(Following Interview ①) Singer and actor Choi Min-ho (SHINee Min-ho) shared his thoughts on challenges in musicals following his theater experience.
On the 25th, an interview with Choi Min-ho, who is currently appearing in the play 'Rendezvous,' was held at the opera house of the Seoul Arts Center in Seocho-gu. 'Rendezvous' (written and directed by Yossef K. Junghan) portrays the story of a scientist, Tae-seob, who is deeply involved in rocket development, and Ji-hee (played by Kim Ha-ri), who seeks freedom through dance, as they face their respective wounds and emotions during an unexpected encounter in this two-person play.
Choi Min-ho has been cast alongside Park Sung-woong and Park Geon-hyung in the role of Tae-seob, meeting audiences since the 5th at the Seoul Arts Center's 자유소극장 (Free Small Theater). When asked if juggling activities as a member of SHINee and acting has been difficult, he noted, "I have been acting a lot since I was young. Of course, the other members have done various activities, but I seem to have done more compared to them. Thanks to that, my body and mind are well-trained even now. Compared to my peers, I have relatively good stamina, so I can go out without getting easily tired."
Well known as an icon of 'passion,' Choi Min-ho shared, "I have a strong sense of responsibility, so when asked, I think positively with the mindset that 'Even if my body gets tired, I will wake up the same tomorrow.' I don't take on tasks recklessly. When the managers at the company suggest something, I often say, 'Okay, let's do it,' but ultimately, it's I who ends up doing it, and I only have one body. I have found myself thinking, 'This is a big problem' quite often. Since I have to give my best, I've learned to try to remain calm lately. I propose to think it over and discuss it again later," he joked.
Having worked in the entertainment industry for nearly 20 years, he revealed, "I've developed some know-how in controlling myself." He added, "Still, there are definitely things that come when I walk slowly. There seems to be a tendency to go blindly forward, perhaps because my stamina supports it. That's both my strength and my weakness." He candidly expressed, "At such times, regrets wash over me. I wonder, 'Why did I agree to do it back then?'" which drew laughter.
Having successively challenged himself in theater with 'Waiting for Godot' followed by 'Rendezvous,' Choi Min-ho was asked if he has plans to take on musicals. He responded, "It's hard to say I have no interest at all, but this is really self-reflection. When I sing, my top note isn't very high. I think to convey emotion through singing, a certain top note level is necessary, and I feel that I can't provide that, which might be why I find it hard to challenge myself in that area."
He expressed concerns about public perception of having been an 'idol,' stating, "I believe I have to prove myself." Choi Min-ho noted, "When I am performing in theater or musicals, if I cannot prove myself to the staff and audience in a new setting, I think I shouldn't do it. I believe that's where I stand. If I truly love what I do and want to continue, I have to perform well, and to do that, I need to prove myself. Ultimately, doing well is what matters." (Continues to Interview ③.)
[Photo] SM Entertainment
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