Actress Park Hye-na (42) has returned as Elphaba. This time, it's not on stage, but on screen.
The musical film 'Wicked' depicts the unexpected crises and adventures faced by two very different characters: Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), who has yet to discover her true power, and Glinda (Ariana Grande), who has yet to uncover her true nature, as they build a friendship.
Park Hye-na took on the voice dubbing for Elphaba, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery. She has played Elphaba in the Korean premiere and reprise of the musical 'Wicked', earning nicknames like 'Elphaba Park' and 'Park Elphaba', and holds the record for the most performances as Elphaba in Korea.
During a meeting on the 9th in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Park Hye-na expressed, "I thought 'Wicked' was a great work when I first premiered and reprised it, and I felt grateful to be able to express such a piece. I was thankful to be involved in dubbing when I was wondering if I could return to the stage after my pregnancy. I was surprised when the dubbing offer for 'Wicked' came while I was in the late stages of pregnancy and struggling to breathe. I had to record a dubbing sample, and I wondered if I could manage such a demanding song. I was amazed that I could still produce sound," she joked.
She continued, "Dubbing was a joy. Every breath is important for an actor, and I was able to express that well thanks to the staff involved in the dubbing. Also, because of Cynthia Erivo's excellent portrayal of Elphaba, the dubbing environment was well established. I wanted to preserve this well, and the staff were all people who loved 'Wicked', so we worked with affection. I heard that Universal Pictures also praised it as excellent," she expressed her satisfaction.
Park Hye-na, who showcased her presence as Elphaba on stage in green witch makeup, took on the dubbing for actress Cynthia Erivo, who portrayed Elphaba in the film 'Wicked'.
Once again becoming Elphaba, Park Hye-na explained, "The stage is a place where an actor can adapt a character, and there are aspects that I expressed as myself. Dubbing is delivered to the audience on screen, so there should be no sense of disconnection with the actor's performance. The actor's body is the instrument. My instrument and Cynthia Erivo's are different, but I tried to express what Erivo felt and aimed to convey in the film."
He also mentioned, "I thought it was amazing that Cynthia Erivo, a stage actor, received high praise in film, which piqued my curiosity. Erivo's Elphaba exudes inner strength. I wanted to convey that well, and while watching her performance, I wanted to do my best in the recording. I feel lucky to be able to dub Elphaba."
He added, "I found myself tearing up while watching 'Wicked'. It made me realize how quickly time passes and how the layers of experiences have accumulated within me. Watching the film, I wondered if the choreographer was crazy. Every movement felt 'Wicked'-like. The director expressed the drama well, and the actors were fantastic, which made me very happy. I also appreciated the close-ups of Elphaba's gaze and expressions, which added more detailed character portrayal," showing his affection for 'Wicked'.
Since debuting in the musical 'Mr. Mouse' in 2006, Park Hye-na has showcased her solid skills in musicals such as 'Wicked', 'Dreamgirls', and 'Death Note', as well as singing the role of Elsa in the 'Frozen' film series. She has also appeared in dramas like 'Elegant Mother', 'Mouse', 'Our Blues', and 'Strong Woman Do Bong-soon'. She married musical actor Kim Chan-ho in 2015 and welcomed a daughter in June.
She said, "Now that 100 days have passed since my daughter was born, I find myself thinking about what I should do next." She added, "My husband has been heavily involved in OST work. I have done many good musical works, but I feel regret that the stage doesn't leave a record. I'm happy and proud that 'Wicked' is preserved through dubbing, and I can tell my child that this is a work I participated in. My child is a blessing," she smiled.
She continued, "Taking on the dubbing for 'Wicked' makes me reflect on my past. 'Wicked' feels like a savior that opens doors and gives me opportunities whenever I'm struggling. The scents and sensations of that day still come to mind naturally. I am grateful for the opportunities that have come my way, and I feel I need to live well. When I was younger, I only looked ahead, but as I age, I feel a greater sense of gratitude for the opportunities that come to me."
She added, "I keep reminding myself not to lose my original intentions. Looking back, I realize that the reason I am where I am now is because I kept singing songs that seemed impossible until I made them possible. I must not lose that original intention. There was a time when I played a mother who couldn't stand due to an injury, and I walked around Daehangno with crutches for a month. I don't recommend that method, but I must not forget the sincerity I had towards that stage."
“Why is 'Wicked' loved? When I first premiered it and read the script, I thought the drama was great. The friendship between two very different people, coexistence, recognizing each other, the dangers of the media, truth and falsehood—it's like a philosophical book or an onion, revealing its layers, which I find attractive. That's why, even after 21 years, I think many people can relate to and enjoy it. I hear we have to wait a year for the second part. Personally, I love the songs in the second act, so I'm really looking forward to how 'Wicked' Part 2, which will be released next year, will turn out.”
[Yang So-young, Star Today Reporter]
