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This Week's Cultural News

The talent show "Superstar K" has kicked off an audition craze in Korea. And that craze is now depicted on a musical production.

In a theater in Daehangno, a performance filled with burning passion is in full swing. Filled with cheerful music and booming voices, one could mistake this performance for a concert, but it is actually the musical "Audition".

[Interview : Choi Seong-uk, Role of "Byeong-tae"] ""Audition" is about an indie band consisting of six people. It's based on a solid storyline that can amuse and move the audience".

The popularity of this musical cannot be summed up in words. Along with consecutive sellouts, Audition is on its 11th encore performance since first going onstage in 2007, and the audience keeps on coming in.

[SOV]
[Interview : ] "It's not like we can't afford the rent. Tell him to take the difference from our security deposit".
[Interview : ] "Yeah, tell him".
[Interview : ] "The deposit here is US$2,700 and the monthly rent is US$360, and since we have worked here for 8 months"
[Interview : ] "I think this is the happiest moment of my life".
[Interview : ] "You don't know that. You might become even happier later on".

[Interview : Lee Eun, Role of "Seon-a"] "What helps "Audition" stand out is that the actors play musical instruments live on stage".

[Interview : Choi Seong-uk, Role of "Byeong-tae"] "At first, I felt a lot of pressure because of having to play the guitar, but I somehow pulled through. It's because we all practiced rigorously".

For the first time ever in Korea, Audition is a musical performed as a live concert! The adaptation of the musical into a movie has begun this year because of its ability to portray Korean youth and energy the best.

[Interview : Choi Seong-uk, Role of "Byeong-tae"] "After I heard that this musical was going to be adapted for a movie, I feel more proud of it, and moreover, I look forward to being part of the movie".

There have been many musicals based on movies to date, such as the movie "Singles".

With the release of a musical based on the movie 200 Pounds Beauty, which sent actress Kim A-jung [김아중] to stardom, the term "Moviecal" was coined.

One Moviecal that cannot be left out is "Radio Star". Extremely popular as both a movie and a musical, "Radio Star" is still going through encore performances.

On the other hand, "Finding Mr. Destiny" is the only example of a movie based on a musical. And "Audition" will soon be the second.

[Interview : Lee Eun-I, Role of "Seon-a"] "When we sing our last song, the audience enjoys it and can feel the joys of everyday life from even the most trivial things".

"Audition" will tell the tale of youths and cross the genre boundaries of concerts, musicals and movies! Don't miss out on its passion!

[Interview : Park Jun-yeong, Audience] "I think the performances were the best parts of the musical, as both actors and the audience could enjoy them".

[Interview : Lee Won-hui, Audience] "I want to praise the actors for playing musical instruments live on stage".

[Interview : Ji Yong-gu, Audience] "I was impressed at how the show was more like a concert than a musical".

Comics and art usually do not go in the same sentence. But what if comics were used in modern art"The theme of the 1st International Cartoon and Art Festival focuses on how modern art and comics combine in terms of exchange and fusion among different art genres. The objective of this exhibition is to become a stepping stone for comics and illustrations to be an art genre that can be rated and accepted".

This exhibition presents a new trend in modern art, in the form of pieces that combine art and humor.

[Interview : Han Da-rae, Exhibition producer] "The theme of the 1st International Cartoon and Art Festival focuses on how modern art and comics combine in terms of exchange and fusion among different art genres. The objective of this exhibition is to become a stepping stone for comics and illustrations to be an art genre that can be rated and accepted".

Comic artists from the National Political Comic Association and modern artists have taken part in this exhibition. They convey the communication between mainstream comics and aesthetic modern art! The exhibition becomes even more interesting because visitors can reminisce over cartoons they watched a long time ago.

Besides Korean cartoon characters, there is also an exhibition of Jean-Jacques Sempe

[Interview : Han Da-rae, Exhibition producer] "Sempe

The emotions and satire from comics that readers feel are bound to be synonymous with modern art.

[Interview : Lee Myeong-suk, Visitor] "I have learned much today, and I enjoyed looking around with my child".

[Interview : Kim Sun-hui, Visitor] "It was great to see these comics as not mere comics, but as works of art. I hope to see more exhibitions like this in the future".

Heon-myeong [헌명] and Do-yeong [도영] are old friends, but have a hidden past. "The Showdown" is about their shared mysterious past, as well as betrayal.

[Interview : Park Hee-soon, Role of "Heon-myeong"] "I liked this movie because it was the beginning of something new for me".

Qing Dynasty China defeated Ancient Joseon in a harsh battle. Survivors Heon-myeong and Do-yeong of Joseon found a place in the snow-covered fields of Manchuria to rest.
[SOV]
[Interview : ] "Are you from Joseon[Interview : ] "Yes".

Here, they meet Du-su [두수], a deserter from the battle.

[SOV]
[Interview : ] "I remember where I saw you last time. You ran off before the last battle ended".
[Interview : ] "Your only way for survival is to kill that person first".

[Interview : Ko Chang-seok, Role of "Du-su"] "I really like Park Hee-soon and Jin Goo. I think that this movie helps portray the basic natural appeal each actor has".

Ko Chang-seok, who plays "Du-su", previously worked with Park Hee-soon in the movie "Barefoot Dream".

This time, the actors pit themselves in a life-or-death situation! This will be the nerve-wracking last showdown that will determine who will live past the aftermath of a devastating war!

[Interview : Jin Goo, Role of "Do-yeong"] "Of all of the films I have worked on, I think I worked the happiest on this film".

[Interview : Ko Chang-seok, Role of "Du-su"] "Those who like Park Hee-soon and Jin Goo can look forward to this movie".

Friend or foe

FEB 24, 2011

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