The play "Stars of Seoul," featuring middle-aged actors and idol entertainers, will meet with audiences.
On the afternoon of the 13th, a press call and media briefing for the play "Stars of Seoul" were held at Art House in the Daehakro area of Jongno-gu, Seoul. Actors Jeong Eun-pyo, Lee Mun-sik, Kim Myung-soo, Lee Dong-kyu, Jeong Ji-hwan, Joo Hee-jung, Lee Jeong-yeon, Noh Seung-min, Lee Yeol, Dalshabet's actress Hee, Park Joon-seok from Tae Sa Ja, Yoo Hee-jae from Seven Us, and Ahn Ye-in from Melody Day attended the event.
"Stars of Seoul" is set against a shabby rooftop room at the top of a hillside neighborhood in Seoul, depicting the story of three people standing at the end of their lives who come to understand each other and illuminate one star in their lives. Directed by Son Nam-mok, known for works like "Boeing Boeing," "Scandal," and "Musical Jesus," the play features the theme song "Stars of Seoul," written and composed by Go Yo-seb, the husband of Cho Hye-ryeon. The theme song was also sung by the protagonist, Woo-hee.
In the play, the role of the locksmith Kim Man-soo is triple cast with Lee Mun-sik, Jeong Eun-pyo, and Kim Myung-soo. The gambler character Moon-ho, who seeks to make a fortune, is played by Park Joon-seok, Yoo Hee-jae, Jeong Ji-hwan, and Lee Dong-kyu. The role of the unnamed singer Jo Mi-ryeong, who lives with wounds, is portrayed by actress Hee, Ha Ji-young, and Ahn Ye-in. The multi-man is played by Joo Hee-jung, Lee Jeong-yeon, Lee Yeol, and Noh Seung-min.
Jeong Eun-pyo noted, "There are rumors that it's called 'The Spring of Seoul' or 'The Moon of Seoul,' but we call it 'Stars of Seoul.' It's a very happy play. I hope many come to see it." Yoo Hee-jae expressed, "It's an honor to work with such great seniors. We are working hard and having fun, so please look forward to it. I'm confident we will bring comfort to many audiences."
Actress Hee said, "Thank you for coming even in this gloomy weather, and we're readying 'Stars of Seoul.' Please come and see it a lot," while Ahn Ye-in added, "Thank you for coming despite the heavy rain. I have the honor of participating as the youngest in 'Stars of Seoul.' I've been well-prepared and learned a lot from truly great seniors. I hope you see my hard work."
Director Son Nam-mok revealed that he wanted to cast Jeong Eun-pyo and Lee Mun-sik, with whom he formed a bond 20 years ago, saying, "They are not only good actors but also have experience, and there are not many who have the desire to perform in theater amidst that. So I really pursued them (laughs). Even when they hesitated, I approached them like the persistent begging of a starving person, but they ultimately agreed." He also expressed respect for Kim Myung-soo, stating, "He is an outstanding actor known to everyone in Daehakro. I've grown up watching their performances."
Jeong Eun-pyo explained his reason for participating, saying, "By the way, my wife told me she would 'take care of me so I wouldn't have to lift a finger,' so I agreed to marry her (laughs). Being on stage means a lot to me. When I was offered to appear this time, I was asked what my hesitation was, and I said, 'Actually, the script is great, and I want to do it, but I'm scared. I'm not sure if it's right to do it.'" He added, "Then my wife just looked at me and said one thing: 'Say you want to see the play.'"
"However, my wife is 12 years younger than me and told me in an informal way to say 'I want to see it' (laughs). While it made me feel bad, it became the reason for my decision to perform," he said. "I want to show it to many audiences, but she (his wife) said she would come on the first day, so I want to present well to her. She motivates me, but because she speaks in a commanding tone, it made me feel bad (laughs). The biggest reason for my decision was because of her."
Lee Mun-sik stated, "I thought the script of this play was related to my life. The director didn't pursue me like a starving person (laughs), so I said OK right away. As you will see in the play, it contains joy, anger, and sorrow. I wondered when I would have this opportunity, but I immediately accepted it," he laughed.
About the charm of a small theater, Jeong Eun-pyo said, "I can feel everything, including the distance and even the sound of the audience's breath. I believe that every sound I make is conveyed to the audience. There's an energy we share together." He added, "There's a peculiar thrill when I focus, and the audience can concentrate with me."
Yoo Hee-jae explained, "This is my third play at Art House, and depending on how the actors perform, the audience laughs and cries. The expressions and laughter of the audience directly reach the actors, which is a great advantage. Being able to share such advantages seems to be the charm of small theaters. At the same time, actors pay more attention to detail and it seems to inspire them. The power of small theaters is wonderful, and I feel joy each time. I want to continue to experience the charm of small theater stages in the future."
Additionally, director Son Nam-mok stated, "The story of 'Stars of Seoul' contains much of my personal story. I used to think a lot about whether being happy meant earning a lot of money. I had a prevailing thought that the more I desire financially, the more happiness can be proportional, and I realized I missed a lot and became a slave to money." He emphasized, "The happiness we talk about is truly simple. A life where even just one person is on my side, the power of family—it's enough to be happier than others with just that."
Meanwhile, the performance of the play "Stars of Seoul" will take place from the 15th until October 26 at Art House in Daehakro.
[Photo] Reporter Lee Dae-seon
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