When I was young, I never imagined I would become an actor. After failing to achieve my goals in college entrance exams, I stumbled upon a place to learn theater. Although I was a shy young man, I felt that acting could allow me to express what was inside me. That’s how I encountered theater.
I still can’t remember how I managed to perform on stage for the first time in 1962 with the play 'The Cow.' I was so nervous. But as I continued to step onto the stage, I have now been doing it for 65 years. Looking back, the resonance I felt as a young person both on stage and in the audience has guided my life. The works I encountered during that time became my lifelong preferences, provided me with strength to endure life, and sometimes even changed the direction of my life. For me, that was theater.
I believe the audience is the person an actor should fear the most. On stage, there is no hiding. If an actor is unprepared, the audience knows, and if the actor does not give their all, it becomes apparent quickly. There are no retakes or corrections. The meeting between the actor and the audience happens at that moment, and that’s it. Therefore, I have stood on stage my entire life with a fear of the audience. Just because I have been on stage for a long time doesn’t mean I feel comfortable. Even now, before the curtain rises, I wonder if I will be able to perform well.
It is always a pleasure to meet young audiences in the theater. However, standing before them makes me even more nervous. Young audiences are honest; if they like something, they express it, and if they find it boring, they show that too. This compels me to be more genuine on stage. They take time out of their busy lives to come to the theater, so I must deliver my best.
A few years ago, when I performed 'Waiting for Godot' with actor Park Geun-hyung, it was a story about two old men waiting for Godot, who never arrives. Young audiences laughed and held their breath as they watched. Seeing that reminded me that good theater transcends generations.
Theater is ultimately about people and our stories. It shows what people wait for, what causes them pain, and how they live. Regardless of the era or age, the essence of human life remains largely the same. I believe that when these stories are conveyed honestly, they can resonate with anyone's heart.
However, these days, young people find it difficult to open their wallets to enjoy cultural and artistic experiences. Amid worries about job preparation and living expenses, attending a performance often becomes something that can be postponed. In this context, the full implementation of the Youth Culture and Arts Pass in 2027 is truly welcome news. I believe it signifies that our society acknowledges that young people's cultural lives should not be put on hold.
I hope this Youth Culture and Arts Pass provides an opportunity for young people to encounter performances they might not usually attend. Experiencing a story up close, where you can hear the actor's breath, leaves an impression that cannot be felt through a screen. One does not need to strive to understand art fully; simply being present is enough.
I still perform on stage. I do it because I am alive and because it has been my lifelong work. I do not know how long I can continue, but as long as I can stand on stage and there are audiences watching me, I want to do my job well. I also hope to see more young people in the audience.
Among today’s youth, there may be tomorrow’s actors and directors, as well as audiences who will keep culture and the arts close throughout their lives. That is why I want to give back, even a little, to the next generation through the 'Theater Tomorrow Fund.' I believe that for theater to have a future, there must be young actors and creators continuing to perform, along with young audiences who seek out those performances.
Just as the stage I first stood on 65 years ago with a trembling heart became my lifelong pursuit, today, a young person sitting in the audience for the first time may find a new starting point. The moment a young person encounters culture, the future of our culture begins as well.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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