The story of Hong Gil-dong, who ‘could not call his father, father,’ is familiar, but the narrative of his mother, ‘Chunseom,’ has been obscured. ‘Chunseom’s Lie,’ a play by Geukdan Mosineunsaramdeul (The People Who Serve), fills the mother’s space left empty by ‘The Story of Hong Gil-dong,’ the Joseon Dynasty’s first Korean-alphabet novel, shedding light on a hidden woman’s story. This critically acclaimed work from last year has been selected as an official entry for the 47th Seoul Theater Festival and will meet audiences at the Arko Arts Theater Grand Hall starting May 22nd.
Chunseom’s Choice: Reilluminating the Hidden Narrative of Hong Gil-dong’s Mother.
The play ‘Chunseom’s Lie’ begins with the ‘lie’ Chunseom, an eighteen-year-old at the peak of her youth, tells to protect her child after being caught in the desires of a noble. This lie becomes the starting point of a grand narrative that shakes the fate of a child and the world. As the final installment of the ‘Joseon Women’s Story’ series, this work portrays the strong will of a woman who proactively carves out her life, moving beyond the conventional role of a hero’s mother.
Amidst the oppression of her era, the ‘lie’ crafted by Chunseom, the lady’s maid Jongjong, the kitchen maid’s daughter Kkeutne, and Chunseom’s own mother symbolizes an allegorical resistance and brilliant solidarity among women that transcends mere survival. On stage, where the sensibilities of traditional narrative and modern interpretation exquisitely harmonize, the laughter, tears, wisdom, and vitality of Joseon women who carved out their lives amidst oppressive realities will be revived, offering profound emotion and introspection to the audience.
The Synergy of Masterful Actors, A Radiant Solidarity on Stage.
At its premiere last year, ‘Chunseom’s Lie’ received high praise such as ‘the ensemble was so solid, you’d want to give acting awards to all 13 cast members.’ This year, it is ready to captivate audiences with an equally stellar cast. Actor Kim Hyun, who left a deep impression in the drama ‘Reborn Rich,’ plays the role of Maepa, while actor Shin Mun-sung, known for his performance in ‘When the Camellia Blooms,’ takes on the role of Seondal, adding depth to the play.
The perfect synergy of Geukdan Mosineunsaramdeul, celebrating its 37th anniversary, is expected to shine even brighter with the addition of veteran actress Seong Jang-soon from Madanggeukpae Ugeumchi. Additionally, actor Yoon Gwan-woo, who showcased impressive acting in the play ‘Fish Man,’ joins the cast as Hong Daegam, bringing new vitality to the production. This ensemble of experienced and fresh talent is anticipated to convey the message of women’s solidarity and resistance, as portrayed in ‘Chunseom’s Lie,’ even more vividly and dimensionally.
Official Selection for the 47th Seoul Theater Festival, Special Interaction with the Audience.
Recognized for its artistic merit and popular appeal, ‘Chunseom’s Lie’ has been officially selected for the 47th Seoul Theater Festival and will be performed from May 22nd (Fri) to 31st (Sun) at the Arko Arts Theater Grand Hall. This performance is highly anticipated as it will offer a special opportunity for deeper interaction with the audience, beyond just a viewing experience.
In particular, after the 7 PM performance on May 23rd (Sat), the first weekend of the opening, a ‘Meet the Audience – Dialogue with Artists’ session will be held, moderated by Associate Director Kim Gi-jeong. Playwright and director Kim Jung-sook will attend, along with actors Kim Hyun, Shin Mun-sung, Lim Jung-eun, Oh Myung-jun, Lee Da-som, Song Hye-ji, and Hong Jeong-yeon, who lead the powerful narrative on stage. This promises to be a valuable communication opportunity to delve deeply into the work’s hidden meanings through candid Q&A with the audience, as well as hear directly from the creative team and actors about their intentions and vivid behind-the-scenes stories.
Viewing Information and the Enduring Legacy of Geukdan Mosineunsaramdeul.
The play ‘Chunseom’s Lie’ is highly recommended for educators and cultural arts professionals seeking to view classics from a new perspective. The regular ticket price is 40,000 won, and it is suitable for ages 13 and up. In celebration of Family Month, a 30% discount is applied when a mother and daughter attend together, or when three or more people attend the same performance. Furthermore, audiences who have held paid tickets for performances by Geukdan Mosineunsaramdeul – a troupe that has staged numerous popular works since its founding in 1989, including ‘Blue Saigon,’ ‘Attack on the Oasis Laundromat,’ and ‘The Puppy Poop’ – can also receive a 30% discount, which is welcome news for long-time patrons.
Tickets can be conveniently reserved through major ticketing platforms such as Arko/Daehakro Arts Theater, NOL Ticket, Naver Booking, YES24 Ticket, and Play Ticket. ‘Chunseom’s Lie,’ the new work from Geukdan Mosineunsaramdeul, a troupe with 37 years of profound experience, will once again prove their power and significant impact on the Korean theater scene, providing an unforgettable experience for audiences.
The play ‘Chunseom’s Lie,’ which delivers a modern message through the reinterpretation of traditional narrative, will offer profound introspection and emotion beyond a mere performance. In May, the story of Chunseom and the solidarity and resistance of the women surrounding her, unfolding at the Arko Arts Theater Grand Hall, will resonate deeply with those of us living today, becoming a meaningful and long-remembered stage.
