Dankook University (DKU)’s School of Performance Film and Musical Major sophomores Kim Myung-ji and Kang Su-ji were awarded a gold medal and an encouragement award respectively, at the 6th Dong-A Musical Concours hosted by the Dong-A Daily News. The competition, held on August 8 at the Seoul National University of Education’s Concert Hall, is where many actors dream of becoming musical stars. Kim’s gold-medal song was ‘Santa Fe’ from the Broadway musical ‘Newsies’, which received high scores from the judges and awarded him with prize money of 2 million won (about 1450 dollars). Kang, who won the encouragement award for her passionate performance, sang the song ‘Breathe’ from the musical ‘In the Heights.’

▲ A Photo of Two School of Performance Film and Musical Major Sophomores Kim Myung-ji and Kang Su-ji (Photo from Korea Lecture News)

   Before the awards ceremony, the candidates presented a congratulatory performance under the special guidance of DKU’s School of Performance Film Professor Lee Seong-jun, music director of musicals such as ‘Frankenstein’ and 'Ben-Hur.' In an interview with the Korea Lecturer News, Professor Lee said that “The future of musicals is bright, as our university’s musical majors have recently earned good results not only in competitions but also in auditions.” He also added that he is planning to hold productions on campus for Dankookians (Students of DKU). The Dankook Herald (DKH) interviewed award winners Kim Myung-ji and Kang Su-ji to learn more about the world of musical theater.

Kim Myung-ji (Gold Prize Winner)

1. Congratulations on winning an award at the Dong-A Musical Concours! You competed with a song from the Broadway musical ‘Newsies.’ Can you briefly introduce the musical to our readers?

   ‘Newsies’ is a term for newsboys who deliver newspapers. This musical is about young newsboys facing unfair treatment from the city and trying their best to win a better life by fighting against reality. This musical was inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City.

2. What made you perform ‘Santa Fe’ sung by the protagonist Jack Kelly? Were there any challenges while preparing this number?

   In this musical, Santa Fe hypothetically stands for the land of opportunity. I chose this number because I could feel joy and happiness while imagining my Santa Fe, which is myself performing on a bigger stage with much more confidence and improved skills. However, there were some challenges as well. It was especially hard for me to relate to Jack Kelly, a 17-year-old who breaks down when facing reality. It was difficult to express the struggle of a young kid who was too tired to even cry and could only scream at the sky about his dreams.

3. Please share your ultimate goal as a musical major.

   I want to be an actor who can convey a message to the audience just from the first line of a song.

4. For Dankookians, can you share with us your favorite musical number?

   For me personally, I highly recommend ‘Raise a Little Hell’ from the musical 'Bonny and Clyde.' I hope everyone enjoys the song.

 

Kang Su-ji (Encouragement Prize Winner)

1. Congratulations on your award! Can you briefly introduce the number you prepared for the competition?

   ‘Breathe’ is the first number in the musical ‘In the Heights.’ It is about the protagonist returning to their hometown after taking a leave of absence from a prestigious university.

2. Is there a reason behind choosing that song?

   I felt confident with it because it was the song I sang for my college entrance exam and I very much relate to it.

3. How did you feel when you received the award?

   I am grateful for it, even if everyone who made it to the finals received an award. However, I do want to receive a higher award next time.

4. What kind of actor do you aspire to be?

   I want to become an actor that audiences want to see again and again. There is a saying in the musical industry that audiences “go around in a revolving door,” which means that they watch musicals multiple times. I want to be the reason for audiences “going around in the revolving door.”

▲ Winners of the 6th Dong-A Musical Concours (Photo from Dong-A Newspaper)

   The DKH and Dankookians look forward to the future of actors Kim Myung-ji and Kang Su-ji will and continue to support DKU’s School of Performance Film students.

전준형, 김경석, 황인경  dankookherald@gmail.com