Among the various performing arts, musicals stand out as a unique genre, distinguishing themselves from movies and dramas where the audience merely observes the art. In musicals, the audience enjoys the performance through all their senses, and the actors can feel the audience's reactions. However, this immersive experience places great emphasis on the actors' abilities. To flawlessly execute a musical, actors must hone their acting and singing skills and memorize all musical numbers in advance. Kim Kyung-rok excels as a musical actor, captivating audiences with the enchanting world of musicals. He continues to actively participate in various productions, most notably in acclaimed musicals such as 'Les Misérables.' Join us as we delve into Kim Kyung-rok's life as a musical actor in this exclusive interview with CAH.

#Starting the Interview
1. Hello, please introduce yourself to the student of Chung-Ang University.
My name is Kim Kyung-rok. I entered the Chung-Ang University Department of Theatre in 2015.

2. Do you have any particularly memorable experiences while attending Chung-Ang University? If so, please tell us what they are.
While attending the university, I had various memorable experiences. I was both a diligent and occasionally less diligent student while studying and also participating in extracurricular activities. I engaged in performances continuously, including during my time as an exchange student. I also did internships and took breaks from attending classes at times. During vacations, my peers and I  created original plays and staged performances at the university. These experiences remain as valuable memories for me.

3. Can you tell us about the musical production you are you are currently involved in?
I am currently preparing for the musical performance 'Les Misérables.' We will be performing in Busan until early April next year, followed by shows in Seoul and Daegu.
 

#Life as a Musical Actor

4. What motivated you to become interested in acting in general? And why did you choose a career as a musical actor?
I originally had a dream of becoming a singer because I loved singing so much. During that time, the term 'all-around entertainer' emerged while I was researching related fields. So, I thought I should become someone like that and decided to attend an arts high school. In my third year of middle school, I attended an acting academy while exploring these options. That's when I was first introduced to acting, and as I learned acting at the academy, my passion and enjoyment for it grew. I think this passion for acting led me to continue pursuing acting even after entering the arts high school. So, rather than specifically choosing a career as a musical actor, I simply wanted to be someone who entertains and brings joy to people through acting, though not confined to being just an actor but considering myself more of an entertainer.

5. What was your first musical performance, and how did you feel after completing it?
Interestingly, my journey as a performer began exactly a decade ago, during my second year of high school, when I took part in an amateur production of 'Les Misérables’. The experience was nerve-wracking, but incredibly rewarding. Witnessing the audience's applause after our performance, the culmination of months of hard work, was a truly unforgettable moment.
For my professional career, I was fortunate to make my debut during my first year at Chung-Ang University. I was part of a production based on a popular webtoon called 'Infinite Power.' Collaborating with talented seniors, the experience was enriching. Presenting the performance in front of a more organized setup than my high school days is a memory I will always cherish. 
 

6. I'm curious about what you did to pursue your dream of becoming a musical actor and how you approached it.
Firstly, I try to take good care of my health and avoid things that are harmful to my body. I believe this not only involves abstaining from alcohol and cigarettes but also making healthy choices even when I have the opportunity to indulge. Additionally, beyond aspiring to be a musical actor, I strive to be an entertainer and artist, so I’m always working to explore new things to stay inspired and stimulated. For example, on my days off, I visit art exhibitions or watch movies. Now, it has become a hobby I enjoy, but initially, it was a form of effort on my part to seek inspiration.
 

7. Having graduated from Chung-Ang University's Theater Department, do you think there is something distinctive about Chung-Ang University that sets it apart from other universities?
In my personal opinion, I think there's a slightly wild acting style at Chung-Ang University. While some actors approach their studies in a calculated and rational manner, there's a 'let's just try it' approach among actors here. I believe Chung-Ang University embodies this latter approach, not in a negative sense of being reckless or without a plan, but in the sense of having a rugged, wild, and humanistic aspect to the acting style.

8. I'm curious about the efforts you make to immerse yourself in a role in a musical
There's nothing extraordinarily special, but I tend to keep a light approach rather than getting overly burdened by the character. While I give my all in the rehearsal room and immerse myself entirely in the work, I try to maintain a lighter perspective in my daily life. Even when I return home and rest, only fragments of the character remain. Eventually, this becomes a natural part of my thinking process. When I keep this relaxed approach, creative ideas often come to me unexpectedly.
 

9. I'm curious about the most memorable character you've played from your musicals such as 'Infinite Power,' 'Midnight Sun,' 'Equal,' and 'Suspect X,' or any others.
I would say it's the character from 'Equal.' That production holds a special place in my memory as it was a challenging endeavor. 'Equal' was a two-person play and an original production, which meant we had to create tangible elements from intangible aspects right from the beginning. This process was complex and demanding, yet incredibly intriguing. The character formation through the words I uttered was fascinating. I put in a lot of effort into creating this character. However, in the following season, I had to take on a different character in the two-person play. Given the nature of original productions, I had to ponder a lot during the buildup of the character. In doing so, I gained a solid understanding of the character I played and even established a clear vision on how to portray the opposing character. This experience was both challenging and enjoyable, making it the most memorable for me.
 

10. Do you have a dream stage you'd really like to perform on (a specific musical theater or a role you aspire to)?
Actually, I don't have a particular theater I'm eager to perform in, nor do I have a specific role in mind. When I reflect on why, I think it's because I believe showing people a great piece of work and making a positive impact is the most important aspect for me. Rather than having a specific character or role I aspire to play, what matters more to me is to participate in a performance that can have a positive influence on people.
 

11. When standing on stage as a musical actor, there must be a lot of pressure and excitement. How do you deal with the nervousness?
First of all, I'm not naturally a person who gets nervous easily. I feel somewhat free because of this influence. On the other hand, I've thought about why people get so nervous, and I think it comes from not wanting to show their shortcomings and unpreparedness to others. It's the fear of people being disappointed when they see me. As I act, though there are times I felt I did poorly, but when I look back at the footage I see it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought. In the end, you just have to believe in yourself and do it. Through experiencing this multiple times, I've come to realize that I don't need to fret about whether what I'm doing is weird or bad. So, it's about having a different mindset. It might sound conventional, but I go on stage with the mindset of faithfully carrying out what I've prepared.

12. As an actor, there must be many hardships, but have you ever regretted becoming an actor? Or have you experienced feeling overwhelmed as a musical actor?
I've never regretted becoming an actor, but I have thought many times that this profession is a challenging one. Being an actor means constantly competing with others and constantly honing one's skills. Therefore, it seems difficult because continuous effort is required. Also, in the case of actors, the working environment often changes compared to other professions. Each time you enter a new production, you work with different actors and different staff members, so you often encounter challenges in interpersonal relationships. Furthermore, there are many actors who have different acting philosophies and mindsets, so I sometimes struggle with these aspects. However, my current working environment is very positive, and I work with people I respect, so I'm enjoying it and learning a lot.

13. Do you have criteria when choosing musical productions?
First, I'm not in a position to choose productions yet, but I do have criteria for auditioning. If I hear that a production is highly regarded and considered a good one, I naturally apply for it. However, for original productions that haven't been performed on stage before, I focus on the creative team, the director, the production company, the music director, and the people I would be working with. Originally, I didn't consider these factors, but recently I've started to think that it's necessary to do so if I want to continue in this profession for a long time. That's because I've realized that mental health is really important in this line of work. To meet the audience with confidence and perform at my best, I believe it's necessary to act in an environment that suits me. So, I'm more careful about the environmental aspects now. 

14. What do you think sets musicals apart from other performing arts?
Musical theater is a unique art form because it combines singing, dancing, and acting. Therefore, on stage, you can paint, sing, and do almost anything, which sets it apart from other art forms.

15. I'm curious about your future projects and your next steps as a musical actor.
I don't have any planned projects after 'Les Misérables' at the moment. However, I have a strong interest in mediums like drama or film and would like to challenge myself in that area. If the opportunity arises, I will pursue it, or I may continue to perform on stage. Regardless, I want to become an all-around entertainer who can do various things to bring joy to people. For example, I enjoy watching movies and listening to music, so I'm even thinking about creating a channel where I can share my reviews and thoughts. As my ultimate goal is to make a positive impact on people, I'm open to exploring different avenues to achieve that goal, not just limited to acting.

16. How did Chung-Ang University influence you on your path to becoming who you are today?
Chung-Ang University provided an environment where I could meet amazing people. The theater department at Chung-Ang University is one of the most renowned theater departments in South Korea, so there were many outstanding individuals. Becoming colleagues with such people and having the opportunity to meet them had an extremely positive impact on me. Working on creative projects, making friends, and performing together within the university environment were all very helpful and remain as valuable assets to me. These experiences not only enriched my acting career but also provided me with cherished memories that continue to motivate me in my acting endeavors.
 

#Ending the Interview
17. What does the ‘perfect holiday’ look for you. 
I would like to sleep a little more than usual, then do things I haven't had the chance to do. For example, I would like to visit art exhibitions or go to movie theaters to watch movies that I've been wanting to see.

18. What do you want to achieve as the person 'Kim Kyung-rok' behind the scenes, not just as the actor 'Kim Kyun-grok' on stage?
As I mentioned earlier, I have a belief that I want to make a positive impact on the world. I want to be a person who can bring about positive change, not only as an actor but also as a human being. For example, Michael Jackson was known for his love of children and even built amusement parks for them, engaging in philanthropic activities. I also want to strive to be a person who can make a positive impact on the world, not limited to my career as an actor.

19. There are likely many students at Chung-Ang University who aspire to become musical actors. Do you have any advice for students who want to pursue a career in acting?
I want to emphasize that hard work pays off. If you put effort into what you want to do in any way, you will surely achieve success. Of course, being an actor is a profession where the results are not always guaranteed, and it can be a challenging journey. However, the more difficult it is, the more you should believe that continued effort will lead to good results. Additionally, through conversations with many actors, I've come to realize that the most important thing is the essence of acting. In the field of acting, the most crucial thing is to be a good at acting, even though external appearances are also important. So, I recommend focusing on honing your acting skills and staying true to your craft.

20. Lastly, please share a few words of encouragement for Chung-Ang University students who are working towards their dreams.
As I mentioned throughout the interview, I want to emphasize that hard work doesn't betray you. No matter how uncertain the journey may seem, keep reminding yourself of who you are and why you want to pursue this path. Continuously refine your thoughts and put in the effort. Even though it might be challenging, it will surely lead to positive results. Furthermore, remember that all the experiences and knowledge you gain along the way are valuable assets. So, if you have something you're passionate about, give it your best effort and take on challenges wholeheartedly. In the end, all of this will likely contribute to your success. Lastly, I believe that mental health is the most important aspect of the journey, so try to enjoy every step of the process.

Through this interview, we were not only able to learn about actor Kim Kyung-rok's unwavering passion and love for musical theater as a musical actor, but also his love for humanity and interest in making the world a better place. Kim Kyungrok has been delivering messages of hope and positivity to many, touching the hearts of audiences. With numerous performances, he has brought joy to viewers. CAH supports Kim Kyung-rok and anticipates his future endeavors as a rising star in the musical theater scene in Korea.