According to a recent report by Sports Chosun, Jang Geunsuk appeared as a guest on the episode of KBS2's 'Problem Child in House' that aired on the 5th and revealed that he once had a one-sided love for Ha Jiwon.
In this episode, Jang Geunsuk explained that he was the one who came up with the nickname 'Asia Prince.' He explained, "At the time, everyone kept calling me a 'Hallyu star,' but I felt it lacked individuality. I was thinking about what title would suit me when I spontaneously said, 'I'm the Asia Prince' during an appearance. Since then, the media started reffering to me as the 'Asia Prince.'"
Jang Geunsuk, who ignited the Hallyu wave through the SBS' 'You're Beautiful,' shared, "It was always my dream to debut in Japan. I had been preparing for it even before that, but that drama became my turning point."
However, he named 'Hwang Jini' as the project that remains most meaningful to him. He recalled, "At that time, I genuinely felt that if I didn't nail this project, my acting career might be over. I went straight from a children's dramas to 'Hwang Jini.' I felt like if I failed to make that leap, I might never get another chance."
Jang Geunsuk also reminisced about filming his first-ever kiss scene with Ha Jiwon in 'Hwang Jini.' He said:
"My heart was racing like crazy. It was uncontrollable. I was 20 years old back then. I had actual feelings for Ha Jiwon. I even told her. When we talked about it again about ten years later, I openly said on a broadcast that I had really liked her, that I truly loved her."
When Hong Jinkyung asked, "Would you have dated her if she asked?", Jang Geunsuk replied honestly:
"Just thinking about it makes my heart flutter. I think we probably could've dated."
He added, "The actors themselves might not realize it, but the editing staff knows everything. People in the editing room can tell and say things like, 'They're dating,' or 'There's definitely something going on between them.'"
Jang Geunsuk later achieved another major success with 'Beethoven Virus,' but admitted that he still has some regrets about that period. He shared, "Back then, I suffered from the 'man disease.' I started working out for no reason and did everything overly aggressive just to look tough." He continued, "I was acting alongside the legendary Kim Myungmin Sunbaenim back then, and I didn't want to lose to him. Even though we worked together, I never had personal conversations or even meals with him. I inentionally kept my distance because I wanted to maintain that tension. If I could go back, I would ask him for advice and help. I still wonder why I had that strange disease back then."
