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Ji Hyun-woo says he learned to appreciate loneliness through 'Lonely Enough to Love'

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Ji Hyun-woo recently starred in the romantic-comedy series
Ji Hyun-woo recently starred in the romantic-comedy series "Lonely Enough To Love." Courtesy of Lionheart Entertainment

By Lee Gyu-lee

This year has been especially busy for actor and singer Ji Hyun-woo, working on two acting projects and the debut album for his band SGO.

The all-around star, 35, who seems barely to have time to feel lonely with his crowded schedule, says he does occasionally feel alone. But unlike the past, Ji no longer tries to blot out such emotions, especially after learning a "different aspect of loneliness" through "Lonely Enough to Love," a romantic-comedy series that recently ended.

"As I was working on this drama, I began questioning 'if I truly don't like being lonely,'" the actor said during a recent interview at his agency Lionheart Entertainment's office in eastern Seoul.

"I realized that not only I don't mind, but also I think there are positive sides to loneliness, because it helps you to appreciate having company and the joy of spending time together with someone."

The series is about millennial housemates who are seeking non-committed, casual relationships to avoid feeling lonely. Ji plays 30-something psychiatrist Cha Kang-woo who is afraid of having a serious relationship because of past traumatic experiences.

Despite his fear, one day he finds himself gravitating to an aspiring novelist, Lee Na-eun. He is a perfect boyfriend, expressing a deep affection for his partner and supporting her dreams wholeheartedly.

"When I was reading through the script, I could really relate to them and their relationship, especially from Na-eun's perspective. So I was able to get into the character pretty well," said Ji, adding that this was the main reason he chose the heartwarming, yet sitcom-like, drama.

He said he even received counseling to study the character.

"I was surprised to find out that there were so many patients," Ji said. "After the experience, I came to think that this character should be approachable like a friend who his patients can comfortably discuss their personal issues with."

Asked about a key lesson from the series, Ji said it was the fact that everyone needs ― and seeks ― sympathy and comfort during tough times.

"So I liked the different expressions and gestures Kang-woo used to encourage those who are going through their struggles," he said. "I hope the viewers could feel the same warmth I felt (from the character)."

A scene from
A scene from "Lonely Enough to Love." / Courtesy of MBC Everyone

Overloaded with work in the past few years, Ji says he has had little time for romance. But he says he is always open to a new relationship.

"I think having a romantic relationship is always desired … I need to experience and learn that comfort, happiness and the tingling feeling to be able to realistically express these emotions as an actor," he said.

"I believe there's something that clicks between lonely people. I want to be in a relationship with someone with that click."

Much has changed since he turned 30. Ji says he has learned to maintain peace of mind and look at the bigger picture from a long-term point of view.

"I was straightforward and would speak my mind, like 'OK, I will,' or 'I don't think this is right,'" he said. "I hated exchanging empty praise and seeing arrogant people, which I still do. But now I just accept them for who they are… I began looking for ways to be more flexible and wiser in dealing with them."

Ji says temple stays have helped him. He frequently visits them, usually after finishing a project. "I used to push myself too hard, asking myself, 'Is this the best I could do?'" he said. But he started changing after having regular quiet time at temples.

"I began to think, 'I started this job because I like it, but what would I do if this starts to feel like a burden,' and tried to put my mind at ease," Ji said, adding that temples are his "safe haven," where he can fully focus on himself.

The lessons he learned and experiences that come with age also have helped him become a better actor.

"In my 20s (for example), when the script said 'cry like a beast,' I had no idea how," Ji said. "But now I get the hang of the feeling. As time passed, I feel like I'm growing through playing different roles."

Ji says he hopes to continue growing by giving great joy to viewers.

"If there's one thing I really care about today, it is that I want to be part of works that viewers want and get some comfort from watching," he said.


Lee Gyu-lee gyulee@koreatimes.co.kr


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