People need heroes, and Korea has seen the rise and fall of many. This month, one of its most beloved will be brought back to life as theater troupe Acom International stages a musical inspired by the life of Ahn Jung-geun. Titled Hero, the piece hopes to inspire and educate Koreans about the independence fighter.
"It was three years ago that we began work on this musical," said Yun Ho-jin, the show's director. Yun, the chairman of the Korean Musical Association, also created The Last Empress,
another work with a connection to Korean nationalism. That musical is about Korea's Empress Myeongseong (1851-1895), who was assassinated by the Japanese. It was the first original
Korean musical production ever, and the first Asian musical to be presented on Broadway and in London's West End.
Han A-reum, who wrote Hero, said it was no easy task.
"Because Ahn is such a famous figure, I found myself trying to meet him with my mind. But I was only really able to meet him when I approached him with my heart,” Han said. "Now he has become the coolest guy in my life. I hope the audience feels that way too."
Peter Casey, the Australian musical director who was in charge of arranging the piece, said he
hopes the saga and spirit of Ahn is passed on to more people around the world.
"It's an honor to be a part of this creative team, and to be able to tell this important story.
This story must be told to the world,” Casey said.
The creative team took field trips to Vladivostok, Russia, and Dalian, China, earlier this year to trace the footsteps of Ahn. Based on that experience and historical records, the musical will recreate key scenes of Ahn's life using both digital and analog technology.
Since they're targeting the overseas market, the makers of Hero sought to keep the musical
from coming off as too nationalistic. Organizers say it will depict Ahn as an international figure
who not only fought for Korea's independence but also for peace in Asia, and also highlight the
human side and inner struggles of Hirobumi Ito, the man Ahn shot.
Hero opens Oct. 26, the 100th anniversary to the day of Ahn's assassination of the former Japanese prime minister. It will run until Dec. 31 at the LG Arts Center in southern Seoul.
By Kim Hyung-eun
KOREA Magazine (Oct. 2009)
