Musical actors Kim So-hyun (49) and Son Jun-ho (41) will once again collaborate as a couple in the 30th anniversary performance of 'Empress Myeongseong'.
The musical 'Empress Myeongseong' is a representative Korean musical that depicts the life of Empress Myeongseong, the queen of King Gojong, the 26th king of the Joseon Dynasty, amidst the turmoil of the times. Based on Lee Mun-yeol's novel 'Fox Hunting', it premiered in 1995 at the Opera House of the Arts Center and is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. It has been performing at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Jongno, Seoul since January 21.
Kim So-hyun, who has been on stage in 'Empress Myeongseong' since 2015, and Son Jun-ho, who was cast as 'Gojong' for the first time in the 2018 season, will also appear together in the 30th anniversary performance as Empress Myeongseong and King Gojong.
On the 13th, Kim So-hyun met with reporters at a cafe in Jongno, Seoul, and said, "We received offers together for the 20th anniversary, but at that time, I wasn't doing the opposite role. So I had a burden when I did 'Empress Myeongseong' alone, and I thought it would be even more burdensome to do it together, so I ended up doing it alone first. After that season, many people said they wanted to see me with Son Jun-ho, so we decided to do it together. I was hesitant because I didn't want to be seen as just a body, but I am grateful that many people appreciate the role," she opened up.
She continued, "During rehearsal, I was listening to the song sung by the son and father after I die, and it hit me hard, and I broke down in tears. I thought I understood and acted as if I were meeting a real person, but when my husband played the son, it struck me even more. When I meet my husband during practice on stage, it feels closer. I can't know the life of royalty, but I believe they were not so different from us as a real couple," she said.
Son Jun-ho said, "In the first and second performances, I felt very comfortable when we collaborated. I focused on how Gojong treated Empress Myeongseong. This time, while practicing and confirming our participation, we had many conversations about it. In the relationship of royal couples, they must have loved each other, so I wondered what it would have been like. I thought about how to reflect their lives on stage," he revealed.
The two have already collaborated for the third time as a couple through 'Empress Myeongseong'. What are the advantages and disadvantages of couples working together?
Kim So-hyun said, "Since we have the same profession, some people say they don't touch each other. We don't have that. Even though Son Jun-ho debuted 10 years later, he mainly coaches me. I really like that. Thanks to that, I feel like I improve more as the performance goes on. I tend to be a nervous type and want to receive coaching, so I appreciate those comments. When I hear feedback like 'Young-sook, Ji-yeon, this was good,' I feel really good. I think it was nice to get feedback on things we liked while doing our own triples, as I might not have been able to monitor those aspects otherwise, and it creates synergy and feels like we are building up a lot," she said.
She added, "I think there are far more advantages than disadvantages. When there are mistakes, we cover for each other, and I feel a lot of stability because Son Jun-ho is steady. The downside is that we have no personal life at all."
Son Jun-ho said, "I can quickly notice when the other person is not in good condition. There are parts where we can complement and care for each other, which is a big advantage. The downside is that it's hard to have a personal life. The fact that we can't lie is both an advantage and a disadvantage. We know everything about each other. If practice ends a little early, I would like to have some personal time, but that can't happen," he added.
What do Kim So-hyun and Son Jun-ho, who have been with 'Empress Myeongseong' for a long time, think is the secret to its 30-year longevity?
Kim So-hyun said, "Having been together for four seasons, I think I've cried at every performance. In the reviews, there are audience members who have watched the performance for 30 years. They always say it instills patriotism. When people watch 'Rise up, O people,' they automatically shed tears when they hear 'We must protect ourselves.' If you are a citizen of Korea, there are scenes that evoke the same feelings without needing explanation, which is why it has been loved for 30 years," she said.
Son Jun-ho expressed his affection, saying, "It is a musical based on history, and the music adds great strength. Even after 30 years, it doesn't sound outdated; it's well-made music. I think it has continued for 30 years because of the efforts of the creative team."
[Shin Young-eun, Star Today Reporter]
