Seo Yi-sook

Seo Yi-sook (born 6 December 1966) is a South Korean theatre, television and movie actress. As supporting actress, Seo is known for her supporting role in drama Empress Ki (2013–2014), The Rebel (2017), Hotel del Luna (2019), The World of the Married (2020), and Start-Up (2020); and also feature film The Mayor (2017).

In 1986, Seo started her career as an actress by joining a local theatre company in Suwon. She won Best New Actor Award at the 1986 Korea Theatre Festival. Followed by winning Acting Award the 6th National Theatre Festival in 1987. Seo joined Michu Theatre Company in 1989, and her debut work as member was Shin Yi Gukgi (1989). A year later Seo debuted as musical actress in Make a Hero (1990).

She won many prestigious awards such as 2003 Gu Hi-seo Theatre Awards Actor of the Year and Expected Actor, 40th Dong-A Theatre Awards Best Acting Award (2004) and The 30th Lee Hae-rang Theater Award (2020).

Early life and education
Seo was born 6 December 1966, in Yeoncheon-gun, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. She was the eldest of two siblings. Tragically, Seo's father died from cirrhosis when she was in middle school. Furthermore, her younger brother also died in an accident during her early 20s. These heartbreaking events had a profound impact on Seo and her mother, making it difficult for them to watch dramas due to the fear of shedding tears over sad scenes. To this day, Seo's mother, who still resides in their hometown, has never remarried.

During her time at Yeoncheon Jeongok High School, Seo was a talented badminton player. However, her dream of pursuing a career in athletics came to an end after she failed in the first round of the national badminton selection. Given the challenging circumstances her family faced, Seo made the decision to forgo college and instead joined the Yeoncheon Rural Development Administration, working as a social and physical badminton coach.

A turning point in Seo's life occurred when she attended a performance of the play Agnes of God at the Suwon Arts Theater. As a rural girl, the experience was a significant culture shock for her. Nevertheless, it ignited a passion within her, and at the age of nineteen, she made the life-changing decision to pursue a career in acting. She applied to become a member of a local theater troupe at the Suwon Arts Theater, setting herself on the path to become an actress.

Early debut years as member of Michu Trope
In 1986, Seo embarked on her acting career by joining a local theater company in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province. Her exceptional speaking skills quickly garnered recognition, leading to her participation in several theatrical productions. She received the prestigious Best New Actor Award at the 1986 Korea Theatre Festival, marking a significant milestone in her early career.

In 1987, Seo was selected for the lead role of Yeok-hwa in the play Pakkoji. Produced by Anyang Arts Theatre, with Lee Jae-hyeon as the producer and Lee Jae-in as the director, the play represented GyeongGi-Do in the 6th National Theatre Festival. The festival, which took place from May 20 to June 1, 1987, at the Daejeon Civic Centre in Chungcheongnam-do, brought together representative troupes from 13 cities and provinces. "Pakkoji" received the grand prize, known as the President's Award. In the individual category, director Lee Jae-in won the directing award, and Seo Yi-sook was honored with the Acting Award. The acclaimed production of "Pakkoji" was invited to the 12th Seoul International Theatre Festival in 1988 and performed at the Arts Centre Grand Theatre on August 19–20 of that year.

In 1989, Seo moved to Seoul and auditioned to become a member of Theatre Company Michu. Following three months of training, she made her debut in the Shin Yi Gukgi (1989). A year later, she ventured into the realm of musical theater, making her debut as a musical actress in "Make a Hero" in 1990. Seo dedicated over a decade to laying the groundwork, learning, and training in traditional performing arts, taking on numerous minor roles in Madangnori of Michu.

After working for approximately a decade, Seo decided to further her education and enrolled in the School of Korean Music of Chung-Ang University Undergraduate School. Although she focused on acting as her major, but her obtained bachelor's degree was in Korean Music, Following her department's name.

Seo faced challenges in securing lead roles due to her tall stature. However, her breakthrough in the acting career came with the play Heo Sam-gwan Blood (2003). Portraying the character of Heo Ok-ran, the wife of Heo Sam-gwan, Seo landed her first lead role after years of participating in Michu productions. Her exceptional performance in this role earned her accolades at the Hiseo Theatre Awards on December 20, 2003, where she was honored with the titles of 'Actress of the Year' and 'Expected Actress.' Additionally, she received the Best Acting Award for the same work at the 40th Dong-A Theatre Awards, which took place on February 13, 2004, at the Dong-A Media Center in Sejong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Breaking the troupe barrier
Following her notable achievement in 2004, Seo received an offer in 2005 to portray the role of Hester Swain, the female lead in the play Cat Swamp, produced by the Physic Theater Company. This marked the first time in 10 years that Seo, who was a member of Michu, performed on a stage other than a Michu production. Directed by Han Tae-sook, play Cat Swamp is a renowned work by the Irish-born playwright Marina Carr. The play was staged from November 1 to 13, 2005, at the Seoul Daehangno Arko Arts Theater's Grand Theater (formerly known as the Arts Center Arts Theater).

While working as a theater actress, Seo also pursued her studies at the Graduate School of Chung-Ang University's School of Korean Music. In 2005, she began her academic journey, and three years later, in 2008, Seo successfully obtained her master's degree in Korean Music. Her thesis focused on research in Madangnori. Furthermore, she took on the role of a part-time professor, teaching acting classes at her alma mater. Notably, one of her students was trot trot singer Song Ga-in.

In 2006, Seo had the opportunity to act in Michael Frayn's 1982 Play Noises Off. This popular work premiered in the UK in 1982 and has been performed in 32 countries. It is a comedy that garnered significant attention, leading to a Hollywood movie adaptation following a successful Broadway run. The Korean performance of "Noises Off" took place at Dongsoong Hall, Dongsoong Art Center, Daehak-ro in May 2006. Seo Yi-suk, who portrayed the character of Cracket, received praise for her natural portrayal in the play. Her unique husky voice added to the charm of her performance, and she skillfully led the flow of the play.

Seo collaborated once again with Han Tae-suk in the play Iron. The play is an intense psychological drama by Rona Munro translated by Sung Soo-jeong. In the play, Seo portrayed a female prison guard who develops an affectionate bond with Jae-yi (played by Yoon So-jung), a female prisoner serving a 15-year sentence for murdering her husband. As a fellow woman who has experienced abuse at the hands of men, the guard empathizes with Jae-yi. However, when Jae-yi takes advantage of this affection and smuggles drugs, the guard's empathy turns into disgust. Additionally, there is a hint of jealousy towards the arrival of Jae-yi's daughter, Yoo-jin. Seo's portrayal of the gender-neutral character adds a refreshing catharsis to the play.

In 2007, Seo returned with a new work by playwright Bae Sam-shik titled "Yeolha Diary," which had previously created her turning point project, "Heosam-gwan Selling Blood." The play was an adaptation of Yeonam Park Ji-won's work of the same title. Seo Yi-suk appeared as the strange Yeon-am, a peculiar beast with the characteristics of a horse, a donkey, a mule, and a dog. She began narrating strange stories in a village, leading to chaos and changes, fueling human curiosity and desire for the unusual. The production was directed by Son Jin-chaek, known for his works dealing with weighty and serious themes, and it took place on the stage of Seoul Arts Center's Towol Theater from March 10 to 25. Seo gained acclaim for her remarkable performances.

In April 2007, Seo took on the role of the third-rate singer Ju Hyeon-mi in the play "Walking Alone on the Yeongdong Bridge as Night Rain Falls." The play, which was inspired by the songs of Ju Hyeon-mi, was written by Choi Chi-eon and directed by Kim Dong-hyun. It satirized the dark era of military dictatorship by featuring a protagonist who was a third-rate poet undergoing censorship of their identity. The play was performed by the theater company Party at the Daehak-ro Information Small Theater starting from April 25.

Seo Yi-sook showcased her talent as Clytemnestra in the 2007 production of Orestes. The play, adapted by Go Young-beom and directed by Lee Seong-yeol, delved into the intricacies of human nature. Alongside Seo, Park Ji-il portrayed the character of Orestes. The performance of Orestes graced the main theater of the Arko Arts Theater from November 23 to December 2.

In 2008, Seo was cast as role Helen Damson from the play The Gift of the Gorgon by playwright Peter Shaffer. Seo played opposite actor Jung Dong-hwan, who returned to the stage as Edward Damson after he appeared at the 2003 premiere; and Park Yoon-hee who was cast as Philip. This performance was produced by Experimental theater company. Directed by Koo Tae-hwan, the play The Gift of the Gorgon was held at the Namsan Drama Center on November 18 to 23 2008. This project was the most memorable in Seo's career. She received standing ovation from the audience on her last performance. In August 2009 Seo performed encore the play The Gift of the Gorgon at the Arko Arts Theater in Daehangno, Seoul.

In 2009, director Park Geun-hyung of Theater Company Alleyway watched "The Gift of Gorgon" and visited Seo in her dressing room to propose that they work together on Chekhov's "The Seagull." When asked why she accepted the offer, Seo said, "I was planning to take a break, but I couldn't resist the opportunity to participate in a small theater production after a long time. I was also very interested in Park Geun-hyung's working style."

In the play, Seo portrays the character of Arkadina, who experiences the beginning and end of tragedy. Her son, Kostya (played by Kim Ju-wan), falls in love with Nina (played by Kim Young-nam and Jung Jin-ah), who is both Arkadina's lover and a renowned novelist named Trigorin (played by Kim Young-pil). Eventually, as Nina meets her downfall, she tragically takes her own life. Throughout the performance, Arkadina, at the center of tension, can only witness her son's demise. Seo Yi-suk's portrayal of Arkadina, characterized by a composed face and occasional outbursts of emotion through her theatrical and grandiose voice, adds depth to the intimate theater experience. As a highly respected mid-career actor, she shoulders the responsibility of upholding the theater industry's reputation.

In 2009, Seo joined play The Women of Picasso by Synsi Musical Company as the opening work of the 30th 2009 Seoul Theater Festival at Towol Theater, Seoul Arts Center from April 16 to 26, 2009. Korean premiere was directed by British director Paul Garrington who directed The Women of Picasso at the 2000 Edinburgh Festival. The original was premiered at the National Theater in London in July 2000, based on a play by Brian McAvera. Afterwards, at the 2000 Edinburgh Festival, each woman's story was performed independently in different theaters by different directors and received favorable reviews. In addition, it has been translated into several languages and performed in European countries such as Italy, Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Seo Yi-suk takes on the role of the 'eldest daughter' in the play "Take Care of Mom." The play has been revitalized through the creative vision of writer Go Yeon-ok, known for her insightful understanding of the human psyche, and director Ko Seok-man, who has honed his directing skills in the theater industry for over 30 years. Seo shares the stage with Jeong Hye-sun, who portrays the character of the mother. Additionally, the cast includes Shim Yang-hong as the husband, Gil Yong-woo as the eldest son, Lee Hye-won as the second daughter, Baek Baek-hee as the grandmother, and Park Woong as Lee Eun-gyu.

In 2011, Seo was selected as the 12th winner by the Kim Dong-hoon Theater Awards Steering Committee led by Chairman Yoo Min-Young. Award was given due Seo excellent acting skills in 'Oedipus' and 'Memories of Catfish' in 2011, and her previous works The Seagull, The Tempest, The Gift of the Gorgon, The Women of Picasso, and Yelha Diary.

The Heretics is a work by British author Richard Bean and is introduced for the first time in Korea. Seo, played the role of Diane Cassel, a scientist and professor of high climate department, the main character.

Debut in television
Seo made her first television appearance in early 2010, assuming the role of Queen Myeong-seong in the SBS drama Jejungwon. Queen Myeong-seong, also known by her real name Min Ja-young, was an influential figure in the Joseon Dynasty. In the series, she formed a close bond with Allen, who saved the life of her niece Min Young-ik, and later developed a friendship with Horton. In early 2011, Seo took on the role of the beggar's wife in MBC historical drama The Duo. Since then the broadcasting industry began to pay attention to Seo, leading to numerous offers.

In the latter half of 2011, Seo had to withdraw from four scheduled plays due to health reasons. As a result, she decided to shift her focus towards television projects. During this time, JTBC, a newly launched cable channel, approached her with the role of Park Sang-gung (Court Lady Park) in the weekend historical drama Insu, the Queen Mother (2011). Subsequently, she appeared in the drama Feast of the Gods (2012), portraying the character Noh Young-shim, who served as Arirang's assistant chef responsible for Chanmo (kimchi, a basic side dish). Noh Young-shim develops romantic feelings for the chef Lim Do-sik (Park Sang-myeon) of Arirang. The drama revolves around the intense rivalry between Go Jun-young (Sung Yu-ri) and Ha In-joo (Seo Hyun-jin) as they compete for the position of master chef in Arirang, a renowned traditional Korean restaurant known for its exceptional cuisine.

Theatre comeback and first award in television
In 2012, Seo was finally in good health and able to make a return to the theater. Her first stage appearance was in the play I Miss Your Parents, which was adapted from Japanese theatrical play Oya no Kao ga Mitai by Seigo Hatasawa, a Japanese playwright known for addressing the issue of school violence. The Korean adaptation was directed by Kim Gwang-bo, renowned for his works with strong social messages. The production featured a stellar cast of theater stars, including Son Sook, Park Yong-su, Lee Dae-yeon, Park Ji-il, Gil Hae-yeon, Jang Young-nam, and Seo Eun-kyung. Seo, who was double-cast with Gil Hae-yeon, portrayed the role of a mother who intimidates the victim's family by leveraging her position as the head of the school administration.

In 2013, Seo appeared as "Seo Sang-gung" in the historical television series Empress Ki. "Seo Sang-gung," also known as Court Lady Seo, served as Empress Tanashiri's right-hand servant (played by Baek Jin-hee). The following year, she took on the role of Kang Seok-soon, the chief of Gangnam Police Station, in the 2014 SBS drama You're All Surrounded. The drama was written by Lee Jeong-sun and directed by Yoo In-sik.

Amidst her busy schedulle in television, which included weekend dramas, daily dramas, and mini-series, Seo continued to work on stage in the play Romeo and Juliet as part of the commemoration for the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death. Park Jung-Min and Moon Geun-Young, two talented actors in Chungmuro, took on the roles of Romeo and Juliet respectively, while Seo, along with Son Byung-ho, who portrayed the role of Juliet's nanny as double cast, shared the responsibility and weight of the entire production.

In 2015, Seo Yi-sook, portrayed Na Hyun-ae in the KBS Wednesday-Thursday drama Unkind Lady. Her character was a snobbish villain who bullied Chae Shi-ra (played by Kim Hyun-sook) in the series due to her lack of educational opportunities.

In 2017, Seo joined cast of detective drama Bad Thief, Good Thief as Hong Mi-ae. That same year, she returned to the historical drama genre, portraying Lady Jo, the wife of Jo Cham-bong, in The Rebel. Initially, her role was meant to be minor, with appearances limited to episodes 1 to 5. However, her exceptional acting skills caught the director's attention, leading to an expansion of her screen time. Lady Jo's character extended throughout the entire series, appearing until the final episode, episode 30. Seo's remarkable performance did not go unnoticed. At the 2017 MBC Drama Awards held on December 30, 2017, she was honored with the Golden Acting Award in the Monday-Tuesday Drama category. This recognition served as a testament to her talent as television actress.

In that same year, Seo took on a role in the film Special Citizen as the wife of the lead character, Mayor of Seoul Byun Jong-goo (played by Choi Min-shik). Choi himself considered the scene with Seo as the most memorable in the film. The scene depicted Byun Jong-goo selling his daughter's name to cover up his crime, and his wife, aware of the situation, confronts and criticizes him. As the conflict between the characters escalated, the emotional intensity of the acting became crucial. Choi Min-shik advised Seo to channel her character's resentment, stating, "When I said, 'I'll hit you like a bell in a chapel,' I felt like I was really going to die. I was hit once with full force, and if I were hit again, my face would change." The scene was successfully filmed and included in the final cut of the film without any changes.

In 2018, Seo starred in KBS musical drama Beautiful Story of Joseon. Directed by Kim Dae-hyun, this musical drama depicts the story of young people who wanted find their dreams against the backdrop of the first beauty contest in the Joseon Dynasty. In this two episodes drama, written by Kyung Min-seon, Seo acted alongside Pentagon Yeo-won, Kim Na-ni, Bae Yoon-kyung, and Jung Eun-Pyo. Her next role was Madam Ra in drama Mother. Followed by Kwon Young-sil in My Secret Terrius.

Highest recognition in Theater career and recent works
In 2018, Seo had the opportunity to collaborate once again with director Han Tae-sook in the Korean adaptation of Electra, a renowned Greek tragedy. The adaptation was written by Ko Yeon-ok, often recognized as "the alchemist of crime drama," who crafted a tense and gripping variation of Electra's revenge story. In this rendition, Electra undergoes a transformation, becoming a guerrilla warrior, while a bunker serves as the backdrop for the play. Seo and Jang Young-nam, both returning to the theatrical stage after a hiatus, were cast in the roles of Electra and Clytemnestra, respectively. These two central characters were instrumental in driving the conflicts within the play. Their performances were filled with charisma, captivating audiences at the LG Art Center from April 26 to May 5, 2018.

In 2019, Seo and Woo Mi-hwa were double-cast as Nora, while Son Jong-hak and Park Ho-san were double-cast as Torwald in the Korean adaptation of the play A Doll's House Part 2 by American playwright Lucas Hnath. Originally released in 2017, the play serves as a "sequel" to Henrik Ibsen's masterpiece A Doll's House which premiered in December 1879. Ibsen's play tells the story of Nora Helmer, the wife of Torvald and mother of three, who ultimately leaves her family behind, challenging the societal norms of a 19th-century wife. In A Doll's House Part 2, set in 1894, Nora Helmer returns after 15 years as a successful writer to file divorce.

In 2019, Seo took on the lead role in the monologue play titled "Lady Macbeth's Wardrobe," which was performed on November 6 and 7 at Donhwamun Traditional Music Hall in Seoul. This production is a reinterpretation of the classic Shakespearean play "Macbeth," focusing specifically on the story of Lady Macbeth in a Korean context. Through the presence of traditional Korean attire known as 'Hanbok' in her wardrobe, the memories of Lady Macbeth's past are invoked and brought to the present.

In her standout role in 2019, Seo showcased her exceptional talent by starring in the Hong Sisters' fantasy drama series Hotel del Luna. Portraying the six sister Gods known as Ma-go, Seo not only embodied six distinct characters but also displayed her versatility by creating different voice tones for each role. Alongside Lee Ji-eun and Yeo Jin-goo, Seo's captivating performances, added depth and richness to the series. Directed by Oh Choong-hwan and Kim Jung-hyun, Hotel del Luna became a record-breaking success, standing as the most-watched tvN drama of 2019 and ranking among the top-rated Korean dramas in cable television history.

Seo's next project reunites her with director Han Tae-sook. Titled "The Shepherd Instead," this psychological drama explores themes of sympathy and remorse surrounding the act of discarding things that should be cherished. The play, written and directed by Han Tae-sook, was held at the Arko Arts Theater Small Theater in Seoul from March 6 to March 15, 2020. Seo shares the stage with a talented cast, including Jeon Park-chan, Son Jin-hwan, Kim Eun-seok, Seong Yeo-jin, Kim Do-wan, Yoo Seung-rak, and Park Soo-jin.

In 2020, Seo made a memorable guest appearance in the South Korean adaptation of the acclaimed BBC series Doctor Foster titled The World of the Married on cable channel JTBC. She portrayed the role of Chae Gook-hee, Chairman Choi's wife, a patient of the main character Ji Seon-woo (played by Kim Hee-ae). Chae Gook-hee was a compelling and influential character who deeply impacted Ji Seon-woo's life. The drama achieved phenomenal success and garnered the highest ratings in the history of South Korean cable television at that time. Seo received widespread acclaim for her performance, particularly for her captivating scenes alongside Kim Hee-ae, solidifying her reputation as a scene-stealer.

On June 22, 2020, Seo received the prestigious 30th Lee Hae-rang Drama Award during the awards ceremony held at the Chosun Ilbo Museum of Art. The Lee Hae-rang Theater Award, established by the Lee Hae-rang Theater Foundation, serves as a tribute to Lee Hae-rang, a trailblazer in the Korean theater industry who died in 1989. This esteemed accolade is bestowed upon individuals or theater groups that have made significant contributions to the traditional theater field.

In the same year, Seo reunited with director Oh Choong-hwan in drama Start-Up. Seo plays Yoon Seon-hak, the CEO of SH Venture Capital and the founder of Sandbox. She had a pioneering vision of recognizing the business and she succeeded both as an investor in her business and as an investor. Also in 2020, Seo was cast Jo Yoon-sil, the strict mother of Seon Woo-jun, acted by Lee Jae-wook in KBS drama Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol.

In March 2021, Seo was offered the role of Anita in the premiere adaptation of Philip Ridley's play Vincent River, directed by Shin Yoo-cheong. The play revolves around the poignant conversations between Anita and Davy. Anita, a grieving mother who tragically lost her gay son Vincent in a homophobic assault and murder, is haunted by the loss. Meanwhile, Davy, a character who hovers around Anita, adds depth to the narrative. Vincent River explores themes of homophobia, hate crimes, and discriminatory views. It marked the second collaborative project between MPN Company and Ateod, with the aim of revitalizing the Daehangno performance market and establishing a stable production environment. The play made its debut in Korea in April 2021.

In the summer of 2021, Seo had the opportunity to share the role of actress 'A' with Jung Jae-eun in the play The Dressing Room (Gakuya). This production takes place in the dressing room of a theater where Anton Chekhov's The Seagull is being performed. Actress 'A' is portrayed as a ghost seeking solace in the dressing room, haunted by unfulfilled aspirations for a specific role. Despite predominantly taking on the roles of prompter or minor characters, 'A' has always harbored a deep desire to play a leading female role. The Dressing Room holds significance as it is the renowned work of Kunio Shimizu, a celebrated Japanese playwright who died in April 2021.

Philanthropy
Seo, who was honored with the 30th Hae-rang Theater Award, donated the prize money to her alma mater and colleagues in the performing arts industry who are facing difficulties due to COVID-19. On the 25th, Seo Yi-sook's agency, Quantum E&M, announced, "Actress Yi-sook Seo donated the theater prize money to the theater industry, including the Welfare Foundation, a theater, and Jeongok High School, where she graduated."

On July 1, 2022, Seo signed an agreement with three senior centers, namely Jeongok Senior Citizens Center, Jeongok 5-ri Senior Citizens’ Center, and Jeongok Koaru Apartment Senior Citizens’ Center, and sponsored them.

Personal life
In 2011, for the first time in her life, Seo underwent a comprehensive health checkup organized by the Korea Actors Welfare Foundation. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. After completing the performance of "Memories of Catfish," she underwent surgery in July. Although the surgery went well, there was a risk of vocal cord abnormalities due to the proximity of the thyroid gland to the uvula. The hospital warned her that using her voice would be uncomfortable for a while, and vocal cord examination would take place after six months. As a theater actor, this could be a fatal blow, especially for someone known for captivating vocalization even in large theaters.

She participated in rehearsals for play The God of Massacre but struggled with throat strain and pain. Concerned about inconveniencing her colleagues, Seo eventually withdrew from the play. Later, Seo made the decision to resign from her other schedulled plays, including "Oedipus," "Gift of Gorgon," and "There's No Sleepless Night." Afterward, Seo felt a profound emptiness and a terrifying fear of losing the voice that had established her career onstage. However, she received an offer to play a royal concubine in JTBC historical drama Insu, the Queen Mother. Since the drama required less strain on her voice compared to theater, she saw it as an opportunity to gain diverse experiences while taking a break and accepted the role.

From July to September 2021, false rumors began to circulate, claiming that Seo had died from a heart attack. It was later discovered that these rumors were spread by a netizen identified as A. In response, Seo's agency, Quantum E&M, took legal action against the perpetrator. Quantum E&M issued a statement emphasizing their firm stance, stating, "There will be no leniency."