JayG Star

“See you until the 70th anniversary”

Im Chang-jung marked 35 years of wide-ranging activity that spans acting and singing.

‘Original all-rounder’ Im Chang-jung celebrated the 35th anniversary of his acting debut on the 15th via SNS. Releasing a celebratory video, Im said, “Thank you for staying by my side over the past 35 years.”

He said,“How have I managed to keep going for 35 years” and added,“I will see you again at the 70th anniversary, exactly double,” showcasing his trademark cheerful wit. In particular, he briefly presented a 70th-anniversary version of his hit song ‘A Shot of Soju’, closing on a lighthearted note that delighted fans.

Debuting in the 1990 film ‘Nambugun’, Im Chang-jung has been loved for his lived-in, realistic acting and sly comedic turns in a variety of works, including ‘Beat’, ‘Saekjeuksigong’, ‘Pasongsong Gyerantak’, ‘Sicily 2km’, ‘Miracle on 1st Street’, and ‘Scout’. Characters infused with his unique humanity have built a color all his own, earning him the epithet ‘an actor you can trust to watch’.

Continuing to release new songs and perform to this day, Im Chang-jung has personally appeared in dramatized music videos for his hits ‘Sad Monologue’, ‘A Shot of Soju’, and ‘My Lover’, proving his presence as a ‘multi-entertainer’. Rather than merely singing, his close-to-life acting that physically conveys the emotional arc of each song heightens immersion in the music and is cited as another key strength that completes the musical world of Im Chang-jung.

He has also starred on major domestic musical stages such as ‘Laundry’, ‘Radio Star’, and ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’, naturally bringing to the stage his distinctive strength of adding emotion through song and completing narrative through acting.

As his signature music and acting work in tandem to create synergy, Im Chang-jung recently expressed via radio his intention to appear in films and dramas. Im said, “It seems I can finally greet you with a film this year. It is a comedy,” raising expectations for a return to the big screen. He added, “I also plan to take on dramas as they come in,” signaling his intention to continue unceasing activity as an actor as well.