'Those Days' Returns After 3 Years.. Kim Jung-hyun, Yoon Si-yoon, and Yoo Seon-ho Make Their Debut: "An Overwhelming Combination" [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.

The musical 'Those Days' returns for its seventh season after three years. This season promises deeper emotion with a new cast lineup.

A press conference for the musical 'Those Days' was held at the Ellyena Hotel in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the 30th. Attendees included director Jang Yu-jeong, along with Ryu Soo-young, Choi Jin-hyuk, and Kim Jung-hyun, who play the role of Jeong Hak, and Yoo Seon-ho, Sandeul, Yoon Si-yoon, and Park Kyu-won, who play the role of Mu-young. They shared various stories.

'Those Days' brings to the stage a solid story that transcends past and present, set against the backdrop of the Blue House security office, and a unique sensibility crafted from the legendary songs of the late Kim Kwang-seok.

Returning after three years, 'Those Days' is the first musical produced with the participation of KT Genie Music, promising a more powerful production with a new cast lineup.

Jang Yu-jeong, who handled both the script and direction, cited the music of the late Kim Kwang-seok as a key factor in the work's success. He stated, "I believe the greatest strength of the work lies in Kim Kwang-seok's songs. Songs that touch the essential emotions of humanity and do not chase trends resonate deeply with audiences."

He continued, "The special setting of Blue House security guards, combined with the visual elements of song and dance, seems to have left a good impression on audiences. The addition of a mystery narrative, which is rare in jukebox musicals, created the driving force of the play by unraveling what happened alongside Kim Kwang-seok's music." He added, "I believe these elements are the vitality that has allowed the work to continue for 13 years."

Jang Yu-jeong also shared his thoughts and reflections on the changes as he faced the seventh season as a director. He said, "It is an honor, but there is also a great burden to change with each season. The biggest challenge is finding the balance between being new and not being unfamiliar."

He further revealed, "In this season, a dramatically new episode has been added. The content has been enhanced to more concretely show why 'Jeong Hak' had to be confused between 'Mu-young' and 'Her'."

He also mentioned that he learned a great deal by watching the performances of Park Geun-hyung and Jeong Dong-hwan in the play 'The Dresser.' "Seeing the teachers express the character with completely different interpretations taught me a lot. I wanted to incorporate that into this work," he explained. "The actors Ryu Soo-young, Choi Jin-hyuk, and Kim Jung-hyun portray Jeong Hak with the same interpretation but different expressions. My big goal is to create that vivid acting."

The role of 'Jeong Hak,' a thoroughgoing principled person and the central axis connecting the past and present, is played by Eom Ki-jun, Ryu Soo-young, Choi Jin-hyuk, and Kim Jung-hyun.

Ryu Soo-young said, "The script is very good, and there were many moments that moved me to tears while reading it. You're not supposed to cry during a musical, but if you get a runny nose, the next song will be ruined," eliciting laughter.

He continued, "I have also returned to musicals after a long time. I previously performed in 'The Lady and the Thugs,' and it was a happy memory. I am nervous and feel inadequate, but it is a happy thing to tell stories, act, and sing on stage. This is a challenge, and it is not easy, but the reason I can do it is because the late Kim Kwang-seok was a senior at the same school. Even in 1998, when I was attending school, there was a Kim Kwang-seok tribute cafe. I auditioned because I really wanted to do it, and I am grateful that they let me do it."

Choi Jin-hyuk, who is challenging his second musical with 'Those Days,' said, "It is very fun because the chemistry with other actors is important. The seniors and juniors I am working with act vividly and work hard, which also stimulates me." He added, "It is admirable that the director, who rarely writes the script himself, also directs. The guidance he gives during rehearsals will be a great help for my acting in the future."

He then added, "Rehearsals are also enjoyable. Personally, I think there is no one in our country who is not a fan of senior Kim Kwang-seok. Although it is a jukebox musical made with his music, I think it well captures the nostalgia and the guilt of wanting to protect him in the narrative."

Additionally, Choi Jin-hyuk revealed that he met the late Kim Kwang-seok's older brother during the preparation process for the work. "We had a conversation over a glass of soju, and I felt the weight of his burden. I realized that I was carrying a lot of responsibility by saying I was doing this musical out of my own ambition. I feel I must fight for my life, so I am doing my best."

Kim Jung-hyun makes his debut on the musical stage with 'Those Days.' He stated, "In fact, I have always had thoughts about musicals and have been preparing since last year. I learned that the work 'Those Days' was being produced through a good opportunity, and I got to audition." He explained, "I originally auditioned for the role of Mu-young, but at the director's recommendation, I ended up playing the role of Jeong Hak."

He continued, "Of course, I thought the timing was a bit early, but I had been preparing for a long time, and since these are numbers I love, I participated with the mindset of working hard."

The role of 'Mu-young,' a friend of 'Jeong Hak' and the owner of a free spirit, is played by Park Kyu-won, Yoon Si-yoon, Sandeul, and Yoo Seon-ho.

Yoon Si-yoon also makes his musical debut with 'Those Days.' He said, "As an actor, I had a dream about musicals and always wanted to challenge myself someday. Because it was 'Those Days,' I was able to take on the challenge. It was also a work where dramatic elements were beautifully mixed with music, and since a glorious opportunity came, I had no choice but to choose it. I am very grateful. I am preparing with a very overwhelming heart."

He continued, "Everyone has a first challenge, but I am also worried about whether I can digest this good work well and how to overcome the risks of a first challenge. Rather than thinking 'what should I show,' I am trying to blend well into this well-crafted work. Many actors have played the role of Mu-young, and it seems to be a battle of how humbly one studies, accepts, and makes the essence familiar with the accumulation of that experience. I am diligently reading the script and copying the good points while watching the performance."

Yoo Seon-ho stated, "I like playing instruments, listening to music, and singing, so I have always thought about musicals. I got to audition through a very good opportunity, and I am honored to participate in the work as the director kindly selected me."

He added, "Of course, it is also my dream, but my father has told me since I was young that he really wants to see me sing beautifully. So, I want to work hard this time and show it to him for sure."

He said, "I have been trying many things while discussing many things during the rehearsal period, but I think it is a time when I can fill something on my own after rehearsals end. I am also taking lessons, but it is not easy to sing at home in the evening, so I often practice in my car in the parking lot. I feel there are many shortcomings, and I will work hard to develop further in the future."

Finally, director Jang Yu-jeong expressed confidence that this season of 'Those Days' would be a season where the "overwhelming combination of actors shines."

He explained that they conducted both call casting and auditions simultaneously. "The actors here were indeed called for casting. However, I told them I wanted to see them sing directly, so they all came and auditioned. Some even came even though I said they didn't have to audition."

He reflected, "It was a gratifying, joyful, and happy time." He continued, "Before rehearsals began, some actors personally visited and requested a meeting. During the first reading, the actors who took on the role of 'Jeong Hak' even shed tears while reading."

He added, "Although I could feel their feelings for the work well, they prepared so much that they could even be said to be acting by holding back tears. Even during rehearsals, when it is not their turn, they feel grateful while watching the other actors performing with them."

Meanwhile, 'Those Days' will be performed at the D-Cube Link Art Center from June 9 to August 23.

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*This content was translated by AI.