'Dead Poets Society' Cha In-pyo: "I have lived a good life, receiving far more love as a public entertainer than I deserved for what I possess" [Star Scene]

*This content was translated by AI.

Actor Cha In-pyo shared his personal reflections on 'Dead Poets Society'.

On the afternoon of the 11th, Cha In-pyo held a press conference for the play 'Dead Poets Society' (hereinafter referred to as 'DPS') at NOL Theater in Daehak-ro, Dongsung-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Cha In-pyo stated, "I have lived a good life, receiving far more love as a public entertainer than I deserved for what I possess. As someone who has been so fortunate, I am now late to join the theatrical stage. I witnessed countless young people burning their youth, challenging theater, and pouring sweat into their craft. As someone who has benefited from popular culture, I pondered what I could do."

He added, "I have published five novels, and I also considered having them adapted into a work based on my original stories."

When asked about the behind-the-scenes preparation process, he said, "Many actors, including Yeon Jeong-hoon and Oh Man-seok, were already cast earlier this year. I received a casting offer in April. After accepting it, I learned that rehearsals would need to run for two months starting from mid-May, every day from Monday to Saturday except Sundays. Hesitating at first, I eventually joined. I saw the young actors arriving much earlier than me to warm up and rehearse. Watching them, I thought, 'I must not dampen their passion. I must work hard.' Thus, I attended nearly all rehearsals, constantly inspired by their dedication."

The premiere of the play 'Dead Poets Society' is the first officially licensed production in Korea based on the screenplay by Tom Schulman, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay after its 1989 film release. Set in 1959 at Welton Academy, an elite boarding school in New England, USA, it follows the story of newly appointed English teacher John Keating and the young boys who search for their identities amidst a reality dominated by exam-oriented education.

The original film achieved global acclaim under director Peter Weir's profound direction and Robin Williams' acting, highlighting the tragedy of youth who are not respected as independent individuals due to authoritarian educational practices and parental ambitions, thereby forging deep resonance with audiences. The play is renowned for iconic lines such as Keating's message to students: "Carpe diem" (Seize the day), and the final scene where students defy the headmaster's oppression by standing on their desks and shouting, "O Captain! My Captain!"

In the theatrical production, the powerful performances of veteran actors blend seamlessly with the energy of newcomers. Cha In-pyo, Oh Man-seok, and Yeon Jeong-hoon portray the teacher John Keating, who imparts independent thinking to students, anchoring the narrative with profound emotional acting. Alongside them, young actors Kim Rak-hyun, Lee Jae-hwan, Chan-hee (SF9) as Neil Perry, and Kim Tae-gyun and Moon Sung-hyun as Todd Anderson depict the close mentor-student bond on stage while resisting an oppressive reality.

The play 'Dead Poets Society' will run from July 18 through September 13 at NOL Theater Daehak-ro Our Card Hall.

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*This content was translated by AI.