Jang Hang-jun: From High School Nerd to Acclaimed Director
South Korean filmmaker Jang Hang-jun is currently enjoying success with his latest film, The Man Who Lives with the King, which has quickly surpassed 4 million viewers. But before his directorial achievements, a charming anecdote about his high school days has resurfaced, painting a picture of the acclaimed director as a relatable and endearing figure.
Early Life and Education
Born September 17, 1969, in Daegu, South Korea, Jang Hang-jun’s path to becoming a celebrated director wasn’t always straightforward. A recent online post revealed a humorous story from his high school years, describing him as a “nerd” who playfully wore a headband proclaiming “Sure Victory” while secretly reading comic books. The story has resonated with fans, who find the image perfectly aligned with the director’s personality.
Career Highlights
Jang Hang-jun made his directorial debut in 2002 with the film Break Out. He has since directed several notable films, including Spring Breeze (2003), Forgotten (2017), and Rebound (2023). He also transitioned to television, co-writing and directing the 2011 medical crime investigation drama Sign, starring Park Shin-yang and Kim Ah-joong.
The Man Who Lives with the King
His most recent project, The Man Who Lives with the King, starring Yoo Hae-jin, Park Ji-hoon, Yoo Ji-tae, Jeon Mi-do, Lee Jun-hyuk, and Ahn Jae-hong, tells the story of a village chief who declares himself an exile and a deposed king. The film is notable as the first Korean film to depict the story of King Danjong.
Personal Life and Relationships
Jang Hang-jun married Kim Eun-hee, a highly successful drama writer, in 1998. He has publicly expressed his admiration for his wife’s talent, stating he would prefer her success even if it meant his own film flopped. Kim Eun-hee is known for her work on acclaimed dramas such as Sign, Signal, Kingdom, and Ghost. Jang Hang-jun is credited with encouraging Kim Eun-hee to pursue her career as a writer.
Future Projects
Jang Hang-jun is currently involved in the upcoming film, The Killers (2024), as a segment director. His continued success and the positive reception of The Man Who Lives with the King suggest a promising future for the director.
Sources:
- Jang Hang-jun – Wikipedia
- ‘The King’s Warden’ Park Ji-hoon
- Jang Hang-jun – IMDb
- Jang Hang-jun on Casting Park Ji-hoon