Interview with Yuseonhee, Pianist Who Made Cannes Debut with First Acting Challenge
Praised for Role as Korean Interpreter in Nanni Moretti's New Film 'A Brighter Tomorrow'
Maintains Pianist Identity, Dedicates to Piano Practice After Filming
"Acting and performing are similar in that they are both continuous repetitions. There are certainly tedious moments, but the more you repeat, both fields remain exciting."
Yoo Sun-hee (40), who was working as a pianist in Rome, Italy, took on a new challenge by debuting as an actor through an audition she happened to join at a friend's suggestion. She made her debut as a Korean interpreter in the film A Brighter Tomorrow (Il Sol Dell‘Avvenire, A Brighter Tomorrow) directed by the Italian master Nanni Moretti, and marked a successful debut by walking the red carpet at Cannes with this work.
Meeting her in Rome, she said, "At first, acting felt unfamiliar, but as the filming continued, I found enjoyment in the new experiences and challenges, which led me to audition for other roles and achieve good results, allowing me to engage in various activities." She is expanding her range of activities in the local film industry as a professional actress. Following the Nanni Moretti film, she recently finished shooting a feature film earlier this year in which she played the lead role as a killer.
Yoo Sun-hee (40), a pianist active in Rome, Italy, has recently emerged as a "noteworthy new actress" by actively working as an actress locally after her debut through a film directed by Nanni Moretti. [Photo by Kim Hee-yoon]
Although it was her first acting challenge, the filming went smoothly, and after the release, critics responded with praise such as "a natural performance that is hard to believe is a first," and "a turning point in the film and a new face to watch in the future." Regarding the attention she is receiving as the first Korean to appear in an Italian film, she said,
"Actually, I had many worries because I heard that Director Nanni Moretti is demanding on set, but on the contrary, I felt satisfaction trying various takes on set, and I think that atmosphere was reflected in the work, which the audience appreciated. Although I am Korean, since I performed in Italian, I see this as an opportunity to continue reflecting on and challenging my identity," she explained. Although the film did not win in the competition section at the Cannes Film Festival, it was praised as the most Nanni Moretti-like film, and European media also showed various interests in the unfamiliar Korean rookie actress along with the work.
Born in Seoul and majoring in piano, Yoo Sun-hee attended Yewon School and, after participating in a masterclass invited by Italian pianist Valfrido Ferrari, went to study in Rome after graduation. She was admitted as the top student to the Santa Cecilia National Conservatory, graduated early as the top student, and after graduating from the Santa Cecilia National Academy (professional performer course), she studied under the world-renowned pianist Lazar Berman. Having followed an elite course as a classical performer, the major reason she took on a new challenge was the impact of COVID-19. She said, "It is the fate of a performer to practice hundreds or thousands of hours for a stage performance of about an hour, but with borders and cities locked down and stages disappearing due to COVID-19, I repeatedly pondered who I am as a performer. I wanted to try various things instead of insisting only on the stage, so I directed a music video for a single album myself, and I also gladly accepted acting offers that I had previously always declined, leading me to challenge myself as an actor," she explained.
Recently cast in a U.S. Netflix drama being filmed in Italy, she is spending busy days. After filming ends and she returns home, she devotes herself to piano practice, preparing for activities as a performer. "Although my acting activities have increased recently, I always try not to forget that I am a pianist and keep practicing," she said. "During the filming of Moretti’s movie, it was really tough to manage concert schedules without disruption, but it was equally rewarding."
"Next year, I have my German debut stage in Berlin coming up, so I think I will have to balance filming and practice for a while," she said with a smile. Her demeanor showed the confidence of a determined rookie actress and the composure of an experienced pianist coexisting.
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