"We must preserve the meaning and historical significance of this place. I will make it a space where children can freely pursue their dreams and imagination."
Jung Byungguk, Chairman of the Korea Arts and Culture Committee, emphasized the theater's historical significance and meaning during the reopening event of Arko Kkumbat Theater in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on July 4.
Jung Byungguk, Chairman of the Korea Arts and Culture Committee, is explaining the improved theater facilities at Arko Kkumbat Theater on the 4th.
Arko Kkumbat Theater is a newly renovated and reopened venue by the Korea Arts and Culture Committee, originally opened in 1991 as the small theater Hakjeon by the late Kim Min-ki, who wrote and composed "Morning Dew." Hakjeon, which had a significant presence in Daehangno and produced many renowned actors such as Sol Kyung-gu, Kim Yoon-seok, Hwang Jung-min, Jang Hyun-sung, and Cho Seung-woo, closed in early 2023 due to Kim Min-ki's deteriorating health and financial difficulties. The Korea Arts and Culture Committee subsequently acquired Hakjeon and reopened it in July 2023 under the new name Arko Kkumbat Theater, focusing on performances for children and youth. Kim Min-ki passed away just a few days after the theater reopened as Arko Kkumbat Theater.
Chairman Jung said, "Fortunately, after the Korea Arts and Culture Committee acquired and converted the theater into Kkumbat Theater, Mr. Kim Min-ki passed away. I believe he closed his eyes thinking, 'Even without me, this theater will continue to exist.'"
Jung Byungguk, Chairman of the Korea Arts and Culture Committee, and others attending the reopening event of Arko Kkumbat Theater on the 4th are taking a commemorative photo before unveiling the Donors Wall. Photo by Korea Arts and Culture Committee
During the reopening event, a ceremony was held to unveil the Donors Wall.
Since September 2023, the committee launched the Kkumbat Funding campaign to raise operating funds for Arko Kkumbat Theater, collecting a total of 258 million won. The donations were used to renovate the old and worn-out theater, audience seats, and dressing rooms. The names of corporate and individual donors, as well as artists who participated in the Kkumbat Funding campaign, were engraved on the Donors Wall, which was installed on the outer wall of the front yard leading to the entrance of Arko Kkumbat Theater, as well as on the walls of the dressing rooms and the theater entrance.
Paradise, recognized as the first donor among both corporations and individuals, as well as the performance planning company Show Note, GSBizPL, the Korea Musical Association, and actors Nam Kyungjoo, Seo Hyuncheol, Choi Jungwon, Lee Jungyeol, and Go Changseok, had their names inscribed on the Donors Wall.
Chairman Jung explained, "I thought that if we continue to change and develop this theater with the support of those with good intentions, we could honor Mr. Kim Min-ki's vision for Hakjeon even more, and perhaps inspire dreams in our children. That is why I initiated the funding campaign."
On July 4 and 5, the newly reopened Arko Kkumbat Theater will stage the musical "The Trial of Deer Kotakko," a family-friendly performance. This work received the Special Award in the group category at the 31st Seoul Children's Theater Awards.
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