Actor Kim Hyung-mook received praise from audiences for his outstanding performance in the musical "Sugar." Kim Hyung-mook took the stage for "Sugar" at the KEPCO Art Center from December 12 to 18 last year. This musical is based on the 1929 original film "Some Like It Hot," and Kim Hyung-mook played a dual role as the protagonist "Jerry" and the cross-dressing character "Daphne."

Kim Hyung-mook conveyed both laughter and emotion to the audience through his delicate emotional lines and excellent vocal skills. He managed a busy schedule, performing in "Sugar" while simultaneously filming the tvN drama "Undercover Miss Hong" and the KBS2 drama "I Prescribe Love." Kim Hyung-mook gave his best in every performance with the belief that "the audience can tell what is real and what is fake."

After the performance, Kim Hyung-mook shared, "Jerry and Daphne were like a journey to meet another self within me," and added, "The thrill of breathing with the audience on stage is a happiness that cannot be exchanged for anything." Through "Sugar," he once again proved his presence as an "all-around actor" who freely crosses between stage and media.

Kim Hyung-mook did not miss the narrative and plausibility of the characters through 30 years of vocal training and a thorough self-management routine. Constantly questioning his authenticity as an actor, he expressed his aspiration, saying, "I will continue to be an actor who earns the public's trust with sincere acting, regardless of stage or camera."

Wrapping up the musical "Sugar," Kim Hyung-mook answered various questions. Regarding his feelings about playing two roles, he revealed his affection for the work, saying, "There are so many different sides to me that even I am surprised. This time, 'Jerry/Daphne' came to me with an even stronger attraction."

While playing the cross-dressing character "Jerry/Daphne," he said, "I wanted to deliver 'human laughter' where the character's plausibility and narrative align." Jerry is a pure and quirky character but emphasizes a desire to be loved, seeking empathy with the audience.

Kim Hyung-mook also mentioned the difficulty of comedy acting. He said, "Comedy is the hardest because you have to consider everything—naturalness, meticulous calculation, reactions, senses, and even the flow of the times," and added that he enjoys the tension of trusting the collective intelligence of the audience while on stage.

He also spoke about performing the Wednesday matinee shows amid a busy drama filming schedule, saying, "There was a unique charm to the quiet weekday matinees. As the audience focused silently, I was able to immerse myself more deeply into the character."

Despite being praised for his "cave voice," Kim Hyung-mook explained why he has been taking vocal lessons for 30 years: "In the past, I was even told I might not be able to become an actor because of poor vocalization. To overcome that, I have trained for 30 years, and even now, I receive vocal therapy and lessons daily, fearing that if I become lazy, I might revert to the old days."

Regarding his strict pre-performance routine, he said, "I still feel insufficient, so I try to focus on what needs to be done without being swayed by emotions," emphasizing, "The process of purifying body and mind before going on stage is a courtesy to the audience."

Kim Hyung-mook also spoke about his rapport with fellow actors and staff, saying, "I realized once again how precious it is to deeply respect and consider those you work with," and described the process of open communication as a great lesson and a time of growth.

He defined musicals as "the flower of actor's art," where singing, dancing, and acting must harmonize beautifully. He added that stage experience greatly helps camera acting, and camera experience greatly helps stage acting.

Regarding roles he wants to challenge on the musical stage in the future, Kim Hyung-mook said, "If given the chance, I definitely want to try roles like 'Dracula' or 'Jekyll & Hyde' where I can unleash explosive energy." He expressed confidence in his energy and vocal skills and vowed to prove himself as an actor who can earn the audience's trust.

Finally, Kim Hyung-mook spoke about his dream, saying, "I want to be the lead actor who successfully performs the most precious work of my life, which is today," and promised to continue greeting audiences with sincere acting in dramas as well.