Rising star actor Nam Joo Hyuk has been all over the K-media after the completion of drama ‘Who Are You: School 2015‘.,
The model turned actor has done interviews for all the major publications after he came to the spotlight with his male lead role in ‘Who Are You: School 2015′. He recently did a pictorial for the latest July issue of ‘singles’ fashion magazine,‘ize’ and ‘star1’ magazines. In his interview for ‘singles’ magazine, the actor shared his perspective in rating his own acting performance, stating “There was someone on the internet who put my scenes together, and it allowed me to rate my performance. I starting learning acting not too long ago. Although I did put in effort, I was still rather limited. I don’t really mind the malicious comments, since they are just pointing out what I lack. I definitely have to just keep working even harder.” Talking about his role in ‘Who Are You: School 2015′ Nam Joo Hyuk said “I am really not suited to such mushy stuff. The side of me when I acted opposite Kim So Hyun, that’s the real me.” It seems the actor is a true Busan guy, a rough gentleman.
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다양한 이들을 만나 대화하는 게 직업적 사명이라, 마주했던 한 사람 한 사람의 인격에 큰 의미를 두지 않으려 애쓰지만, 의외의 면모로 발굴의 쾌거를 주는 이들의 잔상은 길게 남는다. 인터뷰를 마치고 편집부로 돌아와서 입이 마르도록 그를 칭찬했었다. 2014 S/S 서울패션위크 현장에서 점찍어 뒀던 신인 모델 남주혁 말이다. 화려한 외모는 아니지만, 볼수록 눈에 드는 얼굴을 가진 스무 살. 품행이 단정하고 고요해서 ‘엄친아’를 예상했건만, 적당한 패기와 운동부에서 익힌 특유의 승부근성이 내심 나를 놀라게 했던 것. 갓 시작하는 사람을 만나는 기쁨 중 하나는 아직 완성되지 않은 그의 훗날을 예견해볼 수 있다는 것이다. 단 한 시간의 대화로 남주혁의 모든 것을 가늠할 수는 없지만, 딱 하나 단언하자면 ‘애가 됐더라.’ 취재를 마치고 돌아온 편집부에서 내가 ‘장담컨대 이 친구 정말 잘 될 거라니까요?’를 연발한 이유다.
지켜보고 싶은 신인
모델 남주혁 안녕하세요. 자기소개 부탁합니다. 저는 이번 2014 S/S 시즌에 서울컬렉션으로 데뷔한 케이플러스(K Plus) 소속의 신인 모델 남주혁입니다. 나이는 20살이에요. (웃음)
2014 S/S 시즌 ‘문수권(Munsoo Kwon)’ 쇼장에서 큐비즘 매거진 취재진과 만났었는데 기억나요? (웃음)
이번 서울패션위크는 제 데뷔 무대라 솔직히 긴장해서 아무것도 보이지가 않았어요.
우선 언제부터 모델을 꿈꿨는지 들어보죠.
중학교 3학년 때쯤 잡지를 보면서, 화보에 나오는 모델 형들이 너무 멋있다는 생각에 한번 도전해볼까 하는 마음이 생겼어요. 중학교 3학년 때부터 키가 꽤 컸던 모양이네요? 초등학생 때는 작았는데, 6학년 때부터 농구선수 생활을 시작했어요. 키가 안 커도 팀에 발 빠른 선수 한 명쯤은 필요하거든요. (웃음) 그렇게 농구를 시작한 후로 30cm 정도 쑥 자라더라고요. 그래서 중학교 3학년 때도 180cm가 넘었던 걸로 기억해요. 학창시절에 농구선수였으면 여학생들을 구름 떼 같이 몰고 다녔겠군요. 안타깝게도 제가 남학교를 나왔어요. (웃음) 그래도 그때는 농구에만 집중할 수 있어서 좋았던 것 같아요. (웃음)
농구를 하다가 왜 갑자기 모델로 눈을 돌린 거예요?
초등학교 때부터 쭉 농구선수 생활을 하다가 중학교 3학년 때 부상을 당했어요. 한창 실력이 늘고 있었고, 고등학교 농구팀에서 스카우트 제의도 받았던 터라 안타까웠지만, 운동을 관뒀죠. (웃음) 그래서 다시 책상 앞에 앉았는데 정말 공부는 제 길이 아니었어요. (웃음) 운동부라서 수업에 잘 참여하지 못했는데 뒤늦게 따라가려니 쉽지 않더라고요. 그때쯤 모델이라는 직업이 눈에 들어오기 시작한 거예요. 제가 원래 부산에 살았는데, 그 무렵 수원으로 이사하면서 그 꿈이 더 커졌던 것 같아요. 수원은 서울과 접근성이 좋으니까 왔다 갔다 하면서 모델 일을 할 수 있겠다고 생각했죠. (웃음) 운동을 관두고 수원으로 이사 온 후로 일반 인문계 고등학교에 다닌 건가요? 그렇죠. 그때도 역시나 공부는 싫어했지만요. (웃음)
보통 학교에서 키 크고 운동 좀 한다는 친구들은 나쁜 길로 빠지기 쉽잖아요. (웃음) 학창시절의 남주혁은 어땠나요?
그렇죠. 운동 잘하고 키 큰 아이들은 그런 경향이 좀 있어요. 근데 저는 1학년 때부터 저를 잘 끌어주시는 담임선생님을 만나서 엇나가지 않았어요. 딱히 제가 뭘 잘못한 건 아닌데 워낙 눈에 잘 띄니까 항시 예의주시하셨어요. 유독 제게 더 엄하셨던 것 같아요. 아마 잘못되지 말라고 그러셨겠죠? 정말 많이 맞았어요. (웃음) 나중에는 맞기 싫어서 공부도 열심히 했어요. 덕분에 무난하게 학창시절을 보낸 것 같아요. 선생님 감사합니다. (웃음) 그럼 고등학생 때부터 모델 아카데미에 다닌 거예요? 고등학교 2학년 때 부모님 몰래 모델 아카데미 오디션을 봤는데, 부모님께서 아카데미에 안 보내주시더라고요. 그래서 포기하고 다시 평범하게 학교에 다녔어요. (웃음) 선수는 포기했지만, 농구는 취미로 계속했어요. 하필 그제야 실력이 급부상해서 길거리 농구 대회에서 몇 번 우승도 했었죠.
지금도 농구 잘해요?
지금도 수원에서 제일 큰 농구팀에 소속되어 있어요. ‘수원 비상’이라는 팀인데요, 저는 가드로 활약하고 있죠. (웃음) 수원시 대표로 대회에 나간 적도 있어요. 최우수선수상도 받았고. (웃음) 물론, 정식 대회는 아니고 ‘길거리 농구 대회’요. (웃음) 그렇군요. 현재 나이가 스무 살이면 지금 대학생활 중인가요? 아뇨, 대학을 안 갔어요. 꼭 대학을 갈 필요는 없다고 생각했거든요. 공부를 썩 잘하지도 않았고요. 하하하. (웃음) 이런 건 솔직하게 말해야 하니까요. (웃음) 모델이라는 명확한 꿈이 있어서 소신 있는 결정을 할 수 있었나 보군요. 그럼 모델 아카데미는 언제부터 다니기 시작했나요? 20살이 돼서 모델 아카데미를 알아보던 중에 케이플러스(K Plus)에서 ‘모델 1일 체험’ 프로그램을 한다는 공고를 봤어요. 하루 동안 아카데미 수강생들이 배우는 것들을 짧게 연습한 후 오디션을 보는 거죠. 거기서 종합 점수 1등 한 사람에게 케이플러스(K Plus)의 아카데미를 장학금으로 다닐 수 있게 해주는 거였어요. 항상 모델이 되고 싶다는 마음만 있었지 제대로 도전해본 적이 없으니까 그 기회에 한 번 해보자고 결심했죠. 약 50명의 참가자가 도전했는데 제가 그 대회에서 1등을 했어요. (웃음) 그래서 올해 5월부터 3개월 동안 부모님 도움 없이 케이플러스(K Plus) 모델 아카데미를 다니게 됐고요.
모델 아카데미에서의 3개월은 어땠나요?
같은 꿈을 가진 친구들이 모여 있는 곳이니까, 더 잘해야겠다는 생각뿐이었어요. 어떤 면에서는 모두가 경쟁자잖아요. 살기 위해서 무작정 열심히 했던 것 같아요. (웃음) 어릴 때부터 운동부 생활을 해서 승부근성이 있어요. 언제나 다른 선수들보다 잘하고 눈에 띄어야 한 번이라도 더 경기를 뛸 수 있잖아요. 모델도 그런 마음가짐으로 임했던 것 같아요. 그 안에서 특별히 두각을 드러낸 재능은 없지만, 열심히 하는 것만큼은 잘했어요. 같은 기수 안에서는 몇 순위 정도? 남주혁 씨와 친하게 지내는 모델 이철우 씨는 얼마 전 인터뷰에서 60명의 연습생 중에 다섯 손가락으로 꼽혔었다고 당당히 말했는데. (웃음) 음, 저도 그랬으니까. ‘1일 모델 체험’ 대회 때 1등도 하고 그런 거 아닐까요? (웃음) 장난이고요. 3개월의 아카데미 코스가 끝나고 8월 말에 바로 회사와 계약했어요. 처음 섰던 쇼는 ‘플랙진(PLAC Jean)’의 2013 F/W 브랜드 쇼예요. 그때 모델 형들을 처음 봤어요. 원중이 형, 기용이 형, 형섭이 형, 안재현 형 등등 웬만한 남자 모델 형들은 다 계셨거든요.
데뷔 무대는 어땠어요?
백스테이지에서 준비할 때만 해도 무척 신이 났었는데, 막상 제 차례가 돼서 무대로 나가는 순간 아무것도 보이지 않는 거예요. 런웨이를 비추는 조명만 보이고 관중석의 그 많은 사람이 하나도 안 보이더라고요. 양 옆이 그냥 벽처럼 느껴졌어요. 너무 긴장돼서 길만 따라 걸었던 것 같아요. (웃음) 큰 실수는 없었지만, 더 잘할 수 있었을 것 같다는 후회가 남았죠. 어떤 점이 실망스러웠나요? 무대 위에서 자연스럽지 못한 제 모습이 아쉬웠어요. 이후로 워킹 연습을 많이 했고요.
지금은 본인의 워킹에 만족하나요?
워킹을 잘하는 것보다도 느낌 있게 하고 싶어요. (웃음) 모델이 풍기는 분위기가 압도적이면 워킹의 단점은 눈에 들어오지 않잖아요. 그런 저만의 특별한 느낌을 찾고 있어요. 그건 무작정 연습만 한다고 나오는 게 아닌 것 같아요. 그래서 이미지 트레이닝도 하고. 나름대로 노력하고 있죠. 몇 번의 브랜드 쇼 경험을 통해 본인의 장단점을 파악해갈 무렵, 드디어 서울패션위크에서 기회가 왔잖아요. 네. 지난 2014 S/S 시즌에 데뷔임에도 불구하고 10개나 되는 쇼에 섰는데요, 저로서는 모두 처음 겪는 일이잖아요. 꿈꾸던 것들이 드디어 현실이 된 거고요. 패션위크 첫날은 너무 많이 긴장했어요.
신인으로서는 비교적 빨리 좋은 기회들을 만나서 마음가짐을 관리하기 어려울 것 같은데 어때요?
항상 그 부분을 경계해요. 솔직히 모델은 언제 가라앉을지 모르는 직업이잖아요. 저는 이제 갓 시작했고, 부족한 게 너무 많거든요. 아직 모델로서 그리 뚜렷한 강점을 갖춘 것 같지도 않고요. 그런데 시작하자마자 과분하게 많은 일을 하게 됐어요. 지금 왕성하게 활동하는 형들의 데뷔 시절 이야기를 들어보면 첫 컬렉션 때 한 두 개의 쇼를 하셨다는데, 저는 처음부터 10개의 쇼에 섰고요. 기쁨도 크지만, 만일 다음 시즌에 더 많은 쇼에 서지 못하면 자신에게 실망할 것 같더라고요. 그래서 더 노력할 수밖에 없어요. 서울패션위크 데뷔 쇼 중에서 가장 인상 깊었던 순간은? 긴장됐던 첫날의 마지막 스케줄이 강동준 실장님의 ‘디그낙(D.GNAK)’ 쇼였는데 일반적인 워킹을 하지 않았어요. 정해진 워킹 가이드가 없이 자유분방하게 쇼가 진행됐거든요. 저는 중간에 관중석에서 튀어나왔어요. (웃음) 가장 인상 깊었던 쇼예요.
신인이라 가뜩이나 긴장도 많이 했을 텐데, 떨리지 않아요?
리허설 때 강동준 실장님께서 ‘런웨이에서 자유분방하게 장난치고 놀지 못할 것 같은 사람은 지금 나가.’라고 하시더라고요. 저로서는 서울컬렉션이 처음이라 그 자체만으로도 너무 떨리는데, 대뜸 그런 걸 하라고 하시니까 당황했죠. 근데 어떻게 못 하겠다고 해요. (웃음) 어쨌든 음악에 맞춰서 관중석에서 등장했는데요, 그 쇼를 통해 긴장이 많이 풀리고 쇼를 즐길 수 있게 됐어요. 벽으로 느껴졌던 런웨이 양 옆의 관중들도 세 명 정도는 시야에 들어오기 시작하고요. (웃음) 저의 한계를 한 번 깨는 기회가 됐던 것 같아요.
컬렉션 이후로는 어떤 노력을 이어가고 있나요?
이후로 형들의 워킹을 더 눈여겨봤는데 형들은 각자 자기만의 느낌이 있는 것 같아요. 저도 그게 있어야 할 것 같아요. ‘남주혁’ 하면 바로 저만의 느낌이 떠오르는. 그래서 그런 노력을 하고 있고, 잡지 화보 촬영을 하면서 느낀 건, 표정이 다양해야 하는데 저는 아직 표정이 그렇게 다양하지 않은 것 같아서 형들 화보를 많이 참고하고 있어요. 요즘은 도상우 형 화보를 많이 참고해요. 표정이 참 풍부하신 것 같아요. (웃음)
검색해보니 닮은꼴 연예인으로 불리는 인물들이 많더군요. 스스로 나열해주세요.
아, 제 입으로요? (웃음) 음, 한 번 해볼까요? (웃음) 저 배우 이현우 씨 닮았다는 말도 들어봤고요. 좀 민망한데 정말 제가 직접 나열해야 하나요? (웃음) 요즘 ‘응답하라 1994’에서 ‘빙그레’라는 역할로 출연하는 그룹 B1A4의 바로 씨, 씨엔블루(CNBLUE)의 이정신 씨도 들어봤어요. 그리고 저는 당연히 안 닮았다고 생각하는데 팬들이 닮은꼴이라고 해주는 분이 또 계세요. (웃음)
혹시 예명으로 활동하는 배우인가요? 본명은 엄씨인 걸로 알고 있습니다만?
오, 맞아요. 엄홍식 씨. 배우 유아인 씨죠. (웃음) 닮았다는 말 듣는 인물이 너무 많은 것 같아요. 감사하긴 한데 부끄러워요. 저는 그냥 남주혁입니다. (웃음) 공교롭게도 닮았다고 언급되는 인물들이 모두 연기자들 혹은 연기자로 활동영역을 넓히고 있는 가수들이네요. 향후 연기자로서의 꿈도 있는지 궁금하군요. (웃음) 아직 연기 욕심은 없어요. 제 꿈은 모델이었으니까요. 일단 모델 일을 시작했으니 모델로서의 정점을 찍어야겠죠? (웃음)
스스로 정해놓은 ‘모델로서의 정점’이 있나요?
구체적으로 생각해본 적은 없는데 모든 사람에게 인정받는다면 그게 정점 아닐까요? (웃음) 저를 괄시하던 사람이 ‘남주혁 이제 정말 잘 됐구나.’라고 생각한다면 그건 성공인 것 같아요. (웃음) 어쩐지 말에 뼈가 있군요. 마음속에 품은 앙심이라도? (웃음) 없지는 않죠. (웃음) 장난이고요. 앙심이 아니라 자극제 같은 거예요. 간혹 화보를 찍으면 칭찬해주시는 분들도 계시지만, ‘너 같은 애들은 너무 흔하다.’라고 혹평하는 분도 계세요. 이제 막 시작하는 입장에서 그런 독설은 좀 마음 아프죠. (웃음) 근데 흔한 얼굴들 가운데서도 튀면 되는 거잖아요. (웃음) 그렇게 되도록 열심히 할 거예요.
평소 동경하는 디자이너나 앞으로 서보고 싶은 쇼가 있다면?
제가 아직 소년 이미지가 강해서 고태용 실장님의 ‘비욘드 클로젯(beyond closet)’ 쇼에 서보고 싶었는데 얼마 전 W호텔과 '쎄씨(Ceci)'가 공동 개최하는 패션쇼 ‘커팅 엣지 패션 W호텔 & 쎄씨’에서 ‘비욘드 클로젯’의 오프닝을 했어요. (웃음) 권문수 실장님의 ‘문수권(Munsoo Kwon)’도 좋고, 최범석 실장님이 좋아요. 송혜명 선생님의 ‘도미닉스 웨이(Dominic’s Way)’도 꼭 서고 싶은데, 선생님께서 브랜드 이미지와 제가 잘 맞지 않는다고 하시더라고요. ‘도미닉스 웨이’는 유니크하고 강렬한 모델이 어울리니까요. 하지만 나이가 들어가면서 이미지가 조금씩 바뀌면 나중에는 한 번 서볼 수 있지 않을까요? (웃음) 그 외에 ‘스티브J & 요니P(Steve J & Yoni P)’도 욕심나고 나중에 ‘김서룡 옴므’ 쇼에 꼭 서보고 싶어요. 그 쇼를 하고 나면 뭔가 한 단계 업그레이드될 것 같아요.
대화해보기 전에는 ‘곱게 자란 모범생’을 상상했는데, 그렇지만은 않네요.
전 그리 모범생 같은 스타일도 아니고 모델로서는 모범생보다 불량소년 같은 이미지를 풍기고 싶어요. 모범생은 표현할 수 있는 이미지가 한정적인데 불량소년은 훨씬 다양한 느낌을 표현할 수 있잖아요. (웃음) 불량소년의 이미지를 가지기 위해 비행(非行)을 배우고 있나요? 하하하 (웃음), 아뇨. 그렇진 않아요. 그래도 언젠가는 악동 느낌을 물씬 내고 싶어요. 지금은 이현우 씨의 이미지가 강한데, 점차 성장하면서 유아인 씨의 강인함을 닮아 가면 되겠군요. 그렇게 되려고 노력해야죠. (웃음) 5년 후 ‘남주혁’이라는 모델이 타인들에게 어떻게 묘사되길 원해요? 그때는 ‘데뷔했을 때의 첫 모습과는 많이 다르다.’라고 평가받고 싶어요. 지금은 ‘마냥 귀엽다’는 말을 많이 듣는데요, 솔직히 남자로 태어났으면 귀엽다는 말보다는 남자답다는 말을 들어봐야죠. (웃음) 그런 남성미를 가지고 싶어요. 성장하면서 점점 멋있어지는? (웃음) 지금보다 좀 더 자유분방하고 악동 같은 모습도 많아졌으면 하고요. 귀여운 건 교정기 뺄 때까지만 하려고요. (웃음) 제가 지금 치아교정 중이거든요. 내년 여름이면 교정이 끝나요. 그 뒤로는 소년에서 점차 남자로 변해가는 거죠. (웃음)
이미 치밀하게 계획을 세워놨군요? (웃음)
네. 큰 목표를 세워둬야 의지가 생기는 것 같아요. 지금은 제 나이에 어울리게 행동하는 게 옳다고 생각하는데, 빨리 성장하고 싶은 마음이 커요. (웃음) 제 안에 뭔가 있는 것 같아요. 아직 나오지 않은 어떤 매력. 하하하. (웃음) 팬들에게 사랑받는 모델도 좋지만, 그보다도 모델로서의 자질을 인정받고 싶어요. 꼭 그런 멋있는 모델이 되도록 노력할게요.
목표를 향한 슬램덩크
남주혁의 라이프 스타일 평소에 뭘 하면서 지내나요? 동네에 가면 친한 친구들은 다 학교 근처에 사는데 저만 좀 먼 동네에 살거든요. 나가기 귀찮으니까 주로 집에 혼자 있죠. (웃음) 요즘은 혼자 아이쇼핑하러 다니는 게 새로운 취미가 돼서 여기저기 돌아다녀요. 심심할 때는 농구장에 가서 운동도 하고요. (웃음)
모델들끼리 결성한 농구팀은 없어요?
잘 모르겠어요. 없는 것 같아요. 혹시 있다면 저를 꼭 불러주세요. (웃음) 요즘 안 그래도 KBS2 ‘우리동네 예체능’을 보니까 농구를 하더라고요. 방송 보다 보면 왠지 제가 더 잘할 수 있을 것 같아서 몸이 근질근질해요. (웃음) 농구 외에 음악 듣는 것도 좋아해요. (웃음) 좋아하는 뮤지션이 있다면? 저는 감성 코드의 대표주자 버스커 버스커를 아주 좋아합니다. 친구들이랑 노래방 가면 모창까지 할 정도로 좋아해요. (웃음) 노래 실력이 수준급인 모양이군요. 잘하지는 않지만, 못하지도 않아요. (웃음) 버스커 버스커의 노래 중에서도 ‘여수 밤바다’가 애창곡인데요, 제가 노래 불러주면 지루해서 잠들지도 몰라요. (웃음) 친구들이랑 노래방 가서 그 노래를 부르면 다들 잠 온다고 1절 끝나자마자 꺼버리더라고요. (웃음)
좋아하는 책은 없어요?
요즘은 잡다한 생각이 많아져서 꿈과 미래에 대해 쓴 책들을 읽어요. 그룹 울랄라 세션의 멤버 고(故) 임윤택 씨가 쓴 에세이 ‘안 된다고 하지 말고 아니라고 하지 말고’를 읽었는데 느낀 게 많았어요. 뭐든 포기하지 않으면 결국은 이뤄지는 것 같아요. 꿈이 있다는 것은 곧 목표가 있다는 거잖아요. (웃음) 그 목표를 실천하는가 하지 않는가가 관건인데, 저도 그 책을 읽은 후로는 ‘해보고 싶은 게 있다면 무조건 실천해야겠다.’라는 생각을 가지게 됐어요. 그래서 아까 말씀드렸던 ‘모델 아카데미 1일 체험’ 프로그램에 도전한 거예요. 공고를 보자마자 ‘안 되더라도 일단 해보자.’라는 생각이 들더라고요. (웃음)
모델 활동을 시작하면서 갑자기 생활이 많이 바뀌었을 텐데 어때요?
모델이 되기 전에는 대학진학을 안 해서 아르바이트만 하고 있었어요. 서빙도 잠깐 해봤고요, (웃음) 유소년 농구팀 코치도 했어요. 초등학교 고학년부터 중학생까지 되는 아이들을 가르쳤는데, 그 나이의 아이들이 참, 말을 안 들어요. 그럴 때는 공을 멀리 던져서 주워오게 하고. 그런 장난 많이 쳤죠. (웃음) 재밌었는데 모델 아카데미에 다니면서 시간이 없어서 관뒀어요. (웃음)
형제 관계는 어떻게 돼요?
저는 외동아들이에요. 오, 하나뿐인 귀한 아드님이군요. 부모님께서는 처음에 모델의 길을 반대하셨다고 했는데 이후 대학 진학도 안 하겠다고 했으니 마음고생이 크셨겠네요. 그렇죠. 요즘은 모델들에게 좋은 기회가 너무 많은데, 어머님 세대의 모델은 돈벌이하기도 어려운 직업이었다고 하시더라고요. (웃음) 성공하기 어려운 길이라고 처음에는 많이 반대하셨어요. 거기다가 대학도 안 가겠다고 고집 피웠으니 속상하셨겠죠? 대학에 안 가겠다고 말씀드렸더니 ‘그럼 아르바이트 해서 돈이라도 벌어 와라.’라면서 내보내시더라고요. (웃음) 부모님께서 외동아들인데도 너무 강하게 키우셨어요. (웃음) 어쨌든 지금은 하다 보니 이렇게 모델 일로 돈을 벌고 있네요. (웃음)
지금은 무척 좋아하시겠어요.
어우, 부모님은 굉장히 좋아하시죠. 친척분들에게 전화하시는 거 들어보니까 ‘주혁이한테 이런 끼가 있는 줄은 미처 몰랐다.’면서 자랑을 그렇게 하시더라고요. 집에서는 그냥 철딱서니 없는 아들이거든요. 집에 들어오자마자 엄마한테 ‘아, 밥 달라고!’ 이러면서 엄마랑 막 싸우고. (웃음) 말도 잘 안 듣는 그런 아들. 그러다가 갑자기 이렇게 모델이 됐으니 놀라셨겠죠. 지난 2014 S/S 시즌 쇼장에 부모님 초대했어요? 어머니가 일을 하셔서 초대할 수가 없었는데, 다음 2014 F/W 시즌에는 초대하려고요. 쇼장에 오시면 아마 우실지도 몰라요. (웃음) 아무것도 안될 줄 알았던 제가 그렇게 워킹하는 모습 보시면 감동 받으실 것 같은데요? (웃음) 그전까지 저는 엄마한테 그저 ‘학교에 갔다 돌아오는 애’ 정도였거든요. 그냥 학교에 왔다 갔다만 하는 아들. (웃음) 어쨌든 부모님의 도움을 안 받고 이렇게 혼자 모델 아카데미 다니면서 데뷔하고 활동하는 거 보시고 지금은 너무 대견해하세요. 밖에 나가면 자랑 많이 하시더라고요. 친척들도 굉장히 좋아하시죠. 그 누구도 제가 이렇게 될 거라고는 예상하지 못했거든요. (웃음)
가족들이 좋아하는 모습 보면 뿌듯하겠어요. 현재 왕성하게 활동하고 있지만, 캠퍼스 생활을 못 하고 있잖아요. 대학에 가지 않은 것에 대한 아쉬움은 없어요?
사실 3월쯤에는 친구들이 전부 학교에 다니니까 부럽기도 하고, 왜 내가 대학을 안 갔나 하는 생각도 들었는데, 지금은 제 일을 열심히 하고 있으니까 대학은 그렇게 중요하지 않죠. 학창시절 친구들은 요즘 활동하는 모습 보고 뭐라고 해요? 조금만 더 뜨면 엽기 사진 다 유포하겠다고 협박하죠, 뭐. (웃음) 그럴 애들은 아니라고 믿으니까. 저는 제 친구들을 믿어요. (웃음) 팬들과는 자주 소통하는 편이에요? 전에는 페이스북으로 메시지 보내주시는 분들한테 하루 정도 날 잡아서 답장도 해드렸거든요. 근데 요즘은 바빠서 잘 못해요. 처음에는 답장도 많이 해드렸는데 근래는 답을 안 해드리니까 ‘뜨더니 변했다.’고 욕하는 분들도 계세요. (웃음) 이 자리에서 해명 좀 해주세요. 정말 의도치 않게 원래 답장을 하던 제가 요즘은 답장을 못 해 드리는데요, 사실 보내주시는 메시지 양이 너무 많아서 다 못 읽을 때도 있고, 일일이 답변하면 신비감이 떨어질 것 같아서요. (웃음) 저 지금 뭔가 아주 부적절한 대답을 하는 것 같아요. (웃음) 다른 분들은 이럴 때 뭐라고 대답하셨어요? 힌트 없어요?
인터뷰에 ‘힌트’가 어디 있겠어요. (웃음)
저를 응원해주시는 팬분들이 계시다는 게 항상 너무 소중하고 감사해요. 하지만 저는 모델이니까 지금은 우선 실력으로서 인정받을 수 있게 더 노력해야 하는 시기인 것 같아요. 그래도 뒤에서 항상 응원해주시는 분들이 있다는 게 너무 큰 힘이 되고요, 간혹 손으로 쓴 편지를 보내주시는 분들도 계시는데 그런 편지 읽을 때마다 정말 기분 좋아요. 감사합니다. (웃음) 혹시 기억나는 팬이 있나요? 제가 요즘 팬 분들 메시지에 답변을 못해드리니까 팬카페에 어떤 분이 ‘팬카페를 탈퇴하고 싶은 생각도 든다.’라고 글을 올리셨더라고요. 그 글을 보고 다른 팬분이 ‘주혁이 입장도 생각해줘라. 바빠서 그럴 텐데 우리는 뒤에서 응원만 해주자. 벌써 팬들이 이러는 걸 알면 주혁이가 얼마나 힘이 빠지겠냐.’ 이런 식으로 답변을 써놓으신 걸 봤는데 정말 감동했어요. (웃음) 그리고 팬들이 궁금한 점이 많다고 메시지를 보내시는데 제가 그런 쪽지에 다 답변을 안 하고 있었죠. 큐비즘 매거진이랑 인터뷰할 때 말하려고. (웃음)
초록색 검색창에 ‘남주혁’을 검색하면 ‘남주혁 남친짤’이 연관 검색어로 뜨더군요.
제가 주변에 한 명쯤 있을만한 흔한 얼굴이라서 제 사진이 ‘남친짤’로 많이 불리는 것 같더라고요. (웃음) 간혹 제 사진 좀 많이 올려달라고 요청하시는 팬들이 계시는데, 저는 ‘셀카’ 같은 걸 어색해서 잘 못하겠어요. 평소에 그런 걸 잘 안 했었는데, 모델이 된 후로 갑자기 시작하려니까 잘 안돼요. 셀카 이상하게 찍었다고 매니저 누나에게 엄청나게 욕먹어요. 그래도 최근에는 잘 찍었다고 칭찬도 한 번 받았어요. (웃음) 평소에 자주 어울리는 지인들은? 요즘은 주로 이철우 형, 주우재 형, 학수랑 어울리고요, 동네에 있을 때는 그냥 제 학창시절 친구들을 자주 보죠. 같은 회사 형들도 다들 친한데 사석에서 자주 만나지는 못해요. 스케줄이 있을 때는 보는데, 제가 먼저 형들에게 자주 연락하고 그런 성격이 못 되는 것 같아요.
남주혁의 출몰지대는 어디인가요?
저는 사당역에 자주 등장합니다. 거기서 버스를 타거든요. 혹시 사당역 버스 정류장에서 저한테 인사 건네시면 악수해드릴게요. (웃음) 에이, 악수가 뭡니까. 날도 추운데 따뜻한 붕어빵이라도 좀 사드리세요. 아, 그렇죠. 그 동네에 또 맛있는 것 파는 데가 많거든요. 반가운 마음으로 하나 사드릴게요. (웃음)
모델이니까 패션에도 관심이 많을 텐데, 즐기는 스타일도 궁금하네요.
저는 그냥 캐주얼하고 편안하게 입는 걸 좋아해요. 복잡하게 입거나 너무 튀는 스타일은 지양하고요, 좋아하는 브랜드는 딱히 없는데, 구제 의류도 좋아해요. 구제 의류 중에도 예쁜 옷이 정말 많거든요. 지난 컬렉션 때 구제 무스탕 재킷을 하나 사서 입고 갔는데 그 옷이 사진도 많이 찍히고, 여기저기 알려졌더라고요. 최근 가장 큰 관심사는 뭔가요? 글쎄요, 갑자기 이렇게 과분한 기회와 사랑을 얻고 있다는 게 저로서는 가장 큰 이슈죠. 이제 제가 할 수 있는 건 노력밖에 없는 것 같아요. 이미 이런 많은 기회와 큰 사랑을 받게 됐으니 그에 맞는 실력으로 보답해야죠.
피해갈 수 없는 팬들의 필수질문, 이상형은 뭔가요?
저는 착한 여자 분이 좋아요. 이상형을 설명하는 게 참 어려운 것 같아요. 얼굴이 예쁘고 말고를 떠나서 제가 봤을 때 호감이 가는 분이 있거든요. 한 번 봐도 계속 생각나는 그런 분들이 있는 것 같아요. 착하고 자기에게 어울리게 행동하는 그런 분. 근데 이렇게 대답하면 또 어떻게 호감이 가느냐고 자세히 물어보시겠죠? (웃음) 처음 봤을 때의 느낌이 중요한 것 같고요, 현재 여자 친구가 없습니다. (웃음) 다가오는 크리스마스, 어떤 계획을 세우고 있나요? 크리스마스 때도 저는 농구를 하고 있겠죠? 농구도 실내 코트가 준비되어 있기 때문에 아마도 따뜻한 크리스마스가 될 것 같네요. (웃음) 뭐 연말이라고 사람들 북적거리는 곳에 가고 그런 건 싫어요. (웃음) 그냥 크리스마스트리가 새겨져 있는 양말을 신고 농구를 한다거나. (웃음) 크리스마스에 그렇게 큰 의미를 두지 않으려고요. (웃음)
10년 후의 남주혁은 어떤 모습일까요?
아마 그때쯤이면 모델이 아닌 다른 직업을 가지고 있을 텐데요, 장차 제가 연기에 대한 꿈을 갖게 된다면 그때는 연기자가 되어있을지도 모르고요, 아까 말했던 유소년 농구단도 나중에 꼭 한번 해보고 싶어요. (웃음)
마지막으로 큐비즘 매거진 독자들에게 한마디 부탁합니다.
제가 올해 스무 살의 나이로 한 해를 보냈는데요. 성인이 된 첫 번째 해라는 것만으로도 의미가 큰데, 갑작스럽게 너무 많은 일이일어나서 모든 면에서 벅차고 기쁜 1년이었던 것 같아요. 우선 2013년이 얼마 남지 않았으니까 1년 동안 저에게 있었던 일들을 다시 한 번 곱씹어보면서 성숙해질 수 있는 연말을 보내야 할 것 같아요. 오늘 이렇게 큐비즘 매거진과 만나서 많은 이야기를 나눴는데요, 지금까지 말씀드렸던 것처럼 모델로서 인정받을 수 있도록 노력하는 신인이 되겠습니다. 응원 부탁드려요. 많이 사랑해주셔서 감사합니다. 모두 따뜻한 크리스마스, 따뜻한 연말 보내세요! (웃음)
English Translation
Meeting and talking with other people is my professional mission, so I’m trying not to give too much meaning to one person’s personality, but the afterimage that some of them whose great achievement discovered through an unexpected way can last long. Once the interview was over, I went to the editing department and I complimented him to the point my mouth got dry. I’m talking about rookie model Nam Joo Hyuk I had my eyes on during the 2014 S/S Seoul Fashion Week. He isn’t extraordinary handsome, but he’s a 20-year old with a face that stands out the more you look at him. I pictured him as an “umchina” [t/n: the son every mom dreams to have] with a good behavior, but his bright spirit and specific strong will for winning coming from his athlete past secretly surprised me. One reason to be happy about meeting someone who just started is being able to foresee his still unshaped future. One-hour conversation isn’t enough to figure out everything about Nam Joo Hyuk, but I can bet on one thing, “this kid made it”. It’s the reason I kept repeating in the editing room after the interview was over “I guarantee you he will do great things”. Hello. Please introduce yourself. I’m rookie model Nam Joo Hyuk who is in the K Plus agency and I debuted during the 2014 S/S Seoul Fashion Week. I’m 20. (laugh) You actually met a Cuvism reporter in the showroom of Munsoo Kwon during the 2014 S/S season. Do you remember? (laugh) This Seoul Fashion Week was my debut stage, so I was too nervous and I didn’t really pay attention. First of all, let’s hear about when you started dreaming to be a model. It was around the time I was in my 3rd year of middle school. While I was reading a magazine, I told to myself that the models looked very cool, so how about I try it too?. Did you start growing tall when you were in your 3rd year of middle school? When I was in elementary school, I was short. I started playing basketball in 6th grade. Although I wasn’t tall, the team needed someone who was fast. (laugh) After I started playing basketball, I actually grew up to 30 cm. That’s why I remember that my height was already over 180cm when I was in my 3rd year of middle school. If you played basketball back then, school girls must have been swarming all around you. Unfortunately, I attended an all-boy school. (laugh) Still, I think it was a good thing because I was able to focus only on basketball. (laugh) Why did you suddenly turn to modelling after playing basketball? I had been playing basketball since elementary school and I got injured when I was in my third year of middle school. My skills were really improving. It was unfortunate because I had received offers to be recruited on the high school basketball team, but I quit sports. (laugh) That’s why I sat down again at a desk, but studying was really not my path. (laugh) I was in the athletic club, so I couldn’t really attend all my classes. I had to rush to catch up with the others and it wasn’t easy. It was around that time that I started looking at this job called modelling. I’m from Busan, and I think my dream grew as I moved to Suwon around that time. Seoul is more accessible from Suwon, so I thought it’d be easier to go back and forth and do model activities. (laugh) Once you quit sports and moved to Suwon, did you attend an academic high school? I did. I still hated studying, though. (laugh) It’s quite easy for the high schoolers who are tall and good at sports to follow the wrong path. (laugh) How were you during your school days? You’re right. The tall kids who are good at sports have a little bit of this tendency. However, the homeroom teacher I had since my first year lead me well, so I didn’t go astray. Even if I didn’t something wrong, he always paid close attention to me. I think he was more severe only with me. Like he would say “don’t do something bad”? He hit me a lot. (laugh) Later on, I studied hard to because I hated being hit. I think it’s thanks to that I didn’t get in trouble during my school days. Teacher, thank you! (laugh) So did you attend a model academy since high school? When I was in my second year of high school, I auditioned for a model academy without telling my parents about it. My parents had told me they wouldn’t send me anyway. That’s why I gave up and went back to a regular school. (laugh) I gave up on being an athlete, but I kept playing basketball as a hobby. My skills improved quite fast, and I even won a few street basketball competitions. Are you still good at basketball today? I’m still a part of the biggest basketball team in Suwon. It’s called “Suwon Bisang” [t/n: I guess it can be translated as “Suwon Emergency”]. I play guard. (laugh) I even represented Suwon in a competition. I received the MVP award. (laugh) Of course, it wasn’t an official competition. It was a “street basketball competition”. (laugh) I see. You’re 20 now, are you in college? No. I didn’t go to college. I thought going to college wasn’t necessary for me. I was definitely not good at studying. Hahaha. (smile) I must be honest about it. (smile) Since you had a precise dream about being a model, so it seems that you were able to make this decision because you had conviction. So when did you start attending a model academy? When I turned 20, I read an ad about the “Model 1-day experience” program organized by K Plus. You have one day to study and you take an audition after a short period of practice. The person who ranks first is given a scholarship to attend the K Plus Academy. Being a model is the only thing I have ever wanted to become, so I decided to try at least once because I had never properly tried before. There were about 50 contestants, but I’m the one who ranked first. (smiles) That’s why I ended up attending the K Plus model academy for three months starting from May this year and without my parents’ help. How were the 3 months you spent at the model academy? It’s a place where we all share the same dream, so the only thing I had in mind was that I must do better. It’s a war everywhere you look. I think I just work hard blindly in order to survive. (smile) Since I was an athlete in my childhood, I have a strong will to win. You can get back in the game anytime if you stand out and are better than the others even just once. I think I was dedicated to modelling with the same mindset. I didn’t have particular skills to make myself stand out, but the good results I had were only because I worked hard for it. Where would you rank yourself among the ones in your league? Your friend model Lee Chul Woo said confidently in a recent interview that he’d count them on one hand among 60 trainees. Hm, I guess I’d say the same. Isn’t it like how I ranked first in the “1-Day Model experience” competition? (smile) I’m kidding. Once I finished the 3-month course, I signed a contract with the agency right away at the end of August. My first show was the PLAC Jean’s 2013 F/W show. It was my first time seeing all the other hyungs. Male models like Won Joongie-hyung, Ki Yongie-hyung, Hyung Seopie-hyung, Ahn Chae Hyun-hyung, they were all there. How was your debut stage? The atmosphere was thrilling even backstage. When it was actually my turn, I walked on stage and I saw absolutely nothing. I could only see the lights on the runway, so I couldn’t actually see the audience. I felt like there was a wall on both sides of the stage. I was so nervous that I felt like I was just walking following the track. (laugh) I didn’t make big mistakes, but I have some regrets because I feel like I could have done better. What were you disappointed about? The fact that I wasn’t able to show my natural image on stage. After that, I practiced my walk a lot. Are you satisfied of your walk now? I want to give off a vibe rather than show a good walk. (laugh) When the model is too overwhelming, his walk won’t stand out. I’m trying to find my own special feel. I think it’s not something that can be acquired only through blind practice. That’s why I also do image training. I’m working hard in my own way. The few brand shows you did made you understand your strengths and your weaknesses and this was when you got the opportunity to be a part of the Seoul Fashion Week. Yes. Although I debuted last year during the 2014 S/S season, I did 10 shows. Everything was a first experience for me. All the things that I had dreamed of finally came true. I was very nervous on my first day of the Fashion Week. As a rookie, it must be hard to keep your mind straight when you get so many good opportunities so fast. How do you handle it? It’s something I’m always cautious about. To be honest, modelling is a job when you can’t know if you’ll sink or not. I’m only starting now, there are still many things I’m lacking in. I have yet to sort out what my obvious strong points as a model are. However, as soon as I started, I ended up working excessively. When I listen to the debut stories of the hyungs who are active today, they say they did one or two shows during their first collection season. I did 10 shows right from the start. I’m quite happy, but I think I’ll be disappointed in myself if I can’t do more shows next season. That’s why I can do nothing but work harder. What was the most memorable moment of your Seoul Fashion Week debut shows? The last show on my first day schedule was Kang Dong Jun’s D.GNAK show, but it wasn’t regular walking. The show was freely conducted without a precise walk guide. I jumped out from the audience in the middle. (laugh) It’s my most memorable show. You must have been quite nervous since you’re a rookie. Weren’t you anxious? During rehearsal, Kang Dong Jun said “if you can’t joke around and have fun on the runway, leave now”. It was my first Seoul collection, so it was enough to make me very nervous, so I was confused when he gave this offhand order. I said I wouldn’t know how to do it. (smile) Anyway, I appeared in the audience and I followed along the music. This show made me release a lot of stress and I was able to enjoy it. And three people of the audience behind this wall I felt both sides of the runway came in my line of sight. (smile) I think it was the opportunity to break my own limits. What efforts are you making today after the collection season? After that, I watched much more closely the way the hyungs walk and I think each of them has their own vibe. I think this is something I must also have. Having people remember this feel as soon as they say “Nam Joo Hyuk”. That’s what I’m working on right now. The vibe I give off while I’m doing a photo shoot, my expressions must be diversified. I think my expressions aren’t diverse enough, so I’m checking a lot of the photo shoots my hyungs did. I check out a lot of Do Sang Woo-hyung’s photo shoots these days. I think the variety of his expressions is rich. (smile) I looked it up online and you’re said to look alike many celebrities. Tell us your own list of celebrities you think you look alike. Ah, should I say it myself? (laugh) Hm, let’s try? (laugh) I often hear that I look like actor Lee Hyun Woo. This is a bit embarrassing. Should I really say it myself? (laugh) These days, I also hear that I look like B1A4 Baro who is playing “Bingeurae” in “Reply 1994″, and CN Blue Lee Jung Shin. And of course I don’t think we look alike, but these are the people fans say we look alike. (laugh) And what about an actor who is currently doing activities under a stage name? Do you know the actor whose real name is Uhm? Oh, right! Uhm Hong Sik. It’s actor Yoo Ah In. (laugh) I think I hear a lot that we look alike. I’m thankful, but it makes me shy too. I’m just Nam Joo Hyuk. (laugh) All the celebrities you mentionned are actors or singers who branched out into acting. I wonder if you don’t also dream of becoming an actor. (laugh) I have no desire for acting yet because my dream was to be a model. I started as a model first, so I must reach the peak as a model, right? (laugh) Do you have set yourself for what is a “model peak”? I have never thought about it concretely, but isn’t the peak when everybody ackwnoledges you? (laugh) I thinks success is when someone who despises me thinks “Nam Joo Hyuk really did well”. (laugh) Seems like there’s something more right there. Do you hold a grudge or something? (laugh) I don’t have none. (laugh) I’m kidding. It’s not a grudge, but it’s more like stimulation. There are people who compliment me when I do a photo shoot sometimes, but there are also people who say “kids like you are quite common”. Since I’m getting started, comments like this are a bit hurtful. (laugh) But what I have today is because I’m standing among those with common faces, right? (laugh) I’m trying hard to make it happen. Is there a designer you’d like to walk the runway for? My teenage image is still quite strong, so I want to do the “Beyond Closet” show of Ko Tae Yong, and I did the opening for “Beyond Closet” at the “Cutting Ede Fashion W Hotel & Céci” show that W Hotel and Céci organized together. (laugh) Munsoo Kwon by Kwon Mun Soo is nice too and I like Choi Bum Seok too. I definitely want to work for Song Hye Myung’s “Dominic’s Way”, but she said I didn’t really match her brand image because Dominic’s Way is for models with a fierce and unique image. However, if my image changes as I get older, I might be able to walk the runway for her? (laugh) And I’m also interested in “Steve J & Yoni P”. Later on, I definitely want to be a part of a “Kim Seo Ryong Homme” show. I think you upgrade to another level once you did this show. Before talking to you, I pictured you as some “cool model student”. It’s not the case! My style isn’t the one of a model student. As a model, I want to show more the bad boy image than the model student image. The model student image is restrictive, but the bad boy can be expressed through various different ways. (laugh) Are you studying wrong behaviors in order to get this bad boy image? Hahaha. No. It’s not like that. Still, I want to give off this mischevious vibe one day. Right now, Lee Hyun Woo’s image is strong, but you’ll get the tough image similar to Yoo Ah In as your image slowly develops. I’m trying my best to make it happen that way. (laugh) How do you want people to describe you five years from now? I want people to say “his image is very different from when he debuted”. Righ now, I hear the words “he’s cute” a lot. To be honest, as a man, it’s better to hear that you’re manly rather than you’re cute. (laugh) I want to have this masculine vibe. Becoming more handsome as I’m improving? (laugh) I hope my image will be a bit more carefree and mischevious than it is today. I’m planning to keep the cute until I’m done with braces, though. (laugh) I’m currently getting my teeth straightened. It should be over some time around next summer. After that, I will change from a boy to a man. (laugh) Have you already made precise plans? (laugh) Yes. I think you must have big goals in order to have strong will. Right now, I think the activities I’m doing are right for my age, but I’m determined to develop fast. (laugh) I feel like there’s something inside of me. Some kind of charm that has yet to come out. Hahaha. It’s nice to be a model loved by his fans, but I want to be recognized for being qualified to be a model. This is definitely why I work hard to become a charismatic model like that. The lifestyle of Nam Joo Hyuk who is slam dunking toward his goals What do you usually do on a daily basis? All my close friends from my neighborhood live next to school. I’m the only one who lives a bit far. Going out is annoying, so I mostly stay at home all by myself. (laugh) My new hobby these days is to go window shopping on my own, so I go here and there. When I’m bored, I go to the basketball court and I exercise. (smile) Is there no model basketball team? I don’t know. I think there’s none. If there’s one, do call me. (laugh) I’ve been watching “Cool Kiz On The Block” on KBS2 lately and they play basketball. When I watch the show, I feel like I can do even beter, so my body gets itchy. (laugh) Basketball aside, I also enjoy listening to music. (smile) Is there a musician you like? I really like the emotional strings representative Busker Busker. When I go to the noraebang with my friends, we even imitate them. (smile) You seem to have excellent singing skills. I’m not good, but I’m not bad either. (laugh) My favorite Busker Busker song is “Yeosu Night Sea”. When I sing it, I don’t know if people sleep because I’m boring. (smile) When I go to the noraebang with my friends and I sing this song, they say they feel sleepy and they turn off the song as soon as the 1st verse is over. (laugh) Is there no book you enjoy reading? I’ve been having many miscellanous thoughts these days, so I read books about dreams and future. I read “Don’t Say It Won’t Work, Don’t Say It’s Not”, an essay written by the late Im Yoon Taek who was a member of Ulala Session and I felt many things. I think whatever you do, if you don’t give up, it will come true. Have dreams and soon you’ll have goals. (smile) The question is will you do everything to reach this goal or not. After reading this book, I ended up thinking “if there’s something I want to do, I must definitely try to make it happen no matter what.” That’s why I took on the challenge of the “Model Academy 1-day competition” I talked about earlier. As soon as I read the ad, I told to myself “even if it doesn’t work out, let’s try first.” (smile) Your life must have changed a lot as you started working as a model, how is it? Before I became a model, I was only doing part-time jobs because I didn’t enroll in college. I was a waiter, (smile) I also coached a children basketball team too. I taught kids from the upper grades of elementary school to middle school. Kids at this age, they really don’t listen at all. In moments like this, I threw the ball far away and made them go pick it up. We joked around like this. (laugh) It was fun, but I no longer had time to coach them when I started attending the academy, so I quit. (smile) How about your brothers and sisters? I’m an only child. Oh, you’re the one precious son, then. You said your parents were against you being a model at first. They must have been hurt when you said you wouldn’t go to college either. Indeed. Models get many opportunities these days, but my mom says that it’s a difficult job even for the popular models who earn money. (smile) They were against me doing it because they said it would be hard to be successful. Since I also said I wouldn’t go to college either and was stubborn about it, they must have been quite upset, right? When I told them I wouldn’t go to college, they sent me out and said “come back when you earn money, even if it’s by doing part-time jobs”. (laugh) Although I was their only child, my parents were tough in the way they raised me. (smile) Anyway, I’m earning money as a model now. (laugh) They must be quite happy now. Oh, my parents are very happy. When they’re on the phone with our relatives, they brag about it and say things like “I didn’t know Joo Hyuk had skills like that”. I was just an immature son at home. As soon as I’d get home, I’d tell my mom “ah, give me food!” and we’d fight. (laugh) I didn’t listen well either. Me becoming a model so suddenly must have surprised them. Did you invite your parents to the past 2014 S/S season shows? My mom worked so I couldn’t invite her. I will invite her for the next 2014 F/W season. She might cry if she comes to the show. (laugh) It will probably be very emotional for her to see me walking like this, me who thought nothing would work our for me? (smile) Until then, to my mom, I was just the “child who goes to school and comes homes”. All I did was just going to school and coming home. (smile) Seeing how I joined the model academy without receiving any help from them and working like that after debuting, it’s something my parents are very proud of. They brag a lot about me when they go out. My relatives are very happy too. No one would have imagined that things would have turned this way for me. (smile) Seeing your family happy must make you happy too. You’re fully working now, but you can’t experience the campus life. Do you have no regret about not going to college? To be honest, when my friends all went back to school around March, I was jealous. I asked to myself why I didn’t go to college. I’m working a lot right now, so college isn’t that important for me. When your school friends see you working these days, what do they say? They blackmail me and say they will spread the weird pictures of me they have if I get popular just a little bit more, well. (laugh) I believe they’re not like that. I trust my friends. (smile) Do you often interact with your fans? I used to check my Facebook messages all day long and also replied to them. However, I can’t really do it these days because I’m busy. I replied a lot in the beginning, so there are people now who say “he has changed since he became popular” because I can’t reply anymore. (smile) Please give them an explanation today. It’s really not intentional if I can’t reply these days. To be honest, there were times when I received so many messages that I couldn’t read all of them. And if I reply every day, the mystery is gone. (smiles) I feel like my answer is quite inappropriate. (smiles) What do other people usually say in my situation? Do you have any hint? There must hints in their interviews. (laughs) Having fans who support me is something that I always cherish and I’m thankful for. However, I’m a model, so I think now is the time for me to work even harder so I can be recognized for my skills. Having people who still support me is a great strength. Some of them send me hand-written letters, and every time I read such letters, I get very happy. Thank you. (smiles) Is there one fan you particularly remember? Since I can’t reply to messages these days, someone wrote on my fancafé “I feel like I want to quit this fancafé”. And I saw that another fan wrote back “think from Joo Hyukie’s perspective. He’s busy, so let’s stay behind him and support him. If he finds out that his fans are already like this, do you know how discouraged he will feel?”. I was really touched. (smiles) I’m not replying to all the fans who send me messages about many things they’re curious about. I was planning to talk about it with Cuvism. (laughs) When I typed “Nam Joo Hyuk” in the search box, one of the most popular keywords was “Nam Joo Hyuk namchinjjal”. [t/n: “namchinjjal” is like a picture taken in a way that makes it look he’s your boyfriend] I think my pictures are often called “namchinjjal” because I have ordinary features that make me someone anyone could have in their entourage. (laugh) Some fans request me to upload many pictures. I feel awkward with taking selfies, so I can’t really do it. I didn’t really do stuff like this before, but I started doing it suddenly after I became a model, so it doesn’t work out well. My nuna manager criticizes me a lot for the weird selfies I take. Still, I was complimented recently for my selfies once. (laugh) Who do you usually get along with/spend time with? These days, it’s mostly Lee Chul Woo-hyung, Joo Woo Jae-hyung, Hak Soo Rang. When I’m back in my neighbordhood, I just meet my school friends. I’m also close with the hyungs who are in my agency, but we can’t meet each other on our private time that often. We see each other when we have the same schedule. Contacting often the hyungs first isn’t in my nature. Which zone do you invest? I’m often at Sadang station. It’s where my bus stop is. If by any chance you greet me at the Sadang bus station, I will shake your hand. (smile) Hey, what handshake? It’s cold right now, please buy them at least a warm bungeo-ppang. Ah, right. There are many places to buy delicious stuff in this neighborhood. I’ll be happy to buy you something. (smile) You probably have a lot of interest in fashion since you’re a model. I’m curious to hear about the style you enjoy. I like the casual and comfortable style. I reject styles that are complicated or that stand out way too much. There’s not one brand that I like in particular, but I like vintage clothes. There are many great vintage clothes. During the last collection, I bought a vintage mustang jacket and I wore it everywhere. I took many pictures with it and it got known here and there. What is the thing you’ve been interested in the most lately? I don’t know… For me, the biggest issue is how I got so many opportunities and got love for it. I think there’s nothing else for me to do but work hard. I must use my skills to make up for all the opportunities and love I received. The unavoidable question your fans want to hear. What is your ideal type? I like nice girls. I think it’s quite hard to explain my ideal type. Aside of a pretty face, it’s someone I feel affection for when I look at her. I think there are people like this that you keep think about even if you see them only once. Someone gentle and I’d get along well with. But if I answer like this, you’re going to ask me what triggers my affection, right? (smile) I think the feeling you get the first time you meet is important. I don’t have a girlfriend right now. (smile) Christmas is near. Are you making plans? I’ll be playing basketball too when it’s Christmas, right? There’s also an indoor court prepared, so I think it will be a warm Christmas. (smile) I hate going to crowded places because it’s the end of the year. (smile) I’ll just put on the socks hanging on the Christmas tree and I’ll go play basketball. (laugh) I’m trying not to make Christmas too meaningful. (smile) What will you look like ten years from now? I will probably do a job that isn’t modelling. If I end up dreaming about being an actor, I guess I might be an actor, I don’t know. And I definitely want to try to create the children basketball team I talked about earlier. (smile) Please say a final word to our Cuvism readers. I spent this year as a 20-year old. The fact itself that it is my first year as an adult makes it meaningful. Many things happened suddenly, so I think it was a year of joy too hard to handle for me. First of all, there aren’t many days left before the end of 2013, so I think I must use the end of the year to dwell over everything that happened to me and to become more mature. I talked about many things with Cuvism today. As I’ve been saying until now, I will become a rookie who will work hard to be recognized as a model. Please give me your support. Thank you for all the love you give me. I hope you will spend a warm Christmas and a warm end of the year! (smile) Credit: thesunnytown Source: Cuvism Magazine Nam Joo Hyuk showed his determination for his upcoming new drama, Who Are You - School 2015. On April 22, KBS′ Who Are You - School 2015 held its press conference at Time Square Mall′s Amoris Hall in Yeongdeungpo, where Nam Joo Hyuk shared, "I got the lead role in my second project." "I′m excited, but as it′s such an honorable spot, I′m quite burdened," said Nam Joo Hyuk. "Personality wise, I tend to overcome burdens well, so I′ll do my best."
Regarding his character, Nam Joo Hyuk said, "Because I used to be a basketball player, I′m very competitive. I think the drama character and I have a lot in common, so it′s been very comfortable to act." Nam Joo Hyuk will play the swimming star of Sekwang High School, Han Yi An, who has a crush on Go Eun Byul (Kim So Hyun). Who Are You - School 2015 is the sixth School series from KBS. The drama will focus on the realistic struggles of this generation of students. It begins April 27. Photo Credit: enews/Kim Byung Kwan Source: MnetAmerica ′Who Are You - School 2015′ Unveils New Stills of Kim So Hyun, Nam Joo Hyuk and BTOB′s Yook Sung Jae4/15/2015 The chemistry alone between Kim So Hyun, Nam Joo Hyuk, and BTOB′s Yook Sung Jae is grabbing attention. As KBS′ sixth series of School, Who Are You - School 2015 revealed some stills of its main characters, Kim So Eun (Lee Eun Bi), Nam Joo Hyuk (Han Ian), and Yook Sung Jae (Gong Tae Kwang). The photos drew smiles as the three people inside the photo oozed with charmas as they transformed into students.
The three, who will play classmates in grade 2, room 3 at Sekwang High School, plan on showing different personalities and charms, raising anticipation for what kind of stories about school they will deliver. "During the script reading, where the three actors met for the first time, Kim So Hyun, Nam Joo Hyuk, and Yook Sung Jae were sitting next to each other, and I could already feel the warm chemistry just by looking at them," said Baek Sang Hoon PD. "We hope that the positive and bright energies of these youngsters will be carried out to the viewers as well." Who Are You - School 2015 will realistically portray the worries and issues of today′s students. It begins April 27 following Blood. Photo Credit: School 2015 KBS Global Contents Syndication, FNC Entertainment Source: MnetAmerica Nam Joo Hyuk transformed into a girl prettier than a real girl on JTBC’s I’m Going to School. While filming the 24th episode of I’m Going to School set to air on December 20, Nam Joo Hyuk received full make-up in order to prepare for the ‘Miss Goryeo’ pageant as a part of the school festival. M.I.B’s Kangnam and Nam Joo Hyuk made plans to participate in the festival and came up with the idea to take part in the ‘Miss Goryeo’ pageant. Kangnam, Nam Joo Hyuk, and Jingo then headed out to the streets of Hongdae in order to buy make-up for to transform into beautiful ladies. Once they went into a cosmetics shop, the group started arguing on who will dress up as a girl and Nam Joo Hyuk was chosen in the end because he is ‘the prettiest.’
Leaving his face up to the shop’s employee, Nam Joo Hyuk completely transformed into a man who looks prettier than a girl, wearing foundation, lipstick and mascara. Kangnam and Jingo reportedly couldn’t close their mouths upon seeing how beautiful Nam Joo Hyuk became. Meanwhile, Lee Jong Hyuk initially refused to dress up as a girl, but ended up giving in due to Sung Dong Il’s push. He then headed out to the streets with Sung Dong Il to look for ‘sexy baggy pants’ for older women. Nam Joo Hyuk and Lee Jong Hyuk’s beautiful tranformation will be revealed through the November 20 broadcast of I’m Going to School. Photo credit: JTBC Source: MnetAmerica |