[INTERVIEW] Musical actress Cha Ji-yeon

My name is Cha Ji-yeon.
I was born on February 22, 1982. I consider the No. 2 to be my lucky number because there are four 2s in my birth date.
I have a sister six-years younger than me who is preparing to be in a girl group. She is a lot skinnier, taller and has a prettier face than me. We have a similar singing voice and she dances really well like a black person. Sometimes I wonder what she is because she is so talented. When we were little we used to fight but now we are close. My sister and I would meet at the mental age of 27 because I am childish while my sister is mature. (laugh)
I grew up in a traditional household because of the Korean classical music background on my mother's side of the family. We would have to eat kneeling down and didn't eat at the same table as the men. When my grandparents passed away we continued to hold Korean traditional funeral services for them. During those times I felt that it was imperative.
I began musicals in order to make a living. I did various part-time jobs for six to seven years before I made my debut in "Lion King" but I could receive a monthly salary from a Japanese musical production company if I pass auditions so it started with me going on auditions to make money because it would be a much larger sum than the money I made from part-time jobs.
For my role as Effie in "Dream Girls" I put on 15 kilograms and I began my diet of walking four to six hours after the show ended. I would purposely meet my friends in Kangnam and walk all the way there because at the time I lived in Gangbuk [northern district of the Han River].
All I can remember is seeing the face of director Robert Johanson after the first show of "Monte Cristo." Of all the other directors I have met, he is the warmest person. I felt that he really cherishes the actors by giving acting tips as well as other advice. I feel so thankful that when the show is over I would like to go to the United States to thank him.
Of the three actors who play Edmond, Ryu Jung-han is like a homely person. I understand why people seek him out so much. He is composed, relaxed and so great at embracing others that I follow suit and became more poised and dignified on stage.
To sum up actor Um Ki-joon, he has very delicate emotions. He has the ability to be immersed in a scene during rehearsals. The look his eyes gives off is so... lonely and melancholy. I like that gaze of his, which I'm sure many people like too.
Among the three Edmonds, actor Shin Sung-rok shows the most affection towards me. (laugh) We practiced the most together out of the other three actors and before the show starts, he would visit me in the dressing room to encourage me to do my best. He is a romantic person.
We released an album titled "Intermission" a few days ago. It is made by eight other musical actors and we celebrated by calling it a "album for collecting." (laugh) I chose to sing the calm and whispering song "You In My Arms" by the late Ryu Jae-hae because when people think of Cha Ji-yeon they picture someone with a strong image. A bunch of senior actors who sing really well took part in the album so I'm the only one who sounds like a little child who had no strength to sing. (laugh) However, I feel that my song is good for listening by people who can't sleep at night and listen to the radio show "Jung Ji-young's Sweet Music Box."
I would appear in film director Hong Sang-soo's film for no guarantee. I hope my earnestness and eagerness gets delivered to him. (laugh)
I would choose "Hedwig" if I could play a male role. I had even tried calling the production company from the number that I got from Kang Tae-ul. But I got hesitant when they asked if I can do the final scene where they throw tomatoes.

Reporter : Jang Kyung-Jin three@
Photographer : Lee Jin-hyuk eleven@
Editor : Lucia Hong luciahong@