Rainie: I am more active and frank in person. When people see my character for the first time, they will say: wow, this is not Rainie! How can Rainie be so quiet and look so gloomy. After awhile, I began to understand this character and realize her loneliness and low self-esteem; that's also when I began to like her. When we wrap up filming, it took me some time to get out of the character.
You could not part with it?
Rainie: Yes. I cried when we wrapped up.
What about Jiro? Could you part with your character?
Jiro: Everything that I get a role, I will be totally immersed in it. My character was a popular singer whose popularity slipped suddenly because of negative publicity. In fact, I think this drama is rather educational. Nowadays, many young people dream about being an idol. My character reflected the sufferings behind the makings of an idol.
It is a reminder to both artistes and also the general public. George, your character is somewhat kiddish; while the two adults have their serious problems to handle, were you happier?
George: If you're talking about acting, it is definitely a greater challenge. I think this is an interesting character; he is an university student with the intelligence of an eight-year-old. He is childish but more optimistic. I designed for him to express himself more through his actions rather than expression.
Taiwan idol dramas usually portray happiness and hope. But from the way Rainie described Momo, she seems to be a gloomy character and also strenuous on your part.
Rainie: One thing that made me feel very miserable is that, ironically, though my character is an introvert or a homebody, I have many outdoor scenes. To make things worse, filming took place in summer when the sun was blazing. Every one of us got tanned. It was scorching hot and we sweat a lot. The first thing that I do everyday when I return home is to bathe myself with cold water. It's really too hot!
Jiro, did you suffer any hardships?
Jiro: As actors, sometimes we have to film summer scenes in winter and winter scenes in summer. My character, as a superstar, he has to wear layers of clothes; an inner-wear, a T-shirt and a jacket. It was a scorching hot summer and I had to brave the sweltering heat and be on leather seats in a convertible car without the aircon on. When the director shouted for action, I'm already sweating.
What about our "little kid" (George)? Was happiness superficial for you?
George: I am happier in terms of outfit because I'm always in short sleeve shirts. But when it comes to swimming, it's really tough. My character is an ingenious swimmer.
Rainie: For the first day of our shoot, he kept swimming from daylight to sunset. I was shocked the next day when I saw him. When I slapped him on his back and asked him: What happened to you? He screamed: Ouch! His skin was injured from suntanning and was peeling. It's scary.
Removing ourselves from the drama, Rainie, are you a homebody in person just like Momo? What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Rainie: I think I am really a homely girl. I'm very lazy at home. When I have nothing to do, I'll laze on the sofa, snack and channel surf. That's how I spend a day.
What about Jiro?
Jiro: Though my character wasn't a homely boy, I think I stay home quite frequently in person. I was from an art school and once I hold a writing brush, I will be extremely quiet. I can forgo my meals just to finish a piece of work.
We have both a homely man and a homely girl here. I guess we want a different answer. George, are you also a homebody?
George: Before I entered showbiz, I spent one month at home playing games with my friends. We got so sick of it in the end, we started playing Monopoly in the basement of my house.
So we have a gathering for homebodies here! Earlier we mentioned that Jiro's role in the drama actually served as a reminder to the entire society. Let's imagine that Jiro is now Mars from the drama.
Jiro: I'm still very popular! (laughs) This drama is indeed a reminder for viewers and also a good reference for myself. Even though Mars met obstacles and has lost his popularity, he still does not give up. I think this stage is always there for those who are well-prepared.
Channel U simulcasts "ToGetHer" with Taiwan, every Saturday at 9.30pm.
If people don’t yet know whether they are in or out, this party is sure to draw the lines of coolness in the most permanent of inks. Ashley intends to prove that there’s a reason she’s been at the top of the social food chain her entire life, and she’s not about to be unseated by some lame website ranking.
She’d also like to solve the problem of losing her boyfriend. Will all her birthday wishes come true? Or is it more like it’s her party and she’ll freak if she wants to?