Bae Soo-bin Takes on 15 Roles in One-Man Show 'Jekyll and Hyde'

Actor Bae Soo-bin, who divorced a non-celebrity in 2019, is set to challenge himself with a one-man show, playing 15 different roles in the play 'Jekyll and Hyde'.

The play 'Jekyll and Hyde', featuring Bae Soo-bin, will be performed from the 16th of this month until June 7th at Link the Space 2 in Daehakro, Seoul. Based on Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', the play follows the story through the eyes of Utterson, Jekyll's friend and lawyer, exploring the duality of human nature, desire, and violence. The play received critical acclaim during its premiere last year, being described as a 'show of acting prowess' and 'a masterpiece of one-man theater'.

In this production, Bae Soo-bin is the sole performer, portraying a range of characters including Jekyll, Hyde, Utterson, Enfield, Lanyon, a police officer, and a witness, leading the stage for 85 minutes. The one-man show format, where a single actor switches between multiple characters' voices and emotions, is expected to heighten the tension of the performance. The unique structure of having only one actor on stage draws attention to Bae Soo-bin's new interpretation and energy.

Since his debut in 2002, Bae Soo-bin has demonstrated his versatility across various genres. Starting with the play 'Dare Pong Modern Girl', he has consistently made his presence felt on stage with performances in 'The Pride', 'Kill Me Now', and more. His previous work in 'Kill Me Now' was particularly praised for its delicate portrayal of human dignity, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike. Recently, he made a strong impact with his role as the cold-hearted father Baek Seon-kyu in the TVING original 'Dear X'. His return to the stage reflects his acting philosophy and love for theater, as he believes that 'the stage is where growth happens'.

This endeavor is anticipated to showcase the culmination of Bae Soo-bin's 24-year acting career. In a recent interview, he expressed his determination, stating, 'The play questions what we perceive as good and evil,' and added, 'I will perform with the courage to reveal everything, as if baring myself on stage.'

Meanwhile, the play 'Jekyll and Hyde' also features Jung Dong-hwa, Jung Wook-jin, and Cha Jung-woo, each offering their unique interpretations of the work. The performances will continue at Link the Space 2 in Daehakro until June 7th.

Reported by Kim Se-ah, TenAsia haesmik@tenasia.co.kr