Yoon Ji-sung: From K-Pop Star to Rising Actor - A Journey of Passion and Perseverance

Catch the Rising Stars with Lee So-jung

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"Some people think I enrolled in graduate school to delay my military service, but that's not true (laughs). To defer enlistment, you need to take a certain number of semesters, and my program didn't meet those requirements."

These are the words of Yoon Ji-sung. Recently, I had the opportunity to interview Yoon Ji-sung, former leader of Wanna One and now an actor, at a café in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Yoon Ji-sung first captured the public's attention with his witty charm on the 2017 show 'Produce 101 Season 2'. Born in 1991, he was 27 at the time, making him one of the older contestants after a long trainee period.

Despite the challenges, Yoon Ji-sung thrived in his environment, naturally building a friendly image among fellow trainees. His cheerful character resonated with viewers, leading to a strong fanbase and a successful debut as the leader of the 11-member group Wanna One, finishing in 8th place.

Initially recognized for his bright and talkative persona, Yoon Ji-sung has continued to be loved for more than just that. His ongoing charitable activities, including volunteering for stray dogs, and his genuine connection with fans have solidified his positive influence.

During our interview, Yoon Ji-sung displayed a blend of sincerity and humor, answering each question with honesty and wit, creating a relaxed atmosphere akin to a radio show.

Yoon Ji-sung studied Theater and Film at the National Traditional Arts High School and Myongji College before pursuing a graduate degree in Performing Arts at Dongguk University while still active with Wanna One. He maintained an impressive attendance record during the group's final album 'Light' promotions.

He explained, "To defer military service, you need to attend a certain number of semesters, but the Theater and Film program is only four semesters over two years, which didn't meet the requirements." So why did he continue his studies amidst a busy schedule? Yoon Ji-sung shared, "I thought there might be a chance I couldn't continue in this field after Wanna One, so I wanted to learn something new and focus more on acting." Having graduated from a high school specializing in Theater and Film, choosing a graduate major was a natural decision.

"It wasn't something I was forced into; it was a voluntary choice. I'd go to class after early morning pre-recordings and then head to live broadcasts. It was physically demanding, but I gained a lot from it."

Yoon Ji-sung joked about the criticism he faced, "I got a lot of flak back then. Imagine the backlash if rumors spread that I wasn't attending classes after enrolling." He continued, "Since it was my choice, I had to stick with it. Honestly, I don't know if I learned as much as I hoped, but it was a valuable experience. If I hadn't gone to graduate school, I would have regretted it. Even if I didn't learn much, the realization itself is precious."

"I've always dreamed of acting. After my military service, I was fortunate to get good opportunities. It's not about a special reason; I just love the arts. I enjoy music and acting immensely."

After completing his military service from May 2019 to December 2020, Yoon Ji-sung began his acting career in earnest with the drama 'Let Me Be Your Knight' in November 2021. This year, he returned to the small screen with two dramas, 'Living with a Rich Ghost Only I Can See' and 'Thunderstorm', marking his comeback after four years.

'Thunderstorm', a BL genre drama, garnered significant attention upon casting news. In 'Living with a Rich Ghost Only I Can See', he portrayed a chaebol heir, showcasing a different side of himself. When asked about his choice of distinct projects, Yoon Ji-sung said, "I wanted to challenge myself. The script was engaging, and I found myself reading it effortlessly. While I worried about whether I could express it well, I was determined to prepare thoroughly. I value the process."

Lee So-jung, Ten Asia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr