Werther an emotional challenge for Kim Min-seok
Playing eponymous role in 25th anniversary staging of 'Werther,' Kim promises to keep growing as stage performer
Kim Min-seok's latest musical role takes a lot out of him.
While playing the titual character in "Werther" doesn't physically exhaust him, the lead singer of Korean indie duo MeloMance admits he feels emotionally drained after each performance -- especially given the intense sobbing and crying onstage.
It's just his second role as a musical theater performer, but, perhaps buoyed by his recent win for best new actor at the Korea Musical Awards for his role as Orpheus in "Hadestown," he took the plunge.
'The role of Werther felt incredibly overwhelming, but I have a mindset of saying yes when I'm on the fence about something,' Kim told reporters during a group interview last week.
Kim said that he aims to portray the character's singular love for Lotte -- an unrequited passion that brings him a sorrow so deep he exiles himself to cope with the situation.
'I approached his emotions analytically -- trying to grasp how he processed each situation. It made me realize just how immense despair can be when someone loses what they truly long for,' he said.
"As if, no matter how many times I'm reborn, Lotte will always be my one and only love. It felt like there was no other way to express it but as a first love -- a love so rare, something one experiences only a few times in life. The kind of love that turns a person into a fool,' the 33-year-old explained.
'When people become emotional, they sometimes act in ways they normally wouldn't. It's not that they were unaware their actions were wrong, but I figured if I show unwavering love for Lotte, people might be convinced by the latter part of the story,' Kim added.
Based on Johann Goethe's 19th-century novel "The Sorrows of Young Werther," the musical has established itself as a mainstay of the South Korean musical scene since its debut in 2000.
Several actors have built their careers through it, including Cho Seung-woo, Jeon Mi-do and Um Ki-joon, who has become synonymous with Werther, having played the role since 2002.
Kim alternates with Um and K-pop singer-turned-musical actor Yang Yo-seop for this run of the musical -- which could be a daunting prospect for someone in just their second musical outing.
But Kim expressed his determination to grow as as a musical stage performer.
'I will strive to become a convincing Werther, putting in my best effort every moment to refine and improve my performance. The purpose of art should be to enrich people's lives, even just a little. My goal is for the audience to fully enjoy the performance and leave with an experience that stays true to the essence of the story," he said.
Following Werther, MeloMance will release a new album and embark on a nationwide tour to celebrate their 10th anniversary.
Kim also hopes to further explore his passion for musical theater. If given the opportunity, he dreams of one day performing as Mozart in 'Mozart!,' Gwynplaine in 'The Man Who Laughs,' and Charlie in 'Kinky Boots.'
'Werther' runs until March 16 at D-Cube Arts Center in Seoul before heading to Dream Theater in Busan for performances on March 29 and 30.
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