Seoul Arts Center announced on October 14 that the play "Yakiniku Dragon: Yonggil's Gopchang House," co-produced with Japan's New National Theatre, opened to a full house at the New National Theatre Tokyo on October 7. The production is also scheduled to meet Korean audiences at the CJ Towol Theater at Seoul Arts Center from November 14 to 23.
"Yakiniku Dragon" was created in 2008 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Seoul Arts Center and the 10th anniversary of the New National Theatre in Japan. The play was written and directed by Chong Uisin, a second-generation Korean-Japanese (2.5 generation), based on his own life and experiences of the era. Marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan, the play returns to the stage this year after 14 years.
Director Chong Uisin is recognized as one of Japan's leading playwrights and directors, known for his delicate portrayal of the lives of social minorities and outsiders. In May 2023, he adapted and directed the film "Parasite" as a play in Tokyo, selling out every seat. By relocating the story's setting to Japan's Kansai region, he offered sharp insights into social contradictions, inequality, and human nature, earning high praise from local media and audiences.
Depicting the Lives of Korean Residents in Japan... Premiered in 2008 and Adapted into a Film
The play "Yakiniku Dragon" is a condensed reflection of Chong Uisin's artistic world, offering a realist depiction that delicately weaves in the lives and identities of Korean residents in Japan. At the Japanese production announcement in August, Chong Uisin remarked, "For this 2025 production, the original cast members from both Korea and Japan have reunited. I want to present a newly refined 'Yakiniku Dragon' by returning to our roots." Chong Uisin also adapted the play into a film, which was released in Japan in 2018. The movie, directed and written by Chong Uisin himself, was released in Korea in 2020 under the title "Yonggil's Gopchang House."
The story is set in the Kansai region of Japan during the 1970s and follows a Korean-Japanese family struggling to survive as Yonggil, who lost an arm and his wife in the war, runs a gopchang restaurant. The restaurant is called "Yakiniku Dragon," named after Yonggil's "Yong" (meaning "dragon"). The narrative centers on the family-Yonggil's two daughters from his previous marriage, his new wife Youngsun, Youngsun's daughter from a previous relationship, and their youngest son-who, despite harsh realities, disabilities, and discrimination, never lose hope. Their story of life and identity is delivered with both laughter and tears, offering a deeply moving experience.
Director Chong Uisin highlighted the pre-show as a special viewing point for this production, stating, "I hope everyone enjoys the lively music performed by two musicians on janggu and accordion 20 minutes before the show and during the 15-minute intermission."
Actors and musicians greet the audience by moving between the stage and the seats 20 minutes before the curtain rises. Through the pre-show, which combines the aroma of grilling meat with lively music, the audience is invited to feel as though they are already guests at the gopchang restaurant, offering a unique and immersive experience even before the play begins.
This production features both original cast members from the 2008 premiere and newly joined talented actors from Korea and Japan. The role of the father, "Yonggil," is played by Lee Youngseok, known for his strong presence in the drama "My Mister" and the play "The Orphan of Zhao: Seeds of Revenge." The mother, "Youngsun," is portrayed by Ko Soohee, who has appeared in plays such as "Hedda Gabler" and "Elephant Song," and is regarded as Chong Uisin's artistic persona. Park Sooyoung, recognized for his unique performances in the film "Big Family" and the drama "My Liberation Notes," plays "Yoon Daesoo," Shizuka's fianc?. Kim Moonsik, who has appeared most frequently in Chong Uisin's works, takes on the role of regular customer "Oh Ilbaek." Newcomer Jung Sooyeon joins as "Mika," the third daughter who dreams of becoming a singer, bringing fresh energy to the cast.
In Japan, original cast member and national actor Chiba Tetsuya reprises his role as the second son-in-law "Tetsuo," adding gravitas to the play. The role of the second daughter "Rika" is played by Murakawa Eri, who gained attention as the lead in the NHK TV drama "Haruka of the Wind" and has since built a diverse career across stage, film, and television. The eldest daughter "Shizuka" is portrayed by Ji Soon, a third-generation Korean-Japanese actress who debuted in the film "Pacchigi" and has appeared in plays such as "Julius Caesar" and "Death of a Salesman." The stage is further enriched by Sakurai Akiyoshi (regular customer "Shinkichi"), Matsunaga Reiko (city hall staff/Hasegawa's wife, dual roles), Park Seungcheol (Abe), Choi Jaecheol (Sasaki), Ishihara Yuu (Hasegawa), and Kitano Hideki (Tokio).
Among them, Ko Soohee, Park Sooyoung, Kim Moonsik, and Chiba Tetsuya also appeared in the 2008 premiere.
Seoul Arts Center stated, "It is very meaningful to present this legendary masterpiece again, which sold out every performance and received standing ovations during its 2008 premiere and 2011 reenactment. In particular, we hope that this play, commemorating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan, will deepen mutual cultural understanding and broaden exchanges between the two countries."
Director Chong Uisin said, "It is deeply moving to stage this play in such a significant year marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan. Korean residents in Japan have lived courageously amid the tumult of history. If Korean audiences can reflect on their history and lives through 'Yakiniku Dragon,' it would be the greatest joy. Since this may be the last performance, I hope many people will join us."
Gold members of Seoul Arts Center's paid membership program are eligible for a 20% discount, while Blue and Green members receive a 10% discount. Special weekday discounts are also available: a "Yakiniku Tuesday Discount" offers 30% off tickets booked for Tuesday performances, and a "Matinee Discount" provides 20% off Wednesday matinee tickets. Tickets can be reserved through the Seoul Arts Center website and NOL Ticket, and the play is open to elementary school students and older (including those born in 2018).
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