SHINee’s Minho says ‘I grew through theater…SHINee is my haven’

SHINee's Choi Min-ho / Courtesy of SM Entertainment

Choi Min-ho, a member of K-pop group SHINee and an accomplished actor, said that his recent foray into theater has been a major step forward in his personal and professional growth.

In an interview at the Seoul Arts Center Opera House in Seocho District, Seoul, Choi discussed his role in the play “Rendezvous.” The two-hander tells the story of Taeseop, a rocket scientist, and Jihee, a dancer searching for freedom through movement. Their chance meeting leads them to confront their own emotional wounds.

Choi plays Taeseop, a cold and logical scientist on the surface, but one who harbors deep pain and loneliness. “Rendezvous” marks his second appearance in a play, following his successful stage debut in “Waiting for Waiting for Godot,” which sold out all performances.

“I’ve started to feel regret when each performance is coming to an end,” Choi said. “As I continue, I’ve grown more thoughtful and grounded. It’s hard to say goodbye.”

Choi admitted there were concerns during the early stages of the production. “I had my own anxiety and uncertainty, but as the performances went on, I felt that audiences were resonating with the emotions I prepared. That gave me confidence. I also tried to take bolder steps with my character as I became more comfortable on stage.”

Despite the play’s technical and emotional demands — it runs for 100 minutes with just two actors and features a unique runway-like stage with moving treadmills — Choi was captivated from the moment he read the script. “It wasn’t my first play, but the script completely drew me in like magic. I didn’t even notice the heavy lines. I just knew I had to do it, and I agreed almost instantly.”

Choi practiced rigorously to perfect long monologues and fully embraced the play’s unconventional stage design. “Our show goes from laughter to tears,” he said. “There’s a message that hits the heart. If I can’t personally accept a story, I find it difficult to act. But here, ideas just poured out.”

SHINee's Choi Min-ho / Courtesy of SM Entertainment

When asked what makes theater so captivating, Choi said, “I truly believe I’ve grown through this experience. I’ve been in the industry for 18 years, but this gave me new feelings. I’ve fallen in love with theater, and I hope to continue.”

Although he had originally planned to focus on individual and group activities this year, Choi adjusted his schedule to prioritize “Rendezvous.” That decision was inspired by his positive experience in his debut play, where he shared the stage with veteran actor Lee Soon-jae. “I learned so much and felt incredibly happy,” he recalled. “Lee always gave me feedback on enunciation and key lines. I was touched by how kindly he treated me. It made me feel I had a duty to uphold the path he had walked.”

Choi also credited the real-time energy of theater with shaping his current self as an actor. “There are no retakes in theater,” he said. “You have to be quick to adapt to mistakes. Every audience is different. It’s a performance built with the crowd. When they laugh a lot, it gives me energy and confidence. Theater creates an emotional explosion as you move from one beat to the next.”

Despite his extensive experience performing before large audiences, Choi said theater evokes a different emotional intensity. Every laugh, tear, or subtle sound from the audience reaches the actor, heightening the sense of immersion.

Known for his passion and drive, Choi said he applies the same level of effort to theater as he does to all his work. “My motto is to dig deep until the end,” he said. “I’ve been acting for a long time, but I always give it my all. I constantly wonder how that effort is perceived. Everyone works hard, so I think about how to do even better. I can feel my growth through this play, and I’m proud of that. If I don’t give it my best, it shows — and I can’t accept that from myself.”

Choi acknowledged the persistent stereotypes attached to idol-turned-actors but said he sees these as challenges to overcome. “There’s always concern about those labels, but it’s up to me to prove myself,” he said. “If I can’t convince myself, the staff, and the audience in a new arena, then I shouldn’t be doing it. If you truly love something, you have to do it well. Honestly, if I were to rate my acting, I still wouldn’t give myself more than 50 points.”

He also spoke about his enduring love for SHINee and his group members. “SHINee is such a huge part of my life. The members are like family, and they’re my haven,” he said. “I never want to let go of either singing or acting. Even if I’m in my 40s or 50s, I think it’d be great to still be an idol. Just knowing that I give strength and comfort to fans keeps me going. It makes me want to protect this even more.”

“Rendezvous,” starring Choi Min-ho, runs through May 11 at the Seoul Arts Center Jayu Theater.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.