[Interview] Kim Ho-young, Mad Sexy Cool and Hoirishi

Kim Ho-young / Photo by Kim Tae-yoon

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] In a jazz bar with a great atmosphere, Kim Ho-young entered cutting through the dark air. With bright and cheerful energy, he instantly took control of the scene. After greeting everyone and exuding a mood-lifting charm, he soon delved deeply into talking about the musical 'Rent.' The interview was filled with laughter thanks to his delightful storytelling. He was also full of confidence. Unable to be defined by a single color, he shone with a natural rainbow spectrum. Sharing light wine, the atmosphere gradually ripened, and sincere conversations flowed.

Kim Ho-young recently shared various stories in an interview with our publication held at a bar in Guro-gu, Seoul, ahead of his performance in the musical 'Rent.'

'Rent' is set in New York City and depicts the love, friendship, dreams, and hopes of eight young artists overcoming poverty. It is a work by the genius composer and lyricist Jonathan Larson, a musical like an autobiography written from his heart over seven years as a young Bohemian. In Korea, Shinse Company first introduced it in 2000 and staged it seven times until 2011. After nine years, it returned and has been meeting audiences at the D-Cube Arts Center in Seoul from June to August 23.

Kim Ho-young auditioned for the musical 'Rent' in 2002 when he was a university student, following a friend, and unexpectedly passed. Now, 18 years later, he is back on stage playing the role of Angel. When asked if he remembers that moment, he looked up at the sky and said, "These days, I often go back to that time."

"I was a sophomore in college, twenty-one years old. It was deeply moving. I went along with a friend, so I didn’t really know what was what. I didn’t even know the musical genre well or much about 'Rent.' They say ignorance is courage?I jumped in without knowing much. (laughs) It was like a reckless challenge."

Kim Ho-young said that Angel, whom he met again after 18 years, feels quite different. Over the 18 years, the weight of time and emotions have layered, making him feel a different Angel. He finds great joy in newly discovering emotions that were hard to understand back then. "The message of the work and what Angel expresses feel different. I approached the work knowing a bit more. It brings back many old memories. I tried to return to my original intention."

Kim Ho-young said, "Life is always a series of unexpected situations. 'Rent' says there is only today. I think the same. My nickname 'Hoi' means 'today' in Spanish. I live with the mindset that today is important. I am approaching forty and have lived as a musical actor for 20 years. What I feel through 'Rent' is special. The importance of today and, in that sense, the richness of life come to me deeply."

So, how is this Angel different? Kim Ho-young said, "The directing team had a big influence," speaking about the changed role. "This is my fourth time playing Angel on stage, and the feeling of 'Rent' and Angel I met after time has passed is very different. In the past, I thought a lot about Angel as an individual, about myself. If I thought a lot about one-dimensional things like performance and dance, now I feel a lot of synergy when Angel is with Colin. How much Angel can change through the energy and love received from Colin."

"The moment the two first meet, the spark that flies?that moment is fleeting. The moment they feel love and fall for each other is short, but I hoped there was something in between. Because the work’s structure skips over it and then their relationship unfolds. Colin and I talked a lot about how they fell for each other, about that fleeting moment. I wanted it to be expressed more deeply."

In 2020, the whole world is going through a difficult time due to COVID-19 (novel coronavirus infection). As a cultural artist, the emotions faced must be special. Kim Ho-young said cautiously, "Things we never imagined are happening, right? Even a year ago, we couldn’t have predicted this. Life is not knowing even an inch ahead, and that makes it more precious."

"It is more encouraging and special to be on the 'Rent' stage in this era. The work is inspired by the opera 'La Boh?me' and features a character with AIDS. Back then, we didn’t know how to treat that. In that sense, what I feel is even greater."

Kim Ho-young reflected on the special meaning, saying, "Times have changed, but our lives haven’t. I go on stage with the mindset that today’s performance might be the last. If a confirmed case appears in another theater, we might have to close as well. Maybe, like 'Rent' says, we feel that today’s stage could be the last. The stage feels more precious, and many emotions get mixed."

Kim Ho-young has run tirelessly for 18 years. He gained popularity as a versatile entertainer across musicals, dramas, variety shows, and home shopping. With uncontrollable talent, he has been active in various fields. He is a first-generation creator. He was loved as a celebrity who led many trends in fashion, beauty, SNS, and trot music.

"I think I’m a step or two ahead of others. (laughs) I wore baggy pants very early on. At the time, people said, 'Why would a man wear baggy pants?' but later it became a big trend. In 2014, I was active on Instagram, YouTube, and more. I did group purchases, talk shows, but the market wasn’t big then. I even released a trot album two years ago. My sense is unique and fast. Celebrity acquaintances around me ask, 'What’s your next idea?' They hear it in advance and say they’ll do it two years later. Haha."

Kim Ho-young is also famous as a fashionista ahead of his time. On home shopping, he worked with a fun and trustworthy image like a neighbor or older brother, becoming a 'sold-out star.' He credits sincerity as the secret.

"I like clothes, so I enjoy coordinating in various ways. I recommend styles that suit others with affection. Maybe my sincerity comes across, so people listen comfortably. Also, I have a keen eye and don’t choose things carelessly. If I hadn’t become an actor, maybe I would have sold insurance and gone as far as blue sapphire or diamond. (laughs)"

At the same time, Kim Ho-young described himself as "someone who seems strong but is tender, and someone who seems tender but is strong." He said, "I seem strong, but inside I’m very tender and get hurt easily in certain situations," yet "I am actually a very strong person."

Kim Ho-young remained cheerful until the end. Confident and bold but careful not to be arrogant. He shone as he was. His attitude stood out for knowing exactly what he likes and honestly revealing why he pursues it. He said, "I want to live like flowing water. Whether good or bad things happen, they will eventually turn into good things," showing a contemplative view toward the future.

"After 'Rent' ends, I might change. But I want to be a person who is 'Hoiseu' by nature. I hope to shine as the adjective 'Hoirish.' I want to become content and a brand myself. When people think of me, I want to be remembered as 'a truly colorful person,' 'someone sparkling with various colors.' Whether that means being scattered, versatile, or fashionable, whatever it is, I will work hard. It could be a musical performance, a drama, or maybe a movie or creator challenging content. I’m looking forward to the future myself."

Location provided by: Eongbeh

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.