Musical Actor Kai Discusses His Evolving Approach to 'Phantom' and the Unique Challenges of Performing at Sejong Center

"In the past, I used to think about how I could shine the most on stage. But now, it's different. I focus on how I can enhance the overall quality of the production as a part of it," said musical actor Kai during a press meeting at EMK Musical Company in Gangnam, Seoul, on the 13th. This reflects his mindset while performing in the musical 'Phantom.' Kai plays the role of Phantom (Erik), a character with extraordinary musical talent who hides in the underground of the Paris Opera House due to his disfigured appearance. Kai has been part of this production since its premiere in Korea.

Kai stated, "My heart is still the same as when I first started," but added, "Now, I prioritize the production over myself. I strive to understand and consider my fellow actors and their roles more deeply."

'Phantom' is a musical based on Gaston Leroux's novel 'The Phantom of the Opera.' Unlike Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical of the same name, this version was created by playwright Arthur Kopit and composer Maury Yeston. It premiered in 1991 and was first introduced in Korea in 2015. Over the past decade, the production has evolved, with a faster-paced storyline that has reduced the performance time by about 15-20 minutes.

Kai has participated in every season of 'Phantom' except for the revivals. He remarked, "'Phantom' is a production that makes me pour everything I have into it each season," and added, "While audiences might have felt the intensity in previous seasons, this time, I've focused on conveying Erik's innocence and vulnerability more closely."

Despite being a prolific actor in the musical scene, this is Kai's first time performing 'Phantom' at the Sejong Center. He noted, "The Sejong Center is about 4 meters wider than other large venues, which is equivalent to a few adult steps," and explained, "Running around while acting, the pressure on my heart felt noticeably different." He shared, "During rehearsals, I joked with other actors, 'Are you out of breath too?' and 'Maybe we're getting old.'"

Other actors playing the role of Phantom in this production include Park Hyo-shin and Jeon Dong-seok. When asked about the differences in his performance compared to theirs, Kai expressed caution, saying, "It's the question I fear the most." He emphasized that each actor brings their unique charm and strengths to the role. Kai described Park Hyo-shin as having "a voice that can move people's hearts," adding that "his Phantom has a dreamy allure."

Regarding Jeon Dong-seok, Kai said, "People have focused on his handsome appearance, but this performance showcases his depth as an actor," and added, "He puts a lot of thought and consideration into his role, asking profound questions that reveal his dedication."

Kai is the only classically trained singer among the three actors playing Phantom. He explained, "Korean has many sounds that drop or are swallowed, and those who haven't trained in classical singing often struggle with these nuances in Korean lyrics." Kai, who studied vocal music at Seoul National University, said, "Classical training involves bel canto techniques based on Italian or foreign languages, which helps project the voice forward," suggesting that audiences might notice a difference in his vocal delivery.

On stage, Kai frequently changes masks, a tool that reflects Phantom's psyche. He explained, "Phantom lives in the underground of the theater, and the performances he secretly watches become his entire world. He's a highly imaginative and antisocial person, unaccustomed to expressing his emotions." He added, "The mask highlights his psychology and becomes the production's most significant identity."

Despite the potential for 'Phantom' to feel clichéd due to its various adaptations, it has enjoyed a decade-long run in Korea. Kai attributes this to the original novel's rich potential for musical adaptation, saying, "The masked character's pursuit of noble love and fanciful dreams is compelling." He credited musical creator Robert Johanson for amplifying these elements.

Kai also noted distinct differences from other productions. He shared his experience watching 'Love Never Dies,' the sequel to 'The Phantom of the Opera,' in Tokyo, saying, "While it had beautiful music and story, it felt like it was trying to blend various musical genres unnaturally to appeal to the masses," cautioning that such elements could undermine the essence of a production. He emphasized, "While musicals are a comprehensive art form, maintaining musical identity while appropriately arranging the music is crucial for a production's longevity."

As a musical actor and a professor at a university, Kai recently discussed the success of 'Maybe Happy Ending,' which made history by winning six Tony Awards. He noted, "Many critics attribute its success to its purity," and observed, "Today's content is often provocative. There's a trend of viewing slower-paced, pure narratives as boring." He added, "This trend has led to a newfound appreciation for works that explore pure love, and compared to recent popular productions, 'Phantom' emphasizes stage elements that express pure love."