Meet Ji Woo Jung | Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ji Woo Jung and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ji Woo, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
As an actor, my love for stages has been a constant companion since my youth. The allure of spotlights has always captivated me, and witnessing my friends, or any audience, relishing my stage presence has
been a source of immense joy. Throughout my performances, friends and family often remarked on the
myriad of facial expressions I exhibited, a sentiment particularly cherished by my mom.
The journey toward becoming an actor began with a transformative experience during a musical in
elementary school. This ignited a passion that led me to apply to arts high schools in middle school. The
Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan became the starting point for my acting endeavors. Subsequently,
I pursued a deeper understanding of my craft at NYU, solidifying my commitment to the world of acting.
In the contemporary landscape, we are confronted with a myriad of career choices, and the abundance
of accessible information empowers us to pursue our passions. My dedication to acting deepened
during my two-year service in the Korean military. Daily reflections during training compelled me to
contemplate my life's purpose post-service, with the physical challenges reinforcing the necessity for
logical and flawless thoughts regarding my passion for acting. Despite the arduous path, my tenacity
solidified, and acting emerged as the singular path I was determined to tread.
The ongoing pursuit of my acting aspirations is a lifelong journey. The time spent in the Korean military
only fortified my commitment, reminding me that the path to greatness in acting is neither simple nor
finite. I am currently in the perpetual process of achieving this lifetime goal, understanding that the
journey itself is as crucial as the destination.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Engaging in the realms of theater and film, my recent projects encompass the film "Sunkissed Sky," recognized at the DisOrient Film Festival and CAAMFest, along with "Say Something," featured at the
Hawaii Film Festival and CAAMFest. Additionally, I took part in the play "Wyoming," under the direction
of the Jeff Award-winning actress Caroline Neff. My passion for both theater and film extends beyond
acting, as collaborating with diverse artists – from lighting and costume designers to the director of
photography – brings a profound joy to the creative process. The simultaneous interplay of order and
chaos among everyone involved generates an excitement that transcends any other experience.
The collaborative effort in creating a piece, with each person clear about their role, feels like imprinting
a unique moment in time. Through this, we learn to appreciate the imperfections of life and reality
through the lens of art. Currently, I am navigating a process of finding ease and cultivating a less intense
passion, aiming to live in the present moment rather than pushing through emotions. As a young artist
and actor, resisting the urge to perfect every scene is a constant challenge, as the desire to satisfy the
audience remains strong.
Recently, I ventured into a teaching role as a Suzuki technique teacher in training alongside Robyn Hunt
for NYU undergraduates and Columbia graduates. Learning from Robyn, who worked closely with
Tadashi Suzuki for over 15 years, revealed Suzuki's perspective on acting: "Acting is not about emotion
but the exhilaration of concentration." This insight shifted my understanding of actors as interpreters,
emphasizing sincerity and sensitivity over mere expressionism. Preparing classes for freshman
undergraduates and third-year graduates became a directorial endeavor, allowing me to address my

weaknesses as an actor and emphasizing the challenging pursuit of ease on stage, where concentration
becomes the crucial tool for a two to two-and-a-half-hour performance.
Beyond stage and screen, my acting ventures extend to music videos and commercials. Notably, I
contributed to a commercial for MSCHF and Crocs' 'Yellow Boots' and featured in the music video "Vibe"
by the new artist Hondo, where I embraced stunts for the first time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Hey! If you're into food, you've got to try Korean barbecue while you're in town. New York has loads of Korean restaurants; just check Google and Yelp for reviews. K-town on 32nd St, New Jersey, Flushing,
and Fort Lee are solid choices with a big Korean vibe.
For a taste of home-style Korean, I've got a go-to spot called "Woori" in Downtown Brooklyn. It's my
secret cozy spot – let's keep it low-key!
Don't miss out on Korean drinks like Soju, Makguli, Bokbunja (Korean wine), they pair well with the food.
And trust me, Korean fried chicken is a game-changer. Williamsburg, Brooklyn, has good spots, or hit up
the Pelicana chain with locations in New York and Atlanta.
Enjoy the eats! ������

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am honored to extend a heartfelt acknowledgment to my esteemed artists' collective, "Aliens Go!" Born from the creative minds of Korean visionaries, our group took its roots in January 2023, driven by
the profound mission of forging a cross-cultural platform that aspires to shape a more inclusive world,
free from the shackles of racial disparities and societal norms.
At the heart of our creative endeavors lie two interconnected projects, namely BLUE GUM and SPACE
ODDITY. These sister initiatives delve into the intricate nuances of the legal term "nonresident aliens"
and the consequential alienation that pervades it. BLUE GUM unfolds as a poignant play, weaving the
narrative of three lost souls desperately seeking liberation in the American landscape. What resonates in
the pursuit of escape? The essence of living must endure!
In tandem, SPACE ODDITY takes the form of a cinematic journey, chronicling the odyssey of a "non-
residential alien" hailing from Korea. Her quest revolves around finding a sacred resting place for her
late friend's ashes, encapsulating a profound mission to discover life on Earth.
Our artistic exploration has found expression at the intimate venue of Hana House in Downtown
Brooklyn, where we engaged in a transformative play reading experience. Presently, we are fervently
immersed in the creative process of bringing SPACE ODDITY to fruition.

While our official website is on the brink of launch, I am thrilled to share a glimpse of our narrative
through an illuminating article featured in the esteemed New York Korea Times. You can delve into the
essence of "Aliens Go" through the following link: http://ny.koreatimes.com/article/20230419/1461834.

May the resonance of our creative endeavors echo the profound aspirations embedded within "Aliens
Go" as we continue to navigate the realms of art and inclusivity.

Instagram: @jiwoojung1107

Image Credits
Profile Picture: Photography by Abi Lieff Play “Wyoming”: Photography by Justin Chauncey Image from the film “Sunkissed Sky” by Michael Kim Image from the Souvenir Media Commercial Image from Jiexi Zhao’s “Fridge” MV Image from Hondo’s “Vibe” MV Image from the film “Where did it come from?” by Soo Oh Bang