Musing While Cruising the Hallyu Highway
The third letter of the alphabet is C and admittedly, I could get through this post with ease with any number of words that accurately describe G.O. Cute, charming, cuddly, etc. But, as I mentioned when I began this sub-category to the Countdown series, I want to dig deeper and find unordinary words that describe the extraordinary Byung Hee.
Continue reading “The Soulful Countdown to G.O’s Discharge ~ Day 460”
It was three years ago this very day when G.O would once again step upon the Korean musical theater stage and make history by way of his poignant portrayal of the young and innocent Prince Ho Dong in the Seoul Arts production of 바람의나라 [The Kingdom of the Winds]. Inasmuch as I truly feel his role as Dong Ho in Seopyeonje was the pivotal moment in his career that made fans and critics alike sit up and take notice of his ability to command an important role in a masterpiece musical, his work in Kingdom sealed it. For today’s G.O One Shot, I honor him on the anniversary of his first performance as the delicate Ho Dong.
Continue reading “The Soulful Countdown to G.O’s Discharge ~ Day 449”
I particularly love today’s offering for the G.O One Shot. For the past ten days I have sprinkled the countdown with moments revisiting G.O’s time on the musical stage as well as celebrating his arrival to the silver screen with his film debut in 아바는 딸 [Dad is Daughter]. I cannot deny that my favorite aspect of G.O’s artistry is his music; however, I am enamored of his ability to take the joy and pain he has experienced, the ups and downs of life, the struggles and the triumphs, and let them all simmer deep in the well of his artistic soul ultimately manifesting themselves through him as an actor.
Continue reading “The Soulful Countdown to G.O’s Discharge ~ Day 425”
The sound of a voice that is authoritative, abrupt and cold begins to flood his heart with the memory of a deep and painful loss. His mind is transported back to when she left. His heart is reminded of the void he is still suffering. He longs to hear her comforting voice and not his abusive tone. Dong Ho is devastated. Lost. Heartbroken. The intensely emotional 소리기억 [I Remember The Sound] in 서편제 [Seopyeonje] is a flashback moment from the mind of Dong Ho who relives the tragedy surrounding the death of his mother. A death he squarely blames on his stepfather, Yoo Bong. Continuing on my spring Seopyeonje revival, the heart-wrenching 소리기억 [I Remember The Sound] is the subject of our Fan-Camming Friday today.
Continue reading “The Soulful Countdown to G.O’s Discharge ~ Day 422”
I would like to continue with our little Road to Seopyeonje retrospective as we look back at G.O’s preparation for his role as the fractured and fragile Dong Ho. The role of Dong Ho required a versatile musical actor. He had to act, sing and believably play the 소리북 [sori buk], a traditional drum used to accompany pansori. G.O accomplished it all and deserved all of the praise, accolades and the musical award he received for his tender and honest portrayal of the complex Dong Ho. Putting the serious aside for a moment, let’s revisit the rehearsal studio where G.O, along with his fellow actors he shared the role with (Michael Lee and Song Yong Jin) learned the way of the sori buk.
Continue reading “The Soulful Countdown to G.O’s Discharge ~ Day 421”
After seeing G.O’s stellar performances in both Seopyeonje and 바람의나라 [The Kingdom of the Winds], I knew his talent stretched far beyond music. When news hit that he had been cast in a supporting role in director, Kim Hyung Hyeop’s 아빠는 딸 [Daddy You, Daughter Me], I was elated. And yes, it may only be a supporting role; but the way I see it, supporting roles can very well pave the way to the leading ones in the future. I am very excited for our dashing young actor!
Continue reading “The Soulful Countdown to G.O’s Discharge ~ Day 420”
More Seopyeonje love today as we return to the rehearsal room to get another glimpse of G.O as he prepared for his role as the troubled Dong Ho. It was in these rehearsals where the magic began. G.O meeting the character Dong Ho, stepping into his shoes, feeling his pain, and ultimately giving him a voice.
Continue reading “The Soulful Countdown to G.O’s Discharge ~ Day 418”
The road to Seopyeonje was so long ago and yet it seems like only yesterday. Since spring was the season of Seopyeonje (in 2014), I have been feeling very, very nostalgic. I thought revisiting a couple of the early rehearsal videos would be nice for a Sunday. G.O’s voice on a spring Sunday in April? Absolutely.
Continue reading “The Soulful Countdown to G.O’s Discharge ~ Day 417”
Three years ago today G.O made his Korean musical stage debut with his first performance as the troubled pansori artist Dong Ho in the haunting musical Seopyeonje. I cannot believe it has been three years. Oh how I would love to see this musical revived again with G.O returning to reprise his role as Dong Ho. For the moment, I will simply hold on to that dream while revisiting G.O’s first curtain call on the Seopyeonje stage on this 399th day of his service.
Continue reading “The Soulful Countdown to G.O’s Discharge ~ Day 399”
I think it is true that many of G.O’s most playful moments probably happen during fan meetings and fan signs. I know that G.O has shown us playful moments during variety programs, and even in the closing moments on the concert stage where often times a sort of playful chaos and mayhem break out. But the fan signs . . . well, they breed a special kind of playful.
Continue reading “The Soulful Countdown to G.O’s Discharge ~ Day 376”
The Fangirl Lane 