Legends Unfiltered: Nam Jin and Cho Young-nam Reveal Secret Kissing Stories and Nostalgic Film Memories

In a nostalgic trip down memory lane, Korean music legends Nam Jin and Cho Young-nam shared candid, behind-the-scenes stories from the golden era of Korean cinema. Appearing on the 700th-episode special of MBN’s Sokpuri Show Dongchimi, titled “Agdeura, Oppa is Still Alive,” the two icons provided a rare glimpse into the romantic and often restrictive world of film production during their youth.

Navigating Censorship: Nam Jin’s Secretive On-Set Behavior

During the broadcast, Nam Jin reflected on his experiences filming with the most celebrated actresses of his generation. When asked which actress he found most beautiful, Nam Jin identified Nam Jung-im as his top choice, noting her striking physique and refreshing personality.

However, the conversation took a revealing turn when discussing the technical and legal challenges of filming romantic scenes in the past. Nam Jin disclosed that during his early career, strict censorship from the Ministry of Culture meant that actors were prohibited from making actual lip contact on camera. If a kiss appeared too realistic, the director would immediately call “cut.”

To circumvent these restrictions and maintain the emotional intensity of a scene, Nam Jin admitted to a cheeky workaround. “When the camera was far away and couldn’t see clearly, I would slightly turn my head and just go for it,” he confessed, much to the amusement and surprise of the studio audience. This candid admission highlighted the tension between artistic expression and the rigid regulatory environment of the era.

Cho Young-nam: From Toothbrush Preparation to Youn Yuh-jung

The laughter continued as Cho Young-nam shared his own anecdotes regarding romantic scenes. Recalling his time filming the movie Only Once in My Life with Nam Jung-im, Cho revealed the lengths to which actors went to prepare for such moments. He shared that Nam Jung-im had reportedly brought a toothbrush to the set to ensure she was prepared for the scene.

The atmosphere grew even more lighthearted when the topic shifted to the most beautiful actresses of the time. While Nam Jin focused on Nam Jung-im, Cho Young-nam took a different path, stating that he couldn’t think of anyone else because he was standing next to the incomparable Youn Yuh-jung.

The mention of Youn Yuh-jung brought a touch of personal history to the show. Cho and Youn were married in 1974 and had two sons together before their divorce in 1987. The playful banter between the two male legends, including Nam Jin’s quick-witted responses to Cho’s comments, kept the energy high throughout the special.

Key Takeaways from the ‘Dongchimi’ Special

• Censorship Impact: Historical censorship by the Ministry of Culture forced actors to use creative—and sometimes secretive—methods to film romantic scenes.
• Iconic Collaborations: The episode highlighted the lasting legacy of stars like Nam Jung-im and Youn Yuh-jung in the Korean entertainment landscape.
• Cultural Nostalgia: The special served as a significant milestone for MBN, celebrating 700 episodes by honoring the veteran stars who shaped the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the main challenge for actors during the censorship era in Korea?

Actors faced strict regulations regarding physical intimacy on screen. Under the oversight of the Ministry of Culture, scenes involving kissing were heavily monitored, often requiring actors to avoid direct lip contact to prevent the scene from being cut.

Who are the primary celebrities featured in this MBN special?

The special prominently features legendary singers Nam Jin and Cho Young-nam, alongside mentions of iconic actresses Nam Jung-im and Youn Yuh-jung.

What film did Cho Young-nam mention regarding his kiss scene with Nam Jung-im?

Cho Young-nam referenced his role in the film Only Once in My Life (내 생애 단 한 번만).