The Korean premiere of "Life of Pi" (produced by S&Co., representative: Shin Dong-won) has finally revealed its casting ahead of its opening.
International director Leigh Toney, who has been involved since the production's inception and is currently leading the worldwide tour, alongside overseas creators and the Korean production team, conducted open auditions starting in August 2024. They went through auditions to assess physical expressiveness, workshops to enhance storytelling through imagination, and interactions with puppets, culminating in the selection of 27 actors and puppeteers who will lead the Korean premiere.
The role of the clever and curious Pi will be played by actors Park Jung-min and Park Kang-hyun.
The acclaimed actor Park Jung-min, known for his remarkable transformation and dubbed a genius in acting, returns to the stage after eight years since "Romeo and Juliet." He has showcased a wide spectrum of performances in various films and series, and he is an artist actively working in diverse fields, including directing, writing, and creating. This stage is expected to reaffirm his talent as a born actor through rigorous character analysis and raw, unrefined performances.
Park Kang-hyun, who has successively claimed awards for Best New Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Leading Actor, and has played leading roles in successful works such as "Aladdin" and "Hadestown," is a prominent actor recognized for both skill and popularity. Known for his trustworthiness across genres, he is challenging a new genre for the first time in eight years, not a musical. His natural expressions and delicate emotional performances are expected to create synergy with Pi.
The supporting characters, who change according to the flow of the story and audience, will feature prominent actors who have performed on stage, screen, and TV for nearly 30 years, as well as actors with capabilities that have impressed creators, promising a powerful performance that will anchor the play.
The role of Pi's father, who decides to immigrate to Canada for the family's safety while running a zoo, has been cast to Seo Hyun-cheol and Hwang Man-ik.
Seo Hyun-cheol is a seasoned actor who has developed skilled breath and acting over nearly 30 years, crossing all genres from stage to drama and film. Despite his busy schedule, he continues to engage in stage performances, including "University of Laughter," "Old Wicked Song," and the musical "Come From Away," communicating warmly with the public through his witty and poignant performances.
Hwang Man-ik, with 25 years of acting experience, is actively performing across genres, including the musical "Aladdin" and plays such as "The Screwtape Letters," "Talk Talk," and dramas like "King of Pigs," "Joseon Lawyer," and "Mung Bean Flower." He is showcasing flawless acting skills that change the atmosphere according to the genre and role.
"Life of Pi," which captures the epic saga of Pi and Bengal tiger Richard Parker stranded in the middle of the Pacific Ocean for 227 days, will open its Korean premiere on Dec. 2 at GS Art Center, with the first ticket sale scheduled for September; further details will be announced later.
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