언론사

Jo Han-cheol Appointed as Professor in the Film and Video Department

The CheongDae Times Senior Reporter Ye-seul Jang

▲ Professor Jo / source : nooncompany

Actor Jo Han-cheol has been appointed as a professor in the Film and Video Department at our university. A prominent figure in Korean cinema and drama, his appointment is expected to bring new vitality to acting education. Drawing on his rich field experience from numerous projects, Professor Jo plans to provide students with practical acting techniques and artistic insights.

This appointment provides students with the opportunity to receive guidance from a new mentor and significantly enhances the quality of acting education at our university. Professor Jo emphasized, "Acting is not just a skill; it is an essential part of life," expressing his commitment to helping students discover their unique voices.

His educational philosophy and approach focus on fostering an environment where students can deeply understand the art of acting and freely express themselves in the process. Based on his vision, students will have greater opportunities for creative growth.

We congratulate Professor Jo on his appointment and had the chance to interview him to hear more about his thoughts and aspirations.

Q: Many students are very interested in your appointment as a professor. What motivated you to join our university?

A: I have enjoyed teaching for over 20 years and have learned a lot from my interactions with acting students. Recently, I received an invitation from my alma mater, and since I have a genuine interest in this field, I found it natural to participate.

Q: You are currently teaching courses in Non-Verbal Theater Creation and Film Style Acting. How did you prepare for your first class, and what message did you want to convey to the students?

A: In my first class, I focus on getting to know the students. Trust is crucial in acting classes, so I work hard to create a relaxed atmosphere where they can open up. I also emphasize the value of acting and remind them how meaningful this art form is. In our first session, we discuss why we started acting and aim to continue that passion through conversation.

The message of this class is for students to take pride in their work and to reflect on why they began this journey. Remembering the joy they felt at the start can help them realize that, despite challenges, acting can still be a source of happiness. I encourage students not to quit for financial reasons, as I believe the initial joy should never be forgotten.

Q: How do you see the connection between your experiences in acting and education?

A: The industry can be fast-paced and trend-driven, which often leads to forgetting fundamental principles. In contrast, the academic environment offers a space for reflection. My experiences in both areas allow me to convey current trends to students while revisiting academic theories through them. This interaction enriches both my teaching and my own practice.

Q: Beyond acting, what life lessons do you want to impart to your students?

A: While I can't teach everything about life, I believe that acting and our lives are closely intertwined. I often tell students that you can't perform well if you don't love and value yourself. Focusing only on others' preferences can diminish one's uniqueness and lead to a lack of recognition. Therefore, I emphasize the importance of finding genuine self-expression without losing oneself.

Q: Reflecting on your 24-year acting career since "A Peppermint Candy," what moments stand out to you?

A: The most memorable moments often come from encounters with people. Awards are nice, but the relationships I formed with mentors and colleagues during my studies have deeply influenced me. These connections inspire me and have significantly impacted my growth as an actor.

Q: What are the differences between the theoretical knowledge students learn and the reality of the film industry?

A: I make a conscious effort to minimize any differences because I don’t believe there should be a significant gap. In fact, I think it’s unnecessary to create such distinctions. My aim is to ensure that the knowledge and skills students acquire reflect the actual practices in the industry. Therefore, I actively work to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Q: What do you consider the most important aspect when teaching students in the Film and Video Department?

A: The most important aspect of teaching is helping actors feel free in their performances. To achieve this freedom, they need trust in themselves and a safe environment. My key goal is to assist students in expressing themselves without fear, which allows them to reveal their true emotions and perform at a deeper level.

The most crucial element in acting is the connection with fellow actors. I believe that a partner can help create that freedom. If you try to design your performance too much, it can feel unnatural and restrict you. On the other hand, acting in response to the flow of your scene partner allows for greater freedom.

This principle also applies to life. When I feel awkward, it’s often because I’m overly self-conscious. For example, just as you might fall off a bicycle if you focus too much on yourself, our natural behaviors can become awkward when we are constrained by rules in settings like the military or school. These experiences highlight how essential it is to find true freedom within relationships.

Q: Sometimes, students who are not in the acting department engage in role-playing to simulate real-life situations. Actors perform in front of cameras and many crew members; do you have any tips for staying immersed without being distracted by the surroundings?

A: We need to approach it with a sense of urgency because it is our job. To be urgent means to adopt the mindset that if this isn’t what I’m meant to do, then I have nothing else to turn to. For example, if you are deeply committed to saving a patient, feelings of embarrassment will disappear in that moment.

When actors feel nervous, their only ally is their scene partner. On set, the scene partner plays a crucial role in providing safety. For instance, if you find yourself in a dark room with just one candle lit, concentrating solely on your partner can help you feel more at ease. This way, you become less aware of others around you and can focus entirely on your scene partner.

Q: Are there any books or films you would recommend to students?

A: Recently, I found the book "Rising Again in Life" to be very impactful. It’s an easy read but very good. Personally, I experienced a turning point when I read "Demian" in middle school, so I would recommend these two books. Also, I’d like to suggest my film "Silence," which I really love.

Q: Are there any ongoing projects or goals you have as an actor?

A: I am currently featured in the Netflix movie “Uprising”, and a special appearance in the upcoming Netflix series “Mr. Plankton” will be released soon. Right now, I am deeply involved in filming a drama, and I am also working on several other projects, but I can’t share the details yet.

Q: Lastly, what advice would you like to give to students at Cheongju University? A: I believe university life can be filled with anxiety and uncertainty. I experienced a lot of worries during that time, and I learned that stepping outside to gain experiences is far more beneficial than simply worrying in isolation. It's essential to find direction and take action rather than remain stuck in contemplation.

Many students feel lost about their future, but the key is to find a starting point and act on it. Spending too much time worrying about making mistakes can hinder progress. It’s better to try various paths, even if some lead to missteps; every experience contributes to personal growth.

I’ve seen friends who are hesitant to move forward due to fear, and it’s disheartening to see them struggle with the same concerns years later. I often encourage them by saying “Just go for it.” The experiences, regardless of the outcome, will ultimately contribute to their growth. Understanding how the world operates and what you truly want takes time, so I always advise university students to “move quickly, no matter what.” Taking action is essential, and the lessons learned from every direction will make you stronger.

Ultimately, every experience on life’s journey enriches you, and I believe that will lead to a fulfilling life.

▲ Professor Jo / source : nooncompany

Jo Han-cheol’s appointment at our university signifies more than just an actor’s transition to an educator; it represents an advancement for the Film and Video Department as a whole. His diverse experiences will deliver vibrant insights from the field to students, providing them with a fresh perspective on acting. He emphasizes the importance of creative thinking and self-expression while working to create a free learning environment.

These changes will offer students opportunities to establish their artistic identities beyond mere technical skill acquisition. By sharing the lessons and values gained from acting, he aims to help students approach life—and not just the stage—with greater confidence. Professor Jo’s appointment will enhance the status of the acting department at Cheongju University while laying the groundwork for students to grow into confident performers.

Moreover, through communication between professors and students, the inherent value of acting as an art form and its life lessons are expected to be shared. Professor Jo will continue to support students in finding their voices and growing through diverse experiences.

His appointment serves as a reminder that acting education is not merely about technical training but is a crucial process that influences students’ lives. It is worth paying attention to the positive changes his educational approach may bring to students. The combination of his vision and the students’ enthusiasm will undoubtedly lead the Film and Video Department at our university into a bright future.