Um Ki-joon debuts as Norton in musical Majesty

Actor Um Ki-joon completed his first performance as the eccentric Norton in the musical Majesty at NOL Theater Daehangno Woori Card Hall on October 27. The production, which depicts the life of a real-life figure in 19th-century San Francisco, will run at the same venue until November 15.

Actor Um Ki-joon has completed his first performance in the musical 'Majesty.' On the 27th, Um Ki-joon met with audiences at the NOL Theater Daehangno Woori Card Hall. Set in 19th-century San Francisco, the original musical depicts the life of the real-life figure Joshua Abraham Norton, who declared himself the "Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico." Wearing a worn military uniform and a feathered hat, Um Ki-joon portrays Norton, a character who is mocked for his absurd decrees yet gradually earns the trust of the citizens. According to the production company Double K Entertainment, 'Majesty' will continue its run at the same venue until November 15.

The life of Norton, who declared himself Emperor

The story is set in San Francisco in 1869. The narrative begins when Arthur, an apprentice reporter dreaming of a scoop in a city where the Gold Rush is cooling, meets Norton, who claims to be the emperor. Norton, having proclaimed himself the "Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico," is the central figure through whom the play follows his process of building relationships with the city's residents. Although mocked for his eccentric behavior and absurd decrees, Norton is depicted as a character who maintains a warm nature in a world filled with chaos and hatred, eventually gaining the sincere trust of the citizens.

Um Ki-joon stated that in portraying Norton, he focused on conveying both the character's unique words and actions and the thoughts contained within them. Regarding his motivation for joining the production, he said, "I felt an interest in the fact that Norton was an eccentric who declared himself emperor." He added, "As I read the script, I saw various sides of him beyond his unique impression, and I was naturally drawn to the many charms Norton possesses." Regarding the process of fleshing out the character, he explained, "I focused on striking a balance so that the story led by Norton would not feel too nonsensical to the audience. I hoped that his thoughts and pursuits would be naturally conveyed through his unique speech and actions."

Um Ki-joon's portrayal of the Emperor on stage

Um Ki-joon took the stage as Norton, wearing a worn military uniform and a feathered hat. In the work, Norton is a man who calls himself emperor and issues decrees, while simultaneously gaining the trust of the citizens. Um Ki-joon reinterpreted the real-life Norton with his own color, expressing the sincerity hidden behind his unique words and actions. In his first performance, he demonstrated both delicate expression and vocal ability, using songs that deeply conveyed emotion to bring the character's journey to the stage. According to the source, Um Ki-joon used his acting depth, derived from long stage experience, to multi-dimensionally portray the various sides of Norton.

After completing his first performance, Um Ki-joon mentioned the time spent together with the actors and staff during the preparation process. "I remember the process where all the staff and actors prepared together with passion," he said. "I am happy and grateful to present this work, which we prepared hard for, to the audience." He urged the audience to comfortably accept the moments that resonate with them while watching the play. Um Ki-joon suggested, "It might be an interesting point of enjoyment to think about how the images Norton dreamed of and pursued at that time appear in our lives today." He added, "I hope you enjoy the various emotions felt while following the story of the eccentric Norton who lived in that era. Please feel the moments that touch your hearts comfortably, without the pressure to find a specific message."

Reporter Arthur and various characters of the city

The character at the center of the story alongside Norton is the apprentice reporter Arthur, played by Park Jeong-won and Kim Woo-seok. Arthur is introduced as a character who follows Norton around the city to report on him and get to know him. Lee Jeong-hwa and Heo Yun-seul play Marta, a proofreader who corrects distorted articles. Yang Seung-ri and Woo Jae-ha appear as the officer O'Neill, who opposes Norton by emphasizing order and safety. Lee Seung-hyun and Lee Kyeong-uk take on the roles of Maurice, the editor-in-chief who prioritizes sensational headlines and newspaper sales.

Wanhei is played by Kang Ha-na and Heo Sun-mi, and Feiyan is played by Hong San-ha. Characters who create a new kingdom with Norton in a mental hospital also appear on stage. Lancelot is played by Song Sang-hoon and Kim Hyo-seong, Gawain by Park Chae-won, Mordred by Kang Seong-jin, and Galahad by Kim Soo-ro. The production team consists of writer Kim Seong-yeon, composer Kim Eun-young, director Seong Jong-wan, and choreographer Shin Seon-ho. Kim Soo-ro, who leads Double K Entertainment, serves as both producer and actor. The stage is accompanied by 10 ensemble members and a 9-piece live orchestra.

A creative musical presented as a trial performance

'Majesty' is a selected work for the "2026 Large-Scale Musical Trial Performance Support Program," sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and hosted by the Korea Arts Management Service. This program is introduced as a project to support trial performances of creative musicals ahead of their entry into large-scale main productions. After presenting the work through this trial performance, 'Majesty' is expected to expand its scale following a refinement process. The performance opened on October 25, with Um Ki-joon's first performance taking place on the 27th. The run continues until November 15.

Based on Norton's story, the work deals with the choice between truth and lies, and hatred and solidarity. The introductory materials suggest that fake news, the language of hate, immigrant discrimination, and labor issues are also themes of the work. Norton is described as a character who, despite being mocked for his strange behavior, listens to the voices of those the city has turned away from. The performance duration is 160 minutes and is viewable by those elementary school age and above. Audiences follow the reporting of apprentice reporter Arthur to meet the stories of Norton and the people of San Francisco on stage.

After completing his first performance on the 27th, Um Ki-joon expressed his gratitude and feelings about presenting the work to the audience. 'Majesty' continues its run at the NOL Theater Daehangno Woori Card Hall until November 15.

Read the original (Korean)