On April 8, a press conference for the play “Hedda Gabler” was held at LG Art Center in Magok, Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Attending the event were actors Lee Young-ae, Kim Jung-ho, Baek Ji-won, Ji Hyun-joon, Lee Seung-joo, director Jeon In-chul and LG Art Center director Lee Hyun-jung.
“Hedda Gabler”, written by Henrik Ibsen, is a classic that delves deeply and subtly into the inner life of a woman yearning for freedom in a repressive society. Lee Young-ae takes on the title role, marking her long-awaited return to the theater.
Lee Young-ae, recalling her first theater experience in her 20s with a play called “Jjajangmyeon”, said, “Even as I pursued my career in my 20s and 30s, I never let go of my passion for theater. Although I had many chances, the timing never aligned—until now.”
Asked about how she relates to the character as a woman, Lee Young-ae said, “Having gotten married, given birth and raised children—my child is already a teenager—I now share a wide range of emotions as a woman. I wondered whether I could have truly empathized with Hedda in my 20s or 30s. She’s unique and complex, but deeply relatable. I hope modern audiences see themselves in her.”
She continued, “No actor is ever 100% satisfied with their work. I always think, ‘I could have done better.’ After wrapping up ‘Eun-soo’s Good Day’ (scheduled to air in the latter half of this year), I wanted to study and challenge myself more, so I took on ‘Hedda Gabler’ with that mindset.”
Lee Young-ae also shared her thoughts on acting in her 50s, “’Hedda Gabler’ felt like a ‘now or never’ opportunity. After marriage, childbirth and parenting, my perspective changed. I began to think that these experiences are powerful fuel for my growth as an actor. I wasn’t sure a chance like this would come again if I waited.”
She added, “Working collaboratively with amazing actors and creators has given me great strength beyond just acting. This play will show a different Lee Young-ae than what people have seen in dramas or films.”
“Hedda Gabler” opens on May 7 and runs through June 8 at LG Art Center.