While they have not all gone about it the same way, all three members of the group JYJ have made a name for themselves as actors as well as singers.
Junsu, who performed the role of Mozart in the musical "Mozart," and has appeared as Jun Hyung in "Tears of Heaven" recently earned rave reviews for his role as Death in the musical "Elizabeth," the story of the life of Empress Elizabeth of Austria. He not only earned good reviews. For his last performance, he also received an impressive standing ovation from the audience that lasted for almost 30 minutes.
"I received so much support from the audience and I am so thankful," Junsu said, ever humble about his performance. "I will work hard to continue to show my best work."
Kim Jae Joong has appeared in films and dramas as well as contributing to drama soundtracks. He recently won a Seoul International Drama Award for the song "Living Like A Dream," which he contributed to the "Dr. Jin" soundtrack. The singer-turned actor has appeared in the dramas "Protect the Boss" and "Dr. Jin," as well as the films "Heaven's Postman" and "Jackal is Coming."
"With every new role, the idea of acting becomes more appealing," said Jae Joong.
And with every new role, his fans say that his skills improve.
Last but not least is Park Yoo Chun, who in a few years went from a rookie to an A-list actor. He debuted in a Japanese drama named "Beautiful Love," then went on to play a Joseon-era scholar in "Sungkyunkwan Scandal." He appeared in the drama "Miss Ripley," for which he also sang "The Empty Space For You." He had a comedy role, playing a time-traveling prince in "Rooftop Prince," as well as a heartbreaking role as a detective mourning lost love in "Missing You." He will soon begin filming his first big screen role as a smuggling boat crewmember in "Sea Fog." He is the first actor to win the Baeksang Arts Award three years in a row and yet he is still very self conscious about the way he looks.
"My goal is to act in a natural way and to be honest, I look okay with makeup," said Park Yoo Chun. "But there are many ways in which I am lacking. I hope that as I improve, I'll start not caring about how I appear and just act."
Focusing on their separate singing and acting careers means that JYJ does not get to spend as much time together as they used to, but Kim Jae Joong is very proud of Junsu and Yoo Chun.
"They are real professionals at what they do in their solo careers," he said. "It's good when we meet and laugh together. Junsu is adorable and Yoo Chun is too and so handsome. Some people become less good looking as they grow older but those two have grown up so well."
The same could be said for Jaejoong.
