I think Shin Sung Rok is among many underrating actors that I love. Just like Hwang Jung Min, this guy is also a musical actor (meaning that he can actually ACT and SING at the same time.)  Love him in “Hyena”, and now I’m watching him in “Definitely Neighbors”. He also has a new musical with Ock Ju Hyun, “Monte Cristo”.

[Asia Today] Shin Sung Rok, “I talk behind the Chef’s back” (interview)

The ‘holy’ Rocky (Shin Sung Rok’s English nickname) has returned.

Musical actor/handsome stud Shin Sung Rok is finally back just after one year. He’s currently starring in SBS weekend drama, “Definitely Neighbors” as a hard-to-deal, stubborn chef of an Italian restaurant, Jang Geun Hee. Sounds familiar? Yup, he has been compared to Lee Seon Gyun’s character in “Pasta”, Chef Choi Hyun Wook as these characters share the same traits.

Shin Sung Rok said, “I did have a lot of fun watching ‘Pasta’. Lee Seon Gyun is my senior, so I learn a lot from his character. He has a skills of cracking jokes too. I learn a lot from other chefs also, and have done some research to prepare for this role.”

In the drama “Definitely Neighbors”, Shin Sung Rok’s character deals with actress Yoo Ho Jeong, a divorcee who looked for a full time job after her divorce. Expect an interesting storyline between the two as they couldn’t stand each other at first.

“Yoo Ho Jung sunbaenim and I are not trying to kill each other off (in the drama they can’t stand each other). But personally, I feel so honored to be able to work with her and also to be able to work with other seniors such as actor Son Hyeon Ju and Hong Yo Seop is a blessing.  So I think we got some great combination here with the cast.  And last time, my previous drama “Thank You” got up to 23% ratings, I will do my best to bring this one to a higher rating also.” said the actor.

“Definitely Neighbors” ratings had jumped to 20% just in its 2nd week for the week of March 21.

According to the reporter, during the interview, Shin Sung Rok looks like a very smart and witty person. But, the actor said, “Actually I’m not a friendly person. I may look friendly, but a look can lie. And I always like say stuffs and make mistakes, so please edit it later.” (laughs)

Shin Sung Rok is tall and lean as a model, and with his fame as an actor and musical actor, with 186cm tall features, and big eyes, people can easily fall in love with his charms.

“My father is a tall man, he’s about 181cm, and my mom is about 168cm. Maybe because of that I grew this tall. Some people hate it to be so tall, and I remember when I was younger, one of our village neighbors’ head hit the bus ceiling because he’s so tall.”

He started off as a fashion model back from a few years ago, but then he moved up and learned his ropes to be an actor. He wanted to be known as an actor with ‘good acting’ rather than a ‘model’. So that’s why he has been working continuously, a show after show. And he’s currently starring in a musical performance, “Monte Cristo”, opens April 21.

(Shin Sung Rok with musical co-star Ock Ju Hyun)

Star-Studded Cast Shine in ‘Monte Cristo’

The musical”The Count of Monte Cristo,” the newest work from world-renowned composer Frank Wildhorn, will be staged in Korea for the first time with a star-studded cast. Celebrated musical stars Ryu Jung-han, Shin Sung-rok, Um Ki-joon, and Cha Ji-yeon, as well as singer-turned-actress Ock Joo-hyun, will perform in the Korean rendition.

The musical is based on the novel of the same title written by Alexandre Dumas (1802-1870). The music was composed by Wildhorn and the lyrics were penned by Jack Murphy.

The story depicts a mission of revenge undertaken by a young sailor named Edmond Dantes. Falsely accused, Dantes is incarcerated for 14 years. After escaping from prison, he assumes the identity of the wealthy Count of Monte Cristo, and exacts revenge on those who falsely charged him, one by one.

The original novel, which consists of five volumes, has been condensed into a two-hour show with fantastic stage sets that portray places such as Rome and Paris.

Ryu, Um and Shin will share the role of the count, while Ock and Cha will alternate in the role of Mercedes.

Ryu is considered a top musical star for his charismatic acting in such performances as “Jekyll and Hyde,” “Man of La Mancha,” “Thrill Me” and most recently “Hero.”

Um recently starred in the musical “The Three Musketeers” and has gained in popularity from his appearances on several television dramas.

Shin has performed in the musicals “Hamlet,” “My Scary Girl” and “Dancing Shadows.”

Ock is currently performing in the musical “Chicago” after stints in “42nd Street” and “Aida.” Cha is a rising musical actress and was cast in the musical “Queen Seondeok.”

The musical premiered in Switzerland in 2009.

Robert Johanson, who has directed more than 200 musicals such as “Hamlet,” and “Wizard of Oz” will direct the Korean production. He worked for 18 years as the artistic director at Paper Mill Playhouse in the United States and has participated in various works on Broadway and in Europe. His production of the Korean rendition of “Hamlet” garnered huge popularity.

The musical will be on stage from April 22 to June 13 at Universal Arts Center in Neung-dong, Seoul. Tickets cost from 40,000 to 120,000 won. For more information, call (02) 6391-6333.

By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter
chungay@koreatimes.co.kr