The moment the bright stage lights fade to black and the curtain rises, the horizon of an entirely new world unfolds. The stories, songs, and movements performed on stage instantly draw audiences into that world. Musicals, which allow audiences to see a world different from reality, have become meaningful stories for many people, and at the center of those stories are musical actors who breathe life into their characters.

Baek Jongmin, an alumnus of Sungkyunkwan University, has taken his final curtain call on the stage of campus life and is now raising the curtain on a new chapter as a musical actor. Let us follow his story—from his college days spent in Daehangno, filled with artistic inspiration, to the stories he now tells on stage.

| You completed your studies in the Department of Theatre at Sungkyunkwan University and are now taking your first steps as a musical actor. Was there a particular moment that inspired you to pursue this dream?

Since I was young, I really enjoyed singing and dancing. When I was in middle school, I suddenly wanted to perform on the school festival stage, so I asked my teacher if I could sing just one song during the festival. That was how I first stood on stage.

Interestingly, after watching my performance, one of my friends asked whether I would like to join a youth musical theater group together. I think that was when I truly began to dream of becoming a musical actor.

| How did Daehangno, located near SKKU, influence your dream of becoming a musical actor?

At the time, I did not fully realize the advantage of having Daehangno so close to campus. It felt natural that I could simply walk a few minutes after class and immediately watch a performance. Seeing musicals became an ordinary part of my daily life whenever I had free time.

Looking back now, however, I realize how fortunate that environment truly was. Many audience members travel from far away and make time out of their busy schedules just to watch a performance. Because I attended Sungkyunkwan University, I had countless opportunities to experience performances, and I believe that became a tremendous advantage while preparing for a career as a musical actor.

| We heard that you were a member of the university’s official ambassador group, S-Angel. Are there any memorable moments from that experience?

I joined S-Angel after completing my military service, so most of the members were younger than me. Thankfully, they approached me warmly first, which helped us become close very quickly.

I especially remember the trips we took together to places like Jeju Island and Gapyeong. One particularly unforgettable memory was our trip to Jeju Island. It was originally planned as a five-day trip, but we enjoyed it so much that we extended it to seven days.

| In addition to S-Angel, you participated in many campus activities, including serving as an MC during festivals. What did you gain from those experiences?

I have always been someone with strong self-confidence, which gave me the courage to try these activities without hesitation. Through those challenges, I gained the confidence to embrace new opportunities fearlessly.

I personally place great value on experience in life. I believe you can only truly understand something by experiencing it firsthand, and those experiences later become the foundation for taking on even greater challenges.

Being an MC at university festivals, for example, meant standing in front of a huge audience. I was honestly very nervous at the time, but I think those experiences ultimately helped me become more confident when attending auditions and performing on stage as a musical actor.

| Among your experiences at Sungkyunkwan University, which was the most helpful in your growth as a musical actor?

Interestingly, I think my activities with S-Angel were especially meaningful in helping me pursue my dream. At the arts high school I attended, most of my friends majored in acting, so our conversations naturally revolved around performance and theater.

However, when I joined S-Angel, I met students from a wide range of majors. Through conversations with them, I was able to learn what they studied, how they thought, and how they viewed the world.

As my perspective broadened, I found myself able to better understand and interpret a wider range of characters while preparing for musical performances.

| How did you balance university life with your performance activities?

Having the university located near Daehangno was an enormous advantage. Most musical performances take place in Daehangno, and rehearsals are often held nearby as well.

Because of this, it was not difficult to coordinate schedules with production teams, and I could attend rehearsals after finishing classes without major issues. That environment allowed me to balance both school and performance activities steadily.

| Having completed your university life at Sungkyunkwan University, you are now expanding your stage into Daehangno. Could you briefly introduce the musical Hongryeon and the role you are currently playing?

The musical Hongryeon is inspired by the traditional Korean folktale Janghwa Hongryeonjeon. The story centers on the process of resolving the lingering resentment of Hongryeon, who died unjustly.

The musical is led by five characters: Hongryeon, Bari, Gangrim, Woljik Chasa, and Iljik Chasa. I play the role of Woljik Chasa, a character who cares for Hongryeon’s spirit and guides her so that her sins may be forgiven.

| What would you say is your unique charm as a performer on stage?

One distinctive aspect of Hongryeon is that all five actors remain on stage throughout the entire 90-minute performance.

Within that structure, Woljik Chasa and Iljik Chasa not only judge Hongryeon but also comfort and support her, constantly reacting to her lines and emotions. I think audiences may find enjoyment in those interactions and perhaps discover the charm of both my character and myself as an actor through them.

| You are currently continuing your career on various stages. What kind of actor do you hope to become?

I want to take on a wide variety of roles and broaden my range as an actor. I believe that in order for audiences to remember me, I need to discover my own unique color as a performer, and I think I am still in the process of finding it.

At the same time, I hold onto a personal belief as an actor: “I want to become an actor with a lasting resonance.” Just as people are drawn to perfumes with lingering scents, I hope to become an actor who remains in the audience’s memory long after the performance ends—someone they continue to think about and want to see again.

| Lastly, do you have a message for Sungkyunkwan University students pursuing their own dreams?

I believe university is a time when you should feel free to challenge yourself with anything. Whenever I hesitated about trying something new, I always chose to pursue what I truly wanted to do. Looking back now, I realize those challenges and experiences shaped who I am today.

I think university is an incredibly important time to gain diverse experiences and broaden your perspective on the world. So I truly encourage Sungkyunkwan University students to challenge themselves with the things they want to pursue.

Interview: Jung Suyeon