Last May, I had the privilege of watching Shin-gu’s masterful performance in “Waiting for Godot” at the National Theater. It was absolutely mesmerizing. I knew then that I had to have him on my stage, so I began crafting dialogue with him in mind.
Acclaimed director Jang Jin (55), known for his signature wit and humor, revealed that his sole inspiration for penning his first play in a decade, “French Vault,” was none other than the legendary Shin-gu (90). The press conference for “French Vault” took place on the afternoon of the 10th at NOL Seogyeong Square Scon 1 in Seoul’s Jongno district. The event featured writer-director Jang Jin alongside a star-studded cast of 12, including Shin-gu, Jang Hyun-seong, Jeong Young-joo, and Geum Sae-rok.
Jang shared that he hand-delivered the finished script to Shin-gu first. This pivotal moment occurred the day after completion in mid-September last year, at Shin-gu’s favorite Pyongyang cold noodle restaurant. A month later, Shin-gu’s initial response was a simple “I enjoyed it.” It wasn’t until another stretch of time had passed, over soju at a Daehangno eatery, that Jang finally heard the words he’d been waiting for: “Alright, let’s do it.”
Reflecting on his decision to join the production, Shin-gu quipped with a chuckle, “I might have jumped the gun a bit.” He continued more seriously, “Now that we’re in the thick of it, I’m realizing there are aspects that are quite challenging – from interpreting the piece to other complexities. I wonder if I’ve bitten off more than I can chew at my age.”
Addressing the physical demands of the role, Shin-gu candidly admitted, “My body isn’t as cooperative as it once was. The toughest part is when my body won’t keep up with my mind.” He added, “Memorizing lines is no walk in the park either. I’ll think I’ve got it down, only to draw a blank moments later.”
When asked about his driving force to continue performing, Shin-gu’s thoughts turned to his late colleague, Lee Soon-jae. “We recently lost Lee Soon-jae, whom I called ‘brother.’ It feels like there’s no one left above me to look up to,” he reflected. “But I’m still here, still breathing, so I’m determined to give it my all.”
Seong Ji-roo, who shares the role of the “Blind Man” with Shin-gu, spoke of the experience with reverence. “It’s not so much pressure as it is an honor,” he explained. “In rehearsals, I call him ‘teacher.’ Just the opportunity to share this role with him is overwhelming. Watching Shin-gu perform is nothing short of awe-inspiring.”
Director Jang Jin couldn’t help but marvel at actor Joo Jong-hyuk’s dedication.
The sentiment was echoed by Jeong Young-joo, Jang Young-nam, and Jang Hyun-seong, who all cited Shin-gu’s involvement as their primary reason for joining the project. Jang Hyun-seong, in particular, waxed poetic: “Sharing the stage with these veterans, I’m struck by moments of profound realization. Shin-gu, especially, is like a distilled essence of acting – everything superfluous stripped away.”
For Joo Jong-hyuk and Geum Sae-rok, “French Vault” marks their theatrical debut. Joo confessed, “The stage always seemed like this intimidating realm. After reading the script, I couldn’t help but wonder, ‘Can I really pull this off?'” Jang Jin, however, was quick to praise Joo’s work ethic: “Despite having the most lines, Joo was the first to memorize the entire script. His dedication is truly remarkable.”
Geum Sae-rok approached her debut with a mix of excitement and determination. “I wanted to dive in headfirst,” she said. “I’m committed to rehearsing tirelessly to ensure I do justice to the audience’s investment of time and money.”
The role of the “Blind Man,” a skilled vault burglar, will be alternately portrayed by Shin-gu and Seong Ji-roo. Jang Hyun-seong and Kim Han-gyeol will take on the “Professor,” a character who navigates situations through logic and principle. The “Smuggler,” driven and relentless, will be brought to life by Jeong Young-joo and Jang Young-nam. Choi Young-jun and Joo Jong-hyuk are set to embody the “Ruffian,” the group’s man of action, while Kim Seul-ki and Geum Sae-rok round out the cast as the “Banker.”
“French Vault” unfolds in the basement of a bank, chronicling the midnight escapades of five individuals attempting to crack open a vault. The production is slated to run from March 7 to May 31 at NOL Seogyeong Square Scon 1.
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