After hiatus, actor Bong hits the stage

Actor Bong Tae-gyu is making his debut in musical theater in "Falling for Eve". He says he practices singing until 3 a.m. every day to prepare for his role. By Kwon Hyeok-jae

Bong Tae-gyu is returning to the spotlight this weekend - neither on the small or silver screen but on stage.

The 30-year-old actor will play Adam in "Falling for Eve", the Korean version of the Off-Broadway musical.

The musical, written by Tony Award-winner Joe DiPietro, is a silly retelling of original sin but with a twist: Adam, who longs after Eve after she eats the forbidden fruit, is left behind in the Garden of Eden, only to take the bite himself so he can join her.

"Falling for Eve", opening Saturday at the M Theater of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, will return Bong to the spotlight since his hiatus after box-office hits "When Romance Meets Destiny" (2005) and "See You After School" (2006).

"I hadn't had a foundation for acting, and I became aware of my imperfect performing skills", Bong said, explaining his break from acting. "Through that realization, I have been trying to build up experience and to fill the missing gaps in my acting. During the period, I became an ever more genuine person".


Q. This is your debut in a musical. Are you confident about your singing?

A. I sing pretty well at noraebang (singing rooms), and I have always thought of myself as a good singer. In the sitcom "Non-Stop", I even sang the theme song.

I've always admired musicals and wanted to try being on stage. My friend suggested that I audition for "Falling for Eve". I took his advice and tried out. The production company told me to prepare a song that suits me, so I thought that would be the only song I would have to perform in front of the judges. But at the audition, they handed me new music and gave me 10 minutes to practice. I was shocked, but what can you do? I just went for it. Fortunately, I got a call back.

What was the reaction to your singing?

The production company told me that they picked me for being able to sing high notes. But they said my middle- and low-pitch notes needed a lot of work.

It is hard for me to get rid of those showy techniques that I got used to at noraebang. The music director told me to not play with the music, but I'm not even in a place to play with the rhythm and the notes. Playing with the music is still beyond my capacity. I feel so small nowadays being at rehearsals. However, I wake up in the morning full of energy and excitement thinking of new lessons. I have never felt this alive before.

What is the biggest change about you following your transition from a movie actor to a musical theater actor?

I sold my luxury foreign car when I started going on stage. I instead use the subway to get to my destinations, and I don't even have a manager for scheduling. It is a small adjustment I made for myself. I no longer wanted to be a snob and wanted go back to my real, unadulterated self. I realized how arrogant I had been as I became more independent.

Do you plan on acting in musicals after "Falling for Eve"?

I wish to. It feels so amusing when the company's acting is in harmony after practice. It is even thrilling. I feel like I am now back in those years when I was new at acting. Learning how to sing and dance makes me more than happy. But I don't know if any production company will want me after I am done with this show.


By Choi Min-woo