Shy guy hides behind puppets to tell his tales
Published: 14 Dec. 2007, 03:54
Yun Young-un, puppeteer. By Kang Uk-hyun
Yun wanted to become a priest after he finished college, but his timid personality was an obstacle. “I took up puppeteering to conquer my fear of public speaking,” he said. While studying for the priesthood, he began to get involved in volunteer programs with children. “I found that children were more responsive and concentrated better when a puppet is talking,” he said.
He took his puppets outside for the first time three years ago when the Cheonggye Stream reopened and auditions were held to select artists and musicians to perform there regularly. “I wanted to reach adults through puppets. My performances last as long as 50 minutes and I tell classic fables that have a philosophical edge for people of all ages,” he said. The eagle puppet symbolizes hope, he said.
Yun sometimes performs at Cheonggye Stream with his son, a middle school student.
“It’s tough to get onto the Cheonggye Stream list of artists. I haven’t encountered anyone who is disrespectful. And my son really enjoys performing with me,” he said.
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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