"Jjanggu" Jung Woo recalls his first audition: "Acting in front of Director Jang Hang-jun... I choked up."

*This content was translated by AI.

"Chang-gu" director and actor Jung Woo revealed that he incorporated his own story into the film.

On the 16th, a press screening for the movie "Crayon Shin-chan" was held at CGV Yongsan i-Park Mall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Actors Jung Woo, Jung Soo-jung, Shin Seung-ho, Jo Beom-gyu, Kwon So-hyun, and director Oh Sung-ho attended the event and shared various stories.

"Jjanggu" is a lively and passionate drama about the audition genius "Jjanggu" (played by Jung Woo), who, despite being knocked down and frustrated time and again, endures and rises with the single dream of becoming an actor.

Sixteen years after "Baram," "Jjanggu" returns to the screen. Actor Jung Woo and director Oh Seong-ho have reunited for "Jjanggu," bringing back a youth icon who once defined an era. "Jjanggu" is a work depicting the survival story of a 20-something Jjanggu who stepped out of the school fence into the world, set in the 2000s.

Director Oh Seong-ho, making his directorial debut, said, "I'm excited and nervous to present my first mainstream film." Co-director Jung Woo added, "I thought I was used to such occasions from my acting career, but I'm still feeling excited and nervous. I hope you'll look kindly on us."

He added, "While filming, there can be various physical challenges and pressures. However, I found it incredibly enjoyable. In a difficult film market, having the opportunity to work on this project was something I was grateful for. I was also thankful that my story could be brought to life on screen, so I approached each day with joy and happiness while shooting."

Jung Woo, a Busan-born aspiring actor, portrays Jjang-gu, depicting a youth who refuses to give up on dreams despite facing the harsh realities of life. Through realistic daily-life acting and his unique human charm, he vividly brings to life Jjang-gu's journey—awkward yet cheerful—in a more three-dimensional manner.

He said, "I introduced the character 'Jjanggu' in 'Wind,' which was a meaningful role in my acting career. In fact, since I was two or three years old, my real nickname was Jjanggu. While acting in 'Wind,' I often thought of my father, and the same was true for this new project. Anyway, it was personally refreshing to play the Jjanggu character again after 16 years. I hope the audience will feel the same warmth."

Jung Woo said that while he infused personal stories into "Crush," he noted, "This work originated from my own experiences, so I have unique emotions attached to it. However, I cannot say that all the characters in the film are based on real people." He further explained, "Especially a character like Min Hee (played by Jung Soo-jung) was drawn with the feeling of being every man's ideal."

He added, "Other characters are roles based on people I have experienced directly or indirectly ·," and noted, "The actual swimming scenes were performed while recalling the time I auditioned for 'Silmi-do,' and some of the monologues in the film were drawn from my free acting at that time." He further remarked, "While my personal experiences served as the foundation, the story was adapted for cinematic purposes."

Additionally, the actor shared, "While filming, I had many thoughts. My first movie audition was for a work by Director Jang Hang-jun. Trying to audition in front of the director made my heart swell with emotion," adding that they experienced a complex mix of feelings.

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*This content was translated by AI.