Today we’d like to introduce you to Ji Woo Jung.
Ji Woo, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
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.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey as an actor has been marked by significant challenges, such as the struggle to cultivate confidence and boldness in speaking truths on stage. This encompasses the ongoing pursuit of finding ease and releasing tensions during performances. Additionally, the quest for roles and job opportunities in the city has proven challenging, reflecting the broader struggles actors often face due to limited opportunities.
However, amidst these hurdles, the bright side shines through the support of friends, colleagues, professors, and family. Their encouragement has played a pivotal role in guiding your path as an actor, bringing me closer to the realization of my dream and passion. Despite the obstacles, my network has been a source of strength and inspiration along this artistic journey.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Engaging in the realms of theater and film, my recent projects encompass the film “Sunkissed Sky,” recognized at the DisOrient Film Festival and CAAMFest, along with “Say Something,” featured at the Hawaii Film Festival and CAAMFest. Additionally, I took part in the play “Wyoming” under the direction of the Jeff Award-winning actress Caroline Neff. My passion for both theater and film extends beyond acting, as collaborating with diverse artists – from lighting and costume designers to the director of photography – brings a profound joy to the creative process. The simultaneous interplay of order and chaos among everyone involved generates an excitement that transcends any other experience.
The collaborative effort in creating a piece, with each person clear about their role, feels like imprinting a unique moment in time. Through this, we learn to appreciate the imperfections of life and reality through the lens of art. Currently, I am navigating a process of finding ease and cultivating a less intense passion, aiming to live in the present moment rather than pushing through emotions. As a young artist and actor, resisting the urge to perfect every scene is a constant challenge, as the desire to satisfy the audience remains strong.
Recently, I ventured into a teaching role as a Suzuki technique teacher in training alongside Robyn Hunt for NYU undergraduates and Columbia graduates. Learning from Robyn, who worked closely with Tadashi Suzuki for over 15 years, revealed Suzuki’s perspective on acting: “Acting is not about emotion but the exhilaration of concentration.” This insight shifted my understanding of actors as interpreters, emphasizing sincerity and sensitivity over mere expressionism. Preparing classes for freshman undergraduates and third-year graduates became a directorial endeavor, allowing me to address my weaknesses as an actor and emphasizing the challenging pursuit of ease on stage, where concentration becomes the crucial tool for a two to two-and-a-half-hour performance.
Beyond stage and screen, my acting ventures extend to music videos and commercials. Notably, I contributed to a commercial for MSCHF and Crocs’ ‘Yellow Boots’ and featured in the music video “Vibe” by the new artist Hondo, where I embraced stunts for the first time.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
My perspective on risk-taking has been profoundly shaped by a memorable experience during my audition for the feature film adaptation of the Japanese animation “Akira.” This opportunity, directed by the renowned Taika Waititi, presented a unique chance for Asian teenagers to secure prominent roles.
Upon learning about the casting call, my friend Zero and I decided to create a YouTube video showcasing why we were the perfect fit for the main roles. A stunt coordinator known for his work on projects like John Wick expressed confidence in us and provided links to submit our audition tapes to the project’s website.
Despite our efforts in filming the audition tapes, we found ourselves unsatisfied with the result. In a bold move, I made the decision to sell a cherished watch that my father had gifted me for graduation. The proceeds funded a trip to Los Angeles with the intention of meeting the casting director, Debra Zane, in person. Simultaneously, Zero utilized his savings to secure a ticket for the journey.
However, on the day of our trip to LA, we discovered an article announcing the cancellation of the production of Akira. Despite the disappointment, we decided to release our stress by riding electric bicycles, mirroring the main characters in the movie. In an unexpected turn, Zero, unaware that he couldn’t ride a bicycle, hopped on an electric bike faster than a normal one, resulting in a fall and the breaking of both arms.
Facing financial constraints, we opted for an Uber to the emergency room, marking a memorable yet challenging outcome of our risk-taking venture. Despite the setbacks, the experience highlighted the unpredictable nature of risk and the resilience required in the pursuit of artistic aspirations. Looking back, it became a unique and transformative chapter in our artistic journey.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @jiwoojung1107
