Actor Park Jung-min Apologizes for 'Life of Pi' Performance Cancellation Due to Technical Issues

Actor Park Jung-min, currently starring in 'Life of Pi,' has issued an apology to his audience.

On October 11, Park Jung-min took to his agency Sam Company's official Instagram to express his sincere apologies to the audience who attended the previous evening's performance. He stated, "I am truly sorry to all the audience members who came to see the show last night."

Park continued, "Thinking about the disappointment of the audience who had to turn away from the theater doors that didn't open, I have no words to offer, even if I had ten mouths. I believe that no reason can soothe the shock that the audience must have felt at that moment, and I bow my head in apology."

He added, "My apology is late. I thought it was necessary to prepare an alternative with the production team before offering an apology. I suggested a special additional performance to the production team, and they willingly accepted. While I know that a re-performance cannot fully compensate for everyone's disappointment, I hope it can provide some comfort."

He emphasized, "For the remaining performances, all the actors and staff will work even harder. We will truly give it our all."

Previously, on October 10, the live stage performance of 'Life of Pi,' featuring Park Jung-min, was abruptly canceled just five minutes before it was set to begin. The cancellation was reportedly due to a sudden lighting malfunction. However, it was reported that the audience was informed of the cancellation without any explanation, and only a refund notice was provided. The cancellation announcement was also reportedly too quiet for those inside the theater to hear, leading to criticism of the production team's handling of the situation.

The production team later announced on their official social media that they "take full responsibility for the cancellation and will provide refunds and a re-performance." They added, "An additional performance will be held on Monday, the 16th, at 7:30 PM. The additional performance is exclusively for those who had tickets for the canceled show on the 10th, and they will be offered the same seats they originally booked. The cast and curtain call day event will remain the same."

Meanwhile, 'Life of Pi' is based on Yann Martel's novel 'Life of Pi,' which tells the story of a boy named Pi and a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker, who are stranded on a lifeboat in the middle of the Pacific Ocean for 227 days. This is the first time the play is being performed in Korea, and it is scheduled to run until March 2.

Full Statement from Sam Company's SNS

Hello, this is Park Jung-min.

First, I sincerely apologize to all the audience members who came to see the show last night. It seems the production team decided to cancel due to a lighting issue that would have caused significant inconvenience to the audience. There were also safety concerns for the puppeteers who had to move inside the puppets. However, I believe that no reason can soothe the shock that the audience must have felt at that moment, and I bow my head in apology. Thinking about the disappointment of the audience who had to turn away from the theater doors that didn't open, I have no words to offer, even if I had ten mouths. The precious time, energy, and heartfelt anticipation you gave to see this performance are debts that cannot be repaid by anything.

My apology is late. I thought it was necessary to prepare an alternative with the production team before offering an apology. I also thought that an apology without a solution would be an irresponsible act. I suggested a special additional performance to the production team, and they willingly accepted. However, it seems that time was needed to confirm with the many people involved in the theater and performance, as well as the audience who came yesterday. While I know that a re-performance cannot fully compensate for everyone's disappointment, I hope it can provide some comfort.

Thanks to the many audience members who have come to see the show, all the actors and staff go on stage every day with gratitude. Although it's been a while since I've been on stage, and I'm very nervous and scared every moment, I feel the great strength from the audience's support. Nevertheless, I am sorry for giving you an unwanted experience.

For the remaining performances, all the actors and staff will work even harder. If possible, I hope to see you on the day of the re-performance. We will truly give it our all. On behalf of the team, I sincerely apologize once again. I'm sorry.

Sincerely, Park Jung-min

(I don't have a personal account, so I borrowed the company's account to post this. Thank you for your understanding.)

Reporter Da-yeon Jeong, Ten Asia light@tenasia.co.kr