Ha Jung Woo has wanted to be an actor since he was four years old, but now he would also like to be known as a director. And he may not be happy to direct only one movie.
"I don't think I'll be satisfied with myself just with the first movie," said Ha of his new film "Roller Coaster." "But I am trying not to be too greedy."
Wanting to be an actor at such an early age was only natural since his father Kim Yong Gun is a well-known actor. Ha was a theater major at Chung Ang University and spent his time in the army appearing in promotional films.
Ha didn't make his drama debut until 2002 and his film debut until 2003 with "Madeline." His breakout role was the 2008 film "The Chaser" His portrayal of the film's psychopath won him international praise. Since then he has taken on diverse roles in romantic comedies, indie films, sports films and documentaries, winning Best Actor awards at both the 2010 and 2011 Baeksang Awards. Recently he played a news anchor during a terrorist attack in this year's action thriller "The Terror Live."
But his most recent role is that of a director. His new film "Roller Coaster," also titled "Fasten Your Seatbelt," is based on his own screenplay about the interactions between the crew and passengers on a turbulent flight from Tokyo. Among the passengers are an arrogant Hallyu star, played by Jung Kyung Ho, a businessman, a monk and a paparazzo.
The script is based on the experience of his friend, actor Ryu Seung Bum, who once spent seven hours experiencing plane turbulence. It's Jung Kyung Ho's first appearance since his military discharge and he said his Hallyu star wardrobe was inspired by G-Dragon's. The film will be released on Oct. 17.
Shooting the film was accomplished in an intense three-week span. The experience did not turn Ha off. He found it inspiring and he was praised for his quick and rational decisions.
"I believe that the day will come when I will be able to satisfy myself and my audience," said Ha. "Everyone will come if I continue to put forth my best efforts."
In fact, he is already planning his next film. He will star in and direct "Chronicle of a Blood Merchant," which will be released next year. The film adapts Yu Hua's novel of the same name.
Still, Ha found that being a director was a lonelier task than being an actor.
"I never knew that being a film director was such a lonely job," he said. "When I shoot new films in the future maybe I should look for ways to make the job less lonely."
