Ha Do-kwon and Park Hosan selected the lead role of Green Cinematic Opera Meredith in Operation Heungnam Evacuation

Apr 03, 2025

Ha Do-kwon (left) as Leonard Larue in the opera "Merdes" and Park Ho-san as Yoon Bong-sik.

Jeong Ah-young as Choi Deok-ja, Lee Sang-eun as Kim Min-ji as Kang Geum-soon, Park Moo-young as an old woman with dementia, Robert Runny here at Yuwon University, Kim Eun-guk. (clockwise from top left of the second row) Photo = Open Theater.

Actors Ha Do-kwon and Park Ho-san will appear in the cinematic opera 『Mercedes』, which will open in June.

'Meredes' is a creative opera based on the true story of the Korean War 75 years ago, depicting the largest civilian rescue operation in history, 'Operation Heungnam Evacuation' and the voyage of the Meredith Victory at the center of it. In the winter of 1950, the Meredith Victory remained at Heungnam Pier until the end, carrying 14,000 refugees on a ship with a capacity of only 60 people, and successfully transporting them safely to Geoje without a single victim. In addition, five babies were born on board the ship during the voyage, and the Meredith Victory was nicknamed the 'Miracle Ship'.

Captain Leonard Larue, who led the operation, quietly ended his life after the Heungnam Evacuation operation by choosing the path of investigation (a monk named Mariners), leaving all honor behind. Based on this amazing true story, the work vividly brings to life the courage and emotion of those who choose humanity on stage even in the extreme situation of war.

In addition, 'Meredes' presents an original stage that combines the musicality of classical opera and cinematic realism, just like the genre name 'Cinematic Opera'. Traditional vocal music and grand orchestra performances are added with video production that captures the movements of the evacuees in real time, and the audience experiences an overwhelming sense of immersion as if watching a movie in front of their eyes.

Photo=Open Theater

Actor Ha Do-kwon was cast as Captain Leonard Larue, captain of the Meredith Victory, who led an unprecedented humanitarian rescue operation in history. He has been loved for his strong acting and solid singing skills in dramas 'stoverig'Penthouse' and musicals 'Great Comet'Swing Days' through this work, and will challenge his first appearance on the opera stage. Ha Do-kwon will portray Captain Lalu's determination and inner side, who chose refugees instead of military supplies, with heavy emotional acting.

Actor Park Ho-san will play the role of Yoon Bong-sik, a foreign correspondent who helps rescue refugees next to Captain Larue. Having established himself as a "trusted actor" for his cross-genre performances in dramas such as "Wise Life of Prison" and "My Mister" and plays "Art" and "Ki Hyeong-do Play", he takes his first step on the opera stage through this work. Park Ho-san leads the play with lines, not songs, and expresses the warmth of Yoon Bong-sik, who does not lose humanity in the midst of war, with delicate acting to increase the immersion of the play.

'Méredes' will be performed at the Seongnam Art Center Opera House from June 6 to 8.

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