Ji Chang Wook on career pressures, his mother, and a month in Japan

Actor Ji Chang Wook shared his sincere perspective on facing the success or failure of his projects and the family that has sustained him. In a recently released clip from the tvN variety show 'You Quiz on the Block,' Ji discussed the anxieties he experienced as an actor, his deep feelings for his mother, and a recent period of special rest.

"I am not disappearing"... The pressure of acting

Ji revealed his honest feelings regarding the psychological pressure of his profession. He confessed that when past projects did not meet expectations, he felt the intense stress of wondering, "Am I disappearing?" He added that while he agonized over results due to a lack of experience at the time, he has gained significant perspective over the years.

Ji noted that even when working on projects with poor results, he has begun to realize that "I am not disappearing" and that "the efforts I made are not disappearing, even if only slightly." He mentioned that experiencing failure is an unavoidable part of the process and a way to learn how to move forward.

"My mother's daily life is my healing"... Responsibility and affection for family

Ji cited his mother as the driving force behind his life. Having grown up watching his mother struggle to run a restaurant alone after his father passed away early in his childhood, he recalled, "I thought a lot about needing to protect my mother since I was young." He shared how he helped at her restaurant by serving customers, cleaning grill plates, and cleaning fish tanks.

He stated that he gains the most energy from spending time with her. Ji said that when he is exhausted by the world and struggling mentally, seeing his mother's everyday presence—such as watching TV in the living room or sleeping when he returns home—provides him with healing. He added that her mere presence is reassuring and motivates him to work hard again.

A three-year conflict with a friend turned CEO, and a month in Japan

Ji also revealed a special connection with his high school classmate Bang Chi-gu, who is currently the CEO of his agency. He disclosed that back when Bang served as his manager, the two had intense arguments for about three years. They experienced conflicts ranging from heated arguments in parking lots after early morning schedules to driving in silence the following day, but they eventually reconciled through mutual understanding. Ji shared an anecdote about how his friend would often nap at rest areas to fight drowsiness while driving, adding that Ji eventually began driving himself.

Recently, he shared details of his month-long stay in Japan for rest. Having worked without a break throughout the past year, he explained that he decided to leave Korea to avoid the temptation of meeting friends and discussing work. Fearing he might lose his momentum if he did nothing, Ji created a regular routine by enrolling in a language school in Japan. He attended classes five days a week from 10:00 to 12:00, later adjusting his schedule to three days a week.