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Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Zio - Caffe Bene Japan


Oh Ji-ho:  Spokesperson of Caffe Bene, Japan

 

Charming South Korean actor Oh Ji-ho (Zio) spent his Christmas 2013 in Japan as a spokesperson of Caffe Bene that began its business at Haneda Japan around the same time.

 

Caffe Bene debuted in 2008 and has become the largest coffeehouse chain in South Korea.  Headquartered in Seoul, it has established more than 750 stores worldwide, including China and the United States.  Its international store at Times Square, New York is one of the biggest cafes in Manhattan, specializing in coffee-related products and savory varieties of Belgian waffles.  Its cozy Los Angeles branch is equipped with a multimedia projector featuring K-pop music besides high ceilings, quaint wooden tables, and cement floors.

 

Its increasingly more popular menu consists of brewed coffee, hot and cold beverages, pastries, croissants, sandwiches, waffles, and gelato, to name a few.  Zio most probably enjoys the waffles with parmesan in the dough as much as his female lead in “Couple or Trouble.” 

 

One of its unique items that differentiates Caffe Bene from other beverage chains is misugaru, something that Zio is all too familiar with since it is a traditional concoction   from his own country – a soothing multigrain drink that is gaining an international reputation fast, comprising freshly grounded black sesame seeds, black bean, black and brown rice, and barley.  Neither too thick nor overly sweet, it  is nutritious enough to be a meal substitute for the health-conscious.

 

Misugaru is regarded as a healthy beverage as it is not only delicious, but also replete with vitamins, calcium, magnesium, molybdenum, folate, and selenium.  Protein-rich and comforting, the beverage boosts one’s energy and aids digestion.  Misugaru latte at Caffe Bene is steaming and nutty, emitting a rich oatmeal/peanut butter smoothie flavor. Misugaru frappe is the cold option.

 

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Oh Ji-ho: Taxi Show 2010


Oh Ji-ho:  Early days in Seoul


Driver:  Zio, when did you move to Seoul?


Zio:  I was born in Mokpo and lived there until I was 17.  After that, I enrolled in Anyang University, south of Seoul. 


Driver:  Do you have any special memories of your college days?


Zio:  When I first arrived in Seoul, I spoke with an accent that seemed strange to others.  On top of that, someone told me that people from Mokpo are notorious for using foul language and consume fish only.  Then there was this obnoxious chap who insulted me several times until I lost my cool and punched him one day.


Driver:  Then what happened?


Zio:  Nothing occurred at first because he just walked away.   However, soon after I sat down in class, a big belligerent-looking guy tapped on my shoulder and demanded if I had punched his friend. 


Driver:  Did he scare the daylights out of you?


Zio:  Yes, very much indeed, but I quickly put on an innocent face and appeared real puzzled.  Then I mustered all my courage and confidently declared that I did not hit anybody, so he left.  After that, I asked my classmate who the burly guy was …..I was still feeling shaky inside, I must admit.  Subsequently, it was confirmed that he was the strongest guy at college and nobody ever messed with him.  Phew!  I can still see him in my mind’s eye.  What a scary experience … hahaha!


 


Driver: Zio, when did you become interested in acting?


Zio:  Ever since high school, when I first saw Andy Lau in an action movie…..he was speeding on a motorcycle with a cigarette in his mouth….I thought that was real cool!  I started watching a lot of movies when I first arrived in Seoul.


Driver:  What about your grades?


Zio:  I was performing well at first ….within the top five in class!


Driver:  How high is your IQ?


Zio:  I have an IQ of 135!


Driver:  Everybody in your family has higher IQ than you!


Zio:  Hahaha! 


Driver:  Zio, you not only possess a high IQ, but you are also good at mental mathematics.


Zio:  Right, hahaha!


 


Driver:  What else did you do as an aspiring actor in Seoul?


Zio:  I worked part-time at a video store.


Driver:  Let’s visit your old workplace.


Zio:  Really?!


 


Oh ji-ho:  Part-time shop assistant


 


Driver:  Zio, is that the video store where you once worked?


Zio:  Yes, let’s go inside.


Driver:  There are many comic books in this store too.


Zio:  This store has a large collection of adult movies.  Customers used to ask me for advice and I would carefully select for them after inquiring about their taste and preference… hahhaha!


Driver:  Zio, I don’t have any experience in adult movies, so can you recommend one for me?


Zio:  Certainly, do you have any special theme in mind?


Driver:  No, I just want to gain some experience.


Zio (gingerly pulls out a video):  Oh, I believe this one will be most suitable for you as starters…hahaha!


Driver:  Business must be pretty good here since you’re such a handsome shop assistant!


Zio:  Yes, sales had definitely increased after I started working here!


 


Driver:  Zio, you must have watched a lot of movies while working here.


Zio (pointing at the screen):  Look, the computer records are still here …. I had watched more than 700 movies ....about two a day.


Driver:  Ah…this was the place where Zio started dreaming of becoming a successful actor someday!


Zio:  Hahaha!


 


 


 


 


 

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Oh Ji-ho - through a friend's eyes


Oh Ji-ho through a friend’s eyes

One of the first friends whom Zio met when he first arrived in Seoul is Jo Yeon-woo, the cake shop employee in the 2000 ‘La Belle,’ which happens to be Zio’s debut movie.

Zio had his first magazine shoot with Yeon-woo.  He admires Yeon-woo’s personality, adding that his friend is passionate about almost everything.

Yeon-woo, on the the hand, admitted that Zio always looks so elegant that he feels somewhat shabby whenever the handsome friend is around.  In terms of looks and appearance, he no longer wants to compete with Zio anymore.

Yeon-woo commented that Zio has a warm personality.  Although he may appear reserved and assertive to some people, Zio is actually a very kind-hearted and direct person besides being a very approachable and interesting individual.   

The two actors met about 14 years ago at a dance club.  Zio was standing at a corner when Yeon-woo first took notice of him.  He assumed that Zio was a model because he is very tall.  Nevertheless, when Zio did not walk over to say hello to him, Yeon-woo changed his mind and concluded that he must be a sports personality. 

Furthermore, Yeon-woo revealed that Zio has a penchant for beautiful glassware and state-of-the-art cooking utensils; hence, he usually takes a long time to make up his mind before purchasing any.

Finally, both actors enjoy bowling whenever they have free time.  They are members of Club 300 – Zio explained that the number does not represent 300 soldiers, but a good bowling score.  

 

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Oh Ji-ho - Tidbits


Oh Ji-ho: Willing to be a husband who cooks

During one of his interviews in Singapore, handsome South Korean actor Oh Ji-ho revealed that he is willing to cook for his wife if he gets married, which implies that he is interested in home economics besides acting and playing baseball. He also has a keen interest in cooking utensils.

The masculine actor admitted that he enjoys eating and can eat a lot at one go. One of his favourite Singaporean recipes revolves around the stingray.

Zio, like many Koreans, prefers hot and spicy food. His favourite dish at home is kimchi. In 2010, he set up an online kimchi business with three friends, and sales have been extremely good. Together, they also set up a shop selling hot and spicy pizzas. Zio elaborated that they prefer to use hot sauce to season their pizzas. He added that whenever he is free, he will go to the shop to improve his pizza-making ability.

Zio smilingly admitted that his mother has taught him how to cook kimchi stew. While he is rather proud of his culinary skills, his mother insists that he still has room for improvement.

A highly eligible bachelor at present, Zio regretted that he rarely has time to prepare meals at home. He indicated that he hopes to cook for his fans someday. They have been very supportive of him all along and he truly appreciates their love.

Zio revealed that when he gets married in future, he will cook for his wife regardless of whether she knows how to cook or not.

Often known as ‘Korea’s Tom Cruise’and sometimes ‘Malaysia Prince,’ Zio is famous for his gorgeous tanned looks and statuesque body. Besides his heart-warming roles and friendly demeanour, his dazzling warm smile has undoubtedly melted many a woman’s heart.

Finally, Zio keeps fit by jogging, doing yoga, and swimming. He also plays baseball regularly besides being an iron man.

 

Oh Ji-ho: Waiting is a beautiful thing to do

Unlike the ‘flower boys’ from his country, Oh Ji-ho is not only famed for his ruggedly handsome looks, but also his firm handshake and personable characteristics.

 

During one of his trips to Singapore, Zio revealed that he had encountered a lot of hardship as an aspiring actor. Besides being severely criticised for his lack of acting ability in his debut movie ‘La Belle,’ he was also rejected by many producers because of his buttery looks and Mokpo accent. During some auditions, he was asked to stop after saying barely one or two lines.

 

After his first two movies were released, Zio stopped acting for a while to reflect on his future. He would wake up at nine in the morning to go to the park to rehearse his lines. After brunch, he would attend acting classes. He also watched movies frequently to learn new techniques.

 

After struggling for six months, Zio eventually regained his confidence in acting. To his dismay, he realised that some of his fans had forgotten all about him. Further, he had to survive on a shoestring budget while competing with numerous others to get a decent role. Zio admitted that he was so deep in the red once that he even stopped smoking!

 

Despite the trials and tribulations, Zio persisted because he is confident that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and that every cloud has a silver lining. He strongly believes that aspiring actors must have patience, optimism, and determination to cope with rejection and disappointment. To Zio, waiting for the right role is a beautiful thing to do. He is right.

 

 

Oh Ji-ho: Working with child actors

Strikingly handsome South Korean actor Oh Ji-ho has won many a heart for his touching paternal roles. In ‘Couple or Trouble,’ he plays a maintenance man who pinches and scraps to support three young nephews. In ‘Single Dad in Love,’ he has to work long unearthly hours because his little son has a brain tumour. In ‘Queen of Housewives,’ he has to get a job real soon because his little daughter complains that her room is too small to accommodate him. Finally, in ‘The Slave Hunters,’ he has to risk his life to protect a young prince.

 

Although he likes children and is confident that he can become a good father in future, Zio sometimes feels ‘envious’ of his young co-stars. Whenever the cute youngsters are around, Zio feels neglected because most of the cast members and filming crew, especially the women, will be pampering the adorable little ones instead of him!

Finally, Zio would like to have a daughter and two sons if he gets married. He prefers to have a daughter first, most probably because his eldest sister always looks out for him!

 

Oh Ji-ho: How to be a happy individual

When praised for his winsome looks and easy elegance, popular South Korean actor Oh Ji-ho admitted that he usually selects clothes that reflect his own personality and taste. As for his wholesome appearance, he laughingly said that he owes it to his beloved parents, besides exercising on a regular basis.

 

Zio reiterated that he became an actor because he is passionate about acting and has aspired to become one since he was young. He has always wanted to excel in acting even though he was more well-known as a model in the early years of his career. Although he was rejected at one audition after another at the beginning, he has never given up hope on acting.

 

Zio observed that many actors are constantly under public scrutiny, often severely criticized on the Internet. He added that unfair or derogatory remarks can adversely affect those in the acting profession.

 

To cope with negative attitudes, he tries to be happy with himself. He believes the only way for him to adequately face life is to work hard and wear a smile always. Besides regular exercise and adopting a cheerful attitude, Zio recommends traveling as an alternative way to reduce stress.

 

 

Thursday, August 1, 2013

August 2, 2013
 
Oh Ji-ho: Wearing his heart on his sleeve
Fung Lan Yong


While shooting ‘Couple or Trouble’ in 2006, Zio revealed that while he has the great tendency to laugh heartily, he also wears his heart on his sleeve often. He admitted that he has been deeply touched by the script.


Interesting movies and exciting sports often capture his heart too. For instance, his tears brimmed over while watching ‘Spider Man 3.’ Tears also well up in his eyes whenever he sees his favourite player or team win.

 

In ‘Couple or Trouble,’ after bidding farewell to the leading lady on a particularly cold day, Zio wept so much that his eyes looked like Ultraman’s.


Finally, before kissing the female lead in ‘Couple or Trouble,’ Zio not only gargled with a generous amount of mouthwash, but also rehearsed several times.


Oh Ji-ho: First taste of the rice dumpling


During the 2007 Dragon Boat Festival, Zio was in Taiwan promoting his ever popular drama, ‘Couple or Trouble.’ He had never tasted a rice dumpling before that time. To know more about the festival that is celebrated with rice dumplings, he decided to give his mother a phone call. 

He subsequently recalled that the festival is known as Dano in South Korea. He also vaguely remembered that his mother used to wash her hair in the river with sweet flag during the festival, which falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. Women who wash their hair with sweet flag will not only have shiny hair, but also receive good fortune.

 
Oh Ji-ho: Pretty knowledgeable about plants

While celebrating the 2007 Dragon Boat Festival in Taiwan, Zio could tell that the dumpling is made from glutinous rice immediately after the first bite. He revealed that glutinous rice is also used to make several kinds of delicacies in South Korea. Subsequently, Zio remarked that rice dumplings are so delicious that they should be eaten throughout the year, not just during the Dragon Boat Festival that falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month.

After an urgent telephone call to his mother, he eventually remembered that his mother and sister used to wash their hair with sweet flag in the river on the ‘Double Fifth’ to bring good luck. Besides, he even declared that he could still remember the characteristics of sweet flag, adding that he has some general knowledge on plants.

In fact, Zio knows the names of many plants - as if he had majored in biology. He shyly admitted that he used to roam the countryside and befriend the cows while growing up in Mokpo. Additionally, he has a keen interest in flora and fauna. Although he now lives in a big city, he stills tries to be in close touch with nature as frequently as possible.

In the 2006 KBS drama ‘Couple or Trouble,’ Zio plays the role of a handsome handyman who lives in the suburbs with three young nephews. To make the role more realistic and appealing, he decided to have a shorter haircut and deeper tan. His friends jokingly said that he did not have to take such measures because he already looks like a‘country boy,’ especially with his rather impressive knowledge on the ecosystem.


Oh Ji-ho: Golf is a mental sport
During one of his recent interviews, Zio revealed that golf is a mental sport. He is right. Exhibiting mental toughness, good golfers tend to composed, self-confident, and focused. Besides possessing deep awareness of the zone, they tend to remain calm under pressure, believe in their ability, and able to concentrate on the task at hand. Having a clear and decisive mind, they have strong emotional control and ability to refocus after failure. Most importantly, they enjoy the sport, regardless of whether they are ten over, or two under, par. 
  
Zio thinks that autumn is a great season for playing golf, especially when the leaves are blazing red. He finds golf real challenging but satisfying; he plans to play golf for charity this year. As for golf wear, Zio prefers white because it appears bright in a serenely vast field of green. He thinks that golf wear helps project a cool and stylish look. 

 
Members of the Iron Men, one of whom is Zio, meet at least once a month to have a friendly round of golf.
Recently, Zio was seen wearing stylish outfits from the Oakley Golf Collection that features high quality, functionality, and optimal comfort.
 

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Pageviews/Top 10 countries




Blog:  Oh Ji-ho by Fung Lan Yong

Pageviews/Top 10 countries

Month:  May 2, 2013 - June 2, 2013

 

Malaysia:  68

USA:  39

Singapore:  6

Thailand:  4

Romania:  3

Australia:  2

France:  2

Qatar:  2

Serbia:  2

Canada:  1
 
 
Thank you for your support!

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Oh Ji-ho by Fung L.Yong
http://ohji-hobyfunglanyong.blogspot.com/


Pageviews/Top 10 countries

April 2011 to February 2013

Malaysia
1553
United States
359
Thailand
101
Singapore
98
Japan
82
Philippines
76
Hong Kong
56
Latvia
33
Indonesia
31
Germany 
Thank you for your support!
28
 
 

Oh Ji-ho: From silence to prominence


Oh Ji-ho:  From silence to prominence
By Fung L. Yong

February 28, 2013
 

Besides his warm dazzling smile and award-winning roles, South Korean actor Oh Ji-ho is also known for several other things.  Born in April 1976 in Mokpo and widely known as Zio, he worked as an extra for several months in the late 1990s before he was noticed by a director.  As an extra, he would appear as an onlooker or passer-by several times in one scene by merely modifying his physical appearance, usually by a quick change of clothes.  He fondly remembers that his very first line as an actor was pointing at a young woman and yelled, “Hey, you’re hot!” That memorable experience happened more than fifteen years ago, when he decided to become an actor rather than a Korean literature teacher, his childhood ambition.

As a model, Zio first appeared in a caffè latte advertisement in 1998.  First, caffé latte is simply a coffee-based beverage that consists of mainly expresso and steamed milk.  Thence, how would Zio make a good cup of caffè latte'? Possessing rather creative culinary skills, he most probably uses one-third expresso, two-thirds heated milk, and one centimeter of foam to create a love heart or smiley face.

In 2000, Zio was cast in the leading role for ‘La Belle,’ an erotic art movie that still raises eyebrows today.  In retrospect, he has no regrets doing the controversial movie, which was considered as one of the most explicit movies ever shot in his country at that time; instead, he considers it as a golden opportunity for a 24-year-old aspirant to gain ‘exposure’ that could lead to more impressive roles.  Moreover, he appears in almost every scene of ‘La Belle’ in which he portrays a young melancholic writer who is obsessed with a self-destructive model who heartlessly exploits him as a surrogate lover.  

Despite his limited acting experience, his sculptured looks and soulful eyes in ‘La Belle’ have left a lasting impression among many viewers.  Even the female lead was star-struck when she first laid eyes on Zio; she admitted that his stunning looks absolutely took her breath away.  The movie itself has become a dark horse; as Zio becomes increasingly more prominent, it is not surprising that more and more people want to watch it, mostly out of curiosity.  Although ‘La Belle’ has earned Zio international attention and praise, it has also influenced people’s perception of him as an actor.  For more than five years after his debut, he had to deal with unfavourable comments concerning his statuesque image - he seemed like another pretty lounge lizard equipped with a bag of smooth and slick tricks. 

In 2001, Zio played Ji-hoo in the movie ‘I Love You,’ co-starring Kim Nam-joo (as Hyun-soo) and Seo Rin (as Yoo-jin).  Ji-hoo was the boyfriend of Yoo-jin, who attempted suicide because she could not tolerate of loving someone other than he.  On the other hand, Hyun-soo was a video journalist who was trying to gather information for a documentary about death.  While visiting the dying Yoo-jin, she found out that her boyfriend Ji-hoo used to attend the same elementary school as she.  She also noticed his seemingly empty stare while Yoo-jin passed on.  Things became complicated when he telephoned her while she was busy preparing for her own wedding.

After ‘I Love You,’ Zio did not receive any movie offers for more than a year; however, he remained optimistic and eventually managed to get a major role in the 2003 movie ‘Silver Knife’ in which he played a boisterous college student trying in vain to seduce his conservative girlfriend, who wore a silver knife without fail as a symbol of chastity.  His heart-warming smile, hilarious antics, and endless buffoonery in the movie inevitably led many people to typecast him as a romantic comedy actor.

After ‘Silver Knife,’ Zio started concentrating on melodramas.  He obtained a supporting role in the 2003 SBS drama, ‘Detectives’ and another in the 2004 KBS drama, ‘The Second Proposal.’  In 2005, he received a more substantial role in two KBS dramas, ‘Super Rookie’ and ‘Autumn Shower’ that allowed him to expand his acting repertoire and increase his fan base, particularly in Japan.  

Zio’s star power became even more resplendent after he played the now famous handyman role in the 2006 ‘Couple or Trouble,’ an MBC drama that had received up to 20 percent ratings.  Besides winning the 2006 MBC popularity ward, Zio also held his first ever fan meeting in Seoul to mark his eighth year in show business as well as to express his gratitude to those who have supported him through thick and thin.

At the much- anticipated gathering, he effortlessly won the hearts of more than 350 ardent fans with his firm handshake and uncanny memory.  Attracted by his bright smile and charming personality, many of them have become his true fans since.  While admitting that he had experienced many obstacles since debuting, he modestly stated that he would endeavour to become a better actor who brings joy and laughter into people’s lives. 

In ‘Couple or Trouble,’ Zio owned a small construction firm and had to take care of three young nephews.  One evening, he gave a ride to an arrogant hotel heiress who beat him up with a spade; after seeing some red paint in the car, she mistook him for a murderer.  Later on, he found himself in her luxurious yacht, repairing a shower tap.  While threatening him, she slipped over some skin lotion, landing neatly into his arms.  Bending down, he noticed a mole on her chest.  Instead of paying him, she accused him of doing a sloppy job and demanded that he turn everything back to its original state. 

When he hollered that she was just another bored rich shrew without any friends or lovers, she pushed him into the sea, hardly believing her ears.  Infuriated and ignoring his pleas, she also threw his much-valued toolbox, which he claimed containing his “weapons” into the water.

Upon reaching her hotel, she had a heated argument with her own husband who threatened to divorce her.  While nursing her wounded pride in the yacht, she dropped her wedding ring while drinking a generous amount of wine. Chasing the ring, she slipped and fell overboard.

After reaching home, he was still seething over the fact that she not only almost killed him more than once, but also owed him a substantial sum of money.  Worse still, he had to dive into the sea to retrieve his tools.

The loggerheads met again, this time at the hospital.  She almost drowned after falling overboard in pursuit of her wedding ring.  He experienced the same fate after stashing a spanner, hammer, and other heavy tools in his pockets.  Separated by only a curtain, she complained that he was noisy, and subsequently, smelly.  Hearing a familiar voice, he abruptly drew the curtain apart and could hardly believe what he saw.  There she was, unable to remember what had transpired between them.     

An idea suddenly occurred to him:  He would bring her home to be his homemaker – someone who could cook, clean, and take care of three young children.  The doctor and nurse were only too happy to find that she was in good hands especially when he could provide evidence that they were actually a couple; he told the nurse that the patient had a mole on her chest.

She had a rough start, but she eventually became a good homemaker.  Meanwhile, many hilarious yet poignant things happened between them.  Once, she threw a hot pan on the floor when it caught fire; he was taking his shower at that time.  Hearing the commotion, he stepped out to investigate, wearing only a short towel.  Stepping onto some hot oil, he started hopping without realizing that his towel had already landed on the floor. He turned beetroot red standing right in front of her in his birthday suit!

After ‘Couple or Trouble,’ Zio was offered another much-coveted role in the 2007 SBS romantic comedy, ‘Get Karl, Oh Soo-jung’ in which he played a successful golfer who tried to humiliate the bride who abandoned him at the altar eight years preciously, and now wanted him back.  After many trials and tribulations, the loggerheads decided to compromise and get married, giving the drama a live-happily-ever-after ending.

In 2008, Zio assumed the leading role in the KBS melodrama, ‘Single Dad in Love’ in which he portrayed a single father who had to work long hours to save his little son from the ravages of brain tumour.  Zio hoped that the role could be a source of inspiration and moral support to all the single parents in his country.  He also spent some time at the children’s hospital where parts of the drama were filmed.  The kind-hearted actor was seen interacting with parents, blowing balloons, or socializing with the children long after shooting hours.    

In 2009, Zio and Kim Nam-joo co-starred again in the MBC drama ‘Queen of Housewives’ that had received favourable ratings.  It was a prominent role for him, this time he acted as a man who had to depend on his wife to get a job at a food company.  Things became chaotic but hilarious when the director’s wife, who had known him since college, intended to snatch him away.  The director, on the other hand, was deeply interested in his own wife.  Fortunately, he managed to prevent his marriage from hitting the rocks through sheer diligence and commitment.  Zio hoped that his role could inspire all the jobseekers in his country to remain optimistic and persistent while trying to earn a stable income to support the family.

To show his appreciation to the ‘Queen of Housewives’ crew of 100 members, Zio endowed each with a jacket, reflecting his generosity and kindness.  Most importantly, the two co-actors have established a firm friendship since ‘I Love You’ in 2001; having experienced rather similar problems in show business, they are not only able to celebrate their achievements together, but also giving each other encouragement and moral support during challenging times.

In 2010, Zio was offered a hefty role in “The Slave Hunters,’ portraying a military general who served a crown prince in China.  After returning to Joseon, they found themselves embroiled in a political struggle.  The crown prince died mysteriously shortly after his return; all his family members were murdered, except the youngest son who was exiled to Jeju Island.  The general himself was framed for stealing military supplies and was reduced to slavery. 

Determined to save the exiled prince and declare him to be the rightful heir to the throne, the general-turned-slave escaped from the prison camp and embarked on a dangerous journey to the island.  A slave hunter (Jang Hyuk) was employed to capture the general, who rescued a young woman on the run from an arranged marriage. She turned out to be the girlfriend of the slave hunter whom had been seeking for more than a decade.  

In 2011, Zio acted in ‘Strangers 6,’ a Korean-Chinese-Japanese collaborative drama about six secret agents from Korea, China, and Japan who had to protect the joint economic zone of their countries.  It was a fictional city named Haiwan, a borderless economical hub for South Korean, Japanese, and Chinese companies.  However, the city was threatened by a gigantic earthquake predicted to occur within three months. To reduce the impact of the disaster, the countries had to install a special device underneath the city; however, it would require cutting-edge technology and heavy funding from all three countries.

To promote socioeconomic progress, the three nations decided to have a joint-operation to install the device as soon as possible. However, an unknown person was attempting to stop the project by killing the people involved.  To implement the project and to find the murderer, ‘Strangers 6′ was formed, comprising top-notched agents from the three countries.

In 2012, Zio successfully completed two acting projects: ‘The Grand Heist’ and ‘Third Ward.’  ‘The Grand Heist’ became a box office hit when ticket sales skyrocketed to 4.7 million after 19 days.  In the historical movie, Zio portrayed a Joseon warrior employed to guard the royal ice warehouse.  One night, a corrupted minister stole all the ice blocks and the civic-conscious guard was subsequently accused of theft and destruction of loyal property.  While in jail, he met a masked ice thief whom he had tried to capture previously, and together, they decided to escape and rob the ice warehouse according to a precarious but foolproof plan.  When the guard firmly stated that all the stolen ice and other valuable goods would be used for non-profit purposes, the comrade reluctantly agreed. The movie, which has a touch of ‘Ocean Eleven,’ contains many hilarious scenes and amusing lines, making it one of the most watched 2012 movies in Korea.

On the other hand, ‘Third Ward’ is a medical drama in which Zio acts as an acupuncturist who often has to endure the arrogance of a neurosurgeon, who happens to be his own brother.  He has experienced several interesting moments while acting in the drama, one of which was that his kissing scene with the female lead was cut for fear of offending her fans.  Nevertheless, he was impressed with her acting ability, besides being happy to be in a love line with her in the drama.  However, he found it a real challenge to administer acupuncture precisely besides remembering mind-boggling terms associated with traditional medicine.  He also had to practice mountain-climbing as one of the scenes required him to procure a rare herb on top of a mountain.  Finally, contrasting traditional and modern medicine, the drama features an attractive cast of well-known actors and pop singers, resulting in favorable viewership ratings.
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Thank you.