[Official Interview] Musical ”My Bucket List Season 9” Gwangsoo (Supernova) & Minwoo (BOYFRIEND) and other performers and director Shuji Kashiwabara are captivated by Show your strength

Season 9 of the Korean human buddy musical "My Bucket List" will be performed at Asakusa Hana Theater from Thursday, March 20th to Sunday, March 23rd, 2025.
"My Bucket List" has been loved by many people and has been performed many times in Korea and Japan. It is the story of a delinquent boy, Kang-gu, and a boy, Hae-gi, who has been given a terminal diagnosis.
It is a touching story about two people who meet and complete Haegi's bucket list of 100 things they want to do before they die. Only Kang and Haegi appear on stage.
In Season 9, the two characters will be played by double cast members, allowing viewers to experience the story in four different combinations.
The role of the delinquent boy Kang is played by SUPERNOVA, a dance vocal group that has been popular since its debut and is a member of the group.
Gwangsoo, who has appeared in many productions and played the role of Hegi in Season 8, which was performed in May last year, and former member of the UK, who is a model and actor, will appear in the stage play "Ensemble Stars!
Akira Domiki has been active in many works, including "On Stage" and "Yowamushi Pedal".
The boy who has been given a prognosis for his remaining time will be played by dance vocal group "A
After working as a member of the group "peace", Wonshik is now the leader of the two-man boy band "TMC", and is active in a wide range of fields such as music, MCing, and performing on stage.
Minwoo is a member of "BOYFRIEND," which continues to enjoy popularity as a complete group of six in its 14th year since its release, and will be playing the role of Hegi for the third time in this series, following his roles in Season 5 and Season 6.
The director is Kashiwabara Shuji, who has been active as an actor in many TV series and movies, and will create a stage production with his unique style of direction, which allows him to understand the feelings and sensations of actors.
During the visual shoot in late February, a roundtable discussion was held with the four cast members and Kashiwabara Shuji. Gwangsoo and Hyakunari, who play Kang, and Kashiwabara, the director, have already been rehearsing.
However, due to schedule conflicts, Wonshik, who plays Haegi, and Minwoo met for the first time on this day.
I would like to ask each of you how you feel. First, Gwangsoo, when he played Haegi in Season 8, said, "The more I get to know the character of Kang, the more I find him fascinating, and I hope to one day play Kang as well.
How did you feel when you decided to play the role of Kang-gu? Gwangsoo: I regret it! (laughs) Everyone: (laughs)
Gwangsoo: Oh man, it was so difficult when I tried acting! I regret that I was underestimating the role. Kang-gu is a very tough guy and looks a bit like a delinquent.
Maybe that's the case, but I'm practicing hard so that I can properly convey to everyone the sadness and great sorrow that I feel in my heart.
You lost 8kg when you played Haegi last time, but how did it work for playing Kanggu this time?
Baekseong: (Looking at Wonsik who looks a little flustered) Huh? It seems like someone is a bit offended by that statement (laughs).
Gwangsoo: Right now, I'm working on getting in shape for another job, just like I did for the last Hegi, but once that's done, I'm thinking I'll get back in shape for Actual.
It's hard to squeeze it out, but to rehydrate it, all you have to do is eat it! (laughs) ◆ Minwoo will be playing Hegi in Season 5 and 6, and again this time.
How was your third encounter with Hegi?
Minwoo: I'm excited because it's been a while, and I feel like I've grown a lot since last time.
I feel pressured to show my true colors. But I want to prepare well and show a good image.
This will be your first time performing. How did you feel when you received the offer?
Wonshik: To be honest, I was just worried.
I watched it, but I was worried about whether I could do such a wonderful performance, and also, I had to go on a diet... The staff told me, "Gwangsoo-san must have put in a lot of effort to play Hegi.
I had heard that she had been working really hard, but when I watched the video, she was really thin... So when I saw myself in the mirror, I was like, "Oh no!" So when I got to the site today, I was like, "Oh no!" again.
(laughs) I'm still in shock. But I'll do my best! Hyakunari: It's been a while since I last performed in a musical, but everyone in Korea is good at singing, so I have to do my best too.
I do feel a bit anxious. I've performed in musicals and sang a few times, but I feel like I need to work harder.
◆Kashiwabara-san has directed many stage productions, but when he was offered the role of directing this production,
Kashiwabara: It's a masterpiece that has been performed many times in both Korea and Japan, and I've seen it a few times myself.
Rather than trying to create a certain world, I think that since it's a two-person play, that world will be created naturally through the atmosphere between the actors as we rehearse.
◆Rehearsals have already begun, but what are the cast members' impressions of Kashiwara?
Kashiwabara: How is it? (laughs) Everyone: (laughs) Minwoo: It was my first time today.
Wonsik: Yesterday, you came to see the play I was in ('Home').
Kashiwara: After it was over, I just said "I look forward to seeing you tomorrow," but it really felt like today was the first time we'd met.
Wonsik: That's right. It's practically the first time we've met! (laughs) Nice to meet you!
Hyakunari: Gwangsoo and I have already rehearsed three times. Gwangsoo: Yes. What I felt during those three times was that he was "kind." Since you are also a performer, you can feel the emotions of an actor.
I feel that he really understands us. As actors, I am very grateful and happy that he always asks us for our opinions, even on the smallest details of the performance.
Although the people (Wonsik and Minwoo) have not been able to participate in the rehearsals, I am looking forward to the work that the five of us will create together from now on. Hyakunari: I was taken backstage and beaten up (laughs).
Kashiwabara: Why?! (laughs) Momonari: (laughs) Well, as Gwangsoo said, he really took our opinions into account in both the acting and the directing, and we had a really good relationship.
I think it's coming. They listen to our opinions a lot, so sometimes I wonder if this is really okay (laughs). Kashiwabara: (laughs)
I see. Speaking of that, I think that when acting with other actors, the worst thing is to act while feeling uncomfortable.
So when I asked, "What about this pattern?" I saw how they corrected their performance and felt something was off.
I think it would be best to create something that doesn't exist, but these two are so adept at doing it and making it work that it always ends up being like, "Okay, let's go with that."
Momonari: That's good! I'm relieved. ◆Since there are only two characters in this play, we have to stand on stage the whole time and deliver a huge amount of lines.
Do you feel any pressure in that respect? Wonsik: More than 100%... It's the first time I've worked on a production with so many lines. I think of it as an opportunity for me to grow.
I'm going to do my best, but I'll just try my best to make sure it doesn't become a negative factor for everyone! Kashiwabara: Minwoo just said it was a piece of cake (laughs).
Hyakunari: I heard that too (laughs) It's already the third time (laughs) Minwoo: I didn't say that (laughs) Kashiwabara: In this day and age, this kind of joke would be considered power harassment (laughs)
Minwoo: (laughs) I don't really feel any pressure, but I want to prepare as much as I can so that I can live up to everyone's expectations.
Gwangsoo: I performed as Hegi last year, and Hegi was always on stage.
So at that time, I actually thought, "There are several times when Kang-gu can drink water." (laughs) I drink water a lot, but when I played Hegi, I only drank water once in the actual scene.
Because I was in it all the time. There are a few scenes where Kang doesn't appear, so maybe I can take a break (laughs). It's my first time playing Kang, so there's a lot of pressure, but I just want to have fun.
--But even though Kang-gu has more time to rest than Hegi, doesn't he use up more energy?
Gwangsoo: Yes, that's true. But I like plays where I'm always on stage.
(laughs) If there are too many breaks in a production, I feel like it's not enough (laughs). So in "My Bucket List," both Hegi and Kang are on stage most of the time, so it's really
It's rewarding and fun! Momonari: Rather than feeling any pressure, I first thought, "I'm going to get thirsty!" (laughs)
Kang shouts a lot and is very energetic. On the first day of practice,
I drank so much that I didn't even know if the bottle was empty. I usually drink a lot of water, so I'm a little worried about whether I can actually replenish it.
How do you want the characters of Kang and Hegi to be played? Kashiwabara: Basically, I want them to act as they feel, but before rehearsals begin, I would like to ask them one question.
I told them, "Please remember that Kang and Hyegi are minors when you act." I wanted the two of them to show the fragility and danger that only minors can have. I want to live.
Contrasts like Haegi and Kang who wants to die, Kang who pretends to be strong and Haegi who lives a tough life despite his sickness... Just when you think they're fighting, they make up in the next scene, but then they start arguing again.
I hope to be able to express the tingling, thrilling, and excitement that only minors can have. ◆Rehearsals have only just begun, but what is the atmosphere like in the company?
Kashiwabara: The two actors playing Hegi hadn't even joined the rehearsals yet, and since it was a two-person play, the rehearsal room wasn't particularly lively (laughs).
However, one of the advantages of having a small number of people is that it is much easier to discuss things and make decisions.
Maybe (laughs) Momonari: It's lonely, isn't it? (laughs) Usually, there are a lot of people on stage and it feels lively, but now there are only a few people and it's small and cozy (laughs).
I'm looking forward to the two actors playing Hegi joining the practice session.
He wrote a catchphrase, "The Kang (Hegi) I play is XX Kang (Hegi)," and told us about the appeal of his role.
(Kashiwabara-san, please answer with "I'm a director like that.") Gwangsoo: The Kang I play is "Kang like Gwangsoo."
When I'm acting, I usually try not to show too much of myself.
Even if there are parts that I'm not good at, I try not to show them as much as possible, but this time I thought I'd show them as much as I could. On the contrary, I thought that this role would suit me better that way.
Hyakunari: That was better (laughs). If someone said to me, "Kang looks like Gwangsoo," I'd wonder if he's like Kang in real life, or if he's a delinquent.
(laughs) Gwangsoo: (laughs) No, no, he's not a delinquent so don't worry! (laughs) Wonsik: On the contrary, the Hyegi I play is "Hyegi who is not Wonsik".
Yes. Whenever I act, the character always becomes like me. Fans who see my acting often ask me, "What? Was that just acting?" (laughs)
That's why this time, I want to show a side of myself that's different from my usual self.
Minwoo: I've seen many different people play Hyegi, and each one has their own charm.
I learned a lot. But personally, I want to play the Hegi that I play as the "Hegi that is closest to the script." I want to play the Hegi that is closest to the image that the author had in mind.
Hyakunari: I would like to play a "human Kang". When I'm creating a character, I always value the humanity that lies deep within the character.
I think that each character is filled with reason and emotion, so I value how much I can deepen the character. Kang basically expresses emotions such as anger and sadness in an easy-to-understand way, but there is something deep inside.
I want to cherish what I feel as a human being. Kashiwabara: I have never thought of myself as a director. I have always been an actor, but I have always been a professional in the musical field.
I started because the idol group I was producing was going to do a play and I was asked to direct it. So I don't have any strong preferences as a director, but rather I just like to direct the roles.
I understand how you feel... If I had to give you a catchphrase, maybe it would be "an actor director"? Momonari: That's cool! Kashiwabara: I hope you'll be a director someday too.
Momonari: No no, but I'm interested so I'd like to try it someday.
◆ There is a scene where Hegi tries to believe in a fraudulent religion in the hope of curing his illness.
Yes. Have you ever wanted to rely on someone? Gwangsoo: I took the college entrance exam when I was 19 (Korean age), and I went to the acting school that is said to be the best in Korea.
It was a very difficult entrance exam for the drama department. The day before the results were announced, I prayed to God for the first time in my life. At the time, I was a trainee for "Supernova" and I was in the same room as member JIHYO.
And he said, "What are you doing?" (laughs) But I was really desperate, so I said, "I'm praying, don't get in the way." (laughs) Anyway, I prayed really hard. But the next day, I passed!
Since then, I have believed that God definitely exists, and I always pray at important times, such as before the actual performance or on stage. The gratitude I felt at the time was so great that it continues to this day.
Momonari: I'm not a god or anything, but I rely on coffee. When I was on a calorie-restricted diet, I made my own cafe latte and drank it to satisfy my hunger.
Recently, I always drink coffee in the morning to wake up. I drink coffee for various reasons. It's not that I like it, but I rely on it quite a bit.
Minwoo: I don't rely on anything, but I have a personal superstition. For example, when I take a shower, I pump the shampoo three times before using it.
Or something like that. I thought that if I did that, I would be able to get through the day safely. Kashiwabara: You're the type that uses it quite a lot. Minwoo: (laughs) No, a little at a time (laughs) a little at a time three times. I rely on that kind of thing.
Wonshik: I had a bad throat about a year ago, and my boss always brought me a lot of medicine.
And before every performance, he would give me a steroid for my throat and say, "Take this, and it will start working after about 30 minutes." When I took it, I felt really good and was able to sing well.
But I found out the other day that the medicine wasn't actually a steroid, but just a vitamin supplement (laughs). Gwangsoo: Oh! Hyakunari: Wow, that's a great story!
Wonsik: When I found out the truth I was like, "I've been screwed!" but I've continued taking it even though I know it's just a vitamin.
Because I rely on it in my heart, it works. Minwoo: That's a wonderful story. Kashiwabara: I guess I rely on ARMY's acid. I drink quite a bit every night, and the next day, I feel a bit of alcohol in my body.
Even if I have liver problems, if I drink ARMY acid, I feel refreshed and recover instantly. I've been drinking it every morning for about 25 years now. I believe that as long as I have ARMY acid, my liver will be fine (laughs).
Momonari: You don't rely on alcohol? Kashiwabara: Alcohol is my friend (laughs) ARMY's acid is my teacher (laughs)
◆Kang says he is a born rocker.
Na-san, what do you think you were born with? Wonsik: Wow, what is it? I'll have to think about it for a bit (laughs) Kashiwabara: I guess I'm a born drinker... All: (laughs)
Hyakunari: I'm a born optimist. Wonshik: That's a good thing! Hyakunari: I'm an optimist, I think, "Well, it'll work out somehow." But it's really worked out somehow up until now.
(laughs) Well, I was just hanging by a thread. But I was wondering why I always managed to get through it, so I went to a fortune teller once.
They say that sometimes God is there to help you out. In fact, most of the time, help comes just when you're in the last minute. However, I wish that help came a little earlier.
But (laughs) he only appears when I'm really at my wit's end (laughs) But because he's there, I always feel like everything will work out.
Minwoo: I'm the opposite. I'm a "born difficult person." Wonsik: What do you mean?
Minwoo: Other people might be willing to try something right away, but I feel uneasy if I don't do proper research and preparation first.
Kashiwabara: You're cautious. So you're a worrier. Minwoo: Ah, that's right! I'm a worrier. It's gotten a little better now, but I'm a "born worrier."
Gwangsoo: I'm a "born celebrity" (laughs) All: Oh!
Momonari: That's cool! I need to be able to say that too!
Gwangsoo: No, I didn't think so myself, but the staff, members, and people around me said that a lot. I don't know why.
I didn't really understand and denied it. But there was a moment when I thought, "Maybe this is what it's like" (laughs). Right before the actual event, something terrible happened that made me really angry.
But the moment I step on stage, a switch flips and it's like nothing happened. I'm starting to think that maybe this is what everyone is talking about.
Ah! I'm not a star... I'm just a celebrity! (laughs) Kashiwabara: (To Wonsik) Well, I think you had plenty of time (laughs)
Wonsik: We had a lot of time. Hmm, I wonder (laughs).
Ah! I guess I'm a "born challenger." I like to try new things. When I was in my 20s, I was really scared to try new things.
I was worried whether I could do this. But after I turned 30... Hyakunari: Eh? You're over 30? Wonsik: Yes! I'm well over 30.
Baekseong: Why? It's weird, with your appearance. You must be in your 20s. Wonsik: (laughs) After I turned 30, I believed I could do it if I tried, so I thought I'd give it a go.
Baekseong: You definitely look like you're in your 20s. Wonsik: How old are you? Baekseong: I'm 28. Wonsik: Let's keep trying! Everyone: (laughing)
Baekseong: Uh, how old are you? Wonsik: I'm 35. Baekseong: Whaaaaaaaat?! I can't see you~~. This time, I'm
Looking at you I thought you definitely weren't the youngest, but you're actually the youngest?! Minwoo: You're the youngest (laughs) Hyakunari: 28 and the youngest (laughs) Kashiwabara: Are you talking about being underage? (laughs)
◆What message do you want to convey through this work? Kashiwabara: First of all, the message of "life and death" is the premise, and the moment when a young friendship is born between two minors.
At first, Kang-gu disliked Hye-gi, but gradually he became interested in her. Hye-gi admires Kang-gu and is jealous of him, but he thinks that his feelings are immature.
Therefore, he can't accept it honestly and somehow gets annoyed. But as the two of them work through their bucket lists one by one, they become indispensable best friends... That's the highlight of the show.
Wonshik: I read this script many times, and every time I finished reading it, I really wanted to go out to dinner with my best friend.
I want everyone who watches this to feel like, "I want to go eat with my best friend after watching this." I want them to remember the importance of having friends.
Gwangsoo: First of all, I personally found this film very soothing. I hope the viewers feel the same way.
I hope that through these two people, people will remember their own "youth stories." Youth is not something you only have when you're young. Even now that you've grown older and become an adult, you still have your own youth.
I would be happy if people could sense that the story is continuing, and I want to deliver it in a way that makes them feel that way.
Minwoo: I think life is limited and there are many difficult things, but among those, I think
I would like to simply convey the message that people should do what they want to do, enjoy the rest of their lives, and live with hope.
Momonari: Everyone has a dark side inside them, and no matter how positive a person is, they can become negative.
There are many moving stories in the world, but I think that we should not end up being just moved by them, but should think about how we can rise again when we feel down.
I hope that this film will help people to recognize the light of hope in each of them.
Wonshik: I was thinking about how many people I can call my best friends before I die.
When I read it and saw the relationship between the two people, I thought that if there was even one person who believed in me completely, then I guess that would be a successful life.
I think that they are also friends to everyone. I hope that this film will make you think about making time to talk to the people who are most important to you.
Please come and leave with heavy feelings. Minwoo: I would be happy if people could watch "My Bucket List" and think, "Oh, it was fun," but I also want to see the impact it has on people of their own
I hope it will be an opportunity to look back on life once again. We will all work hard and prepare thoroughly so that we can properly convey the message of this work.
Momonari: As I mentioned earlier, I hope this will be an opportunity to think about what will lift you up when you feel down.
When I fell, I didn't remember the play itself, but rather thought, "Maybe if I try the things I thought about when I saw that play, I can get back up." When I fell to the bottom, I couldn't see anything.
I hope that people will find at least one thing that will help them grasp some light, rather than losing it. Gwangsoo: "My Bucket List" is full of kind feelings, and
It's a wonderful piece that will heal you even if you're not in the mood. The actual time is just when spring arrives and it gets warmer, but this piece will make everyone's spring even warmer. I'm watching the performance where Ei-san plays Kang-gu.
I want to see all of them. It's such a great film that you'll want to watch it over and over again, so I hope everyone will make the effort to go to the theater even though spring is a busy season.
I hope you will enjoy it. Thank you. Kashiwabara: Today's discussion was mainly about the story, the roles, and the relationship between the two characters, but since it's a musical, I'd like to hear more about the music as well.
I think you'll enjoy it. There are a lot of great songs that stay in your mind. While enjoying those songs, I hope you'll find yourself asking yourself, "What does it mean to live? What does it mean to die?" through the relationship between Kang and Hegi.
I want you to think about this again. In his sensitive teenage years, Kang-gu has arguments with his father and Hae-gi dies, and he wonders, "Why is this all happening to me? My life is..."
What on earth is that all about?' I think, but those kinds of dangerous situations, mishaps and sad events actually make us better people. I think this work also has that kind of message, so I'm looking forward to reading it.
I hope you will come and experience it for yourself.