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| ▲ Singer-actor Shim Chang-min (L), or Changmin of K-pop duo TVXQ, performs during a press call for upcoming musical "Benjamin Button" in Seoul on May 16, 2024. (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, May 16 (Yonhap) -- "I feel like I found my sweet spot with this production."
Changmin, a member of TVXQ, expressed his thoughts on his first musical performance in 21 years with the musical 'Benjamin Button.' He chose to go by his real name Shim Chang-min in the theatrical arena.
Speaking at a press call held at Sejong Cultural Center M Theater in Seoul on the 16th, he said, "It's been tougher and more painful than I thought, as it's a different field from what I've been doing... Fortunately, I'm learning a lot while performing with such wonderful production staff and actors."
Based on the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, famous for the film adaption 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,' this production features Changmin playing the lead role of Benjamin. Despite it being his first musical performance, Changmin has received praise for his portrayal of Benjamin, who ages backward from an old man to a young man, experiencing the joys, love, and sadness of life.
Even at the press preview on this day, Changmin showcased his potential as a musical actor by perfectly delivering the songs 'Finding the Answer' and 'Prohibition is Opportunity.' He said, "I decided to participate in this production after receiving advice from singer Kyuhyun, who said that I could learn a lot from director Cho Kwang-hwa's production."
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| ▲ Singer-actor Shim Chang-min, or Changmin of K-pop duo TVXQ, performs during a press call for upcoming musical "Benjamin Button" in Seoul on May 16, 2024. (Yonhap) |
Changmin attributed his ability to challenge himself in musicals at a relatively late age to the support of his fellow group member, Yunho. He said, "I haven't been able to approach musicals for a long time, but after 21 years, I finally got into musicals due to Yunho's strong support, and he promised to come see the performance soon."
Joining Changmin in the role of Benjamin is Kim Jae-beom, known for his performances in musicals such as 'Amadeus,' 'Praise of Death,' and 'Gone With the Wind,' and Kim Sung-sik, who has appeared in 'Mata Hari' and 'Les Misérables.'
The role of Blue Lagoon Monet, the jazz club singer, went to Kim So-hyang, Park Eun-mi, and Lee Ah-reum-sol. Mama, the owner of the jazz club Mama, is played by Ha Eun-seom and Kim Ji-sun.
Cho Kwang-hwa, who created musicals such as 'Berther' and 'Seopyeonje,' participated as the playwright and director, and composer Lee Na-oh, known for presenting emotional music in the musical 'South of the Border,' contributed to the composition.
EMK Musical Company's original musical 'Benjamin Button' will be performed at Sejong Cultural Center M Theater until June 30th.
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| ▲ Singer-actor Shim Chang-min, or Changmin of K-pop duo TVXQ, performs during a press call for upcoming musical "Benjamin Button" in Seoul on May 16, 2024. (Yonhap) |
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