Exploring the Enchanting World of 'Fan Letter': A Musical Journey Through 1930s Korea

A few letters create a blend of sweetness, excitement, and tension. The intricate direction and tightly woven storyline make it easy to forget that this work is fundamentally 'fiction.' It almost feels like witnessing the second life of famous literary figures.

The musical 'Fan Letter,' which has been captivating audiences since the 5th, is set in the 1930s during the Japanese occupation of Korea. It is a 'faction' piece inspired by the anecdotes of the 'Guinhoe,' a group of contemporary writers including Kim Yu-jeong and Lee Sang. 'Faction' is a Korean neologism combining fact and fiction.

Upon entering the theater, the set design immediately catches the eye. It serves as a modern yet Japanese-style mise-en-scène. Throughout the performance, lighting and shadows play a crucial role in highlighting the relationship between Jung Se-hoon and Hikaru (meaning 'light' in Korean). This device immerses the audience in the 1930s from the very beginning.

The story revolves around the genius novelist Kim Hae-jin, aspiring writer Jung Se-hoon who admires him, and Hikaru, Kim Hae-jin's muse shrouded in mystery. The three characters navigate complex relationships and emotions through the medium of 'letters.'

In the story, Kim Hae-jin is modeled after the real-life writer Lee Sang (Kim Hae-gyeong), born in 1910. Lee Sang, suffering from hemoptysis, recuperates in Hwanghae Province, where he meets Geum-hong, a figure who greatly influenced his work. Lee Sang eventually succumbed to tuberculosis at the Tokyo University Hospital.

Faction is a cultural and artistic genre that recreates new scenarios based on historical facts. In line with this, the first act weaves fiction based on reality. Kim Hae-jin mistakenly believes Hikaru, Jung Se-hoon's 'alter ego,' to be a woman and confesses his love through letters, hoping to meet.

In the first act, Kim Hae-jin exchanges letters with Hikaru, firmly believing her to be a woman of remarkable literary talent. The witty banter of the Guinhoe members helps the audience form an intimate connection with the writers of the era. However, in the second act, characters begin to doubt Hikaru's identity, heightening the tension. Kim Hae-jin's excessive reliance on Hikaru, while suffering from hemoptysis, evokes concern from the audience.

The dialogue of the writers, with its poetic charm, adds a classical beauty to the play. The passion of the Guinhoe members, who approached literature with pure hearts despite Japanese oppression, is evident throughout.

'Fan Letter' has been praised as a delicate literary-like stage since its premiere in 2016 and celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. The elegant prose and the harmonious appeal of each character are cited as reasons for its long-running success.

Some cast members of 'Fan Letter' mentioned in a press meeting on the 11th that the 'lyrical atmosphere and heart-stirring beautiful words' are key points of the show. They highlighted the relationships between the characters, suggesting that observing how each character interacts with others would enhance the viewing experience.

By Dayeon Jeong, Tenasia Reporter light@tenasia.co.kr