Criticized actor Rain leaves drunken Instagram message
Jung Ji-hoon in the movie "Um Bok Dong." Courtesy of CellTrion Entertainment
By Ko Dong-hwan
Apparently sour over bad reviews of his latest film
after its preview screening, main star Jung Ji-hoon left on
his seemingly sincere thoughts about the movie ― in a somewhat drunken state.
Better known by the stage name Rain, the musician-and-actor's controversial post followed the preview screening and a guest visit (GV) session at the CGV theater in IPark Mall in Seoul's Yongsan district on Feb. 19.
Reports said the movie― a historical drama based on a true story about a Korean cyclist named Um Bok-dong from the colonial era under Japan (1910-45) who inspired spiritually downtrodden Koreans ― raised questions about whether the historical figure deserved to be called a patriot. This is because he allegedly stole the bicycle he rode in a race against Japanese competitors.
The fact-check questioned the movie's historical accuracy and caused some people to rate the movie poorly online even before its official screening slated for Feb. 27.
The CEO of entertainment agency Rain Company said online on Feb. 25 that Jung “had a few drinks” and was “fine with the movie's possible failure in box office.”
Jung Ji-hoon in the 2009 Hollywood action film "Ninja Assassin." Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures Korea
In his post, Rain said he had done his best, worrying day and night, and that he hoped those watching the move would recognize his sincerity. He asked them to “remember at least the name Um Bok-dong.”
In his seventh film following Hollywood action flicks “Speed Racer” (2008) and “Ninja Assassin” (2009), Jung, 37, portrays Um Bok-dong (1892-1951), whose victories in bicycle races during the colonial period are considered worthy of being patriotic achievements. The actor reportedly rode more than 20,000 kilometers on a bicycle to train for the role.
Jung, who rose to stardom after debuting as a solo-act musician in 2002, previously told a Korean media outlet that he wanted to preserve his "identities" as an actor, singer and TV personality.
Rain, who worked under Korean K-pop powerhouse JYP Entertainment until 2008, said he had 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."