Juhn Jai-hong

Juhn Jai-hong was born in Seoul, and began receiving vocal lessons in the third grade. He moved to the United States at the age of 15 and after graduating from the prestigious Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School, he continued studying the art of singing in Vienna, Austria. Juhn said, "I pursued the path of an opera singer for more than 20 years. I had completed my studies, but felt that classical music limited my expression. I also studied drawing as well, and I felt that cinema was the perfect way to express all these things together." He then studied business management at Webster University Vienna, because he thought it was related to directing, "A director must lead the entire project and all of his cast and crew — it's all about management."

Unlike the perception that he was an arthouse filmmaker, with Poongsan, Juhn hoped to make a film that was first and foremost popcorn entertainment — something young, fun, and edgy. He said, "The film is essentially about reunification, something that any Korean would want. But as much as it's a somber subject, I wanted to keep the film itself touching yet entertaining, something that anyone can enjoy." He hired Tim Starnes as music director, and Juhn's own voice was featured in Robert Schumann's Die Lotosblume. Juhn fought to cast Yoon, a former pop idol, in the lead role, saying he liked Yoon's "piercing gaze" in the film The Moonlight of Seoul and felt they were both "trying to challenge stereotypes."

The action film was shot in 25 takes in just 30 days, including wire action sequences, water stunts, and CGI — all on the low budget of ₩200 million (US$185,580 ). The entire cast and crew took part in the project with no guarantee. Though used to shooting fast and economically, Juhn admitted filming Poongsan had been difficult, "like trying to climb K2 without oxygen," but that he had "wanted to show that it is possible to make a film with passion rather than money." Critics and film industry professionals were later impressed with the production values.

In December 2012, Juhn confirmed that he would direct a remake of 2010 French action-thriller Point Blank starring Ryu Seung-ryong. But Juhn later had creative differences with production company Yong Film regarding The Target, and in September 2013, a press release from distributor CJ E&M stated that he had been replaced by Death Bell director Chang.

In 2011, Kim handed him another story idea, because Juhn said Kim "wanted a young director to bring a fresh perspective to inter-Korean issues." Poongsan follows a mysterious messenger (played Yoon Kye-sang) who delivers letters and cherished memorabilia to separated families in North and South Korea. Things take an unexpected turn when the taciturn young man is commissioned with the task of transporting the beautiful lover (Kim Gyu-ri) of a high-ranking Northern official who escaped to the South.

Juhn also made a cameo in Moon Si-hyun's feature directorial debut Sins of Fathers (2011). Moon was another of Kim Ki-duk's protégés, and she and Juhn had known each other since they were studying filmmaking in New York.

Beautiful premiered at the Panorama section of the 58th Berlin International Film Festival, and won the Grand Prix at the 2008 Fukuoka Asian Film Festival. Kim, who produced the film, said "it was good." Beautiful displayed artistic sensibilities and thematic trappings that are automatically identified with Kim, such as explicit expressions of fascination and loathing with the human body, and an examination of ethics and morality through violence. Local critics gave Juhn the nickname "Little Kim Ki-duk" or "Kim Ki-duk Two," but he said the comparisons to his mentor didn't bother him, since he was "still young and have much to learn."

As Kim Ki-duk's protégé (along with Jang Hoon and Jang Cheol-soo), Juhn honed his directorial skills as an assistant director on Kim's films Time (2006) and Breath (2007). He was also a crew member on Rough Cut (2008) and helped with the online marketing of Dream (2008). In between, Juhn worked on his short film Fish (Korean: 물고기 ; RR: Mulgogi), which was later invited to compete in the short film section of the 64th Venice International Film Festival.

After making the decision to pursue filmmaking, he moved back to New York City, paid US$200 for a hand-held camera and started shooting short films. He said being in Manhattan was a great advantage because there were so many venues to shoot and getting permits was relatively easy. From 2004 to 2007, Juhn shot a total of 14 short films, among which Color competed at the 2005 New York International Independent Film and Video Festival. He said, "I had no fear. I had no knowledge about movies, which was what actually enabled me to do it."

Juhn Jai-hong (Korean: 전재홍 ; born 1977) is a South Korean film director. He directed Beautiful (2008) and Poongsan (2011).