Rain's revelation: 'Why I don't reveal my daughter to public'
Rain from his concert tour "Legend of Rainism" at the Gymnasium Stadium in Olympic Park in October 2009. Yonhap
By Ko Dong-hwan
Dance musician and Hollywood-credentialed actor Jung Ji-hoon says he will keep his baby daughter out of the public spotlight, in line with his sworn family-man principles.
In a recent interview with Korean online media outlet OSEN, the star, better known by the stage name Rain, described society as “too scary to live in.”
“Previously I thought it was possible to talk about my family joyously,” he said. “But now, if I opened to the public my child and bragged about how happily we live, I think those things will somehow come back to haunt me. I will build a wall between my family and my job.”
Saying he “doesn't want his family to get hurt,” the star, 37, from Rain Company, said he has become “watchful over talking about my family openly.”
With his Hollywood portfolio featuring the 2008 sci-fi action film “Speed Racer” and 2009 ninja action movie “Ninja Assassin,” Rain confessed he “loses his temper” when he sees others crossing the line over his family members.
Jung Ji-hoon, center, in a scene from the film "Um Bok Dong," in which he starred. Courtesy of CellTrion Entertainment
Admitting he became a “public toy” when he entered show business, Rain said he could understand if he was “played with and thrown away.” But when rumormongers touched his family, he became very upset.
Rain, who rose to stardom after debuting as a solo-act musician in 2002, told OSEN that he wants to preserve his “identities” as an actor, singer and TV personality.
With his
” ― a historical drama based on a true story about a Korean cyclist from the colonial era under Japan (1910-45) ― in theaters on Feb. 27, the star said he looked for his identity when he first watched the movie. It was the very identity his fans have seen and recognized as the actor Rain.
Rain, who worked under Korean K-pop powerhouse JYP Entertainment until 2008, said he has recently been in contact with cinema-major college students to realize his interest in making independent films.
“I don't mind minor roles,” said Rain, who married actress Kim Tae-hee in 2017 and welcomed their first child the same year. “People ask me why people like me would film an indie movie. Still, I need opportunities to get involved in filming.”