[Translation] Brothers were Brave article @ SportsSeoul.com

[SportsSeoul.com | Reporter Ahn Songie] “Those in their 20s are certainly different!”

The location of the musical practice has a serious atmosphere as each step, one by one, requires concentration. A production staff member, who is coordinating the actors’ actions, looks admiring with an expression that appears taken back. Where is this? It is the location of the practice site for the musical “The Brothers Were Brave,” which is a topic of interest for being idol group SHINee member Onew’s (22. Real name Lee Jinki) musical debut.

The reason for the production staff member’s surprise is none other than Onew’s ‘infinite stamina.’ The nonstop repetition of scenes is enough to cause fatigue, but Onew displays the steps which other actors did with more strength. He is entering the world of musicals for the first time through this production. The combination of Jang Yoojung (writer-production) and Jang Soyoung (musical director) from the musical “Legally Blonde,” which just ended its run, is garnering more attention for “The Brothers Were Brave.”

After Girls’ Generation’s Jessica’s appearance in “Legally Blonde” the producers of “The Brothers Were Brave” (PMC Production) is now proceeding to show a male idol’s performance. Now, it is no longer an unfamiliar occurrence for idol group members to participate in performances. In particular, with SM’s roster of Super Junior, Girls’ Generation, and SHINee, the attempt of members of popular idol groups to jump into acting through musicals and plays is noticeable.

How do veteran musical actors view this tide in the performance world? Actor Kim Jaeman, who has the role of the older brother in “The Brothers Were Brave,” answered “At first I had worried thoughts regarding Onew, who is originally a group member” and “However, his stamina is like none other, perhaps because he is a dance singer, and little by little the image of Joobong is rubbing off on him.” Lee Jihoon (32) who is cast in the role of Joobong together with Onew, said that Onew’s ability to adlib parts that aren’t in the script has grown considerably, and did not hold back compliments. He even joked that “Even if we practice the same scene, we typically look for water or become tired and struggle, but Onew did not show any exhaustion and continued to practice and surprised us. I think that is the difference between a dance singer and a ballad singer.”

Onew, whom we met during a real practice, could not stay still for one moment. He was at the peak of writing down notes in a notepad and endlessly practicing with his sunbaes. Befitting an idol, his intense eyes and powerful actions drew in stares. Onew said “As a member of SHINee there was once a time during promotions where we performed the song “Ring Ding Dong” on stage 5 times in continuance and it was difficult. I think that is perhaps why the process of matching the steps in advance here is a little bit more comfortable” and showed his confidence.

Source: shakizi

Translation credit: live laugh love @ soompi

*Translator's note: The last paragraph was not translated because it didn't directly pertain to Onew or the musical.