Theatrical performer Lee Hae-jun stars as Andre Grandier in the musical "La Rose de Versailles," at Chungmu Arts Center, Jung District, Seoul. Courtesy of EMK Musical Company By Pyo Kyung-min For musical actor Lee Hae-jun, performing on stage offers a chance to delve into the complex and often inexplicable facets of human emotions. "I believe that living as an actor allows me to deepen my understanding of human emotions through the roles I portray," the actor explained during an interview with The Korea Times at the EMK Musical Company headquarters in Gangnam District, Seoul, Monday.
"On stage, I explore diverse perspectives and backgrounds through my characters, expressing emotions I might not experience in my own life. For instance, my current role in 'La Rose de Versailles' has taught me about unconditional love and sacrifice." Based on Ryoko Ikeda's iconic Japanese manga "The Rose of Versailles," serialized from 1972 to 1973, the Korean original musical "La Rose de Versailles" follows the story of Oscar Francois de Jarjayes, the youngest daughter of an aristocratic family.
Raised as a man to meet her father's expectations, Oscar navigates the upheavals of the French Revolution. Theatrical performer Lee Hae-jun plays as Andre Grandier in the musical "La Rose de Versailles," at Chungmu Arts Center, Jung District, Seoul. Courtesy of EMK Musical Company In the musical, Lee portrays Andre Grandier, a servant to the Jarjayes family who conceals his romantic feelings for Oscar due to their social status differences.
Despite this, he remains unwaveringly loyal in his duty to protect her. "Although Andre is part of the aristocratic family, he was not born into nobility. So he understands he cannot overstep his bounds, even though he respects and admires Oscar both as a woman and a friend.
The only way he can show his love is by protecting her as a devoted companion," Lee explained. Lee noted that while some might find it difficult to understand Andre's way of love, he found it easier to grasp that love can be expressed through selfless service and sacrifice. "Performing in large theaters has frequently led me to portray pure-hearted characters devoted to love.
Having taken on roles involving sacrifice and silent longing, I found it relatively easy to understand Andre's emotions," the 35-year-old said. "Some people might not understand dedicating one's entire life to someone else, but through these roles, I realized that unilateral sacrifice and devotion can also be forms of love." When asked if his real-life approach to love also involved sacrifice and service, Lee smiled and admitted, "I'm still lacking.
" "To be honest, I'm a person who prioritizes myself over loving others. This is why I often feel sorry for my parents, who have given me endless love and especially for my grandmother, who raised me when I was really young," he said. "But through my work, I've learned to cherish those around me and that love needs to be expressed to be truly felt.
So I've resorted to showing my loved ones my best self through my onstage performances as a means to express my love. Seeing my parents happy with my work and my grandmother enjoying my TV appearances motivates me to keep going." Theatrical performer Lee Hae-jun poses during an interview with The Korea Times at the EMK Musical Company in Gangnam District, Seoul, Monday.
Courtesy of EMK Musical Company Although currently starring in lead roles in large-scale musicals, Lee began his career in 2013 as an ensemble member, steadily building his reputation through performances in Seoul's small theater district of Daehangno. While acknowledging the unique characteristics of large theaters — with their elaborate productions and grand music — Lee emphasized the necessity of detailed acting skills to become a better actor. "Productions in large theaters, including 'La Rose de Versailles,' have clear limitations.
.. The complex emotions of characters and their interactions often get lost due to the greater distance from the audience.
With significantly fewer lines, there's less room for expressive acting," Lee said. "That's why I want to challenge myself in the field of theater, where dialogue is almost overwhelmingly abundant. I believe that building true depth as an actor through theater will allow my abilities shine through.
" This is also why Lee focuses on conveying Andre's intricate and delicate emotions, despite the challenges posed by the large-scale production. "Andre doesn't outwardly express his love. This might leave the audience feeling that explanations are insufficient.
That's why I am mainly focused on delivering these hidden emotions more delicately. It's most rewarding when the audience resonates with my interpretation of the character's subtle emotions," Lee said. "La Rose de Versailles" runs through Oct.
13 at Chungmu Arts Center in Jung District, Seoul..
