[Sportschosun, Reporter Kim Soo-hyun] Actor Park Geun-hyung and musical actor Kai brought laughter and emotion to MBN's issue-maker talk show "Kim Joo-ha's Day & Night" as they shared turning points in their lives and candid stories about their careers in acting.
In episode 31 of MBN's "Kim Joo-ha's Day & Night," which aired on the 27th, Kai drew attention by revealing how his current stage name, "Kai," came to be at the suggestion of world-renowned soprano Sumi Jo.
Kai recalled the moment, saying, "One day, I suddenly got a call that was so unexpected I thought it was voice phishing." He said Sumi Jo had personally contacted him while looking for a singer to share the stage at a concert, and that she gave him the name "Kai" by taking the initials of his birth name, along with the advice that he should change his name if he wanted to advance globally.
Kai also opened up about how his family struggled financially during the IMF Crisis, yet he never gave up on his dream of becoming a classical vocalist. After entering Seoul Arts High School, he admitted that he sometimes felt deprived and lacking compared with friends who had grown up in more comfortable circumstances.
Kai, who continued pursuing his dream while balancing school and part-time jobs during his years at Seoul National University, moved viewers with his gratitude as he shared how much help he received from the late tenor Professor Park In-soo, who was widely known for his songs of nostalgia.
Park Geun-hyung filled the studio with laughter by revealing his realistic approach to love after 56 years of marriage.
He said, "Even if we fight, we don't sleep in separate rooms. If we sleep together and wake up, we naturally forget about it and go on with our lives."
He then drew bursts of laughter from the cast by joking, "There is a way not to hear your wife's nagging. It only works after you turn 60. Just wear hearing aids and quietly take them out."
Kai said that even during financially difficult times, he was able to nurture his dream of becoming a musical actor thanks to his mother's support.
He said, "My mother took me to see 'Empress Myeongseong' as my first musical, and after watching that performance, I started dreaming of becoming a musical actor."
He also introduced the "Moodream Project," which he has continued for 10 years. Kai explained, "At first, I used my own money to invite teenagers from difficult backgrounds to the musicals I was appearing in," adding, "Now, I continue it steadily with the support of my fans."
He added, "I wanted to share my experience of never giving up on my dream despite difficult circumstances with other young people." He said, "My dream is to become an actor who brings joy, love, and emotion to many people, following the example of Park Geun-hyung." His words left a warm and lasting impression.
Meanwhile, episode 32 of MBN's issue-maker talk show "Kim Joo-ha's Day & Night" will air on July 4 at 9:40 p.m.
shyun@sportschosun.com
