 2012 at 7:07 PM
King Sejong
Seems to be the most popular king in Korean Dramas
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30 Lady SeoUl
January 19, 2012 at 7:55 PM
I'm excited. Glad he's back and stays clean!
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31 ar
January 19, 2012 at 8:01 PM
Word on the movie-title-deciders! I feel like people should make their movie titles easier to google and find relevant information about it. I'm a bit iffy about him choosing this role. Song Joong Ki and Han Suk Kyu are still pretty fresh in my mind as King Sejong. While King Sejong is a favorite with everyone, I feel like he should do a more endearing sitcom-y role for his comeback.
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32 Song Harin
January 19, 2012 at 8:34 PM
Aaaahhhhh! Yay! he's back!!!!!! i want him to play with park shin hye! i want to see how they would pair up...especially in a saguek drama! OMG! He's still so hot!!! ^_^
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33 Francesca Sophia
January 19, 2012 at 9:05 PM
I loved him in Goong! =) I hope to see him in a drama soon!
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34 olsen
January 19, 2012 at 9:12 PM
OHHHH MYYYYY GOSHHH!
Best news EVER!
Am so following this drama even if it's a sageuk.
I've missed you handsome!
<3<3<3
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35 canxi
January 19, 2012 at 9:17 PM
I'm excited to see him again. :}
I don't like saeguk dramas really, but saeguk movies are always interesting (maybe because they end in two hours) so I'm looking forward to this. He's a really good actor. I liked him in the Naked Kitchen and Antique Bakery.
Now, all I have to do is wait for my baby Kim Nam Gil to come out of military service TT___TT
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36 meia
January 19, 2012 at 9:30 PM
this news makes me giddy! welcome back Joo Ji Hoon!
i've been re-watching Mawang in anticipation for his army-comeback project. :)
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37 Viki
January 19, 2012 at 11:16 PM
I hope he doesn't do anything stupid again!!! oh shame...missed him so much...last i saw him was actually antique bakery hehehe...
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38 neener
January 20, 2012 at 12:57 AM
HE'S BACK!!!!! I missed him!! too bad it's not a drama but still seeing him on the acting scene again is a blessing!!
welcome back Joo Ji-hoon!!
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39 Maria
January 20, 2012 at 2:00 AM
Thank you keyeast, treat him well
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40 Bergornia
January 20, 2012 at 2:47 AM
thanks JB,
Welcome back Joo Ji Hoon !!
Joo Ji Hoon, hope you would be able to show your
acting skill once more and best of luck to your sageuk
film. You look good as Prince Shin in Goong.
Awesome choice Mr Joo Ji Hoon !.
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41 Pela
January 20, 2012 at 4:05 AM
Wow, he has cleaned up and gone clean cut.
I remember before the army he took grungy bohemian to 'Mary Stayed Out All Night' extremes.
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42 Diana Hansen
January 20, 2012 at 9:00 AM
i really hope he has matured and will do well on his return. he caught my heart in goong and i have been looking for his return.
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43 Ashley
January 20, 2012 at 10:54 AM
I'm glad he's coming back. I always liked him.
And damn, he is the definition of what you guys were talking about on the last podcast. Went to the army a boy, came back a man.
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44 DB5K
January 20, 2012 at 10:54 AM
Considering how even marijuana use is considered a MAJOR offense in Korea, I'm surprised that he's able to make a comeback in just two years after he was caught using and dealing KETAMINE and ECSTASY.
I was already disappointed enough when I heard that he was associated with hard core drugs, but I was even MORE disappointed when I found out that he was DEALING drugs. Like, did he really have to help other people get drugs, too? People who think that drug use is an occasional recreational activity and nothing to be concerned about are sadly ignorant. People don't know/care that their pleasure is at the cost of human lives and political stability. It also disappoints me that some fans just gloss over his misdoings and just blindly support him because OMG he was so hot in Goong. I understand those feelings/mentality because I also want to see him in movies/dramas. However, my opinion of him has changed and will remain so until he proves himself. There are no third chances with me in the case of drug use.
I'm curious to see how the rest of his career pans out since he's banned from appearing on public broadcasting stations MBC and KBS. I didn't think he would be able to make a comeback in two years, but he's such a popular actor, and a good one too, that I should have known he would still be in high demand.
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Lenita
January 20, 2012 at 12:31 PM
the court only convicted him of use, and after serving his very short time, he's cleared of charges. you have evidence of trafficking?
slander is as much a danger to political stability as drug trafficking. *shrugs*
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Laeah
January 21, 2012 at 1:02 PM
He never trafficked anything. Some other not so famous stars did that. Maybe you are getting confused?
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45 Carinne
January 20, 2012 at 11:55 AM
The boy does look good in royal drapes. Looking forward to this. I only wish there will be a juicy romance in the making. I need something as moving as Princess Hours romance, not necessarily with YEH again. The boy has a great jawline and neckline when he tilts his face for kiss scenes. So alluring. The plus is that he looks like a good kisser. kkk~
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46 Rita
January 20, 2012 at 12:08 PM
Jihun is my number one favorite and he is an excellent actor. He is on the right path now and I am sure will back on top after this movie. I just wish he will do a drama again and I hope the ban by TV stations will be lifted soon. A project with Eun Hye is what I await and I know thousands out there also wish to see the Goong couple in another project. Their chemistry jumps out of the screen!
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47 Lenita
January 20, 2012 at 12:21 PM
oh how time flies. is he out yet? and is this a recent photo? he looks slurpy goood but somehow younger? i guess he wasn't looking to pretty when he went in.
anyway, i'll be wathing out for this one.
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48 Nicole
January 20, 2012 at 1:17 PM
OMG!!! He still looks as good as he did when he got me addicted to Kdramas! When I say my first Kdrama love, my hubby knows exactly who I am talking about. I can't wait to see him acting. I hope he does a romance drama after this one too. Can't find a leading lady....Just give me a call. :)
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49 SuziQ
January 21, 2012 at 12:08 AM
Too many titles with "KING".So unimaginative. Can't they come up with a more kicky original title?
He has stay out of trouble for 2 years. Hopefully, he has wised up to not do drugs. You do the crime, you do the time. He might no be so lucky if there is a next time.
So happy that he is back in a new film, and hopefully the different stations will lift the ban soon.He will make a HOT to Trot young King Sejong.
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50 Sate Ayam
January 21, 2012 at 8:25 AM
I've watched all his dramas and movies and I never felt disappointed on his acting. Looking forward to see this one soon.
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