Actress Go Joon-hee (Kim Eun-joo, 39) is embarking on a new phase of her acting career by starring in her first stage production, “Angels in America.” In an interview held at LG Art Center Seoul to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Star News, Go Joon-hee shared her experiences, struggles, and challenges of making her stage debut.
Go Joon-hee, who has recently gained attention through popular web variety shows such as “Don’t Forget Your Breakfast,” “Workman 2” and “Salty Brother,” explained that her focus has been solely on comedy. Despite the growing buzz surrounding her TV appearances, she has been completely absorbed in her role in “Angels in America,” where she plays Harper Pitt. Clutching her script during the interview, she noted, “My time has stopped since June”, demonstrating his deep involvement in the production.
Go Joon-hee’s intense dedication to her work has come at a physical cost. She revealed that she suffers from herniated discs in her neck and back, which cause numbness in her hands. A recent MRI and CT scan confirmed that the compressed nerves are causing her pain. Before the interview, she jokingly warned that she might suddenly raise her hand to relieve the pain, a habit that has helped her deal with her physical discomfort.
In addition to back problems, Go Joon-hee has also been battling gastritis and enteritis, conditions that have worsened due to the stress and pressure of rehearsing for his first play. He said he has lost over 10 kilos since rehearsals began and has had to resort to IV drips to regain his strength.
In addition to her physical struggles, Go Joon-hee had to overcome a significant psychological obstacle: her stage fright. Despite having a degree in theater and film from Kyung Hee University, she had always avoided the stage, preferring to work behind the scenes as a director. Her comfort zone was in front of the camera, where scenes could be rehearsed and refined with the guidance of the director. However, public events such as the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) made her nervous, with Go Joon-hee recalling how her voice would shake uncontrollably while performing on stage abroad. This fear of performing in front of a live audience made her reluctant to pursue theater for many years.
Her introduction to “Angels in America,” a play by Tony Kushner that explores the lives of marginalized individuals during the chaotic 1980s in America, was a surprise. Director Shin Yoo-chung offered her the role of Harper Pitt, a complex character struggling with addiction and mental health issues. At first, Go Joon-hee was unsure why she was cast in such a challenging role and wondered if she could memorize the lengthy dialogue. However, after watching several versions of the play, including the 2017 UK National Theatre Live version and the 2004 HBO adaptation, Go Joon-hee was intrigued.
Ultimately, it was her close friend and fellow actress Soo Ae who encouraged her to take on the role. Go Joon-hee and Soo Ae had previously worked together in the drama “Queen of Ambition” (2013), and their bond helped Go Joon-hee gain the confidence to overcome her stage fright. Soo Ae reassured Go Joon-hee that the experience would help her grow as an actress, and with that motivation, Go Joon-hee decided to take on the challenge.
The transition to theater, however, was not easy. Go Joon-hee described the difficulty of adapting to the rhythm of theater, where lines sometimes have to overlap and actors have to start speaking before their partner finishes. Initially, he simply followed his co-star Yoo Seung-ho, also a theater novice, as they both tried to find their footing on stage. Go Joon-hee’s dedication to understanding his character was evident in the months of preparation leading up to the show. He spent weeks discussing Harper’s motivations and habits with the director, striving to avoid a stereotypical portrayal of a drug addict.
Go Joon-hee’s efforts were not without frustration. She admitted that negative comments online, criticizing her performance as if she were “reading from a book,” discouraged her. However, she explained that her quick delivery of the line in the first scene was a deliberate choice based on her portrayal of the character.
As “Angels in America” neared the end of its run, Go Joon-hee reflected on the immense challenges she faced. Despite her growth and adjustment to the stage, she confessed that she never truly felt relaxed while acting. Her introverted and perfectionist nature made her constantly sensitive to her work. One of the most terrifying moments for her came after three performances, when she suffered a blackout on stage. The audience’s eyes looked like “glowing cat eyes” and she began to sweat and panic. Ko credits her fellow cast members for helping her through that time, offering support and encouragement when she was struggling. The camaraderie among the cast helped her feel like part of a family, strengthening her resolve to see the play through to the end.
Looking back on her 20-year career, Go Joon-hee tearfully expressed her hope to continue acting for many years to come. Grateful for the people she has worked with and the opportunities she has had, Go Joon-hee’s simple goal is to continue sharing positive energy with others through her work. This passion for her craft, coupled with her resilience in the face of both physical and emotional challenges, has defined Go Joon-hee’s journey as she opens this new chapter in her career. “Angels in America” ends its run on the 28th of the month, but for Go Joon-hee, the experience has already left a deep mark on her as an actress.
Source: Daum
