Kang Sora mentions Super Junior’s Leeteuk on CulTwo’s radio program

 

Kang Sora referred to her former ‘We Got Married‘ husband Super Junior‘s Leeteuk.

The actress appeared on the March 26th airing of SBS Radio‘s ‘Two o’clock Escape Cultwo Show‘ and spoke about Leeteuk, who is currently serving in the army.

She shared, “A few days ago I went to see the musical ‘Promise‘, and I got to see Leeteuk. He looked really good.”

Kang Sora added, “His body looked good. He got some muscles and became more manly. Maybe he was made for the army,” causing listeners to laugh.

Do you remember Kang Sora and Leeteuk as husband and wife on MBC‘s ‘We Got Married’?

credit: allkpop.com

Infinite's Woohyun, Sunggyu and solo artist Seo Inguk cast in "Gwanghwamun Sonata" musical

It's been revealed that Infinite's main vocalists Sunggyu and Woohyun, as well as Superstar K winner Seo Inguk were cast in the 2012 musical "Gwanghwamun Sonata".

Sunggyu and Woohyun will be taking on the same role, Jiyong, as the son of the female lead. The role was performed by BEAST's Yoseob in the previous version of the musical. Together with musical actor Lee Yool, Seo Inguk is casted for the role of Hyunwoo, a male who can’t stop his love for a woman.

"Gwanghwamun Sonata" features a cast of well-known Korean singers and musical actors such as Yoon Dohyun, Jo Sungmo, Lee Yool, Lisa, Jung Wonyoung, Park Junghwan, Choi Jaewoong, Kim Taehan, Kim Youngjoo, Go Wonyoung, and many others.

"Gwanghwamun Sonata" premiered at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts just last year, and passes as a jukebox musical taking notice of older songs such as "Old Love" and "When Love Passes By". The musical is set to open at the Seoul LG Arts Center on February 7th and will have performances until March 11th.

Source: EndlessLimits and TVReport

cr: koreaboo.com

Kim Kyu Jong Interview About His Musical 'Goong'

Kim Kyu Jong Interview (Japanese Musical GOONG Official Blog)

During the beginning of the shooting, the 2 of them were posing with different angles. Showing a bright smile and occasionally will start to do some mischievous expressions.

In between, there is a japanese photographer who is shooting Kyu Jong.

Before the interpreter came, Kyu Jong is trying to meet the [move in front a little] [move right] japanese instruction, rapidly changing position.

Perhaps... ...? Wanna personally greet the photograher said [it doesnt matter speaking Japanese].

Kyu Jong, seems like he is quite strong in his Japanese language!

Below is the interview of Kyu Jong.

Q: What is your thoughts about premiering in Kyoto?
Kyu: It's been a long time since I came to Japan, the difference is that prior this was SS501 concert, now it is Musical, thus I am very nervous.

Q: Being a singer what is the difference having a concert and musical?
Kyu: The activities of a singer, speaking of this it should be our own stand in the performance. Whereas for Musical it letting the audience experience the different feelings of the scenerios.

Q: Now that you are not SS501 but as Kim Kyu Jong identity doing solo activities, what are your thoughts?
Kyu: It is one's journey to digest, have seen some aspects not found before, time for reflections is getting more. Seems to learn more things faster. But have been together with the SS501 members for the past 5~6 years thus it really feels lonely doing solo activities. Although I feel that I lack of something, but when reaching a certain age, comparing to playing now I am more concentrating in my work, cos I want to show a more hardworking and mature side of me.

Q: In the musical, there is a love triangle between Chae Kyeong, Prince Yul & Prince Shin. So is Kyu Jong and any of your friend happened to like the same girl before?
Kyu: I am a person who is rather shy and who dont speak a lot. But to a person whom I like I would never easily give up just like that, I would make her to become my girlfriend.

Q: Before going into your musical practice, what other musicals have you watched?
Kyu: I have watched GREASE, CAFEIN, LUNATIC and PRISON musical before.

Q: GREASE & CAFEIN were acted by SS501 Park Jung Min and Kim Hyung Jun respectively, so did the 2 of them give you any musical advice?
Kyu: They did told me "dont be nervous". For the 1st day of the stage pressure, they did not call me (smile). It is like they dont want me to get nervous. They told me to "Enjoy the Pressure". The members' advice gave me a lot of strength.

Q: 1st time challenging an acting musical role, how do you feel?
Kyu: It is real tough. Even though after accepting this project and started a little acting practice, but so far there are lots of areas which I do not understand.
After learning so much, the difficulty of performing experience, thus when I recalled how I used to tease the members "why act so stupid" after watching their performances or dramas, I really feel that I am very shallow. (smile)

Q: After the 2 of them have worn the 3 different elegant outfit, being asked which one is their favourite musical outfit of Goong?
Kyu: Used to think when will I have the chance to wear this kind of outfit and having this kind of role or project, thus I am very nervous and happy. Have not been able to wear this kind of outfit, very happy. I especially like the last wedding outfit.

Q: Please say something to the Japanese fans.
Kyu: I am honored to be in June at Kyoto performance hall to show everyone a better look.

Please look forward to the [Musical GOONG] performances!

Source : Japanese Musical Goong Official Blog
Japanese ~ Chinese Trans: redcat111 @ www.kimkyujong.com.cn
English Trans: http://cllslam10.blogspot.com
Pls repost with credits

SS501 Kim Kyu Jong’s Musical “Goong” Royal Couple Stills Released

Group Eight, the production company behind hit dramas likes Fantasy Couple (2006), Boys Before Flowers (2009). Tamna Island (2009), and Playful Kiss (2010), released the royal couple stills for the musical Goong. The musical is set to show in Japan June 11th to July 1st. The lead actors Kim Kyu Jong and Kwak Sun Young met at a studio in Seoul to shoot the official poster for the Japanese tour.

Kim Kyu Jong follows in the footsteps of DBSK’s Yunho and actor Joo Ji Hoon as the Crown Prince Lee Shin in the Goong. For the photos shoot, Kim wore an elegant suit, and Kwak Sun Young dressed in Shin Chae Kyung’s iconic uniform with tracksuit pants. Many Korean, as well as Japanese, journalists flocked to the studio to catch a glimpse of the new royal couple.

At the press conference following the shoot, Kim Kyu Jong stated, “I received a lot of advice from Yunho hyung. Initially, I was worried because the actors who played the part before me received so much love as Lee Shin.” He added, “I was drawn into musicals because actors are able to connect with the audience more intimately. I still feel a bit awkward wearing the Crown Prince’s clothes, but I’m doing my best to present a memorable Kim Kyu Jong version of Lee Shin.” Kim Kyu Jong is known to be a quiet model student, and fans are curious to see how he will transform into the haughty Lee Shin in the musical Goong.

Credits: Written in Korean by hurlkie@soompi; translated by hotshotlover30@soompi

More pics...

Credit: www.musical-k.com

“Mozart!” reveals new poster featuring JYJ’s Junsu

With JYJ’s Junsu confirmed for the line-up of 2011’s “Mozart!“, a new poster featuring all four actors playing the role of Mozart has been unveiled!

Posing alongside Junsu are actors Im Tae Kyung, Park Eun Tae, and Jun Dong Suk, each expressing a different emotion. Since their individual personalities are quite unique, fans are already anticipating the subtle differences they’ll bring to their portrayal of Mozart’s character.

The musical first kicked off its Korean performances in 2010 at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. The 3,000 seat theater managed to bring in a 100,000 member audience within a month. “Mozart!” also came away with 11 trophies at various musical awards for the year.

“Mozart!” will begin once more at the Sungnam Art center from May 24th through July 3rd.

Source: TV Report via Nate
Credits: Allkpop
Shared by: DBSKnights

Celebs, news bites | Will Kim Kyu-jong become Prince Shin?

Eternal pretty face is ready to star in his first musical….well almost!

Kim Kyu-jong‘s agency, B2M Entertainment, has talked with the theatre production of the “Princess Hours” musical in Japan. DBSK’s Jung Yun-ho starred in the Korean play, but the SS501 center may be playing royalty in the international version.

Rumors have been circulating online that Kyu-jong will be portraying Prince Shin at the Kyoto Minami Theatre in June. Are the rumors true?Recently, B2M told Star News that an official notice will be released on the singer’s  website next week.

June 4th- 23rd is the scheduled timeline for play….Will the pretty face grace the stage with his presence? Do you think he looks royal enough to be the new Crown Prince?

Source: Star News [MKStartoday]
Shared by Pop Seoul

BEAST, 'Gwanghamoon Sonata' fighting!

On the night of the 20th, BEAST members Son Dongwoon, Jang Hyunseung, and Yong Junhyung are posing in front of the 'Gwanghamoon Sonata' VIP special viewing at Seoul Junggu Sejong Cultural Center.

Made up of 30 songs that the deceased Lee Younghoon had composed, the musical 'Gwanghamoon Sonata' is about the pain and farewell of love, and the portrayal of the people who suffer from the yearning and compassion of their lover. The performance will be shown from March 20th to April 10th.

CREDITS: NTN (SOURCE); YONGISM@B2ST RISING (TRANS)

TAKE OUT WITH FULL CREDITS 

Daesung's debut drama 'What's Up' will be aired on March 21st

Big Bang’s Daesung was completely transformed into an aspiring actor without any regrets, by using his singing and dancing skills!”

Big Bang’s Daesung has become a topic for his debut as an actor in musical drama, “What’s Up!”.

‘What’s Up’ is a campus drama that will depict the dreams and loves of students in musical studies.

Drama “What’s Up” (play-write by Sung Jinan and directing by Song Jiwon) is expected to have its first broadcast on March 21st at 9:00PM after SBS drama ‘Paradise Ranch’ comes to an end said the publisher on February 15th

.
Source: dcbb

Translated: alee@ibigbang

JYJ Junsu’s musical debut moves thousands of fans to tears

“I cried so much. It is a really heart-warming piece.”

Opening night for the Global Project Musical ‘Tear’s of Heaven’ starring JYJ’s Kim Junsu left many in the audience in tears.

BEAST Yang Yoseob takes on a musical

BEAST’s Yang Yoseob is accepting his first challenge at a musical, through ‘Kwang Hwa Moon Love Song’.
In this musical, Yang Yoseob will be playing the character Ji-oong. Of the BEAST members, Yoseob is the first to participate in a musical.
Yang Yoseob’s first musical, ‘Kwang Hwa Moon Love Song’, is planning to start performances from March 20th until April 10th, in the Seh-Jong Moon-hwa theatre.

CREDITS: ENS (SOURCE); musiclovex3@B2ST RISING (TRANS)

JYJ to take on movies, dramas and musicals for latter half of 2011

JYJ will continue their activities in 2011 as actors and will progress in the fields of dramas, movies and musicals.

Yoochun, who successfully made his debut as an actor in the KBS drama "Sungkyunkwan Scandal" last year, decided to take on another drama. A representative from JYJ's management stated, "After 'Sungkyunkwan Scandal', there have been many 'love-calls' from various projects," and "The first drama was of historical nature. So we are looking for a drama that will bring out a different charm of Yoochun. At the latest, we will find another drama by the latter half of the year."

Yoochun received various praises for his acting due to his role as Lee Sun Joon in "Sungkyunkwan Scandal." His potential as an actor was confirmed when he won 3 awards at the 2010 KBS Drama Awards: Best Newcomer Award, Netizen Award, and Best Couple Award.

Junsu, who recently took on a role in the musical "Tears of Heaven", decided that he will continue his activities in the musical field. "Tears of Heaven" is set to premiere on February 1st.

A representative stated, "Although there have been offers from both movie and drama companies, Junsu plans to continue his activities as an actor in the musical field. His acting was confirmed through the musicals he participated in as well as ticket sales. There must first be a satisfactory ending to "Tears of Heaven", then Junsu will probably greet the audience in another musical in the latter half of this year."

Jaejoong participated in the Japanese drama "Sunao ni Narenakute" (It's Hard to Say I Love You) last year, which included other well-known Japanese actors. Jaejoong is expected to debut in a domestic drama this year. Drama companies have been paying close attention to Jaejoong after he showed he had the basics of acting down.

His representative said, "Jaejoong's charm 'mask' and experience has prompted many producers who have been paying attention to him to make numerous 'love-calls'. It's not only dramas, various movie producers have come. Currently we are considering the good drama offers seriously. In the later part of this year, there is high probability that Jaejoong will be greeting the audience through a drama."

What do you think about seeing your favorite singers on the TV screen?

Source: TVXQBaidu

110105 Kyuhyun’s Twitter Update

@GaemGyu Pictures are nice but… a big applause for all actors after the show is of big strength to them…

T/N. I’ve been watching numerous fancams these days, not just with Kyuhyun, but with the other actors playing d’Artagnan as well. I noticed that on days Kyuhyun is there, most people applaud enthusiastically only for Kyuhyun, then they start taking pictures and recording, and the other actors receive little applause. That’s just wrong. It’s nice of him to say it, I hope that from now on fans who go to his shows will give more support to all other hard-working actors as well.

Translated By: @pastakyu / GAIA at SJ-WORLD.NET
Posted By: iCarolina__ (sup3rjunior.wordpress.com)
TAKE OUT WITH FULL AND PROPER CREDITS.

2011.01.06 M!Countdown Line Up for GD&TOP

* The 2011 1st Gift with GD & TOP ! Album Title & Title & Fan Request No.1 Track (Only M!Countdown) / 2011 Happy New Year message From GD & TOP To MCD Fan "I'm so sorry But I Love You "
* Sexy and Cute Music Parade ! The Performancer T-ara
* Comeback Special ! Shy Girls SECRET 's Musical Theater
* Hot Debut ! 2011 Produce By E-tribe ! New Girl Gruop Dal★shabet
* 2011 version g.o.d ! Monday Kiz 's I Love you and Remember me
* New song release F.cuz, Untouchable, Sunnyside
* Cho Mun Geun, Soul Harmony, JJ ...
* Next Week Preview Comeback ! MBLAQ
* 2011 Music fortune! Lee Seung Ki & TOP of Bigbang & So yeon of T-ara
* 2PM, Girl's Generation, Beast, TVXQ..Comeback Teaser assay !
* MCD Awards ! GD&CL? Kim Hyun Joong&Nichkhun? wannabe UNIT Battle
* MCD Wars ! Kpop Hot Boy Group ! Beast VS MBLAQ

M!Countdown 2011.01.06 at 6:00PM Live


source : MnetMcountdown @ twitter
shared by  Big Bang Haven 

Tears of Heaven Teaser

shared by: sharingyoochun.net

Supernova shares thoughts on Japanese activities and Korean comeback

After wrapping up their sold-out showcase in Japan’s Yokohama Arena on December 21st, Supernova met with reporters at a post-conference and revealed their thoughts on completing a successful year overseas.

Supernova started, “We’re extremely thankful for so many fans outside of Japan and Korea coming to visit our ‘Supernova Show 2010.’  It’s because of everyone’s support that we’ve made it this far.”

The group previously recorded all six of their concerts selling out and went on to add, “Our main purpose was to properly deliver K-POP music.  The songs we promoted in Korea with fit well with the strategies we used in Japan.”

Their concert itself was nothing short of a hit, as it managed to gather over 12,000 fans of all age groups.  The group performed  a total of 28 different tracks, including “Get Wild,” “Ai Kotoba,” “Love Letter,”  and many others.  They also introduced a few Korean songs as well, including their August hit track, “On Days I Miss You,” a Christmas carol, “La La La,” and “My Memory.”

Their fans also refused to budge once the concert came to an end, only started filing out after the boys performed three encores.

One of the more interesting points of the concert was that an interpreter would not have been found on the scene, as all six members are fluent in Japanese.  All of the productions held on stage were delivered 100% in Japanese, confirming the group’s status as the Korean idol group with the most natural speech.

A production manager from their Japanese team commented, “Supernova reached out to a large variety of audiences through singing for dramas, which mothers watch, and helped K-pop become more largely accepted.  Their skills are exceptional and they have a stable fanbase as well.”

Member Yoon Hak stated, “Our Japanese tactic was to use the K-pop style as a base.  Our recent track, ‘Shining Star,’ was produced by Brave Brothers and ranked fourth on the Oricon chart.”

Sungje continued, “Of course there are difficulties.  We thought a lot about giving up because we couldn’t achieve much success in Korea.  Instead of giving up, however, we grouped together even tighter and learned Japanese as if our lives were on the line.”

When asked to reflect on the amount of love they’ve been receiving three years into their debut, Supernova continued, “When we first came to Japan, we weren’t able to contract with a distribution company.  We had to study Japanese and personally visit record companies.  There were a lot of times we wanted to give up, but those feelings developed into wanting to try even harder.  With that determination, we’ve made it this far.”

Regarding the many K-pop groups crossing over to Japan, such as SNSD, KARA, 4minute, the Brown Eyed Girls, B2ST, U-KISS and 2PM, member Yoon Hak continued, “K-pop is addictive and it’s difficult to not be seduced by it.  I hope that we can all support each other as juniors and seniors to achieve good results.”

Wrapping up the conference with comments on their future activities, Supernova disclosed, “We’ll be releasing a new album around March or April of 2011 in Korea.  We’ll also be participating in a wide range of genres such as musicals, sitcoms, and MCing positions.”

 

Source + Photos: Asia Today via Nate, Kyunghyang via Nate (1), (2)

Credit: Allkpop

CNBLUE’s Kang Minhyuk impresses many with his acting

CNBLUE’s Kang Minhyuk has been rapidly expanding his career in both music and acting through his role in SBS’s “It’s Okay, Daddy’s Daughter.”

Minhyuk plays the role of ‘Hwang Yeondu,’ a drummer for the fictional band, ‘Best Motley’. His impressive drumming skills have earned him much acclaim during the episodes aired on December 20th and 21st.

Despite juggling his CNBLUE commitments with his acting gig, Minhyuk has shown a consistent rate of growth with every episode, and many are looking forward to seeing just how much more his acting skills could improve. Exhibiting his musical abilities through the show gave him an additional boost of popularity as well.

Indeed, his success on the small screen has many industry representatives touting Minhyuk as the boy who managed to ‘catch two rabbits in one go.’

So what does Minhyuk think about his success as an actor and a musician? The star commented, “There was a lot of pressure since it’s my first drama, but I’m having a lot of fun since they gave me a role that I’m able to do my best for.  I’ll be working hard in order to make sure that I don’t disappoint as both an actor and a singer.”

Source: Sports Today via Nate
Credit: Allkpop

JYJ’s Xiah Junsu Talks About His Casting in ‘Tears of Heaven’

Singer and musical actor Xiah Junsu has been cast in the main male role of a new musical that carries a production cost of $8.73 million USD.

He recently attended the press conference for ‘Tears of Heaven’ on December 13th, which was held at the Emperial Palace in Seoul. During the conference, Xiah Junsu expressed his thoughts as a musical actor.
“I think it’s still a bit embarrassing to call myself an actor, but I’m Kim Junsu and I’m able to sit here today as a musical actor.”


“My role as Jun is as a male Korean soldier who was dispatched to Vietnam. This is my second production after ‘Mozart’, and if one was to consider ‘Mozart’ a musical that illustrated a life, then this production is about deep love. There are also aspects of betrayal and difficulties.”


“I feel this production will give me an opportunity to develop. I’m honored to be able to act alongside respected actors.”


“You might be able to realize when you come watch, but the songs combine both classic and pop elements of music, and I will do my best to express both musical elements. I hope people will look forward to the musical.”

Meanwhile, when Junsu was asked why he decided to invest in a musical that does not include a performance wage, Junsu answered, “I don’t really know myself. I heard about it last year. What’s more important is that I must keep practicing as an actor, and it doesn’t have relations with me.”

The reporters pushed further and asked his thoughts about receiving the greatest wage in the industry after his last musical, ‘Mozart‘. Hesitatingly, Junsu answered, “That is a really hard question. Ha… Very hard.”

He continued, “That’s not something I decide, it’s merely just having to make sacrifices and working hard. What’s more important is that I show a performance on stage as great as the love my fans give me. That’s all I can say about that.”

The producer of ‘Tears of Heaven’ added, “Xiah Junsu is just an artist. His agency is the one who decides everything. Things regarding no-wages and investments in profits are decided by his agency,” and asked for reporters to refrain from asking further about the case.

It was reported earlier that Xiah Junsu received the greatest wage in the musical industry of $26,000 USD for his performances in the musical ‘Mozart’.


credit: Star News #1, #2 via Nate + Allkpop
shared by: sharingyoochun.net

Xiah Junsu, The Ten Billion Musical “No Guarantee Cast… Investment Concept”

During Xiah Junsu’s new musical ‘Tears in Heaven’ press conference, the producer released an official statement regarding the musical’s casting process.

On December 13th at Imperial Palace Hotel in Gangnamgu, Seoul, the press conference of a new musical entitled ‘Tears of Heaven’ was held, while during the conference the musical PD Seol Do-yoon released a statement, “Even before the press release distribution, we already concerned about articles that are filled with wrong speculations, thus I’d rather to state an official statement here.” he said. “There seem to have guarantee issue being discussed. In more precise, Xiah Junsu is reported as a guarantee for a ‘top’ result, there’s no such thing, there’s no guarantee.”

The PD later continued, “Xiah Junsu’s agency agreed to involve in the investment concept. That means, income will generate accordingly to the share of interest from performance schedule the artist is going to have,” and “Xiah Junsu has also been selected for his cast through an audition.”

In regard to Xiah Junsu’s cast, “He’s already verified as a musical star through ‘Mozart’. Ever since he’s considered to be one of potential actor for this musical, we started to evaluate whether he’s indeed eligible for the role. In the end, it was the former staffs who had made unanimous decision.”

Xiah Junsu’s role in the musical ‘Tears of Heaven’ is as a South Korea soldier who dispatched to Vietnam and had a destined meet that led him to falling in love to a Vietnamese woman. Charismatic acting and vocal is expected to showcase by the actor.

Musical ‘Tears of Heaven’ describes about a painful love story that blossomed during Vietnam war, a magnificent musical masterpiece that is produced by the creative production team of Seol Company. World music master Frank Wildhorn from ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ will present his musical creativity for the first time in Korea through this big musical work, while Xiah Junsu (Kim Junsu), Yun Gong-ju, Jung Sang-yun, ‘Phantom of The Opera’ Brad Little, and Davichi’s Lee Hae Ri will perform as the leading casts.

Aiming to feature a global musical in worldwide markets, after 3 years and 6 months preparation, the musical production is ready to pass through 5 countries namely Hungary, New York, Canda, Czech Republic, and Japan for performance visit. Meanwhile ‘Tears of Heaven’ will kick off its first stage on February 1st at National Theatre of Korea.


credit: star.mt + Newsen
sum trans: sharingyoochun.net

JYJ’s Junsu cast in leading role for musical “Tears of Heaven”

JYJ’s Junsu will be heading overseas next for the Great White Way, as he’s been casted for a leading role in the Broadway musical, “Tears of Heaven“.
Considered to be the ambitious work of Seol Company’s CEO, Seol Do Yoon, and Core Content Media’s Kim Gwang Su, the production revolves around a love triangle set during the Vietnam War between a Korean soldier, a female Vietnamese singer, and an American officer. Junsu has been casted for the role of ‘Jun Hyung’, the Korean soldier that falls in love with the Vietnamese singer, ‘Lin’. ‘Jun Hyung’ later becomes a famous composer and the father to his daughter that he had with Lin.
Seol Company reportedly set aside $10 million USD for production costs alone. The musical is scheduled to open for December 27th in Korea, and will run for a month there before being taken overseas to Japan and Europe. A performance in the States by 2012 has been pinned as their ultimate goal.
Representatives of Seol Company revealed on December 10th, “We cannot give a confirmation statement right now regarding the cast line-up. All final casting decisions will be made public at the production conference to be held on the 13th. By February, this musical will be performed all over Asia, including Japan and Hong Kong. The ultimate goal is Broadway.”
Composer Frank Wildhorn of “Dracula” and “Jekyll & Hyde” will be producing the songs, while Junsu will be working alongside Broadway star Brad Little.
Source + Photos: Frontier Times, TV Daily

‘Pretty boy’ k-pop stars rush to musicals

SHINee’s Onew (center) made an impressive debut with the Korean adaptation of “Rock of Ages.”

SHINee’s Onew and SS501’s Kim Hyung-joon have been the most recent additions to the list of boy band members switching gears to musicals, joining contemporaries like former TVXQ member Xiah and Tae-yeon of Girls Generation.

Onew’s fall debut with the Korean adaptation of “Rock of Ages” impressed both theater critics and audiences alike with some even saying the singer-turned-musical actor one-upped veteran Korean Wave star Ahn Jae-wook who switched off with the crooner in the lead role throughout its month-long engagement.

In stark contrast, Kim’s gig as a musical actor kicked off to a stuttering start last week with the original production “Caffeine” at the Baekam Art Hall in southern Seoul.

His debut was met with a lukewarm response, many saying the fledgling actor had looked awkward and even nervous during key scenes which required him to be confident.

This kind of “shoot first, ask questions later” approach doesn’t seem to faze most musical production houses though as the casting of a boy band or girl band member alone is enough to generate huge interest from the public.

Because the industry has been steadfastly in decline due to an oversaturated market, earning the quick buck has become what matters most.

One of the few successful cases has without a doubt been Xiah’s debut.

Xiah, a former member with hugely popular boy band TVXQ, made a debut with “Mozart” earlier in January which garnered the 23-year-old a slew of acting honors and critical acclaim.

Meanwhile, those who crashed and burned at the court of public opinion were largely criticized for their lack of commitment that was reflected in their stilted performances.
Choi Sung-hee, or Bada as most of her fans know her from her heyday with all-girl band S.E.S., is a veteran of the musical scene who has voiced her frank opinion on the veritable gold rush into the theater arts by her younger contemporaries.

Currently starring in the musical “Broadway 42nd Street,” the production’s theater troupe opened its doors to the press earlier in September where Choi took time off from the rigorous pre-show rehearsals at the KEPCO Hanjeon Art Center in Seoul to field questions about her musical ― but most of all about the rising trend of K-pop idols entering the scene.

The production, having wrapped its run in the capital city, is slated to move on to Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, starting Dec. 3.

“You have to be absolutely sure that this is what you want to do before you go any further,” she was quoted as saying.

“You need to have an actor’s mindset and a responsibility to the craft of acting. Acting in a musical requires you to give yourself and open yourself to your cast mates and if you’re not prepared to do that, the audience won’t be engaged in your performance and that type of dedication isn’t something the head of a production company can give you.”

Choi is considered one of the first K-pop singers to make way onto the musical stage, debuting in 2003 with “Peppermint.”

Since then, she has starred in such hit stage musicals as “200 Pounds Beauty,” cementing her status as one of the local performing and dramatic arts scene’s marquee names.

Echoing her sentiment is veteran actor Jo Jae-hyun (“Bad Guy,” “Address Unknown”) who says singers attempting to successfully cross over to acting must be fully committed.

“For anyone looking to break into theater arts, they have to realize the amount of preparation and time it takes to acclimate to performing on stage because stage acting is an entirely different beast to film or television,” he told The Korea Herald.

“Acting for the stage is one of the most difficult crafts ― even for traditional actors ― and for singers to jump into the fray like that is commendable but you really have to be fully committed because otherwise you’re going to learn the hard way that it isn’t something you just pick up on a whim or by suggestions from your management company.”

Source: Song Woong-ki @ The Korea Herald

Via DKP