'Rent' musical, with cast old and new, to run through early next year

The musical "Rent" is returning to Seoul, bringing with it the holiday spirit. Cast members are excited to be back on stage and share the message of love and friendship with the audience. New actors, including Jo Kwon, will join the production.

Actor Jo Kwon as Angel, front, and Yoon Hyung-ryul as Colin perform a scene from "Rent" at the Coex Artium in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, on Wednesday. [YONHAP]

The musical “Rent” is back in Seoul and ready to ease people into the holiday spirit.

“We are so happy to be performing in the same season that the musical is set in, especially because the last run was in summer,” Bae Do-hoon, an actor and member of crossover group Forestella, told the press at Coex Artium in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, on Wednesday. “I think this year’s ‘Rent’ will be full of lifelong moments to cherish, both for us, the cast, and the audience.”

Bae alternates the role of Mark and was part of the 2020 production of “Rent,” which wasn’t able to follow through with all of its scheduled performances due to Covid-19.

Jeon Na-young, who was also part of the 2020 cast, said that she was thankful to be playing Maureen again.

“I couldn’t be happier to be back,” she said. “‘Rent’ stands for love and friendship, and this opportunity to reconnect with people from the last production and also meet new actors has been such a gift.”

Jo Kwon, musical actor and member of boy band 2AM, is one of the new actors starring in “Rent” this year.

“I am beyond excited because I am Angel and can wear high heels,” he said. “Whenever I put on a pair of pumps, I feel like a superstar.

“Also, Angel is a character filled with so much love, and he gives all that love to his friends. I don’t think the real me can do that, but I am so grateful to be giving so much love, on stage.”

He alternates the role with Kim Ho-young, who is a veteran Angel. He made his musical debut through the role in 2002.

“From the top of our heads, we think I am the longest and the oldest actor to play Angel!” Kim said.

However, this run will be his last time in the role.

“I think I have hogged the role long enough,” he said. “There are many young, capable actors, and it’s time to give the spot to them.”

"Rent" is an American musical by Jonathan Larson, inspired by Giacomo Puccini's opera from 1896, "La Bohême." It depicts the lives of young, aspiring artists in New York City during the late '80s and early '90s. Since 2000, "Rent" has had eight productions in Korea, not including the current run.

The show opened last Saturday and is slated to run through Feb. 25 at the Coex Artium.

BY LEE JIAN [lee.jian@joongang.co.kr]