By Koh Hyunjeong

"Wanna see something interesting before starting the interview?"

Shin Chun-soo, CEO of OD Company and executive producer of the hit musical "The Great Gatsby" took out a photo of the cast of the hit Broadway musical "The Great Gatsby" all smiling after their performance on the famous strip in New York. They all wore T-shirts with the work's title in Hangeul (Korean alphabet).

"It was also their first time working on a musical with a Korean producer, a very fresh and fun experience."

Shin is the first Asian executive producer on Broadway, so this probably created unique memories for the American composers, cast and production staff. "I hear Korean a lot on Broadway lately," he said.

He said people approached him with the warm expressions in Korean like "Gamsahamnida (Thank you)" or "Haenbokhaeyo (I'm happy)." He said this made his eyes light up and made him brim with national pride.

Shin failed in its first three attempts at presenting musicals on Broadway, the global birthplace of the genre. "Dream Girls" debuted in Korea in 2009 but failed in New York at the try-out stage, and "Holler if Ya Hear Me" (2014) and "Doctor Zhivago" (2015) both made it to the stage but were closed within a month.

This year, however, his fourth attempt "Gatsby" won the Tony Award for Best Costume Design of a Musical.

His constant spirit of challenge toward achieving his dreams with a positive mind befits his nickname "Don Quixote." Saying that his goal is to be a "better citizen, father and producer," he held an interview with Korea.net on July 22 at his office in Seoul's Gangnam-gu District, excerpts of which are below.

As the first Korean executive producer on Broadway, how did winning a Tony feel? 

In short, I was happy but also felt like it was a new beginning. I gained new motivation to try other works, and I think I must create more complete ones.

Why did you keep on trying for Broadway after your first three musicals failed?

It's because Broadway is the birthplace and platform of musicals. A musical can spread worldwide only after succeeding on Broadway and in London's West End. When I founded OD Company, my dream was to showcase my musical at the birthplace of musicals. OD stands for "Open the Door," reflecting my desire to open the doors for new performing arts and heading for the wider world. 

The atmosphere on Broadway is truly really hot now. There is talk of performances in the West End plus word of mouth is pouring in from Spain, Norway, Germany, China, Australia and other countries.

As a Korean executive producer, how did you lead a team of mainly locals?

I believe it was due to my passionate appearance and complete trust. As executive producer, I made quick and accurate decisions to give credibility to the musical and immerse myself in it. Another reason is my sense of deficiency.

I presented two musicals on Broadway before but both failed. The combination of my sense of deficiency in artistry and perfection and my passion to achieve my dream created real chemistry.

What about "Gatsby" captivates audiences?

Its ability to suck you in, which means that it's lovable. American audiences call it "beautiful," which is the most encouraging compliment because creating a musical beloved by the audience is the hardest thing to do.

What meaning does a musical have?

It is magic. A musical casts a spell on us and sends us on a journey into the world of the musical; it allows us to experience unexpected emotions and moments.

What would you like to tell people new to the performing arts sector?

Don't be a frog in a well, and instead boldly challenge yourself and strive harder for artistic accomplishments. I've shown that Korean musicals can work on Broadway as a genre.

Any final message for Korea.net readers?

I hope that their respect and consideration for people deepen. Consideration and respect comprise love as the most fundamental virtues for living in this world. I hope that everyone is happy in a world full of love. 

hjkoh@korea.kr