Ji Chang Wook Achieves Hallyu Stardom

Move over Lee Min Ho and Kim Soo Hyun. There's a new Hallyu star whose presence is eagerly anticipated in China and Japan. That star is none other than Ji Chang Wook, whose six-year career recently had a major breakthrough when he played the tortured obsessed Emperor Ta Hwan in "Empress Ki." As the drama earned 28 percent ratings, he is suddenly a big star in Korea and an emerging Hallyu star throughout the world.

His new fame may come as something of a surprise to him.

Even though he loves to act it was not too long ago that Ji Chang Wook wondered if he even had the right to call himself an actor. It implied a person who had skills and he was not sure he had any. Shortly after his debut, he even considered giving up.

"I kept thinking I had no talent," he said. "I really cried a lot back then.

Which is not to say he did not keep trying. Since his debut, the 26-year-old actor has done a drama per year and a total of three musicals. He's had roles in daily dramas, weekend dramas, saeguks and short films.

"I was lucky," he said modestly about his career success. "I got to meet great people and had great projects because of that."

He claims that his success is 70 percent luck and 30 percent skill but those who saw him in "Empress Ki" might think differently. Over 51 episodes he devolved from a frightened prince to an often cruel and obsessed emperor.

Now that "Empress Ki" has ended, the actor has plans to visit China, Taiwan, Indonesia and other part of Asia. His first Asian fan meeting will be part of a musical gala show in Japan. He already has Japanese fans from the days when he appeared in the musical "Those Days."

He felt compassion for the character that gave his career a boost and saw Emperor Ta Hwan as someone to be pitied. Ji Chang Wook says the emperor's foolish behavior can easily be attributed to his vulnerability and the fact that he has no idea what it means to love someone.

"He hasn't been loved, doesn't know how to love and has no idea what love is," said Ji Chang Wook.

If you liked the actor in "Empress Ki," you may want to check out his previous performances in the dramas "Smile Again," "Hero," Warrior Baek Dong Soo" and "Five Fingers." His next project will be "Two Constables."