On the 1st, after the three-hour "The Legend Premium Event 2008 in Japan" held in Osaka Kyocera Dome, Bae Yong-joon held an interview with Korean reporters for about thirty minutes in the waiting room. Director Kim Jong-hak of "The Legend" was also there. The following are questions and answers that were exchanged.
-Thoughts on the event held today, with 35000 fans?
-Even in the disappointment that came with the end of filming, Director Kim and I said that it was over yet. But now, I have a real feeling that it's over. It was nice today. I was able to meet my family in Asia eye-to-eye. And it was better that I was able to come with the director and fellow actors from "The Legend" this time.
-You also referred to your next work at the event today. (Bae Yong-joon said, "I want to give a different kind of feeling with my voice on the animation of "Winter Sonata" and there's nothing certain, but I'm looking into a drama that is a remake of a Japanese comic".)
-I haven't signed anything yet. So it would be difficult to say anything.
-You were hurt while filming "The Legend". How is your health now?
-It's still a little uncomfortable to walk. I am getting shots on my knees. For my shoulders, we have to wait 1-2 months and I may have to get surgery. I was seriously hurt during filming of "The Legend" ten days before the end, but I couldn't go to the hospital because I thought I would have to put on a cast, which would stop filming. It hurt so much that I couldn't sleep, and I took pain-killers so I could film. I went to a hospital once after getting hurt, and all the nurses were attending to the emergency patients, so I had to put in pain-killing shots myself (laugh).
-Director Kim said "Bae Yong-joon is faithful to his emotions and pursues perfect acting".
-Firstly, I'm grateful. I think I have to stay truthful to my emotions because I can't act. Truthfully, I was surprised as I saw Director Kim working on this work. Director Kim was also hurt during filming, and even though he was in a bad condition, his leadership was outstanding. I sometimes call him father, and sometimes, he feels like a friend. (At this, Director Kim said, "While filming "The Legend", I realized that Bae Yong-joon is here because of his own work and acting. He's a great actor. If it is possible, I would want to work with him again".)
-It's known that you will lend your voice to the animation of "Winter Sonata", which plans to air next year.
-That's right. It's planned to do it in Korean, but I have thoughts of also doing it in Japanese.
-In addition to your arrival in Japan, you filmed your fans with a digital camera today too.
-I really like taking pictures. I've wanted to take pictures of my family (fans). I am also thinking of making a book introducing famous places in Korea to foreign tourists. This book will have pictures that I took myself.
-You are keeping your long hair that you had for "The Legend".
-When my next work is decided, I will change my hair accordingly. There are many uncomfortable aspects about long hair, like using a lot of shampoo and taking a lot of time to dry (laugh).
-While filming "The Legend", there was talk about trouble with Director Kim.
-That's not true at all, and that's all because of reporters (laugh). My relationship with Director Kim is very good. He is sometimes like a friend and sometimes like a father. During filming, we also talked about medicine that was good for us (laugh).
-Marriage plans?
-My friends and juniors are all marrying, and I do have thoughts about it. But it's not working as I want it to (laugh). Even at home, my parents are talking about marriage. Last year at the MBC Acting Awards, I said I wanted to marry within three years, and I still have that desire. Introduce me (laugh).
-If there's something you want to say to your fans in Korea and Asia.
-I believe that the love I receive not just from Korea but from Asia is undeserved. If I cannot repay the love I receive through my acting and movies, I want to repay it some other way. When I find out how, I will let you know.
Korean )
