People Story
Nov 2024
Nov 1, 2024 | Interview, Written by Lawyer Eunmi Hwang
"Can you jump into the sea for your father?"
If you were to ask this question on the streets of New York, people's responses would vary. Some might hesitate and give a vague answer, while others may firmly say it is possible. However, in a situation where death is imminent, even the most loving decision for a father would be impossible without immense courage and resolve. A prominent Broadway producer, after hearing the story of Simcheong (a character from the Korean folktale Simcheongjeon), who threw herself into the sea for her father, remarked: "Mulan went to battle holding a sword, but Simcheong threw herself into the ocean." He was deeply moved by the sacrifice of Sim- cheong, which symbolizes the Korean values of filial piety (), love, and courage. In 2024, as South Korean author Han Kang won the Nobel Prize in Literature, the global stature of Korean literature and culture was significantly elevated. People all over the world are paying more attention to Korean stories and art. Amidst this trend, actress Park Hae-mee is courageously diving into the vast ocean of Broad- way with her new, contemporary reimagining of the traditional Korean tale Sim- cheongjeon through the original musical Blue Blind.
Park Hae-Mee says:"Simcheong is a courageous Korean daughter, woman, and human who threw herself into the sea for her father. In Blue Blind, Simcheong is reborn as a character named 'Sia,' and her journey will resonate with audiences around the world, as the universal emotional impact of the Korean narrative tran- scends borders."
From November 12 to 14, 2024, a showcase of the original musical "Blue Blind" will be held at the Sheen Center in New York. This work was created and directed by actress Park Hae-Mee, with the original "Blue Blind" being co-created through a collaborative effort with producer Kim Gyu-rin of Sodam Art Production, undergoing a localization (English adaptation) process after verification. This performance will be an important moment to test how K-storytelling can demonstrate its potential on the global stage. Park Hae-Mee's rich stage experience, built through works such as "Mamma Mia" and "Cats", combined with collaborations with creators actively working in New York and other U.S. cities, will shine through in this challenge. We present Park Hae-Mee's confident and beautiful journey of challenge to the readers of Mom & I.
Q: You've been acting for a long time. What motivated you to take on the challenge of becoming a creator this time?
Being on stage as an actress is a great reward, but creating a new story as a creator was another dream of mine. In particular, the story of Sim Cheong Jeon (The Story of Sim Cheong) has been in my heart for a long time. When I modernized this traditional folktale, I wanted to go beyond the simple theme of filial piety to explore a woman's search for self-identity and autonomy. The process of creat- ing this story into "Blue Blind" was incredibly fun and exciting for me. The story of Sim Cheong is so powerful and carries a universal message, which gave me the confidence that we could bring it to the global stage, especially to Broadway. I'm so happy to realize my dream as a creator through this work.
Q: Blue Blind is an original musical based on the story of Sim Cheong Jeon. Could you tell us how you approached the adaptation of this traditional Korean story to create a modern version?
Being on stage as an actress is a great reward, but creating a new story as a creator was another dream of mine. In particular, the story of Sim Cheong Jeon (The Story of Sim Cheong) has been in my heart for a long time. When I modernized this traditional folktale, I wanted to go beyond the simple theme of filial piety to explore a woman's search for self-identity and autonomy. The process of creat- ing this story into "Blue Blind" was incredibly fun and exciting for me. The story of Sim Cheong is so powerful and carries a universal message, which gave me the confidence that we could bring it to the global stage, especially to Broadway. I'm so happy to realize my dream as a creator through this work.
Q: Could you briefly introduce the plot of "Blue Blind"?
"Blue Blind"explores the important themes of love, devotion, and destiny. At the center of the story is Shia, the protagonist. Shia is an Olympic gold medalist diver who embarks on a journey to save her father, who is in a coma, by diving into the sea. This journey parallels the traditional Korean folktale of Sim Cheong Jeon, with Sim Cheong's story of sacrifice being revived in Shia's journey. Shia is not just a daughter acting out of filial duty, but a strong woman who makes her own choices and grows as a person. If Disney's Mulan represents a daughter going to war for her father, Shia in "Blue Blind" symbolizes the courage and devotion of a daughter diving into the sea to save her father. In the pro- cess, she experiences both human greed and purity, and ultimately saves her father while growing as an individual. The most important aspect is that Shia's choice is voluntary and autonomous. She is not a daughter who sacrifices herself, but a strong woman carving out her own destiny. In that sense, Shia is a new incarnation of Sim Cheong in "Blue Blind". I believe that Shia, as a Korean daughter, woman, and human being, will resonate with audiences around the world.
Q: Could you tell us about the main characters in the story, including Shia, and their individual narratives?
"Blue Blind"explores the important themes of love, devotion, and destiny. At the center of the story is Shia, the protagonist. Shia is an Olympic gold medalist diver who embarks on a journey to save her father, who is in a coma, by diving into the sea. This journey parallels the traditional Korean folktale of Sim Cheong Jeon, with Sim Cheong's story of sacrifice being revived in Shia's journey. Shia is not just a daughter acting out of filial duty, but a strong woman who makes her own choices and grows as a person. If Disney's Mulan represents a daughter going to war for her father, Shia in "Blue Blind" symbolizes the courage and devotion of a daughter diving into the sea to save her father. In the pro- cess, she experiences both human greed and purity, and ultimately saves her father while growing as an individual. The most important aspect is that Shia's choice is voluntary and autonomous. She is not a daughter who sacrifices herself, but a strong woman carving out her own destiny. In that sense, Shia is a new incarnation of Sim Cheong in "Blue Blind". I believe that Shia, as a Korean daughter, woman, and human being, will resonate with audiences around the world.
Q: What is the most important message of the work that you would like to emphasize?
Blue Blind"deals with universal themes of family love, sacrifice, and self-discovery. I hope that this story, which goes beyond the theme of filial piety, resonates with women, in particular, by encourag- ing them to find their own path and gain the courage to face it. I believe that Sim Cheong's journey is not only about sacrificing for her family, but also about discovering herself. Through this, I hope the audience will reflect on their own journeys and find new courage. This showcase marks an important first step for "Blue Blind" as it debuts on the global stage. It will be the first opportunity for Broadway industry professionals and investors to see the work, and it will be a valuable moment to understand how a Korean story is received by global audiences. We hope that this production will eventually lead to a full Broadway run.
Q: What is the signifiance of this Off-Broadway showcase?
This showcase marks an important first step for "Blue Blind" as it debuts on the global stage. It will be the first opportunity for Broadway industry professionals and investors to see the work, and it will be a valuable moment to understand how a Korean story is received by global audiences. We hope that this production will eventually lead to a full Broadway run.
Q: What kind of reaction do you expect from the audience on Broadway?
I expect that "Blue Blind" will be embraced as a fresh and unique piece of work. The combination of traditional Korean music and modern rock elements will leave a strong impression on the audience, and I believe the story of Sim Cheong has the power to evoke universal emotions. Themes such as family love and sacrifice are universal feelings that resonate anywhere, and I'm confident that audiences worldwide will deeply connect with the work.
Q: How is the production process of "Blue Blind" progressing?
Recently, on October 7 and 8, we held workshop auditions at Open Jar Studios on Broadway. More than 400 applicants showed great interest in the project. Additionally, we are preparing a documentary that will take audiences behind the scenes of the production process. Through this documentary, we hope to give viewers a deeper understanding of the meaning and depth of "Blue Blind". We are also ac- tively meeting with lead producers and investors, and the Off-Broadway showcase in November will be an important opportunity to present the work to them for the first time
Q: What are your future plans and goals?
The first goal is to have a successful Off-Broadway showcase, leading to a full Broadway production of "Blue Blind". Beyond that, I hope this work will serve as an example of the potential of Korean-created musicals on the global stage. I expect that this piece will become a significant moment in promoting Korean culture, and I plan to continue creating works based on various Korean stories.
At a time when the world is excited about K-food, K-beauty, and K-pop, Park Hae-mi's "Blue Blind" is being recognized as an important challenge that opens a new era for K-musicals. This work, which re- interprets the traditional Korean folktale of Sim Cheong, is not just a simple reproduction of a classic, but rather a powerful message connected to today's sensibilities that will resonate with audiences worldwide. "Blue Blind" combines Korean emotions with modern direction to deliver a stage perfor- mance centered on themes of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery. The Off-Broadway showcase will be a critical first step in proving how Korean-created musicals can have a powerful and unique impact on the world stage.
Park Hae-Mee's courageous challenge mirrors the journey of Shia in the story. Just as Shia dives into the sea for her father with courage and devotion, Park Hae-Mee is diving into the global stage for the future of K-musicals. Through this process, "Blue Blind" will be more than a personal achievement; it will serve as a moment for Korean culture to deeply penetrate the hearts of people around the world and be loved by them.
With a creative approach that harmonizes tradition and modernity, "Blue Blind" hints at the possibility of K-musicals becoming a symbol in the global cultural scene. Park Hae-Mee's challenge is not just a per- formance, but an important starting point that illuminates the future of Korean-created musicals. As we look forward to the day when "Blue Blind" sets a new standard for K-musicals and Korean stories shine on the world stage, we sincerely support Park Hae-mi's brave challenge.
