Kim Dong Jun recently sat down for an interview with YTN Star to discuss his recent activities, his plans for the future, and more!
Kim Dong Jun is an all-rounder in the entertainment industry, having made his debut through the idol group ZE:A in 2010 and taking roles in various movies, dramas, and variety programs ever since.
Following the end of his most recent drama “More Than Friends,” Kim Dong Jun shared, “I learned a lot during the long eight months spent filming ‘More Than Friends.’ I felt that I would be able to show everyone a different side of myself through my role as On Jun Soo. I’m thankful for the director, writer, and all of the staff who worked hard to make me into the calm and respectful On Jun Soo. I’m also very thankful for the viewers who took pity on Jun Soo and gave him lots of love. Since I spent so much time on this production, I’m sure it will remain in my memory for a very long time.”
Kim Dong Jun is also a fixed cast member on the cooking variety show “Delicious Rendezvous,” which recently celebrated its one-year anniversary. Kim Dong Jun credited the viewers’ support for helping bring the show to its first anniversary, adding, “With each episode, I learn more about the inside stories and situations of the farmers, and I think that they need everyone’s continued attention. I hope that the viewers will continue to lift the spirits of farmers and fishermen everywhere far into the future.”
Kim Dong Jun also spoke about what it was like to work with the star-studded cast, including celebrity chef Baek Jong Won, Super Junior‘s Kim Heechul, Yang Se Hyung, and Yoo Byung Jae. On Baek Jong Won, Kim Dong Jun said, “I learned a lot by watching how much he tried to help not only the farmers but everyone who was experiencing hardships. I’ve started to consider donating again. He’s the kind of person who makes you want to give your support to others, no matter how small that support might be.”
In addition, Kim Dong Jun considered Yoo Byung Jae a genius and praised Yang Se Hyung for his wit. He also complimented Heechul, saying, “Although Heechul can be shy, he’s a really good person who talks a lot about giving to others.”
When asked which recipe was the most memorable, Kim Dong Jun selected Shishito pepper noodles, explaining that even though he doesn’t like flour-based foods, the dish was one of the most delicious foods he has ever eaten. He also selected rest stops as the most memorable filming locations, saying, “As it was my first time, it was difficult to prepare the ingredients and make the food, and I felt awkward meeting the customers, but after meeting the farmers, consumers, and viewers, I felt proud knowing that we were making a difference.”
Returning back to “More Than Friends,” Kim Dong Jun selected a scene in which On Jun Soo and Lee Soo (Ong Seong Wu) woke up in Kyung Woo Yeon’s (Shin Ye Eun‘s) house after getting drunk the night before as the most memorable scene. “We laughed a lot while filming, and I remember it being very enjoyable,” he said. “I also think the scene in which On Jun Soo confesses his feelings to Kyung Woo Yeon in the rain is particularly memorable.”
Kim Dong Jun then revealed that he wants to try out an action role in the future. He said that his role in the upcoming drama “Joseon Exorcist” (literal title) takes part in action scenes and that he is preparing for his role with excitement.
When asked what kind of entertainer he wants to be known as, Kim Dong Jun responded, “Whether it be acting, music, or variety show appearances, I will always try to show everyone the best side of myself in that moment. I want to hear people say, ‘Kim Dong Jun is an entertainer who excels in all areas, including acting, music, and variety shows.'”
On his plans for next year, Kim Dong Jun spoke about his role in “Joseon Exorcist” and his excitement to greet viewers through a historical drama. He added that fans would also be able to see him in the film “Way Station” (literal title), which was filmed earlier this year, and that he will continue to connect with viewers through “Delicious Rendezvous.”
Kim Dong Jun credited his experience as an idol for helping him express the emotions of his various roles better, adding, “When I take on roles that involve singing or dancing, I feel that my experience as an idol feels like my greatest strength.” He went on, “I have no confidence in talk shows. However, when it comes to variety shows that involve exercise, games, cooking, or any sort of action, I have great perseverance and a desire to win. I think that’s my strength.”
When asked what makes a good actor or entertainer, Kim Dong Jun said thoughtfully, “An actor who shows us exactly what the person next to us is like, or someone who makes you stop flipping channels with a single line or glance is a good actor. Also, I think a good entertainer is someone like Yang Se Hyung. If good sense and wit became a person, it would be him. As someone who doesn’t know variety programs well, I think of Yang Se Hyung as a really great entertainer.”
On the ultimate reason behind his activity in multiple fields in the entertainment industry, Kim Dong Jun pointed to his ability to work harder than anyone else. “I started in my teens and persevered for 10 years doing what I do best, which is working hard. My pride doesn’t allow me to give up, so I think that’s what helped me come this far.”
Kim Dong Jun then revealed that he prepares for his acting roles by studying the various situations that the specific character is stuck in. “For ‘Chief of Staff’ I studied labor law, and for ‘More Than Friends’ I studied book publishing,” he shared. “I’ve come to realize that if I need to act as a certain character, then I truly need to become that character.” As for variety shows, he said that he practiced cutting vegetables and how to handle different ingredients.
Lastly, Kim Dong Jun shared updates on his fellow ZE:A members, saying, “I’m going to meet Park Hyung Sik soon, as he’s been discharged from the military. Im Siwan and I have been supporting each other’s productions by sending coffee trucks. We contact each other often, leave comments on each other’s social media accounts, and we share advice about our productions as well. I’m enjoying Kwanghee‘s program ‘Nego King’ and cheering him on enthusiastically.”