Hero: life of Ahn Jung-geun

Korea Times photos by Choi Won-suk

By Kwon Mee-yoo

This year marks the 105th anniversary of independence fighter Ahn Jung-geun's death, as well the 70th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonization (1910-1945).

Ahn holds a special place in Koreans' hearts for his patriotic act and the musical "Hero" sheds a new light on the independence activist through his Pan-Asianism, which projects his thoughts on peace in East Asia.

Premiered in Seoul in 2009, "Hero" toured to New York's prestigious David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in 2011 and recently finished a short run in the Chinese city of Harbin, where Ahn assassinated former Resident-General of Korea Ito Hirobumi.

The musical explores Ahn's journey as an independence fighter, who also had weakness just like any man, from Korea to Manchuria. Ahn is joined by faithful colleagues Woo Deok-soon, Jo Do-seon and Yu Dong-ha in plotting the epoch-making event.

A few fictional characters spice up the show, including Seol-hui, Empress Myeongseong’s court lady, Chinese dumpling restaurant owner and Ahn’s friend Wangwei and his little sister Lingling.

A 20-member orchestra plays the majestic music. A life-size railway carriage and projections of city scenes enhance the theatrical performance.

"Hero" runs through May 31. Actors Chung Sung-hwa, Min Young-ki and Kang Tai-eul alternate in the role of the patriot.

Oh Jin-youg plays Empress Myeongseong’s court lady, Seol-hui, who disguises herself as a Japanese geisha.

Ahn Jung-geun, played by Min Young-ki, mourns his Chinese friend Wangwei’s death.

Seol-hui (Oh Jin-youg) entertains former Japanese Prime Minister Ito Hirobumi (Cho Seung-ryong).

Ahn Jung-geun (Min Young-ki), fourth from left, pledges to fight for Korea’s independence with his colleagues.