I loved all of 바람의나라 [The Kingdom of the Winds] from the music to the costumery, to the incredible visuals, music, and the story itself (even though it was sad). It was a feast for all of the senses. And that G.O was a part of it made it even more magical. But I think one of my favorite things about the show was the element of fantasy and the fact that there were spirit animal protectorates for the King and Prince. Even sweeter was the fact that Ho Dong’s protectorate was a phoenix, who although similar in age to the young prince with a playful child-like nature, was still full of strength and wisdom. Today, a Playful G.O moment from the musical stage between Prince Ho Dong and his 병아리.
When Ho Dong was unreasonable, she would scold him. She knew him best and tolerated his petulance because I think she understood that it was born from a desire to please his father. In any event, they were making their way together in a dangerous kingdom where she remained diligent in trying to make him understand his own heart amid the chaos around them. She also was his best distraction and most ardent playmate.
Just prior to the scene below, Byungari said that she wished Ho Dong was a girl. He countered by saying he wished she also was a girl. See, Byungari was historically a male and had been portrayed by male actors in previous productions from what I understand. In the 2014 production, Byungari was portrayed by musical actress Kim Hye Won yet the dialogue suggested that she was in fact a young boy like Ho Dong.
After they decided that it was best they were both boys and should remain so, they began to frolic and when Kim Hye Won’s 병아리 failed to complete a series of air somersaults successfully, G.O threw in an ad lib.
우와~연습 아직 안했니?
[Wow ~ did you not practice yet?]
Cheeky, sweet and adorable little prince!~😘
~♥~
[Image cr. as tagged; video cr. 박정희]