On the 27th, at the Ten Asia headquarters in Chungjeong-ro, Seoul, Jung Yi-chan, who stars in TV Chosun's weekend drama 'Dr. Shin' directed by Lee Seung-hoon, shared his story.
Born in 2000, Jung Yi-chan is 25 years old. He debuted in the 2023 drama 'Oasis' and landed the title role in 'Dr. Shin' within three years.
Currently on a break from Chung-Ang University's Theater and Film Department, Jung has shown a keen ability to adapt his future plans to circumstances. When auditions dwindled due to COVID-19 during his sophomore year, he chose to enlist in the military. After completing his service, he connected with his current agency and resumed auditioning.
Initially, acting wasn't his dream. "I always wanted to be a film director," he revealed, indicating his long-standing focus on a singular goal.
Jung Yi-chan shared, "I love movies. Since sixth grade, I went to the theater six days a week. Every morning, I checked the screening schedules of various cinemas."
Even without a specific film in mind, young Jung would head to the theater, watching any movie he hadn't seen, without even checking trailers. He found excitement in the process of going to the cinema, making it a routine, and even watched films like 'Pat & Mat' when there was nothing else left.
He credits his parents for this passion, saying, "My parents often went on movie dates before I was born." He added, "My mother frequently took me to the cinema, which made me want to become a director."
With dreams of directing, Jung enrolled in an arts high school for acting. Initially interested only in creating worlds behind the camera, he discovered a captivating allure in performing in front of it.
"I was so drawn to it that I thought, 'What is this?' It made the stage exciting, and I decided I had to become an actor."
His role model is actor Lee Byung-hun. Jung admires how "even without dialogue, you can feel emotions through his eyes," and aspires to convey emotions to viewers in the same way. "I will work hard to become such an actor," he promised.
Meanwhile, 'Dr. Shin' is a medical thriller melodrama about a genius doctor whose life changes after a loved one experiences an accidental incident. Jung Yi-chan plays the role of Shin Joo-shin, a genius neurosurgeon.
By Da-yeon Jeong, Ten Asia Reporter light@tenasia.co.kr