[컬처인사이드] 차지연 "K뮤지컬 성과는 기적, 그만큼 진중해야" / YTN

[Anchor] It is no longer unfamiliar to see singers entering the musical market. But what about the opposite case? Musical actress Cha Ji-yeon, whose vocal talent stands out regardless of genre, has recently been active on the Trot stage. Reporter Lee Gwang-yeon spoke with her about the productions she is currently appearing in, as well as her thoughts on the growth of K-musicals. [Reporter] The trot challenge of Cha Ji-yeon, a musical empress in her 21st year, began with an unexpected turn of events. [Cha Ji-yeon / Actress: The owner of a restaurant told me that he was a huge fan of mine. He explained that because he couldn't leave the shop—especially for those of us in the provinces—and because of the issue of livelihood, going to Seoul to see a performance was not easy. Then, as if by fate, I received an offer from 'The King of Singers' by chance.] Although she has moved audiences with musical numbers enough to sweep awards ceremonies and even shook the music industry with a single album 15 years ago, she is undeniably a newcomer in the Trot market. [Cha Ji-yeon / Musical Actress: When I enter a new genre, I consider myself a newcomer. So I didn't want to be a burden or a burden to anyone. When my career, which I had steadily built up over more than 20 years, met the genre of Trot and this stage, I wondered how I could unleash something with my own unique color...] In *Seopyeonje*, which returns after four years, she is meeting audiences as a solidified Songhwa, imbued with Cha Ji-yeon's deepened color. [Cha Ji-yeon / Musical Actress: It’s been 16 years now. Since I first appeared as Songhwa in Seopyeonje in 2010, I realized that instead of trying too hard to do more or show a better version of myself due to some obsession or thought, I feel like I’ve actually become more empty.] Her acting philosophy of pursuing naturalness rather than artificiality shines particularly brightly in 'gender-free' casting, where roles are not assigned a specific gender. ** [Cha Ji-yeon / Musical Actress: I think it's a really good direction. The fact that both male and female actors can now broaden their spectrum by taking on new challenges, and meet many people through diverse roles in various productions with more freedom in their acting, means that the market itself has truly opened up.] Although she has performed in major productions ranging from Mrs. Danvers in Rebecca to the 30th anniversary of *Empress Myeongseong*, there are some works she feels regretful about so much that she wishes she could turn back time. [Cha Ji-yeon / Musical Actress: I really want to return to *Wicked*. During *Wicked*, I went on stage while pregnant with my child for seven and a half months, so naturally, there were difficulties of my own. Of course, going on stage with a child in my womb holds immense significance and is a unique blessing, but now I want to move more freely on my own.] Cha Ji-yeon, who has raced fiercely alongside Korean musicals since the beginning of the 21st century, is more deeply moved and overwhelmed than anyone by the recent achievements of 'K-Culture'. ** However, she suggested that we prepare for the next step calmly rather than getting carried away. [Cha Ji-yeon / Musical Actress: It is indeed a miraculous thing. But on the other hand, what worries me is that, of course, I hope this doesn't just happen like a fleeting boom or a bubble that quickly disappears. I hope we approach this with greater depth, more seriousness, and a more sincere attitude, and with greater honesty.] A musical diva who spends her days constantly "changing" her vocal cords to suit the genre while handling a packed schedule all year round, she has maintained stricter self-discipline than anyone else to perfect every stage with her own unique "Cha Ji-yeon style." [Cha Ji-yeon / Musical Actress: Eating a late-night snack... (omitted) ▶ Original Article: https://www.ytn.co.kr/replay/view.php... ▶ Send a Tip: https://mj.ytn.co.kr/mj/mj_write.php ▣ Subscribe to YTN YouTube Channel: http://goo.gl/Ytb5SZ ⓒ YTN Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution, and use of AI data are prohibited.