An Unknown Actor's 'Daehangno Survival Story'

Interview with Gwak Yupyeong, CEO of Theater Company 'Cheolin'

The play "Isang, Gihyeong, 13," which concluded last week in Daehangno, is a work that illuminates the shadows cast over the life of the genius poet Isang, who endlessly faced frustration and distortion for not being able to realize his ideals during the Japanese colonial period, through drama and jazz. It received great acclaim even in its revival after a year. Kwak Yupyeong, the representative of the theater company Cheolin and the actor who played Isang in the production, said, "During the height of COVID-19, we couldn't perform in theaters, so we presented the work in empty spaces in Itaewon and alternative spaces in Euljiro. It was a pleasure to return to Daehangno and meet the audience in a theater."

Representative Kwak Yu-pyeong of the theater company 'Cheolin'. [Photo courtesy of Theater Company Cheolin]

As Kwak explained about resuming performances in Daehangno, the performing arts market, which had shrunk during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been showing a rapid recovery since last year. According to the "2023 Performing Arts Survey" released by the Arts Management Support Center on the 30th of last month, the total performance market sales in 2022 amounted to 972.5 billion KRW, which is a 97.2% increase compared to 493.3 billion KRW in 2021. Compared to 2019, before COVID-19 (approximately 853 billion KRW), it also increased by 14%.

Although performance sales have increased, many major small theaters, which are mainstays in Daehangno, closed one after another within one to two years during the prolonged pandemic. Numerous small theater companies quietly went out of business or ceased activities. Even Cheolin temporarily halted activities as its members worked part-time in restaurants to make a living. Kwak explained, "Mid-sized and established theater companies sometimes receive government support for mid- to long-term projects, but it is rare for emerging companies, especially theater troupes, to receive such support. Therefore, managing finances during the preparation period is even more difficult." He added that after paying the salaries of the stage operator, lighting director, music director, and jazz musicians (piano, double bass, guitar) who participated in this production of "Isang, Gihyeong, 13," there was almost nothing left in profit.

Kwak, who majored in acting at university and entered the stage, debuted in 2005 with the play "Romeo and Juliet" and has been active as an actor for 18 years. "I auditioned for Romeo and Juliet three times and failed, but I persistently followed the director and persuaded him. I just wanted to be on stage. I debuted as a servant, and it was an exciting and overwhelming moment. Even now, when I stand on stage and face the audience, I feel that same trembling."

Stage of the play 'Isang, Gihyeong, 13'. The play and live jazz music direct the main character Isang and the surrounding characters.
[Photo by Theater Company Cheolin]

Still overwhelmed and excited when facing the audience, Kwak noted that theater is gradually drifting away from the audience, and questioned whether it is necessary to insist on theaters. The COVID-19 pandemic allowed him to turn his thoughts on non-theater performances into reality. He said, "More diverse spaces?streets, squares, even just setting up a tent?are places where I have done works in the past. If I act more desperately with a heart on the edge, I am confident that the audience will recognize that earnest tightrope walk." He emphasized, "Theater has to compete not only with other plays but also with movies, dramas, and countless other narratives. To get closer to the audience, I think we need to go to where the audience is rather than insisting on theaters."

"My beloved whom I did not love much / I cannot forget you all my life / Even though I know it is a love that will not come to me / I will keep thinking alone / So, please always be beautiful." - Isang, "This Kind of Poem"

The love poem recited by Isang in the latter part of "Isang, Gihyeong, 13" deeply resonates as a heartfelt message to Geumhong and, on the other hand, as Kwak’s earnest feelings toward the play. Following poet Kim Suyeong, Kwak illuminated the life of poet Isang and plans to complete a trilogy of poets with the life of poet Cheon Sangbyeong. A life full of suffering as an artist?why does he focus on the lives of artists? "I want to show the real. Showing something fake might achieve some popular success, but showing on stage through drama the artists who create beautiful works through a hellish, painful life is the way to confirm that my life is real and is my goal and plan as an actor."

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