The Story Behind the Boy Trying to Take a Portrait Photo, the Play 'Gajok Sajin'

At Seondol Theater in Daehangno until the 26th

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] The theater troupe 'Changjakkkun Yojigyeong' is performing their first repertoire play, 'Family Photo,' at Seondol Theater in Daehak-ro until the 26th.

'Family Photo' is a human comedy play that premiered last year. It interestingly unfolds dark themes with its unique wit while leaving a bittersweet aftertaste, drawing audience response and empathy, which led to an encore performance shortly after its premiere last year.

The play depicts a story that takes place at a photo studio called 'Chueokgwan' located in a shabby alley on the outskirts of the city. Chueokgwan uniquely only takes memorial portraits, and one day a boy visits the studio requesting a memorial portrait. The photographer refuses the boy's unreasonable request, but the boy reveals that he accidentally found his mother's will. The will contained a decision for all family members, including the mother, to commit suicide. The photographer searches for a way to prevent the suicide and, after much thought, tells the boy he will take a family photo for free and asks him to bring his family to Chueokgwan. The boy's family gathers at Chueokgwan, and the stories of the family members and the photographer are gradually revealed.

'Family Photo' presents the laughable story of a family for whom even dying is not easy, in the form of a black comedy, showing our story of enduring and living in this era. The word 'sa' in the title 'Family Photo' means 'death (死)'.

Writer and director Kim Sung-jin, who wrote and directed works such as 'Boy Agent,' 'Hello, Duck!,' 'Blushing Because of You,' and 'Joseon Court Lady's Love Story,' wrote the script and directed this work as well. The cast includes Lee Sung-soon, Ryu Ji-hoon, Jeon Jeong-wook, Lee Han, Yoo Myung-jin, Park Hye-rim, Yoon Sang-ho, Kim Gwak-kyung-hee, Kim Yoon-tae, Myung In-ho, Jang Tae-min, and So Jeong-eun.

Tickets can be reserved through Interpark and Yes24. At the venue, preventive measures against COVID-19, such as temperature checks, mandatory mask-wearing, and health questionnaires, are implemented. The troupe stated that they will thoroughly ensure safe viewing by disinfecting the entire theater once a week, and daily disinfecting the stage, seats, and all areas of the venue before and after performances.