Um Ki-joon to return as 'Werther'

Um Ki-joon as Werther in the 2015 production of the Korean musical "Werther" / Courtesy of CJ ENM

By Kwon Mee-yoo

Veteran actor Um Ki-joon will return in his acclaimed role of Werther in the 20th anniversary production of the Korean musical "Werther" in August.

Premiering back in 2000, the musical based on Goethe's novel "The Sorrows of Young Werther," revolves around a young, sensitive artist, Werther, and his unrequited love for Charlotte.

The returning musical is directed by Cho Kwang-hwa.

Um played the highly coveted role for many seasons, first portraying the tempestuous character in 2002 and then reviving his portrayal of Werther's destructive love for Charlotte in 2003, 2006, 2013 and 2015.

Upon his return for the 20th anniversary production, Um vowed to give his passion unsparingly to the role.

"Playing Werther makes my heart flutter every night. I played Werther in the early days of my career as a musical actor and I am filled with emotions as I return to this much-loved role," Um said in a statement.

Werther is best known for its lyrical chamber music style numbers, played by an orchestra of mainly string instruments. The musical has been a big hit in Korea, creating fandom and bringing in over 300,000 audience members in total over since its release.

Werther became one of the highly sought-after roles among actors. In addition to Um, a few A-list actors have played Werther, including top screen and stage actor Cho Seung-woo, Park Gun-hyung and Song Chang-eui as well as stage favorites Jeon Dong-suk and K-pop star Kyuhyun of Super Junior.

"Werther" will be staged at the BBCH Hall of Kwanglim Arts Center in southern Seoul from August.

Um made his acting debut back in 1995 in the play "Richard III" and has been prolific on stage and large and small screens. He first gained popularity in the theater and then moved to television, becoming known for his role of announcer Um Ki-joon in 2007 sitcom "Kimchi Cheese Smile."

Currently, Um is starring as the art collector Serge in the French play "Art" at Baekam Art Hall in southern Seoul through May 17.

Um is also one of the judges on tvN's new survival show "Double Casting," which aims to discover unsung talent among musical theater cast members. The winner of the show will share the role of "Werther" with Um in the 20th anniversary production.