The New York Korean Film Festival hosted actor/director Yoo Ji-Tae the 4th week of August for several events. First being the opening reception, where the humble Mr. Yoo answered questions about his part in the cinematic celebration, that has become a staple of the New York art & culture scene.

There is a successful aura about everything that Yoo Ji-Tae works on like his role as the villain in top rated film Oldboy. He was a vital ingredient, in the reason the film was awarded the top prize at 2004 Cannes Film Festival. His many other works are well known throughout Korea and by foreign film aficionados. More the 2003 movie, which he also starred in, “Into the Mirror”, has just inspired a western remake called Mirrors.

The historical film “Hwang Jin Yi” was showing at the reception of the NYKFF. The Korean release of “Hwang Jin Yi” took place last year. The film stars himself along side actress Song Hye Kyo, and is based on a North Korean novel. The hype following this movie is do to its cinematic grandeur and has had many recent dramatic adaptations. Besides supporting this films North American release, he promoted his own directorial work with a short film called “Out of my Intention”. Due to the many press vying for time with the talented thespian the limit of five minutes was downgraded to three minutes as we waited for everyone to be seated. We were very lucky that the first two questions received time saving replies of smiles, blushes, and chuckling nods.

Unfortunately I did not get time to ask him some questions on his long break between working. He has about two to three film releases a year and then works on his own directorial projects. I wanted to know why such long breaks. I also wanted some information on his future projects and if he ever sponsored the orphanage like he wanted too. I wanted to know his plans on getting married and having children. The heart breaker was on a schedule and could only give us some insight to work as an actor and a director.

1.) Are you enjoying your time in New York?
He merely nodded his head and smiled.

2.) Your fans say you seem quite shy… what do you think of that?
Again he flashed a smile but this time he chuckled a bit.

3.) Has the acceptance and world wide success of the movie Oldboy affected your work as a director?
The movie itself made me reconsider the methods of acting. Also by witnessing the preproduction phases (in this films making) I gained knowledge helpful knowledge on how to work as a director. As an actor in this film I was very proud to see how well the film was accepted not only in Korea but its overseas success as well.

4.) This feature film Hwang Jin Yi, what is the best part about working with director Chang Yeon Hyeon and has he inspired you in your work in any way?
I was able to learn much by Chang Yeon Hyeon. He is a very wise and affective director. I was able to learn a lot more on how affective little actions and subtlety can be.

5.) Your short film “Out of my Intention” is your third short film, what do you want people to know about this film?
It’s about a man who is reminiscing about his first love. It is not a straight narrative film due to the time limitations of a short film but I really wanted to try to concept the multiple things we all may have to deal with at one time or another