Clash of Perspectives Sparks Debate Over Authenticity in the Acting World

Courtesy of MP&Company

Nam Myeong-ryeol, a respected veteran actor, has sparked controversy by publicly criticizing fellow actor Son Suk-ku for his remarks on stage acting, particularly regarding the notion of "fake acting" during a press conference for the play "Army on the Tree" last month.

Son, known for his appearances in popular drama series and films, shared his perspective on transitioning from theater to the screen, citing an incident from his theater days where a script called for him to "whisper love" to a co-actor. Son expressed his uncertainty in delivering such a performance without the aid of a microphone to amplify his voice. He argued that if the audience couldn't hear his whisper, it would be deemed as "fake acting," leading him to shift his focus to film and television.

In response to Son's remarks, Nam Myeong-ryeol took to Facebook to share an article about the incident, expressing his amusement at Son's perspective and stating, "What arrogance! Seriously, you should think about making your whisper audible to the audience." Nam further emphasized that numerous actors possess the ability to project their voices throughout an entire theater, even while whispering. He argued against defining "real acting" and highlighted the nature of portraying fictional characters, suggesting that Son's stance was absurd.

Nam's Facebook post ignited a passionate online debate, with some of Son's fans taking offense and criticizing the veteran actor. Accusations of personal bias were hurled at Nam, prompting him to respond by stating, "I'm talking about the essence of acting, which existed in Shakespeare's time and will exist in the future," defending his position on the matter.

In light of the heated exchanges, the 64-year-old actor eventually decided to block comments on his Instagram post, expressing that the debates were becoming inconclusive and that everyone has a right to their opinion. Nam clarified that his intention was to pause the discussions for the time being.

With a career spanning nearly four decades, Nam Myeong-ryeol's theatrical expertise carries significant weight. Currently involved in the play "Last Session" and starring in the MBC series "Numbers," Nam's experience and perspective contribute to the ongoing discourse surrounding the authenticity and essence of acting.

The clash between Nam and Son has ignited a larger conversation within the acting community, prompting actors and enthusiasts alike to reevaluate their understandings of what constitutes genuine acting. As the debate continues, the search for common ground between traditional notions of performance and evolving artistic expressions remains a topic of great interest and contemplation within the industry.

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