Editor's Note:
A "scene-stealer" is a term used in various media to describe a character or actor who, regardless of their screen time, naturally captures the audience's attention with their strong personality and charm, often overshadowing the main roles. The term literally means to steal the scene. In this context, K-Vibe presents a relay interview series featuring actors who started with theater and expanded their acting range into drama and film, becoming scene-stealers. The series will be updated biweekly and will serve as an archive of scene-stealer actors with a background in Korean theater, providing valuable resources for casting directors worldwide.
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| ▲ This photo of Korean actress Jang Young-nam is provided by Jam Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, Aug. 2 (Yonhap) -- "The theater stage, where I've been able to perform such beautiful work, is always precious. It's a place where I can breathe comfortably. Sometimes I thought it was tedious, but it is a very beautiful place to me."
Actor Jang Young-nam (51), who has actively transitioned from theater to dramas, films, and television, recently expressed her deep appreciation for theater in an interview with Yonhap News. "It's a genre where you constantly communicate through the gestures, body language, and lines of fellow actors," she said, praising the unique qualities of theater.
Now in her 30th year of acting, Jang emphasized that good acting is the result of numerous rehearsals. "When I act, I often feel that 'this isn't enough,' and that tension becomes a driving force for me to do better," she explained.
She also shared her personal philosophy: "Throughout my various projects, I've adhered to the belief that I shouldn't harm others due to my own ambitions. Even if I may not know everything, I believe I have upheld this principle and can commend myself for it."
Jang, a graduate of Seoul Institute of the Arts' Theater Department, began her acting career in 1995 with the play "Romeo and Juliet." She gained attention in the theater scene through her work with troupes such as Mokhwa and Golmokgil, eventually expanding her career into films and dramas.
Despite her current reputation for solid acting skills, Jang's debut was challenging. During her first project with the Mokhwa troupe, she was cast as Juliet but was replaced due to perceived shortcomings in her performance. "I was devastated after practicing for a month only to be replaced," she recalled. "Looking back, that painful experience was beneficial. Six years later, in 2001, I confidently took on the role of Juliet."
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| ▲ This photo of Korean actress Jang Young-nam is provided by Jam Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Jang won the Best New Actress award in the theater category at the 37th Baeksang Arts Awards for her role as Kikyo in the play "The Dressing Room" in the same year. She fondly remembered, "My parents had never come to see my performances, but they saw me on TV receiving the Baeksang Arts Award. It was a proud moment to show them that my time spent working part-time jobs in the morning and acting in the afternoon wasn't wasted."
Reflecting on her transition into her 50s, Jang said, "I think I'm changing naturally." She elaborated, "In my 30s, I simply enjoyed being in projects. In my 40s, I focused on films and dramas, stepping away from the theater. It was a mentally challenging time as I got married and had a child."
"Even now, I find myself questioning whether I'm on the right path and if there's a correct answer. It feels like I'm still in transition," she admitted. "These days, I'm trying to trust myself and keep moving forward."
Jang is currently preparing for a new play, "Girls Riding the Clouds," with the Golmokgil troupe. Directed by Park Geun-hyung, the play will run from July 23 to September 8 at the Sangmyung Art Hall in Jongno, Seoul. "I wanted to participate in a traditional troupe system with workshops and rehearsals, and Director Park's proposal came at the right time. I'm curious and excited about what I'll gain from this experience," she said.
In conclusion, Jang opened up about experiencing burnout for the first time last year. "I thought, 'Maybe I shouldn't be doing this job,' which was a frightening and bewildering experience. However, I've come to accept it, knowing that many actors go through it once or twice."
"These days, I'm pondering what thoughts and concerns I should live with. Acting cannot remain stagnant; it must continue to evolve. Although this can be overwhelming, I believe it's an actor's destiny," she emphasized.
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