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Seo Yi-sook
South Korean actress (born 1966) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Seo Yi-sook (Korean: 서이숙; born 6 December 1966) is a South Korean theatre, television and movie actress.[2] As supporting actress, Seo is known for her supporting role in drama Empress Ki (2013–2014), The Rebel (2017), Hotel del Luna (2019), The World of the Married (2020), and Start-Up (2020); and also feature film The Mayor (2017).
In 1986, Seo started her career as an actress by joining a local theatre company in Suwon. She won Best New Actor Award at the 1986 Korea Theatre Festival. Followed by winning Acting Award the 6th National Theatre Festival in 1987.[3] Seo joined Michu Theatre Company in 1989, and her debut work as member was Shin Yi Gukgi (1989). A year later Seo debuted as musical actress in Make a Hero (1990).
She won many prestigious awards such as 2003 Gu Hi-seo Theatre Awards Actor of the Year and Expected Actor,[4][5] 40th Dong-A Theatre Awards Best Acting Award (2004),[6] and The 30th Lee Hae-rang Theater Award (2020).[7]
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Early life and education
Seo Yi-sook was born 6 December 1966, in Yeoncheon County, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. She was the elder of two siblings. Her father died of cirrhosis when she was in middle school, and her younger brother died in an accident in her early 20s.[8] These events affected Seo and her mother; they reportedly avoided watching dramas due to emotional distress. Seo's mother continues to reside in their hometown and has not remarried.[9][10]
While attending Yeoncheon Jeongok High School, Seo played badminton. Her athletic aspirations ended after she was eliminated in the first round of national badminton selections. Due to her family's circumstances, Seo did not attend college. Instead, she joined the Yeoncheon Rural Development Administration, working as a social and physical badminton coach.[8][11]
Seo's career path shifted after she attended a performance of Agnes of God at the Suwon Arts Theater. The experience was a significant culture shock for her. It prompted her to pursue acting. At nineteen, she applied to a local theater troupe at the Suwon Arts Theater.[10]
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Career
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Early debut years as member of Michu Trope
In 1986, Seo began her acting career with a local theater company in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province. Her speaking skills led to her participation in several productions, and she received the Best New Actor Award at the 1986 Korea Theatre Festival.[3] The following year, Seo was cast as the lead, Yeok-hwa, in the play Pakkoji. Produced by Anyang Arts Theatre, with Lee Jae-hyeon as producer and Lee Jae-in as director, the play represented Gyeonggi-Do at the 6th National Theatre Festival. Held from May 20 to June 1, 1987, at the Daejeon Civic Centre, the festival featured troupes from 13 cities and provinces. Pakkoji won the President's Award (grand prize). Individually, director Lee Jae-in received the directing award, and Seo Yi-sook was honored with the Acting Award. Pakkoji was subsequently invited to the 12th Seoul International Theatre Festival in 1988, performing at the Arts Centre Grand Theatre on August 19–20.[3]
In 1989, Seo relocated to Seoul and successfully auditioned for Theatre Company Michu.[a] After three months of training, she debuted in Shin Yi Gukgi (1989). A year later, in 1990, she made her musical theater debut in Make a Hero. For over a decade, Seo continued to build her foundation in traditional performing arts, taking on numerous minor roles in Michu's Madangnori productions.[13]
"Her pronunciation, sensibility, and attitude toward people are all honest and sincere actress."
Theatrical critic Gu Hi-seo.[14]
After working for approximately a decade, Seo decided to further her education and enrolled in the School of Korean Music of Chung-Ang University Undergraduate School. Although she majored in acting, her bachelor's degree was in Korean Music, consistent with the department's name.
Seo encountered difficulty securing lead roles due to her height. However, her breakthrough came with the play Heo Sam-gwan Blood (2003). In this production, she portrayed Heo Ok-ran, the wife of Heo Sam-gwan, marking her first lead role after years in Michu productions. Her performance earned her the Actress of the Year and Expected Actress titles at the Hiseo Theatre Awards on December 20, 2003. She also received the Best Acting Award for the same role at the 40th Dong-A Theatre Awards, held on February 13, 2004.[6]
Breaking the troupe barrier
Following her notable achievement in 2004, Seo received an offer in 2005 to portray the role of Hester Swain, the female lead in the play Cat Swamp, produced by the Physic Theater Company. This marked the first time in 10 years that Seo, who was a member of Michu, performed on a stage other than a Michu production. Directed by Han Tae-sook, play Cat Swamp is a renowned work by the Irish-born playwright Marina Carr. The play was staged from November 1 to 13, 2005, at the Seoul Daehangno Arko Arts Theater's Grand Theater (formerly known as the Arts Center Arts Theater).[15][16]
While working as a theater actress, Seo also pursued her studies at the Graduate School of Chung-Ang University's School of Korean Music. In 2005, she began her academic journey, and three years later, in 2008, Seo successfully obtained her master's degree in Korean Music. Her thesis focused on research in Madangnori.[17] Furthermore, she took on the role of a part-time professor, teaching acting classes at her alma mater. Notably, one of her students was trot singer Song Ga-in.
In 2006, Seo had the opportunity to act in Michael Frayn's 1982 Play Noises Off. This popular work premiered in the UK in 1982 and has been performed in 32 countries. It is a comedy that garnered significant attention, leading to a Hollywood movie adaptation following a successful Broadway run. The Korean performance of "Noises Off" took place at Dongsoong Hall, Dongsoong Art Center, Daehak-ro in May 2006.[18] Seo Yi-suk, who portrayed the character of Cracket, received praise for her natural portrayal in the play. Her unique husky voice added to the charm of her performance, and she skillfully led the flow of the play.[19][unreliable source?]
Seo collaborated once again with Han Tae-suk in the play Iron. The play is an intense psychological drama by Rona Munro translated by Sung Soo-jeong.[20] In the play, Seo portrayed a female prison guard who develops an affectionate bond with Jae-yi (played by Yoon So-jung), a female prisoner serving a 15-year sentence for murdering her husband. As a fellow woman who has experienced abuse at the hands of men, the guard empathizes with Jae-yi. However, when Jae-yi takes advantage of this affection and smuggles drugs, the guard's empathy turns into disgust. Additionally, there is a hint of jealousy towards the arrival of Jae-yi's daughter, Yoo-jin. Critic said, Seo's portrayal of the gender-neutral character adds a refreshing catharsis to the play.[21]
In 2007, Seo appeared in Bae Sam-shik's Yeol-ha Diary, an adaptation of Park Ji-won's work of the same title. Directed by Son Jin-chaek, known for his serious themes, the play ran from March 10 to 25 at the Seoul Arts Center's Towol Theater. Seo portrayed Yeon-am, a creature described as having characteristics of a horse, donkey, mule, and dog. Her character's narratives introduced chaos and change to a village, prompting curiosity and desire for the unusual. Her performance was well received.[22]
In April 2007, Seo took on the role of the third-rate singer Ju Hyeon-mi in the play Walking Alone on the Yeongdong Bridge as Night Rain Falls. The play, which was inspired by the songs of Ju Hyeon-mi, was written by Choi Chi-eon and directed by Kim Dong-hyun. It satirized the dark era of military dictatorship by featuring a protagonist who was a third-rate poet undergoing censorship of their identity. The play was performed by the theater company Party at the Daehak-ro Information Small Theater starting from April 25.[23]
In 2007, Seo played Clytemnestra in the production of Orestes, alongside Park Ji-il as Orestes. Adapted by Go Young-beom and directed by Lee Seong-yeol, the play explored human nature. Performances of Orestes ran from November 23 to December 2 at the Arko Arts Theater's main stage.[24][25]
In 2008, Seo was cast as role Helen Damson from the play The Gift of the Gorgon by playwright Peter Shaffer. Seo played opposite actor Jung Dong-hwan, who returned to the stage as Edward Damson after he appeared at the 2003 premiere; and Park Yoon-hee who was cast as Philip. This performance was produced by Experimental theater company. Directed by Koo Tae-hwan, the play was held at the Namsan Drama Center on November 18 to 23 2008.[26] This project was the most memorable in Seo's career. She received standing ovation from the audience on her last performance.[27]
In August 2009 Seo performed encore the play The Gift of the Gorgon at the Arko Arts Theater in Daehangno, Seoul.[27] Director Park Geun-hyung of Theater Company Alleyway saw her performance and approached Seo in her dressing room to propose a collaboration on Chekhov's The Seagull. Seo accepted the offer, stating, "I was planning to take a break, but I couldn't resist the opportunity to participate in a small theater production after a long time. I was also very interested in Park Geun-hyung's working style."[28] Seo portrays Arkadina, a character at the heart of the play's tragedy. Seo's portrayal of Arkadina was praised by critics. Her performance, characterized by a composed demeanor and dramatic vocal outbursts, adds depth to the intimate theatrical experience. As a respected mid-career actor, she upholds the theater industry's reputation.[29]
In 2009, Seo joined play The Women of Picasso by Synsi Musical Company as the opening work of the 30th 2009 Seoul Theater Festival at Towol Theater, Seoul Arts Center from April 16 to 26, 2009. Korean premiere was directed by British director Paul Garrington who directed The Women of Picasso at the 2000 Edinburgh Festival. The original was premiered at the National Theater in London in July 2000, based on a play by Brian McAvera.[30]
"I am looking forward to a delicate acting transformation suitable for the small theater stage, away from the intelligent and elegant acting of the large theatre."
Playwright Jang Seong-hee.[9]
Seo takes on the role of the 'eldest daughter' in the play Take Care of Mom. The play has been revitalized through the creative vision of writer Go Yeon-ok, known for her insightful understanding of the human psyche, and director Ko Seok-man, who has honed his directing skills in the theater industry for over 30 years. Seo shares the stage with Jeong Hye-sun, who portrays the character of the mother. Additionally, the cast includes Shim Yang-hong as the husband, Gil Yong-woo as the eldest son, Lee Hye-won as the second daughter, Baek Baek-hee as the grandmother, and Park Woong as Lee Eun-gyu.[31]
In 2011, Seo was selected as the 12th winner by the Kim Dong-hoon Theater Awards. Award was given due Seo excellent acting skills in 'Oedipus' and 'Memories of Catfish' in 2011, and her previous works The Seagull, The Tempest, The Gift of the Gorgon, The Women of Picasso, and Yelha Diary.[32] The Heretics is a work by British author Richard Bean and is introduced for the first time in Korea. Seo, played the role of Diane Cassel, a scientist and professor of high climate department.[33][34]
Debut in television
Seo made her first television appearance in early 2010, with the role of Queen Myeong-seong in the SBS drama Jejungwon. Queen Myeong-seong was an influential figure in the Joseon Dynasty. In the series, she formed a close bond with Allen, who saved the life of her niece Min Young-ik, and later developed a friendship with Horton.[35] In early 2011, Seo took on the role of the beggar's wife in MBC historical drama The Duo. Since then the broadcasting industry began to pay attention to Seo, leading to numerous offers.[36]
In the latter half of 2011, Seo had to withdraw from four scheduled plays due to health reasons. As a result, she decided to shift her focus towards television projects. During this time, JTBC, a newly launched cable channel, approached her with the role of Park Sang-gung (Court Lady Park) in the weekend historical drama Insu, the Queen Mother (2011).[36] Subsequently, she appeared in the drama Feast of the Gods (2012), portraying the character Noh Young-shim, who served as Arirang's assistant chef responsible for Chanmo (kimchi, a basic side dish). Noh Young-shim develops romantic feelings for the chef Lim Do-sik (Park Sang-myeon) of Arirang. The drama revolves around the intense rivalry between Go Jun-young (Sung Yu-ri) and Ha In-joo (Seo Hyun-jin) as they compete for the position of master chef in Arirang, a renowned traditional Korean restaurant known for its exceptional cuisine.[37][38]
Theatre comeback and first award in television
In 2012, after recovering her health, Seo returned to the stage in I Miss Your Parents. This play was a Korean adaptation of Seigo Hatasawa's Japanese work, Oya no Kao ga Mitai, which deals with school violence. The Korean version was directed by Kim Gwang-bo, known for his socially conscious productions. The production featured a stellar cast of theater stars, including Son Sook, Park Yong-su, Lee Dae-yeon, Park Ji-il, Gil Hae-yeon, Jang Young-nam, and Seo Eun-kyung. Seo, who shared the role with Gil Hae-yeon, played a mother who leverages her position as head of school administration to intimidate the victim's family.[36]
In 2013, Seo appeared as Seo Sang-gung, also known as Court Lady Seo, Empress Tanashiri's (played by Baek Jin-hee) right-hand servant, in the historical television series Empress Ki. The following year, she took on the role of Kang Seok-soon, the chief of Gangnam Police Station, in the 2014 SBS drama You're All Surrounded. The drama was written by Lee Jeong-sun and directed by Yoo In-sik.[39]
Amidst her busy television schedule, which included weekend dramas, daily dramas, and mini-series, Seo continued to perform on stage in the play Romeo and Juliet. This production commemorated the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death. Park Jung-Min and Moon Geun-Young played Romeo and Juliet, respectively. Seo, double-cast with Son Byung-ho as Juliet's nanny.[40][41]
In 2015, Seo Yi-sook portrayed Na Hyun-ae in the KBS Wednesday-Thursday drama Unkind Ladies. Her character was depicted as a snobbish antagonist who bullied Kim Hyun-sook (played by Chae Shi-ra) in the series due to her perceived lack of educational opportunities.[42]
In 2017, Seo joined cast of detective drama Bad Thief, Good Thief as Hong Mi-ae. That same year, she returned to the historical drama genre, portraying Lady Jo, the wife of Jo Cham-bong, in The Rebel. Initially, her role was meant to be minor, with appearances limited to episodes 1 to 5. However, her exceptional acting skills caught the director's attention, leading to an expansion of her screen time. Lady Jo's character extended throughout the entire series, appearing until the final episode, episode 30. Seo's remarkable performance did not go unnoticed. At the 2017 MBC Drama Awards held on December 30, 2017, she was honored with the Golden Acting Award in the Monday-Tuesday Drama category. This recognition served as a testament to her talent as television actress.[43]
In that same year, Seo took on a role in the film Special Citizen as the wife of the lead character, Mayor of Seoul Byun Jong-goo (played by Choi Min-shik). Choi himself considered the scene with Seo as the most memorable in the film. The scene depicted Byun Jong-goo selling his daughter's name to cover up his crime, and his wife, aware of the situation, confronts and criticizes him. As the conflict between the characters escalated, the emotional intensity of the acting became crucial. Choi Min-shik advised Seo to channel her character's resentment, stating, "When I said, 'I'll hit you like a bell in a chapel,' I felt like I was really going to die. I was hit once with full force, and if I were hit again, my face would change." The scene was successfully filmed and included in the final cut of the film without any changes.[44]
In 2018, Seo starred in KBS musical drama Beautiful Story of Joseon. Directed by Kim Dae-hyun, this musical drama depicts the story of young people who wanted find their dreams against the backdrop of the first beauty contest in the Joseon Dynasty. In this two episodes drama, written by Kyung Min-seon, Seo acted alongside Pentagon Yeo-won, Kim Na-ni, Bae Yoon-kyung, and Jung Eun-Pyo.[45] Her next role was Madam Ra in drama Mother. Followed by Kwon Young-sil in My Secret Terrius.
Highest recognition in Theater career and recent works
"She is an actress who keeps her character in her play for a long time and then takes it out without showing her technique or revealing it."
Kim Seok-man, the artistic director of the Seoul Theater Company.[9]
In 2018, Seo reunited with director Han Tae-sook for a Korean adaptation of the Greek tragedy Electra. The adaptation, written by Ko Yeon-ok, presented a tense version of Electra's revenge story, transforming Electra into a guerrilla warrior and setting the play in a bunker. Seo and Jang Young-nam, were cast as Electra and Clytemnestra, respectively.Their performances ran from April 26 to May 5, 2018, at the LG Art Center. Critics praised that their performances were filled with charisma.[46]
In 2019, Seo and Woo Mi-hwa were double-cast as Nora Helmer, while Son Jong-hak and Park Ho-san were double-cast as Torwald in the Korean adaptation of the play A Doll's House Part 2 by American playwright Lucas Hnath. Originally released in 2017, the play serves as a "sequel" to Henrik Ibsen's masterpiece A Doll's House which premiered in December 1879. Ibsen's play tells the story of Nora Helmer, the wife of Torvald and mother of three, who ultimately leaves her family behind, challenging the societal norms of a 19th-century wife. In A Doll's House Part 2, set in 1894, Nora Helmer returns after 15 years as a successful writer to file divorce.[47]
In 2019, Seo took on the lead role in the monologue play titled Lady Macbeth's Wardrobe, which was performed on November 6 and 7 at Donhwamun Traditional Music Hall in Seoul. This production is a reinterpretation of the classic Shakespeare's play Macbeth, focusing specifically on the story of Lady Macbeth in a Korean context. Through the presence of traditional Korean attire known as 'Hanbok' in her wardrobe, the memories of Lady Macbeth's past are invoked and brought to the present.[48]
In 2019, Seo starred in the Hong Sisters' fantasy drama series Hotel del Luna. She portrayed the six sister Gods known as Ma-go, Seo not only embodied six distinct characters but also displayed her versatility by creating different voice tones for each role. Seo was praised for her captivating performances, which added depth and richness to the series. Directed by Oh Choong-hwan and Kim Jung-hyun, Hotel del Luna became a record-breaking success, standing as the most-watched tvN drama of 2019 and ranking among the top-rated Korean dramas in cable television history.[49][unreliable source?]
Seo's next project is The Shepherd Instead, a psychological play. Written and directed by Han Tae-sook, the play explores themes of sympathy and remorse related to discarding cherished items. It was staged at the Arko Arts Theater Small Theater in Seoul from March 6 to March 15, 2020. Seo performed alongside Jeon Park-chan, Son Jin-hwan, Kim Eun-seok, Seong Yeo-jin, Kim Do-wan, Yoo Seung-rak, and Park Soo-jin.[50]
In 2020, Seo made a guest appearance in the JTBC series The World of the Married, the South Korean adaptation of BBC's Doctor Foster. She played Chae Gook-hee, Chairman Choi's wife and a patient of the protagonist Ji Seon-woo (played by Kim Hee-ae). Chae Gook-hee's character significantly impacted Ji Seon-woo's life. The drama achieved the highest ratings in South Korean cable television history at the time. Seo's performance, particularly in scenes with Kim Hee-ae, was well-received.[51]
On June 22, 2020, Seo received the prestigious 30th Lee Hae-rang Drama Award during the awards ceremony held at the Chosun Ilbo Museum of Art. The Lee Hae-rang Theater Award, established by the Lee Hae-rang Theater Foundation, serves as a tribute to Lee Hae-rang, a trailblazer in the Korean theater industry who died in 1989. This esteemed accolade is bestowed upon individuals or theater groups that have made significant contributions to the traditional theater field.[7]
In the same year, Seo reunited with director Oh Choong-hwan in drama Start-Up. Seo plays Yoon Seon-hak, the CEO of SH Venture Capital and the founder of Sandbox. She had a pioneering vision of recognizing the business and she succeeded both as an investor in her business and as an investor.[52] Also in 2020, Seo was cast Jo Yoon-sil, the strict mother of Seon Woo-jun, acted by Lee Jae-wook in KBS drama Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol.[53]
In March 2021, Seo was offered the role of Anita in the premiere adaptation of Philip Ridley's play Vincent River, directed by Shin Yoo-cheong. The play revolves around the poignant conversations between Anita and Davy. Anita, a grieving mother who tragically lost her gay son Vincent in a homophobic assault and murder, is haunted by the loss. Meanwhile, Davy, a character who hovers around Anita, adds depth to the narrative. Vincent River explores themes of homophobia, hate crimes, and discriminatory views.[54] It marked the second collaborative project between MPN Company and Ateod, with the aim of revitalizing the Daehangno performance market and establishing a stable production environment. The play made its debut in Korea in April 2021.[55]
In the summer of 2021, Seo had the opportunity to share the role of actress 'A' with Jung Jae-eun in the play The Dressing Room (Gakuya). This production takes place in the dressing room of a theater where Anton Chekhov's The Seagull is being performed. Actress 'A' is portrayed as a ghost seeking solace in the dressing room, haunted by unfulfilled aspirations for a specific role. Despite predominantly taking on the roles of prompter or minor characters, 'A' has always harbored a deep desire to play a leading female role. The Dressing Room holds significance as it is the renowned work of Kunio Shimizu, a celebrated Japanese playwright who died in April 2021.[56][57]
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Philanthropy
Seo, who was honored with the 30th Hae-rang Theater Award, donated the prize money to her alma mater and colleagues in the performing arts industry who are facing difficulties due to COVID-19. On the 25th, Seo Yi-sook's agency, Quantum E&M, announced, "Actress Yi-sook Seo donated the theater prize money to the theater industry, including the Welfare Foundation, a theater, and Jeongok High School, where she graduated."[58]
On July 1, 2022, Seo signed an agreement with three senior centers, namely Jeongok Senior Citizens Center, Jeongok 5-ri Senior Citizens' Center, and Jeongok Koaru Apartment Senior Citizens' Center, and sponsored them.[59]
Personal life
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In 2011, Seo underwent her first comprehensive health checkup, arranged by the Korea Actors Welfare Foundation, and was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Following her performance in Memories of Catfish, she had surgery in July. Though the surgery was successful, there was a risk of vocal cord abnormalities due to the thyroid gland's proximity to the uvula. The hospital cautioned that voice use would be uncomfortable for some time, with a vocal cord examination scheduled after six months. For a theater actor, particularly one known for powerful vocalization in large venues, this presented a significant challenge.[36]
She began rehearsals for the play The God of Massacre but experienced throat strain and pain. Concerned about affecting her colleagues, Seo ultimately withdrew from the production. Subsequently, Seo decided to withdraw from other scheduled plays, including Oedipus, Gift of Gorgon, and There's No Sleepless Night. She described feeling profound emptiness and a fear of losing the voice central to her stage career. However, she received an offer for a royal concubine role in the JTBC historical drama Insu, the Queen Mother. Given that the drama demanded less vocal strain than theater, she accepted the role as an opportunity to gain diverse experience while taking a break.[36]
From July to September 2021, false rumors circulated claiming Seo had died from a heart attack. These rumors were traced to a netizen identified as "A." In response, Seo's agency, Quantum E&M, initiated legal action against the individual, issuing a statement that emphasized their firm stance with "no leniency."[60]
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Filmography
Film
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Television drama
Television series
Web series
Television shows
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Stage
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Musical
Theater Performance as Member of Theater Company Michu
Theater works post Michu
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Voice actor
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Audiobook
Radio
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Discography
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Ambassadorship
Awards and nominations
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Notes
- Theatre Company Michu (Korean: 극단 미추; Hanja: 美醜) was founded in August 1986 by Son Jin-chaek. The theatre company Michu originated with the 'Son Jinchaek Directing Lab', which established when CEO Son Jin-chaek was the representative of the Minye Theatre. Michu continues to search for the identity of Korean theatre that emphasizes spirit rather than form . Since 1987, Michu has performed Madangnori works every year. Madangnori refers to traditional Korean theatre that combines various forms of folk entertainment, such as puppetry, mask dances and traditional percussion music.[12]
- The Hi-seo Theater Awards (히서연극상) was established in 1996 by theatre critic Gu Hee-seo (구히서) (1939 to 2019). In 1996, the first year started with the Theatre of the Year Award. Since 1997, two winners were selected, one each for The Theater Man of the Year and The Theatre Award. Winners were given plaques and prizes funded from The Metaa wine party auction that takes place a month before the awards ceremony. The last award ceremony was in 2015.[174]
- The Kim Dong-hoon Theater Award (김동훈 연극상에) was established in 2000 to honor Kim Dong-hoon (1939–1996), a theater director and theater actor. Kim Dong-hoon, who studied aesthetics at Gyeonggi High School and Seoul National University, and worked in the theater company's experimental theater, left his mark in Korean theater as an actor, director, theater troupe operator, and theater administrator.
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References
External links
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