A well-known figure following her roles in major Korean dramas like Taegukgi: Brotherhood of War and Friend , Jang Dong-gun has been part of the explosive growth of the Korean film industry and has worked with a lengthy, star-studded list of talent over the last three decades.
Jang informs Pawonation.com that despite his extensive experience, there remain numerous actors and filmmakers whom he hasn’t worked with yet but wishes to team up with soon. His wishlist encompasses co-stars such as Hwang Jung-min and Lee Byung-hun—both of whom are also acquaintances—as well as renowned directors including Bong Joon-ho, Park Chan-wook, and Kim Jee-woon.
Jang mentions that he is looking for a regular role as well, following his portrayal of various characters with unusual and intense backstories.
“Over my past works, I have done a lot of roles that are not common, that you can’t see in real life usually, such as a soldier in the middle of war, a killer, as well as a zombie. I’ve also played a president, so all very extreme situations and occasions,” says Jang. “Going forward, I really want to try out some ordinary characters and roles that we can see in our daily lives.”
Jang recently wrapped production for Korean action feature Night Fever , set to be released this summer. Filming took place in Thailand where Jang portrays an Interpol agent looking into a drug-related investigation within the nation.
Jang arrived in Hong Kong for the Asian Film Awards on March 16, where he received the Excellence in Asian Cinema Award, alongside Tang Wei.
The Korean actor has primarily focused on movies, though he has also taken part in some television series, including Arthdal Chronicles and the South Korean version of Suits Jang states this is an intentional decision.
"I like to connect with my audience via the big screen, even though these days people often avoid cinemas due to the numerous available platforms," explains Jang.
When asked to pick the most memorable project from his storied career, Jang selected 2001 action neo-noir Friend .
“Although it’s a movie from long ago, I chose this film because it was a really critically-acclaimed film from both the audience and critics. Also, my image and character in the film are very different from what I am usually, so I think it’s been my most unforgettable project.”
Jang also picked out Taegukgi: Brotherhood of War as another particularly memorable project, as well as international films like Chen Kaige-directed film The Promise .
“In The Promise , I had the opportunity to work with Japanese and Chinese actors, making it an incredibly memorable experience. Additionally, in Dangerous Liaisons I had the opportunity to collaborate with actors from Hong Kong. Working alongside performers from various cultural backgrounds holds significant value, as we all strive toward common objectives within a film," notes Jang.
When Jang entered the industry in the early '90s, he admired several actors; among them, Korean star Ahn Sung-ki stood out almost immediately. Beyond South Korea, Jang cites Hong Kong’s Chow Yun-fat and Tony Leung as significant inspirations for him.
Jang mentions that he has observed a change in the staying power of actors since his entry into the film industry.
When I began my acting journey, the professional lifespan for a male actor was considerably shorter than it is today," states Jang. "However, I continue to observe Ahn Sung-ki, Chow Yun-fat, and Tony Leung; despite their longevity in the field, they remain popular with both audiences and peers.
"Alongside my colleagues like Lee Byung-hun and Jang Woosung, we all began our acting careers in our twenties, which means it has now spanned about three decades. They continue to be prominent figures in the field, making us part of what could be considered the inaugural group of actors known for their enduring presence," notes Jang.
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