Actor Hwang Jung-min, who has drawn more than 100 million cumulative viewers, is currently meeting fans on stage rather than on the screen. Even the "great actor" Hwang Jung-min works this hard, which naturally prompts self-reflection.
Hwang Jung-min is giving a passionate performance in the musical "Mrs. Doubtfire," which opened on Sept. 27, in the roles of Daniel and Doubtfire. The work tells the story of a father, Daniel, who, after divorce and being separated from his children, disguises himself as a nanny to return to his family's side.
Adapted into a musical from the film of the same name that featured Robin Williams, the production drew standing ovations at every performance during its 2022 Korean premiere. It proved both artistic merit and commercial appeal by winning the producer award and makeup design award at the 7th Korea Musical Awards, and Hwang Jung-min newly joined this season, returning after three years.
On stage, Hwang Jung-min was different from the Hwang Jung-min seen on screen. He fully performed the show's key point of 20 quick changes and cross-dressing acting, as well as tap dance, rap, puppet theater and a loop machine. Lines such as "If you fail, it's treason; if you succeed, isn't it a revolution" and "Come on, come on" are possible because it is Hwang Jung-min.
Having built a wide acting spectrum across film, drama, and theater, Hwang Jung-min declared his return to musicals after 10 years with the musical "Oh! Cape?" In the meantime, he has cemented his status as an actor who has drawn more than 100 million cumulative viewers, and because he chose "Mrs. Doubtfire" as his comeback work, interest is intense.
This is more than a simple comedy; it is a work that asks again about the meaning of family amid laughter and tears. It has become a rare musical that captures middle-aged and older audiences' nostalgia, the stage appeal for younger generations and children's empathy all at once, spreading by word of mouth. It has already recorded 100% seat occupancy and 97% paid occupancy, selling out every performance throughout the Chuseok holiday.
Because it is a work that people of all ages can enjoy, laughter and loud applause never stop in the audience throughout the performance. After the show ends, many audience members leave with tears of emotion. Hwang Jung-min, triple-cast with Jung Seong-hwa and Jung Sang-hoon, serves as a solid pillar of the production and is responsible for the audience's 175 minutes.
There are many actors who carry the title of 10-million-ticket actor besides Hwang Jung-min. But he is the only actor who, while wearing that title, continuously challenges himself with stage acting. Seeing Hwang Jung-min live this diligently, one cannot help but reflect.
At a previously held press conference, Hwang Jung-min said, "One reason I love the stage and have continued doing theater without a break was to give myself room to breathe as an actor. I liked the intention and theme that several generations can talk about together through this work. I'm working hard so people realize I'm not just an actor who swears a lot," he said, clenching his fist.
The "Mrs. Doubtfire" that Hwang Jung-min is carrying hard welcomes audiences at the Charlotte Theater, Korea's first theater dedicated to musicals, through Dec. 7. <
[Photo] provided
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