Jang Ji-hoo Finds “First Love” Anew in Landmark ‘Rent’ Performance
A celebrated South Korean musical actor, Jang Ji-hoo, is captivating audiences with his portrayal of Colin in the 10th Korean production of the iconic musical Rent, currently running at the COEX Artium through February 22nd. The production marks a meaningful moment for the show, approaching its 30th anniversary since its Broadway debut in 1996, and a personal milestone for Jang, who has dedicated himself to the role after years of pursuing it.
A Modern ‘La Bohème’ Resonates Across Generations
Rent, a modernized adaptation of Giacomo Puccini’s opera La Bohème, continues to resonate with audiences worldwide due to its raw and honest depiction of young artists navigating life in 1990s New York City. The musical tackles challenging themes including homosexuality-a subject matter that was groundbreaking for its time-, AIDS, and drug addiction, all rooted in the true story of its creator, Jonathan Larson. Since its premiere, Rent has cultivated a devoted fanbase, affectionately known as “Rentheads.”
From Roger to Colin: A Long-Awaited Role
Jang Ji-hoo, who celebrated his 15th year as a musical actor this year, previously starred as the male protagonist, Roger, in previous seasons of Rent. however, this season represents a culmination of his artistic journey. “I couldn’t forget Colin, whom I met at a school performance, like it was my first love,” Jang shared, revealing a deep connection to the character. he reportedly turned down “two or three works” to fully commit to this role.
The Character of Colin: A Beacon of Purity and Curiosity
Colin is portrayed as a brilliant computer genius and college lecturer,and a key part of the narrative as one half of a loving relationship with the drag queen Angel. Jang describes Colin as “a good and pure person” with a profound “curiosity about humans,” qualities that deeply resonated with him. He also emphasized his unwavering acceptance of love in all its forms,stating,”Colin is also gay,and I recently got married,but I have no prejudice when it comes to people loving other people.”
Angel’s Impact and Collaborative Spirit
The character of Angel, colin’s lover, is considered by many to be as central to Rent as the protagonists Roger and Mimi. This season, the role is shared by Jo Kwon and Hwang Sun-jong. Jang spoke fondly of his collaboration with both actors, noting kwon’s playful teasing – “Kwon calls me ‘angel'” – and his understanding of Jang’s desire to play opposite him. He also described Hwang Sun-jong as a quiet presence offstage who undergoes a “tremendous change” when performing.
‘Rent’ as a Turning Point
Jang Ji-hoo views Rent as a pivotal moment in his career. He recounted a notably impactful experience with co-director Andy Señor Jr.in 2020, where he was challenged to confront challenging personal memories. “I felt so unfair, hurt, and distressed at having to face and ruminate on childhood memories that I desperately wanted to push away,” he explained, acknowledging the profound emotional work the production demanded.
Looking Ahead: Rest and Reflection
After a year of consistent work, Jang Ji-hoo plans to take a well-deserved break next year. He hopes to finaly embark on his honeymoon, delayed by his commitment to rent, and is also pursuing a new creative endeavor: writing an essay.
