Korean actress Yeh Ji-Won cannot wait to meet her fans in Abu Dhabi this weekend. She plays the lead role in the stage production Hongdo, a critically acclaimed melodrama from veteran director Koh Sun-woong, which will open Korea Festival 2016 in the capital on Thursday, October 27.
Yeh is perhaps best known for her roles in television sitcoms, including Old Miss Diary (2004-2005), which are adored by fans of "hallyu" (the Korean culture wave) all around the world.
The 43-year-old has also made a name on the big screen, and her 2011 film Hanji, a poetic tribute to Korea's ancient paper industry, will be shown on Saturday at Abu Dhabi National Theatre.
"While it is an honour for me to perform Hongdo abroad for the first time, I am looking forward to meeting and interacting with the audience after the screening of Hanji," says Yeh. "This is my first visit to Abu Dhabi and I only have four days, so I want to make each day as full as possible."
Hongdo, which will be staged at Abu Dhabi National Theatre tomorrow and Friday, is a project close to her heart, because of her respect for Koh and his sensitive exploration of the days leading up to Korea's liberation from Imperial Japanese rule in 1945, a turbulent time in the country's history.
“I was told that it is the first time a Korean play of this calibre has ever been staged in Abu Dhabi and so it is a great prestige for me to be a part of it,” says Yeh. “As an actress and a Korean, it is a pleasure to introduce it to an international audience.”
Despite her 20-year film career , Yeh says she has found it impossible to resist her passion for theatre, from her earliest years as a struggling actress.
“I started working in theatre in my early 20s, then I got busy with film and television,” she says. “But I never lost the enthusiasm for theatre – it is a communal art offering a wide range of unmatched experiences.”
Yeh realised how much the theatre meant to her when she starred in the play Resurrection in 2013, which was the first time she worked with Koh.
“Koh used to tell me: ‘Fully love the lines before you speak them out,’” she says. “His approach deeply impressed me, because I sincerely enjoy acting. Importantly, it made me think about [performing on] stage more often. ”
As a child, though, it was dance that she initially wanted to pursue.
“I started learning traditional Korean dance when I was 10, because my mother was keen on it,” says Yeh. “But I wasn’t accepted for the major at university. However, I managed to get into the acting course, and never looked back.
“Oddly enough, acting taught me to be a better dancer and allowed me to meet many talented people who have enriched my life.
“You know, I used to be a wannabe princess – I loved to look good and go shopping – but acting changed my perspective. I learnt to work hard and to put effort into everything I do.”
Hongdo will be staged on Thursday, October 27 and Friday, October 28 at Abu Dhabi National Theatre. Both shows begin at 7.30pm. Admission is free, on a first-come, first-served basis
Q&A: Calary Girl
One of Korea's most popular beauty experts is bringing her vanity box to Abu Dhabi. Calary Girl is popular at home and in Japan for her quirky make-up tutorials on YouTube, and her channel boasts more than a million followers. She recently collaborated with Korean brand Missha on a limited-edition cosmetics line, and her appearances at K-Con events always draw large crowds of fans. Ahead of her debut in the UAE on Friday, Calary Girl – she refuses to reveal her real name – talked to The National about her upcoming visit and shared some of her make-up tips.
Tell us about your YouTube channel.
I used to be an ordinary office worker. I was bored so I started a blog in which I mainly posted reviews of cosmetics I had tested. Then, one day, I watched a make-up video on YouTube and instantly knew it was something I could easily do, since my university major was filmmaking. That’s how Calary Girl was created.
What does “Calary Girl” mean?
It’s a play on two things – I used to be a salary girl, and I love celery.
How did your passion for cosmetics begin?
As a little girl, I loved trying on my mother’s make-up. I was a very avant-garde artist – I’d mark my lips into four sections and paint each a different colour. I learnt a lot at my mother’s dressing table – but importantly, I didn’t ruin any of her stuff.
What are three things every make-up bag should contain?
I cannot do without my cushion compact for flawless skin, a bright lipstick for a pop of colour, and blotting paper to do away with a greasy T-zone.
What is the plan for Abu Dhabi?
I will cover two topics over two sessions: perfect skin and long-lasting waterproof make-up. Like the UAE, summers in Korea are hot and humid, so it should be popular.
Calary Girl is at National Theatre from 5pm to 6pm on Friday, October 28 and 2pm to 3pm on Saturday, October 29. See her demos at www.youtube.com/user/calarygirl
artslife@thenational.ae
