Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ji Woo Jung. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ji Woo, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
As an actor, my love for stages has been a constant companion since my youth. The allure of spotlights has always captivated me, and witnessing my friends, or any audience, relishing my stage presence has been a source of immense joy. Throughout my performances, friends and family often remarked on the myriad of facial expressions I exhibited, a sentiment particularly cherished by my mom. The journey toward becoming an actor began with a transformative experience during a musical in elementary school. This ignited a passion that led me to apply to arts high schools in middle school. The Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan became the starting point for my acting endeavors. Subsequently, I pursued a deeper understanding of my craft at NYU, solidifying my commitment to the world of acting.
In the contemporary landscape, we are confronted with a myriad of career choices, and the abundance of accessible information empowers us to pursue our passions. My dedication to acting deepened during my two-year service in the Korean military. Daily reflections during training compelled me to contemplate my life’s purpose post-service, with the physical challenges reinforcing the necessity for logical and flawless thoughts regarding my passion for acting. Despite the arduous path, my tenacity solidified, and acting emerged as the singular path I was determined to tread.
The ongoing pursuit of my acting aspirations is a lifelong journey. The time spent in the Korean military only fortified my commitment, reminding me that the path to greatness in acting is neither simple nor finite. I am currently in the perpetual process of achieving this lifetime goal, understanding that the journey itself is as crucial as the destination.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My journey as an actor is a testament to my tenacity and unwavering perseverance. Delving into the realms of theater and film, my recent projects, such as the film “Sunkissed Sky” and the play “Wyoming” directed by Caroline Neff, reflect not only my dedication to the craft but also my ability to navigate the multifaceted landscape of storytelling.
Collaborating with diverse artists, from lighting and costume designers to the director of photography, brings me profound joy in the creative process. The simultaneous interplay of order and chaos among everyone involved generates an excitement that transcends any other experience, imprinting a unique moment in time.
I take pride in my commitment to authenticity, continuous growth, and evolving not just as an actor but as an individual contributing to the rich tapestry of storytelling. Beyond the stage and screen, my ventures extend to music videos and commercials, where I’ve embraced challenges and contributed to notable projects like the commercial for MSCHF and Crocs’ ‘Yellow Boots’ and the music video “Vibe” by the new artist Hondo.
One aspect that sets me apart is my dedication to learning and evolving, not only as an actor but as an artist who embraces new challenges and opportunities. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to recognize my versatility, authenticity, and resilience in the face of obstacles. Through each project, I aim to leave an indelible mark, and my journey as an actor is characterized by the tenacity and perseverance that define both my craft and who I am as a person.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
My journey as an actor reflects a significant chapter of resilience, illuminated by a memorable audition experience for the feature film adaptation of the Japanese animation ‘Akira,’ directed by the renowned Taika Waititi. This opportunity held a unique promise for Asian teenagers to secure prominent roles.
Upon discovering the casting call, my friend Zero and I embarked on a creative endeavor, crafting a compelling YouTube video to showcase why we were the perfect fit for the main roles. A stunt coordinator, recognized for contributions to projects like John Wick, expressed confidence in our abilities and provided links for submitting our audition tapes to the project’s website.
Despite our dedicated efforts in filming the audition tapes, dissatisfaction loomed. In a bold move, I chose to part with a cherished watch, a gift from my father for graduation, to finance a trip to Los Angeles with the sole aim of meeting the casting director, Debra Zane, in person. Simultaneously, Zero committed his savings to secure a ticket for the journey.
However, on the day of our anticipated trip to LA, we were met with a disheartening revelation—a news article announced the cancellation of the production of Akira. Despite the disappointment, we decided to cope with the stress by riding electric bicycles, mirroring the main characters in the movie. In an unexpected twist, Zero, unaware of his limited cycling skills, hopped on an electric bike, resulting in a fall and the breaking of both arms.
Faced with financial constraints, we opted for an Uber to the emergency room, marking a memorable yet challenging outcome of our resilient venture. Despite setbacks, this experience underscored the unpredictable nature of risk and the unwavering resilience required in the pursuit of artistic aspirations. In retrospect, it stands as a unique and transformative chapter in my artistic journey, showcasing the resilience that defines both my craft and who I am as a person.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Undoubtedly, my creative journey is propelled by a profound belief in the power of performing arts to connect people on an intimate and emotional level. I view performing arts as an opportunity to share what we hold inside, a vulnerable and deeply personal experience. It involves breaking through the innate survival instinct to protect and not share, making it a bold and fierce endeavor. In the grand scheme, our time is finite, and the essence of our desires often centers around emotional and personal connections. This, I believe, is why holidays and theatrical performances hold such significance—we seek to celebrate and share our intimacy.
As a performing artist, this is not just a seasonal pursuit but a daily commitment. Opening up every day demands confidence and tenacity. I hold immense admiration for fellow performing artists who continually dedicate themselves to sharing fragments of their lives. My mission is to find enduring joy in the ease of expressing intimacy, making it a seamless part of my daily performance. Through interpreting characters and reflecting my personal insights, I aim to draw closer to the audience by forging meaningful connections. Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to the celebration of shared human experiences through the art of performance.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @jiwoojung1107
- Email: [email protected]