"The power of Kim Kwang-seok's songs has given 'Geu Nal Deul' its 13 years of vitality. His songs, which carry feelings of loss, longing and the regret of not being able to protect someone, touch emotions across generations."
That is how director Jang Yu-jeong explained why the musical "Geu Nal Deul" (Those Days) has enjoyed such a long run. Based on the hit songs of the late Kim Kwang-seok, the work has been staged more than 600 times over the past decade since its 2013 premiere. This year, the production is launching its seventh season with a major casting overhaul, retaining only Um Ki-joon from previous runs.
At a recent press conference at the Eliena Hotel in Seoul, Jang described this season as "one that shines through an overwhelming combination of actors." All major roles except for Um's have been filled with new faces. "In plays and musicals, the same line can be delivered with completely different interpretations depending on the actor," Jang said. "I expect the new cast to generate fresh synergy."
The work is a mystery drama about Jung-hak, a chief of the presidential security service, who confronts the disappearance of his colleague Mu-young and a woman they were tasked with protecting. Jang wrote the script herself. "While working on the script, I met with Kim's family, acquaintances and fans, and they all shared the feeling that they were sorry they couldn't protect him," she said. "I wanted to tell a story about protecting someone, and the profession of a bodyguard came naturally to mind."
Among the new cast members, notable names include Ryu Soo-young, Choi Jin-hyuk and Kim Jung-hyun as Jung-hak, and Park Kyu-won, Yoon Shi-yoon, Sandeul and Yoo Seon-ho as Mu-young. Ryu, who is returning to the musical stage after 12 years, said, "The songs of Kim Kwang-seok, a senior from my school, have been with me throughout my life. They have been my favorite music since middle school, so I really wanted to take part." This year also marks the 30th anniversary of Kim Kwang-seok's death.
Choi said, "For 20 years since my debut I have only done dramas, and this is my second work after making my musical debut last year. Since every performance is live, I am paying the greatest attention to managing my condition. I am giving it everything I have, thinking of 'brother Kim Kwang-seok.'"
Yoon Shi-yoon, who is taking on his first musical, said, "I had long dreamed of doing a musical someday. I joined this production because I really wanted to seize the opportunity, given that the work has not only music but also strong dramatic elements."
This season also draws attention as the first musical in which KT Genie Music is participating as a producer.
The show will run from June 9 to August 23 at the D-Cube Link Art Center in Guro-gu, Seoul.
