Actor Shin Goo is once again on stage after overcoming personal grief and deteriorating health, delivering deep emotion. His conviction to keep his promise to the audience once again demonstrated the dignity of a veteran actor who has long upheld the theatrical stage.
Earlier, in July last year, the production company of the play 'Waiting for Godot' announced the news that Shin Goo's wife, Ha Jeong-sook, had passed away and expressed condolences. She was 87. Married in 1974, he lost a partner with whom he had spent more than 50 years, but Shin Goo did not stop performing despite his great sorrow. The production company explained, "Mr. Shin Goo has always treasured his promise to the audience, so he takes the stage out of respect for the deceased and a sense of responsibility to art." In fact, he returned to the theater after the funeral and completed the scheduled performances.
Shin Goo has also endured difficult times due to health problems. He was diagnosed with kidney failure, underwent implantation of a pacemaker, and previously withdrew from the play 'The Last Session' due to worsening health.
At the time, he confessed, "I want to keep my promise to the play's producer, so I am exercising. Recovery is slow, so I'm not sure if I can perform," yet he showed determination about the stage, saying, "Walking is getting a little better." In the end, he completed the run of 'Waiting for Godot' and kept his promise to the audience.
He also recently visited the funeral hall of his longtime stage colleague Lee Soon-jae to see him off on his final journey, showing deep friendship. The bond between the two veteran actors moved many people.
On the 10th, Shin Goo, who attended the production press conference for the play 'The French Safe' held at NOL Seogyeong Square in Daehangno, Jongno District, Seoul, calmly answered questions on stage and showed he was in good health. The venue was filled with warm applause for his appearance before the audience after enduring years and pain.
Shin Goo once said, "Because it's a promise to the audience, I keep the stage. There must not be occasions where this is broken." His choice of the stage even in the hardest moments of life leaves a profound resonance in itself.
As Shin Goo, who had once had to leave the stage due to health problems, stands before the audience again, attention is focused on his comeback.
[Photo] 'OSEN DB'
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