Jaeyeon Actors: Thier Career and Future

Jaeyeon between reality and acting
Not only has television become part of people’s lives, but the real story of viewers’ lives has now become programs. There are two kinds of  jaeyeon programs. First, producers choose items reported from the viewers and retell their stories to dramatize. It is comprised of reconstructed events from real lives of people. Second, producers create fake stories to seem real, which are now called “reality programs.” The people who act in these programs are called “jaeyeon actors.” This word was newly coined in year 2004 and has been used widely as the popularity of jaeyeon programs increased, such as “The National Police Agency People” or “Time Machine.” The jaeyeon actors perform as if they have experienced extraordinary things such as seeing a UFO(Unidentified Flying Object).
Hardships of Jaeyeon actors
   

PHOTOGRAPH BY KIM HYE-SUN
   
Jaeyeon actors are both discriminated and offended by viewers. Actors feel worthy of themselves when viewers recognize them. However,  jaeyeon actors take on roles that other actors reject or that are considered less prestigious. Therefore, most jaeyeon actors do not get the attention and feedback that they hope for from viewers. Kim Sang-duck, a jaeyeon actor, said “People usually ignore the acting abilities of  jaeyeon actors, which should be the most important factor in acting.” Viewers do not acknowledge jaeyeon actors’ acting skills but associate them with roles they are played in jaeyeon scenes.
   

PHOTOGRAPH BY LEE SUH-HYE
   
In addition,  jaeyeon actors often get the wrong criticisms from viewers. Recent  jaeyeon programs have disguised jaeyeon actors’ faces or have used real police officers’ clothes to make the programs look authentic. Because of this, viewers often cannot determine if this is a reality or a made-up program. Michael Arnold, a  jaeyeon actor in Korea, is still living a nightmare. He starred in a program in which he portrayed a foreigner who worked as a foreign language teacher without qualifications in Korean academies. He played the role of an arrogant foreigner, who was illegally in Korea. After this program was aired, viewers started to put pressure on the broadcasting station to indict Michael Arnold as an illegal foreigner in Korea.
Mistreatments of jaeyeon actors’ rights from the broadcasting stations is another problem. Jaeyeon actors usually get the scenarios on the day they shoot, while other actors get theirs at least one week before. The time is always too short for them to practice their role. Moreover, unless the film is a historical drama,  jaeyeon actors have to prepare their own clothes and make-up which cost them a fortune. When putting their names on contributors’ scenes, they get mistreated again. Even though they put harder efforts, their names are sometimes excluded in the filmed credits. Even worse, their scenes are cut without any notice or permission from  jaeyeon actors.
The characteristics of  jaeyeon acting also make their personal lives more difficult. They have difficulties in maintaining their living; they need to search for other jobs other than acting. As a result, they usually need to have two-jobs to support themselves. In addition, their characters are usually antagonists, such as a cheating husband or a criminal, which can be depressing. “Once, I fainted when acting a hard-crying scene. Also, I felt really depressed, when acting as a mom whose daughter committed suicide,” said actor Choi Jung-nam.
The most difficult thing is that there is an unspoken barrier that jaeyeon actors face. They only get the chances to act in jaeyeon scenes once they step into the jaeyeon world. When the jaeyeon actors act as a strong character in jaeyeon scenes, their images or characteristics get fixed by viewers. Once jaeyeon actors get fixed image, it is difficult to change. Kim said, “As a normal actor, I could have done any characters given; I have enough passion to make it work. However, there are limits on my acting opportunities.” For this reason, many jaeyeon actors hide their acting experience in jaeyeon programs. Also, he mentioned organizing a labor union for jaeyeon actors, for unity against unreasonable treatment from broadcasting stations.
To reduce Jaeyeon actors’ hardships
There are many ways to reduce jaeyeon actors’ hardships. First of all, discrimination from viewers needs to be eliminated. “Viewers see jaeyeon actors from biased viewpoint. They make a line between ordinary actors and jaeyeon actors.” says Kim. Also, broadcasting stations should clarify that the actors in jaeyeon programs are not the actual people. There should be a notice before or after the jaeyeon program. Without clarification, viewers are confused between reality and drama.
Institutional solutions are also necessary. Jaeyeon actors need to be guaranteed equal rights. There need to be specific criteria to protect jaeyeon actors, such as guaranteeing minimum wage. Moreover, it is important that jaeyeon actors are offered equal chances to choose their roles.
Acting is their Life
The Yonsei Annals heard heartwarming stories from jaeyeon actors about their future path. Choi Chan-suk and Choi Jung-nam used to be jaeyeon actors. However, they are now starring as extras in movies, dramas, and music videos. The situation is much better than acting as jaeyeon actors. Their hope is to become actresses like Na Moon-hee and Go Du-sim. Choi Jung-nam said, “If you feel worth self worth, you will feel much better.” Kim starred in many jaeyeon scenes, and now he started to hope for more in acting. He always thinks positively of his situation and enjoys it. Kim said, “Jaeyeon actors need to enjoy their job. Always think positively. Don’t humble yourself too much.” Also, “Think about what matters. It is not names on the lists, but how you put passion into your acting.” Acting is their life.
Not just Jaeyeon
What is jaeyeon? It is an encore for acting. Jaeyeon actors are in unfavorable situations now. However, with improvements from people’s perceptions and broadcasting stations, their lives will be much happier. Small change makes a big difference. Jaeyeon actors’ positive thoughts and passion of their acting career will help them overcome the difficulties too. Supporting their acting and calling it an encore, not jaeyeon will give hope for jaeyeon actors. They will be able to consider their acting careers with pride.
 
 
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