SUJU’s Ryeowook Speaks on Negative Views on Idols Performing in Musicals

[imienazwisko.livejournal.com]

Super Junior’s Ryeowook has completely fallen for the charms of musicals. Taking on a new challenge, Ryeowook has been cast as the lead character ‘Ryu Soon Ho’ in musical Goddess is Watching.

It is not extraordinary for an idol to perform in musicals these days but Ryeowook’s newest challenge in the musical brings a new level of significance to the audience, the fans, as well as to Ryeowook himself. Idols normally knock down doors to musicals with popularity and fame as their weapon. The production company also cast idols for musicals held in grand theaters since they can bring in more fans.

But Goddess is Watching is different.  It′s a musical being performed in medium sized theatres, holding only about 600 audience members. Moreover, since the musical was first performed in 2013, it has never cast any other idols. It signifies a project that requires stable acting and concentration. And so when Ryeowook was cast in it, both anticipation and negative comments were inevitable.

Meeting with Newsen recently, Ryeowook honestly shared his humble thoughts on the mixed views on idols performing in musicals.

“This is my third musical project but I began to have different thoughts and feelings by doing Goddess is Watching. To be honest, I felt like performing in musicals was like an extension of my activities as a member of Super Junior until now. I’ve also focused more on singing rather than acting on stages. But for Goddess is Watching, I tried hard so that I’m incorporating singing into my acting. I also took away a lot of the singing techniques. I thought I needed to show my improved self in order to have the fans and the audience continue to watch me.”

He put it down humbly, but Goddess is Watching has been gathering many positive reviews.

It was not an easy task for him to gain such feedback as an idol, acting in a project with many maniac fans. Ryeowook started the musical with a certain level of pressure and concern.

“Goddess is Watching is a project that received so much love until now. I felt pressured. I even worried, ‘What if I ruin it all…’ The audience has a certain image of ‘Ryu Soon Ho’ in their mind and I was worried whether I could fulfill their expectation. But I was able to overcome thanks to the co-actors around me. Actually I heard that there were many negative comments about me being cast in Goddess is Watching. I didn’t try to look for the negative comments but Jae Kyun, who has been double cast for the same role, encouraged me saying, ‘hyung… Don’t read those comments. Don’t mind them.”



Even though he lived many years as a member of global idol group Super Junior, Ryeowook was more humble and sincere than anyone else when it came to musicals.

“I think I would be the same way to be honest. If I was paying the same amount of money, I would rather watch a performance by a talented actor rather than a shaky idol. I undoubtedly feel pressure over letting down the audience, after creating a big issue by being cast in the musical. But I think people’s concerns and anticipation are all part of their interest in me. If the people who are anxious about me could come and watch… I thought that it is my job to change their minds by doing my best. That’s how I started and I did my best. I would run to the studio when I had no other schedule and when I did, I would talk to the other cast members and the staff on the phone… So each performance was enjoyable but regretful at the same time.”

Ryeowook confessed that he organized his own schedule for the sake of Goddess is Watching, proving his serious mindset in joining the musical. In the end, he brought out positive feedback praising his performance, that surpassed expectations.

Meanwhile, Goddess is Watching premiered on April 26 and will continue until July 27.
source: mwave

Comments

[torontok.livejournal.com]

I thought he had a bad spray tan in that first pic.

I feel like instead of sticking rookie idols into main roles like most companies do, they should be allowed to build up experience onstage first. I agree that I'd rather watch a trained actor rather than someone who;s clearly out of their depth. But then it's also idols who help draw people to the theatre so

[stoppedclock321.livejournal.com]

It's not anything new though :/ sticking brand-new idols into lead roles has been happening for ages. I wonder if it's because their companies don't think it's worth letting them act unless they're the leads? But their selling power obviously comes into play, so it makes sense why it happens. The reviews they get though...

[hearttaek.livejournal.com]

Do you by any chance know where I can find reviews of musical?
i just saw one article about my bias and he was being praised, but that article doesnt seem to be a legit critic review so...

[bunica1990.livejournal.com]

Yeah ia. They can always stick to putting them in supporting roles to build experience.

[stoppedclock321.livejournal.com]

Maybe it's because I first saw the video interview in a Kyu thread, but I get the feeling that this is to Ryeowook as TMTETS was to Kyuhyun in terms of developing as an individual and as a musical actor. Ryeowook's starting to build an image/career for himself outside of Super Junior like this and he mentioned that in the video interview; how if he ever said to anyone that he was having a hard time or was unsatisfied, they would say to him 'but you're Super Junior'. (Taeyeon said the same thing about SNSD, I think.)

Either way, I really liked seeing his thoughts about this musical, and I wish I could see it.

[mad-nux.livejournal.com]

awwwww i like his interview..he is so adorable but his face creeps me out sometimes

[tee-sama.livejournal.com]

I'm not even SuJu fan but seeing Ryeowook makes me happy. :

[evilvalenstrife.livejournal.com]

I love Ryeowook... He always says what he thinks! There's a reason you're my bias!

[tegomass-ayane.livejournal.com]

I like the way he's being humble. I think some people needed to change their views about on idols who are in musicals. These kind of idols are worthy of respect.

[rennehollic.livejournal.com]

I actually think idols in musicals is a good thing, not only brings people to the theater but I believe that the actors play some part on the play they increase their vocal abilities and they learn new tecniques so they can improve...
not all naturally, but I think in some you can notice the difference

[aeries-amethyst.livejournal.com]

Yes to idols in musicals because he helps to build their vocal skills, because the idols that they select for musicals are already vocally talented so it will only help to improve their voices in the long run.

As for idols in dramas...They should really stick to supporting roles first to see if they actually have potential and then work their way up. Because I've realized that most idols get acting roles not because they can necessarily act, but because they're popular enough. Then again, they usually choose idols for musicals because they bring in the fans and thus sell.

Either way, they really should select idols who are capable of pulling off the required role, whether or not it's a musical or a drama. But if they really want to push the popularity factor, then give them suitable roles or let them get some training first.

[leighbee333.livejournal.com]

I wish there was a site that translated Korean stage reviews, or at least idols' and film/television actors' performances in them.

Tbh, I wish there was a reliable site that translated Korean actor' interviews in general; the only one I know of is Sunny Town, but that blogger only focuses on a few actors/musicians/Kpop idols she's interested in. The English 10asiae site doesn't really update with interviews anymore.

[lobotronic.livejournal.com]

Super Junior as a group is coming to and end...they're on their last legs lately.....this is an excellent career move on Ryeowook's part. He's clearly seeking his own work instead of waiting for SM to tell him which projects to choose. He's going to do very well for himself!

I don't know why people bash on the idols joining musicals--it's only every the powerhouse main vocals who do, and although they're not "stage-trained" they're trained in singing and acting by their companies. They might be shaky at first but they're not totally unprepared!

[lilrand0m-chik.livejournal.com]

SLAY, WOOKIE~
I got into Suju particularly late but I've been more interested in Suju-M since Swing (but Perfection is perfection) since then I've been looking forward to being aware of Suju when they have that comeback in future.