Enok considers 'Gwanghwamun Sonata' to be special. Since debuting on the musical stage in 2007, he has primarily appeared in niche productions, with 'Broadway 42nd Street' being one of the few mainstream works in his filmography. Now, he has taken on the role of Wolha in 'Gwanghwamun Sonata,' a production that connects generations through the music of Lee Moon-sae.
In an interview conducted on the 28th in Gangnam, Seoul, Enok expressed his gratitude, saying, "I am infinitely thankful. Thanks to the positive reception of my pop music activities, I gained recognition that allowed me to participate in 'Gwanghwamun Sonata.' It's amazing that my life has unfolded in such a way that I can take on this kind of work."
He described 'Gwanghwamun Sonata' as a piece that exists in a unique space, stating, "It's a song that is not quite a pop song, and a musical that is not quite a musical. I am grateful for the positive reception from the public."
Although the work has an unfamiliar character, the songs composed by Lee Young-hoon that fill the production are familiar to him. These are songs he has loved since his middle and high school days. "I used to study while listening to Lee Moon-sae's 'A Starry Night.' Perhaps that's why it evokes memories that I don't feel in other musicals," he said.
As he prepared for the role, memories of his first love and childhood mistakes resurfaced. "There were many moments when the lyrics struck me like arrows, digging into my heart," he shared.
Lyrics he once casually listened to now resonate differently. He reflected on the line from 'Whistle,' 'My dear child,' saying, "A child is something you can't control. They are so lovely and beautiful, yet they can also be difficult. I realized, 'Ah, it meant that they are something I can't control.' I’m not sure if that’s correct, but that’s how I felt this time."
He also feels the pressure of performing songs he admires. "I feel like a part of Lee Moon-sae's voice should be present, but also that it shouldn't overshadow my own. I have to ensure I don't detract from the song."
Enok's portrayal of Wolha brings a playful energy to the stage while also guiding the character Myung-woo to reflect on his past loves and life. Initially, Enok struggled with Wolha, who is very different from the serious roles he usually plays. "The energy and playfulness are quite different from what I possess. It was genuinely challenging to navigate the improvisational aspects. I jokingly asked, 'Did I really get cast for this?"
Despite the challenges, he described Wolha as a character that embodies the tempo and rhythm of the entire play. "I believe my role is to convey that the past should not only be remembered with heaviness, difficulty, or sadness, but that 'even that is beautiful.'"
Having seen several actors take on the role before him, Enok did not force himself to create a 'unique Wolha.' "There are already two excellent examples, so I focused on absorbing those performances," he noted.
In his late 30s, Enok created his first album that told his own story. "As I continued in musicals, I realized I was only living and singing other people's lives. So, I thought, 'Let me write my own story in lyrics,' and that led to my first album. One song I still listen to is 'A Whale.'"
Looking back, he described the album as filled with ambition and somewhat outdated. "But when I feel down or start something new, I listen to 'A Whale.' It helps me reflect on who I was back then."
He has no specific plans for the future, laughing as he said, "Looking at my life now, nothing has gone as planned."
"I just enjoy and appreciate what is given to me, and I find that new opportunities arise. Just like how 'Gwanghwamun Sonata' came to me. It feels like a gift. I want to be grateful for what I have while waiting for the next gift to come my way."
The performance runs until November 15 at the D-Cube Arts Center in Guro, Seoul.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.