Editor's Note: 

A "scene-stealer" is a term used in various media to describe a character or actor who, regardless of their screen time, naturally captures the audience's attention with their strong personality and charm, often overshadowing the main roles. The term literally means to steal the scene. In this context, K-Vibe presents a relay interview series featuring actors who started with theater and expanded their acting range into drama and film, becoming scene-stealers. The series will be updated biweekly and will serve as an archive of scene-stealer actors with a background in Korean theater, providing valuable resources for casting directors worldwide.

 

▲ This photo of Korean actress Gil Hae-yeon is provided by JUST Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

 

 

SEOUL, Aug. 1 (Yonhap) -- "One of the charms of being an actor is the ability to live different lives through each role. I often say that 'life is a picnic,' and experiencing various forms of this picnic through acting is truly a blessing."

 

Veteran actress Gil Hae-yeon (60), known for her versatile performances in theater, film, and drama, shared this sentiment in a recent interview with Yonhap News. Reflecting on her 38-year acting career, she stated, "A picnic is not always enjoyable. There are times you get lost in the rain. During tough times, I remind myself that 'this too shall pass' and strive to give my best performance on stage."

 

Gil began her acting career as a founding member of the theater company "Small Myth" in 1986 and later worked as an instructor at a theater arts academy before officially debuting in the film industry with "If You Were Me" in 2003. Her solid acting skills honed on stage have since led to a steady career in film and television.

 

Earlier this year, she played the role of Jung-ok in Bae Doo-ri's film "Dolphin," and captured viewers' attention as Jung Myung-hee, the mother-in-law of Eun Soo-hyun (played by Kim Nam-joo) in the drama "Wonderful World," and as Kim Hyo-im, a counseling director in "Graduation." Since mid-July, she has been performing as Gertrude, Hamlet's mother and the Queen of Denmark, in the Shinsaimdang Company's production of "Hamlet," demonstrating her busy schedule.

 

Gil emphasized that the essence of acting remains the same across different media. "In theater, the scale of acting is important. I need to project not just the volume of my lines but my intentions to the audience in the back row," she explained. "In film and drama, while the core is the same, the expression needs to be more detailed. A close-up can change the perceived intention of the actor's performance."

 

She appreciates the subtle nuances required in screen acting, despite the increased sensitivity it demands. "In theater, the process of discovering and pondering over the material can be painful, but every moment is beautiful," she said.

 

For those contemplating a shift between theater and screen acting, Gil advised, "It's best to continue doing what you have been doing. Trust yourself and approach new opportunities comfortably without fear. Enjoy the moment."

 

Gil also dedicated a significant part of the interview to discussing her role with the Korea Theater Actors Welfare Foundation, where she has served as chairperson since September 2020. The foundation aims to support the well-being and working conditions of theater actors.

 

"It's not just about financial support. Recognizing, comforting, and reminding actors of their worth as proud theater practitioners gives them the strength to endure for another decade," she explained. The foundation provides emergency living expenses, medical aid, and scholarships for theater practitioners' children, funded by donations from the theater community.

 

She highlighted the establishment of the "Theater Acting Award," to honor veteran theater actors, and the "Theater Staff Award," to encourage young theater staff, as significant achievements of the foundation.

 

"The foundation aims to help theater practitioners maintain their pride and morale. It's heartening to see a growing atmosphere of mutual support within the theater community," she added.

 

Concluding the interview, Gil mentioned her upcoming role as a principal of a sports high school in the drama "Try: We Become Miracles," set to air next year. "Reading the script recently brought me a lot of joy and tears. My character will be someone who makes you think, 'If I had an adult like that by my side, my life might have been better.' I hope to showcase the utmost humanity through this role," she said with a smile.

 

▲ This photo of Korean actress Gil Hae-yeon is provided by JUST Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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