Why ‘French Vault’ Starring Shin Gu is the Theatrical Event of 2024: Insights from the Director

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Shin Gu, Korea’s oldest active actor, is making a comeback to the stage with “French Safe.”

At the production press conference held on the afternoon of the 10th at NOL Seokyung Square in Seoul’s Jongno district, Shin Gu shared his thoughts on returning to the stage: “As long as I’m breathing, I’ll keep doing theater. It’s as natural to me as eating.”

“French Safe” is a new play based on a script Jang Jin wrote after a decade-long hiatus. This black comedy, set in a bank’s basement, follows the intertwined desires of five bank robbers who’ve gathered without knowing each other’s names. Shin Gu takes on the lead role of a blind man.

The project was inspired by Shin Gu himself. Director Jang Jin revealed that watching Shin Gu’s performance in “Waiting for Godot” last May sparked the idea for this work. He reminisced, “Seeing the master perform, I deeply regretted not having him on stage sooner. When we met backstage, he embraced me – a moment I’ll never forget.” Jang added, “I wrote the first line of the play with Shin Gu’s voice and intonation in mind. That’s how this project was born.”

Shin Gu received the script from Jang Jin last September and agreed to the role after a month of consideration. He admitted, “Even after accepting, I faced personal challenges during rehearsals that were hard to overcome. I wondered if I was being too ambitious at my age.” He continued, “But as long as I’m alive, I should keep doing what I’ve always done. It’s not easy, but I’m determined to give it my all.”

Following the passing of Lee Soon-jae last December, Shin Gu became Korea’s oldest active actor. He reflected, “I recently lost Lee Soon-jae, whom I called ‘brother.’ Now, there’s no one above me to look up to, which is deeply saddening.” He added, “I’m dealing with various health issues, but I’m committed to not letting them hinder this production.” In response, Jang Jin shared, “Shin Gu texted me saying, ‘This work is my reason for living.’ I hope this becomes just one of many more performances in his career. I’m already looking forward to his next project.”

Many renowned actors joined this production out of deep respect for Shin Gu. Sung Ji-ru, who alternates the blind man role with Shin Gu, expressed, “When I heard Shin Gu was involved, I knew I had to be part of it. It’s an honor to share this role. His acting is beyond comparison – I’m in awe just watching him. Sometimes, it moves me to tears.”

Jang Hyun-sung, cast as a professor, echoed similar sentiments: “Shin Gu’s involvement was a major factor in my decision to join. Rehearsing with him has been eye-opening and often emotional. His acting is the essence of perfection – stripped of all unnecessary elements.” Jung Young-joo and Jang Young-nam, playing smugglers, both stated they joined without hesitation upon hearing of Shin Gu’s participation, emphasizing the significance of sharing the stage with such a legendary figure.

In closing, Director Jang Jin summed up the essence of “French Safe” in one word: “Shin Gu.”

“French Safe” will run from March 7 to May 31 at NOL Seokyung Square’s SCON Hall 1 in Seoul.

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