Actor Jeong Hanyong's 'Challenge' as He Transforms into a Theater Director

Photo by KBS

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] Veteran actor and former member of the National Assembly Jeong Hanyong is stepping into the role of theater director.

On the 4th, production company Myeongjak Entertainment announced that the play Seojjoknara-ui Meotjaengi (The Dandy of the West Country), directed by actor Jeong Hanyong, will be performed from the 9th to the 20th at Myeongbo Art Hall (formerly Myeongbo Theater) in Chungmuro, Seoul.

Seojjoknara-ui Meotjaengi, a representative work by Ireland’s national writer John Millington Synge, is a satirical play that incorporates local realism and poetic conciseness. Jeong Hanyong, who worked as a broadcast writer before his acting debut and has directed various works including the play Good Doctor, expressed his ambition to deliver a deep impression and emotion through metaphorical satire in this production.

The play is characterized by its use of poetic language and regional dialects to realistically depict the lives of island residents in rural Ireland and to vividly portray the characters. The protagonist, Christy, lives foolishly and lethargically under his father’s authority but achieves self-realization through storytelling. The villagers’ illusions about him and Peggin’s affection act as catalysts that lead him to live a lively life. Peggin and the villagers gain the courage to overcome the limited life shaped by morality and religion through Christy’s story. Ultimately, the narrative depicts how Christy, Peggin, and the villagers experience healing and personal growth through the story.

The lead role of Christy is played by actor Choi Woong. Choi gained public recognition as the lead in KBS’s daily drama Who Says What. The production company explained that Choi formed a connection with director Jeong Hanyong through that work and thus joined this production as well.

Other cast members include actors Kim Myeongjung, Bong Gihan, and Nam Sangbaek, who boast solid acting credentials across theater, drama, and film.

Additionally, Seojjoknara-ui Meotjaengi features not only established skilled actors but also a large number of newcomers with unique backgrounds. These include actor Lee Chaerin, mother of U-KISS’s Hoon and an adult singer; actor Lee Heeseong, former CEO of the global company Intel Korea; actor Won Seongjin, a former film director; actors Lee Rahee and Kim Younghwa, who are among Korea’s top senior models; and actor Yoo Seonjeong, who works as a perfumer, all of whom are drawing attention.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.