Moon Seong-hyun to play Todd Anderson in the play 'Dead Poets Society'

Actor Moon Seong-hyun had his first encounter with an audience on the theatrical stage. Moon Seong-hyun announced his theatrical debut by appearing as Todd Anderson in the play 'Dead Poets Society,' which opened on July 18 at the NOL Theater Woori Card Hall in Daehakro.

This production is based on the film of the same name. Set in the United States in 1959, it deals with the changes that occur when John Keating, a newly appointed English teacher at the prestigious boarding school Welton Academy—which emphasizes strict discipline and tradition—delivers the message of 'Carpe Diem (Seize the Day)' to students who were only pressured toward entrance exams and success.

Todd Anderson's growth in finding his inner giant

Todd Anderson, played by Moon Seong-hyun, is a timid and introverted boy in the play. However, he is a character who gradually finds his own voice, discovers his inner giant, and grows. On this stage, Moon Seong-hyun densely portrayed the psychological changes the character undergoes. In particular, he received praise for increasing the immersion of the play by persuasively delivering the character's emotional lines based on solid vocalization and clear diction. He completed the character's narrative by handling the process of the timid boy's transformation with stable stage acting.

Sharing thoughts: "My first stage where I tasted the flavor of a performance"

After finishing his first performance, Moon Seong-hyun shared his thoughts on-site. He conveyed the emotions he felt on stage, saying, "I was so nervous and trembling, but it was my first performance where I got to know the exhilarating taste of a performance." He added, "I am grateful to everyone who came to watch, and please continue to show much interest in Todd Anderson in the future." Moon Seong-hyun's current challenge is drawing attention in that he has expanded the acting expertise he built while moving between dramas and films to the theatrical stage. The play 'Dead Poets Society' will continue at the NOL Theater Daehakro Woori Card Hall until September 13.

From child actor to lead: The acting trajectory of Moon Seong-hyun

Moon Seong-hyun began his acting career with the drama 'Hello, Me!' in 2021. Since then, he has been recognized for his acting skills by playing the childhood versions of protagonists in numerous hit works. His major works include the dramas 'Vincenzo', 'Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha', 'One Person', 'The King of Pigs', 'Shooting Stars', 'Alchemy of Souls', 'Reborn Rich', 'The Interest of Love', 'My Dearest', 'Queen of Tears', 'Beauty and Mr. Romantic', 'Gangs of Gangnam', and 'Trigger'. He also built his filmography by appearing in the film 'Dr. Cheon and the Lost Talisman'.

He did not merely stay as a child actor but also played roles that breathed vitality into the productions. He participated in works such as 'Stock of High School', 'An Ant is Riding', 'Under the Queen's Umbrella', and 'The Queen Who Crowns', and proved his potential as a next-generation rising star through his first leading role, 'The Chairman is Grade 9'. Beyond acting, he is meeting the public in various fields, such as serving as an MC for SBS 'Inkigayo'.