2PM's Junho leaves JYP to start his own agency and shares his emotional connection with his character in 'Teppun Trading Company.'

Junho of 2PM has left JYP Entertainment and established a personal agency, while expressing that he felt emotions similar to his character in the drama 'Teppun Trading Company.' Recently, an interview with Junho, who starred in the tvN weekend drama 'Teppun Trading Company,' took place at a café in Seoul's Seongsu-dong. The drama, which recently ended in South Korea, depicts the struggles and growth of a rookie businessman, Kang Teppun, who becomes the president of a trading company with no employees, money, or products during the 1997 Asian financial crisis. Junho passionately portrayed the role of Kang Teppun, who suddenly becomes the family's breadwinner and a rookie president in his twenties, transitioning from a playboy in Apgujeong. Notably, Junho has established himself as a 'trustworthy actor' with three consecutive hits: MBC's 'Red Sleeve Cuff,' JTBC's 'King the Land,' and tvN's 'Teppun Trading Company.' He is also busy with the upcoming Netflix series 'CASHERO' and joining the film 'Veteran 3.' Junho shared, 'I received the drama's script last June. It’s a work I poured love into for over a year, so it’s particularly memorable. That’s why parting was more regrettable. I still feel its aftertaste.' Regarding the drama's ratings surpassing 10%, he expressed gratitude, saying, 'Thanks to those who continued to love the drama, we surpassed 10% in the final episode, which made me happy. As a human, I hoped we would exceed 10%, but it was a close call (laughs). I was glad we made it in the final episode.' He added, 'While I think there are always regrets because it’s impossible for everyone involved, including the actors, writers, and staff, to be 100% satisfied, I believe the story wrapped up well in the final episode, so I’m satisfied.' This year, Junho left JYP Entertainment, where he had been since his debut, and established his personal agency, O3 Collective. His new start after 17 years has garnered attention. He mentioned that he felt a connection between his situation and that of Kang Teppun, saying, 'There were commonalities between Teppun's situation and my personal situation. As a side note, I just became independent and am doing it alone, so it may seem like a personal agency, but I didn’t leave JYP with the thought of creating a personal agency. I don’t have actors to work with right now, but if there are people I can connect with, I plan to work together in the future.' He continued, 'The experiences Teppun goes through as an unexpected president resonate with me personally. I wanted to take on new challenges, and it’s true that I could empathize with Teppun's emotions while acting.' However, he noted, 'There are many differences between reality and the Teppun in the drama. In reality, I prepare diligently, and the staff who work with me help a lot, so I didn’t experience the deep emotional pain that Teppun goes through.' When asked if he felt the harsh realities after becoming independent, he replied, 'JYP is a really good company, and they supported me a lot when I left. They gave me advice on what would be helpful. It’s like becoming independent from good parents, feeling like I learned a lot (laughs).' He added, 'I feel the harshness regularly. I always knew reality isn’t easy. There are differences from direct experiences, but I’m gradually feeling things now, and I think I’m in a learning phase. There hasn’t been a big change, but I’ve become more considerate of each thing and started to worry more, that’s the extent of the difference.' 'Teppun Trading Company' was his first work after leaving JYP. What was the reaction from Park Jin-young and the other 2PM members? Junho said, 'No one sent me (emails or messages) (laughs). It’s a bit embarrassing to send those among ourselves. Rather, if I send something, they’d ask, 'What’s wrong?' But Wooyoung sent me a message saying, 'Teppun Trading Company is really interesting. It must have been tough for you.' I think we usually get along well. There’s an infinite trust among us, like a family’s comfort.' He smiled.