Actor Baek Sung-hyun apologized after the controversy over the cancellation of the musical "Eyes of the Dawn." The musical performance was supposed to be a special event for the firefighters and their families.
The event got a lot of attention when the performance, which was supposed to happen on March 8, was suddenly called off that same day, leaving attendees and invited guests confused. The show was meant to be a special event for current and former firefighters and their families.
Sports Seoul reports that Baek talked about the controversy in a message he shared on social media on March 11. The actor acknowledged the issues caused by the cancellation and expressed his apologies to those impacted.
He apologized directly to the audience and guests in the statement. He wrote, "I bow my head and offer my deepest apologies to the audience who took the time to visit the theater, and especially to the firefighters who were invited that day."
He also discussed his role in the show and his sense of responsibility as a lead actor. Baek said,"As one of the lead actors in the musical 'Eyes of Dawn,' I feel a heavy sense of responsibility for the disruption of this performance."
Reports say that Baek suggested the event as a way to honor firefighters and their families for their service. But the sudden announcement of the show's cancellation on the performance day reportedly confused the guests and staff at the venue.
Naver's coverage cited industry sources who said there was a bigger problem behind the cancellation. People who work in the performing arts say that disagreements over appearance fees and other issues between the production company and some actors caused some performers to refuse to go on stage together.
In that context, Baek also talked about what his fellow actors were going through. He said in his statement, , "The current situation stems from structural problems between the production company and the actors."
He also asked people to think about what led some performers to make the choice they did. Baek said, "Please consider the hardships of my fellow actors who had no choice but to make difficult decisions to protect their legitimate rights."
The actor, despite the surrounding uproar, made it clear how deeply he valued the production and its audience. In a final note to those who would eventually see the show, he stated,"As a leading actor, I am doing my best to prepare for my stage," and "If you come to the theater again, I will repay you with my name on it."
The musical "Eyes of the Dawn" is based on the classic TV show "Eyes of Dawn," which aired on Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation from 1991 to 1992 and had a peak viewership rating of 58.4% at the time.
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