MBC's special musical documentary in celebration of the 80th anniversary of liberation, 'Model Prison', will air its second part.
Part 2 of 'Model Prison' will be broadcast on the 23rd at 8:40 PM on Saturday. 'Model Prison' is a groundbreaking work that combines musical and documentary elements. It captures the historical significance of the Seodaemun Prison, where many Koreans were forcibly imprisoned during the Japanese occupation, and the stories of independence activists who were held there.
The first part, which aired on the 16th, received positive reviews for recreating the horrific living conditions of independence activists imprisoned in Seodaemun Prison through five musical pieces based on prison records and literature.
Presenter and actor Um Gi-joon, along with musical actors Seo Beom-seok (playing Kang Woo-kyu), Ha Do-kwon (playing Kim Gu), Go Hoon-jeong (playing Ahn Chang-ho), Shin Chang-joo (playing Han Yong-un), Song Young-mi (playing Yu Gwan-sun), Kim Chan-jong (playing Kim Jeong-ryeon), Kim Ryun-ho (playing a guard), and Kim Seok-hwan (playing a guard), all talented musical actors, have drawn attention with their performances. In Part 2, a total of four musical numbers will be revealed, including 'I Will Become a Flag', 'Snowy Night', 'Wall Communication Method', and 'For That Day'.
▶ 'I Will Become a Flag' - A Duet of Independence Will by Yu Gwan-sun and Kang Woo-kyu, Marking the First Anniversary of the March 1st Movement
First, in 'I Will Become a Flag', a duet unfolds between Kang Woo-kyu (played by Seo Beom-seok), who threw a bomb at Governor Saito Makoto upon his arrival at the Governor-General of Korea in 1919, and martyr Yu Gwan-sun (played by Song Young-mi). The song captures Kang Woo-kyu's monologue as he calmly accepts death while facing the gallows, singing of his longing for independence until the end, and the resolute will of Yu Gwan-sun, who shouted 'Long Live' from prison despite severe oppression and torture on the first anniversary of the March 1st Movement.
▶ 'Snowy Night' - A Wish for 'Spring of Freedom' from Han Yong-un Waiting on a Snowy Winter Night
'Snowy Night' is based on Han Yong-un's poem 'Snowy Night' and was written and composed with this in mind. It expresses the hope that spring, named 'freedom', will return to Korea even on dark and cold winter nights. The soft and lyrical voice of actor Shin Chang-joo delicately conveys the message of hope and waiting from Manhae Han Yong-un, drawing attention.
▶ Breaking the Silence of the Prison - Connecting the Breath of Independence! 'Wall Communication Method'
'Wall Communication Method' is based on the historical anecdotes of Dosan Ahn Chang-ho and independence activist Kim Jeong-ryeon. This method involves tapping on the prison walls to communicate intentions through the number of taps and the distinction of sounds. The song embodies the touching spirit of sacrifice of patriots who maintained their beliefs and showed their will for independence during the dark times.
▶ The Moment of Liberation Welcomed by Those Who Did Not Bend Their Will! 'For That Day'
'For That Day' is the finale number that portrays the independence activists who resolutely maintained their will for independence despite the Japanese government's attempts to appease them. On August 15, 1945, the moment liberation came to Korea, the entire cast embraces each other, sharing the joy of liberation, marking the climax of
▶ Behind-the-Scenes Footage Completed with the Actors' Sincerity and Passion
A making video capturing the filming at Seodaemun Prison, conducted under the sweltering heat of this summer, with temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius, will also be released. Actor Um Gi-joon, who performed from a first-person perspective at Seodaemun Prison, along with other actors who willingly decided to participate while reflecting on the spirit of sacrifice of independence activists, reportedly experienced hardships comparable to actual 'prison life during the Japanese occupation'.
Among them, actress Song Young-mi (playing Yu Gwan-sun), who was grabbed by the hair by the guard more than twelve times, comforted the actor playing the guard, saying not to feel guilty, while actor Kim Chan-jong (playing Kim Jeong-ryeon), who had to act throwing dung at the guard to protect actor Go Hoon-jeong (playing Ahn Chang-ho), humorously complained about the unpleasant smell, saying, 'This wasn't in the contract.' It was also reported that during the final outdoor shoot, all the actors got drenched due to an unexpected downpour... This behind-the-scenes footage, filled with sweat and passion from two months of filming, will be revealed in the latter part of the program, promising to deliver an emotional experience.
The second part of MBC's special musical documentary 'Model Prison', produced with support from the Ministry of Veterans Affairs and the Daejeon Information and Culture Industry Promotion Agency, will air on the 23rd at 8:40 PM.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
