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Uncle Vanya 2026: How Lee Seo-jin’s Humor Brings New Life to a Classic

Daniel Kim Views  

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Play ‘Uncle Vanya’ production press conference / Photo: Kwon Kwang-il

[Sports Today reporter Song O-jung] Director Son Chang-gyu’s unexpected take on Lee Seo-jin in ‘Uncle Vanya’ has drawn attention.

On the afternoon of the 7th, the production press conference for the play ‘Uncle Vanya’ was held at the LG Arts Center. In attendance were Lee Hyun-jung, director of LG Arts Center; director Son Chang-gyu; and cast members Lee Seo-jin, Go Ah-sung, Yang Jong-wook, Lee Hwa-jung and Kim Soo-hyun, who discussed the production.

The production is a contemporary reinterpretation of Anton Chekhov’s classic ‘Uncle Vanya.’ Staging the entire run with a single cast, the team says the play will deliver a concentrated, finely tuned ensemble performance.

Previously, Son Chang-gyu explained that he cast Lee Seo-jin because, while he tends to grumble, he also shows a strong sense of responsibility. When asked what matched his expectations and what differed, Son said Lee was exactly the image he had in mind. “I think a sense of humor is essential, and he has plenty of it. I don’t watch much TV, but watching him complain so energetically while working so hard made me think, ‘Isn’t that a remarkable kind of responsibility?’”

He added that Lee has pushed himself to the point of exhaustion — even to the extent of scraping his nose — yet remains acutely aware onstage. “He may look like he’s not watching, but he notices everything and steps in at precisely the right moments. His jokes aren’t malicious, so everyone feels free to laugh. And he really seems to love acting — at least that’s my impression (laughs). He complains, but he works very hard.”

Asked how much he feels he resembles Vanya, Lee Seo-jin gave a blunt reply: “I don’t match at all.” Then, smiling, he quipped, “The character is full of complaints and resentment, so I cover that entirely with my acting.”

The play ‘Uncle Vanya’ runs May 7 through May 31 at LG Arts Center Seoul, in the LG SIGNATURE Hall.

[Sports Today reporter Song O-jung ent@stoo.com]
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Daniel Kim
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