INTERVIEW Yoon Gong-joo rediscovers Lucy in musical 'Jekyll & Hyde'

Actor Yoon Gong-joo plays Lucy Harris, a showgirl in the musical "Jekyll & Hyde." Courtesy of OD Company By Pyo Kyung-min For 20 years, "Jekyll & Hyde" has reigned as one of Korea’s most beloved musicals, drawing both die-hard fans and newcomers with its high drama and powerhouse songs. Much like many hit Korean dramas and films, the enduring appeal of "Jekyll & Hyde" in Korea stems from its emotionally charged, often heartbreaking love story. While its source material — Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel "Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" — centers on a man’s internal battle between good and evil, the musical expands the narrative into a battle of love between Jekyll, his violent alter ego Hyde and the two women caught in his orbit. Of the two troubled women, Lucy Harris — known simply as Lucy to Korean audiences — has long been a fan favorite. A showgirl at the Red Rat tavern, she grows fond of Jekyll, the first man to treat her with kindness, but later finds herself ensnared in Hyde's dangerous obsession. The role is intense, emotionally demanding and, for musical actor Yoon Gong-joo, deeply personal. Now in her third run as Lucy, Yoon has played the role more than 300 times — a milestone she doesn't take for granted. “I feel incredibly lucky,” she said in an interview with The Korea Times at Blue Square, where the show is staged, on March 25. “I’ve done this role so many times, and I feel more comfortable playing her, but it never feels routine. It’s always new.” Having launched her theatrical career in 2001, the 41-year-old actor is widely regarded as a versatile veteran, praised for her fluid onstage movements and meticulous emotional expression in a broad spectrum of characters. Still, Yoon said that playing Lucy since 2018 has been a continuous learning experience. While she initially approached the role with structured preparation, she now allows instinct to guide her performance. "I used to focus on perfecting each scene technically. Now, I let Lucy’s emotions flow naturally. I don't just act. I become her," she said. "When I listen to my past performances, sometimes I think, 'Why did I even sing like that?' I’m grateful for the chance to keep growing." Actor Yoon Gong-joo plays Lucy Harris in a scene from musical "Jekyll & Hyde" / Courtesy of OD Company Lucy, as Yoon describes her, is a lower-class woman struggling to survive, with no dreams for the future — until she meets Dr. Jekyll. “She’s a woman who had no hope, no future. But Jekyll treats her like a person, as an equal, and that changes everything. She begins to dream. She finds courage,” Yoon explained. Yoon said that she developed a profound connection with Lucy over the years, making it evident as she frequently referred to Lucy in the first person during the interview. “Every actress who plays Lucy seems to fall in love with the character,” she said. “There’s something deeply relatable about her. When I sing numbers like 'Someone Like You' or 'A New Life' — both songs about love and hope — it doesn’t just feel like Lucy’s story. It feels like all of ours.” When asked about criticism that Lucy is a passive character, a damsel in distress reliant on men to save her, Yoon passionately disagreed. “Jekyll doesn’t hand her a dream — he simply shows her a door,” she said. “It’s Lucy who ultimately makes the decision to walk through it, regardless of the outcome. She’s not just reacting; she’s taking control of her own life. Considering the societal context of the story’s time period, I really don’t see her as passive at all.” Actor Yoon Gong-joo plays Lucy Harris in the musical "Jekyll & Hyde." Courtesy of OD Company Grateful for the ongoing love for "Jekyll & Hyde," Yoon attributed its lasting popularity to its universal themes and artistic depth. “The story delves into human nature itself,” she said. “Audiences are naturally drawn to the duality of good and evil and watching one actor embody both sides creates an undeniable catharsis.” Beyond its gripping narrative, the show’s production value plays a key role in its success, Yoon said. “The music, the lighting, the performances — every aspect of the show is meticulously crafted,” she explained. “For each run, the creative team and cast push to elevate the production. It’s never just a repeat of the past; it’s always evolving, which is why audiences keep coming back.” As for the audience, Yoon hopes they simply enjoy the spectacle. "The show's themes are deep, but I don't want people to overanalyze them," she said. "'Jekyll & Hyde' is an experience — a stunning production with incredible music and performances. I just want people to come, watch and be moved in their own way." "Jekyll & Hyde" runs through May 18 at Shinhan Card Hall at BlueSquare, central Seoul.