Go Away With … Ju Ji-hoon

By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Tribune and other outlets
May 7, 2024

Before starring as a highly skilled bodyguard in the Disney+ sci fi thriller “Blood Free” – currently airing in the United States on Hulu – Ju Ji-hoon won acclaim for his portrayal of a determined crown prince in the Netflix zombie horror series “Kingdom.” The actor said it was after “Kingdom” was released that he felt viewers from outside of Korea were interested in his work. “I felt like I was really welcomed by viewers from non-Asian countries,” Ju said in a Zoom interview from Seoul, South Korea. “That was the first time I experienced that kind of fame. In all honesty, it still all feels new to me, even just being here doing this interview for a Disney+ project. I’m in awe and it honestly hasn’t sunken in, even now, that Korean content is welcomed and loved by so many viewers from different cultures and backgrounds.” This interview – which was conducted in Korean and translated into English – has been edited for clarity.

Q: What kind of training did you do to prepare for your role as an elite bodyguard in “Blood Free”?
A: This is a character who’s a soldier turned bodyguard. So, I wanted him to have this look where viewers can tell in an instant what kind of person he is – and feel like you can trust him to protect you. I also wanted to give this vision of him being someone who can really use his body well. In order to make sure that I delivered that during the shoot, I was on a strict diet and did weight training the whole time.

Q: Do you think your “Blood Free” character, Chae-woon, would make a good travel companion for you?
A: I think I’d be friends with him. Maybe not initially, because Chae-woon is someone who’s very reserved. He doesn’t talk much and he is aware that he can come across as a little bit aloof. But he’s definitely well-mannered and a gentleman. I, personally, enjoy being friends with anyone who has great manners. [Laughs]

Q: Much of this series was filmed during the winter. What were some of the challenges of filming on location?
A: Some of the scenes were shot in a wilderness area in the mountains in Korea. When the temperature is really cold, you are prone to more injuries when you’re shooting action-packed scenes. Thankfully, we were really well prepared. We made sure to wear a lot of undergarments and carry hot packs to stay warm. I’ve done a lot of shooting outdoors in the wintertime, so I knew what to expect.

Q: Where did you film “Blood Free”? And are they places you would recommend that tourists visit?
A: Yes, some of them, sure. We filmed in Sacheon, which is near the ocean and has great food. We also shot in a huge shopping mall and hotel in Yeouido, which is in Seoul. I would definitely also recommend that visitors go to places like Busan. If you’re coming from the United States, you probably won’t think any of these places are too far away from Seoul since you’re already from a huge country where it takes time to get to different cities.

Q: Speaking of the States, have you ever visited the U.S.?
A: I’ve been to Los Angeles and Las Vegas a few times. L.A. obviously has great weather. I found Vegas to be very fancy and glamorous. I really enjoyed the hamburgers.

Q: Did you eat only Western food during your trips?
A: No, I really have to go to Korean restaurants, too. It’s a must, otherwise I go on kimchi withdrawal. [Laughs]

Q: You speak various languages in your work, including some English in the K-drama “Hyena” and Arabic in last year’s film “Ransomed.” Which was more challenging to learn?
A: It would definitely have to be Arabic for me. I mean, I’m not fluent in English, but it’s still a very familiar language to many of us from childhood. You will hear words you’re familiar with in your daily life. But Arabic was a completely foreign language to me. I remember spending nights pulling all-nighters trying to memorize the lines. And even after doing that, it was still challenging for me to do so. It required an excruciating amount of effort. It was not the language itself, but how unfamiliar I was with it. I felt like my capabilities weren’t quite there yet.

Q: You filmed “Ransomed” in Morocco, which is a destination on many people’s travel bucket list. How was your experience there?
A: It’s a very exciting place to be in. There are a lot of beautiful temples and great nature. However, you have to remember the customs and culture may be different there than where you are from. [For instance] you can’t have pork there, so be ready for that.

Q: Where would you like to visit that you have never been to yet?
A: I’ve actually never been to New York and would love to visit. Also, Alaska. When I was shooting “Ransomed,” the cast and I talked about how we wanted to go there one day and enjoy its beauty and nature.

Q: Alaska was the first stop my family made when we immigrated to the United States.
A: I’m very envious!

© 2024 JAE-HA KIM
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