Patient Choi Jae-rim finally gets his Phantom moment

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Patient Choi Jae-rim finally gets his Phantom moment

Published: 18 Aug. 2023, 14:54 Updated: 18 Aug. 2023, 15:56

LEE JIAN
lee.jian@joongang.co.kr

Actor Choi Jae-rim plays the Phantom in the ongoing local production of "The Phantom of The Opera" in Charlotte Theater in Songpa District, southern Seoul. [S&CO]

It has taken popular musical star Choi Jae-rim 13 years to land the role of the Phantom in “The Phantom of The Opera.”

“I think I was 26 years old when I first auditioned for the role in 2010,” Choi told local reporters in the Gangnam District, southern Seoul, Thursday. “I didn’t get it, of course. I got to play Seaweed in ‘Hairspray’ though!” (Seaweed is the friend of the lead, Tracy, and a black teenage dancer on a 60s music show that gets cancelled.)

The timing is perfect this time, however.

Choi brings an impressive bravado with his tall stature and energetic timbre that he pours into his unrequited love for soprano Christine. His performance stands apart from previous Korean Phantoms in that Choi’s ghost feels more openly mad and perverted. Ironically, this triggers the audience to have even more remorse and sympathy toward the Phantom by the end of the show.

Choi Jar-rim during a scene of the ongoing local production of "The Phantom of The Opera" in Charlotte Theater in Songpa District, southern Seoul. [S&CO]

Upon preparing for the role, Choi said he didn’t shy away from the Phantom’s wickedness, delving into the possible reasons he became so cruel without exonerating his actions in the show.

“I spent a lot of time thinking about the simply terrifying past that the Phantom must have had to make him this way,” said Choi, “and imagined how much hatred he would have towards himself and others, and how he has never experienced true human connection.”

“The Phantom of The Opera” is based on the 1910 French novel “Le Fantome de l’Opera” by Gaston Leroux. It is about a soprano, Christine Daaé, who becomes the obsession of a mysterious, disfigured musical genius called the Phantom. The show opened in the West End in 1986 before going to Broadway in 1988. It was directed by Broadway hitmaker Hal Prince, the music was written by the industry’s titan composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and choreographed by Gillian Lynne who was also behind the choreography for the musical “Cats.”

The show closed on Broadway in April after a 35-year run. It is the longest show to have been on Broadway to date.

Choi Jar-rim during a scene of the ongoing local production of "The Phantom of The Opera" in Charlotte Theater in Songpa District, southern Seoul.[S&CO]

“‘It is just such a significant musical, and I expect that it will hold its prestige in the future as well, and I am now doing this great show!” said Choi.

He even half-jokingly equated getting the role of the Phantom to getting offered a department head position at Samsung.

“It is very enticing but it comes with a lot of responsibility,” he said.

Choi Jar-rim during a scene of the ongoing local production of "The Phantom of The Opera" in Charlotte Theater in Songpa District, southern Seoul. [S&CO]

Choi quickly rose to fame after debuting in 2009 through “Rent.” He has since been in at least two shows every year. Last year, he was in “Kinky Boots,” “Matilda,” “Aida” and “Something Rotten.” He recently also appeared on the small screen, alongside actor Kim Tae-hee, as her character’s husband in the mystery drama “Lies Hidden in My Garden.”

“I do feel that right now, I am at the height of my career — but that is if we are not counting the future!” said Choi. “I hope I can retain this winning streak."

Actor Choi Jae-rim plays the Phantom in the ongoing local production of "The Phantom of The Opera" in Charlotte Theater in Songpa District, southern Seoul. [[S&CO]

Going forward, the actor wanted to continue working for both the screen and stage and take on roles in new genres for him.

“As a male musical actor, I think I have mainly sought a certain type of role, which is very dramatic and has a lot of belting high notes,” said Choi. “Now I want to try doing softer or more gentleman-like roles. I want people to think of me as an actor with many different facets.”

“Phantom of the Opera” concluded its Busan run on June 18 and opened performances in southern Seoul’s Charlotte Theater on July 14. It will run through Nov. 17.

BY LEE JIAN [lee.jian@joongang.co.kr]