Veteran Korean Actors, Average Age 82, Captivate Audiences in Three New Plays
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
Seven iconic Korean veteran actors, averaging 82 years old, are drawing attention with three stage productions that explore life, memory and relationships. In Seoul’s National Theater through March 1, The Dresser stars Park Geun-hyung (박근형), Jeong Dong-hwan (정동환) and Song Seung-hwan (송승환) in a 1942-set story about a Shakespeare troupe staging King Lear, focusing on the frail veteran actor “the Master” and his dresser Norman (드레서: a person who cares for actors’ costumes). The production emphasizes human complexity and late-life reflection. Elderly Dream, adapted from a webtoon, features Kim Young-ok (김영옥), Kim Yong-rim (김용림) and Son Sook (손숙) at LG Arts Center until March 22; each portrays different versions of a character confronting aging and family ties—Son Sook rehearsed despite macular degeneration. Shin Goo (신구), 90, headlines Boulangerie Vault (불란서 금고) —written by director Jang Jin after being inspired by Shin’s stage presence—running March 7–May 31 in Jongno; it centers on a midnight heist in a bank vault and spotlights ensemble dynamics. Across the three works, these seasoned performers bring decades of experience to stories that resonate with contemporary audiences through poignant reflections on aging and human connection.
