Actor Lee Seo-jin will make his first-ever appearance on the theater stage in his 27-year career, taking on a bold new challenge that’s already drawing buzz.
Recently, LG Arts Center unveiled the first table read for the play Uncle Vanya. The work is a signature masterpiece by Russian playwright Anton Chekhov, a timeless classic that has been staged around the world for decades. It portrays the conflicts and emotions that erupt when the everyday lives of ordinary people are shaken off balance.
Lee Seo-jin transforms into the title role of Vanya. Though he voices frustration and disillusionment with life, Vanya still holds tight to his love for family and his dreams, making him a richly layered character. In this production, Lee will appear as the sole cast for the role across the entire run, aiming to deliver Vanya’s emotional shifts with depth.
Ahead of his theater debut, Lee said, "I had many concerns before stepping onto the stage, but I decided to join because it felt like a meaningful new challenge. I’ll practice hard so I can present my own version of Vanya to the audience."
Actor Go Ah-sung is also on board, taking on the pivotal role of Sonya, Vanya’s niece. Go shared, "I was captivated by Chekhov’s writing and lost track of time while reading the script. I may not have extensive stage experience, but I’m thrilled by the chance to deliver such great lines to the audience every day in person."
At the first table read, Lee Seo-jin, Go Ah-sung, and the rest of the cast traded lines and deepened their understanding of the characters. According to the production team, the chemistry felt so natural that the atmosphere was warm and friendly, nothing like a typical first meeting.
The play Uncle Vanya, starring Lee Seo-jin and Go Ah-sung, will run from May 7 to 31 at LG Arts Center Seoul, LG SIGNATURE Hall.