Actor Park Jung-min starts a career as Romeo in theater

It was a delightful rediscovery for fans of actor Park Jung-min. Park’s splendid vocalization and precise pronunciations made the audience mistake him as an actor groomed on theater stages.

The play “Romeo and Juliet” gained a lot of attention, as it starred a pair of 28-year-olds, Park Jung-min and Moon Geun-young. While Moon dressed in pure-white dress with a 5:5 parted hair, Juliet left much to be desired in terms of acting. Indeed, Juliet was in her teenage years in the play, but Moon still talked like a high-school student just like the girl she starred in the film “My Little Bride” 10 years ago.

Juliet burst into tears in several acts, including the scene where she found out that her brother was killed by Romeo, and found his dead body near her when she woke up from the 42-hour death potion. However, Moon failed to leave an impression to the audience. In particular, her appearance was shadowed by actress Bae Hye-seon who played as Juliet’s nanny, drawing attention with her seasoned performances. Still, Moon showed off her exclusive charms and appeal in scenes when most of the actors appeared on the stage at the ball scene.

On the contrary, Park was different. The audience felt every sentimental detail deeply conveyed in each scene. He performed splendidly when his eyes shook after hearing the death of Juliet. In general, he played with a rooted tone and manner, and led supporting actors as a grounded main character. Park was indeed a living “Romeo” instead of actor “Park Jung-min.”

Director Yang Jung-woong’s mise-en-scene was also worthy of accolades. While no special sets could be found besides the balcony, entrance and exit, and inclined road on a box-shaped stage, the fine-colored lights brought life to the Shakespearian age. Romeo and Juliet will be performed at Daloreum Theater at the National Theater of Korea until Jan. 15, 2017. Tickets cost 33,000 to 66,000 won.

Jeong-Eun Kim kimje@donga.com