[Photos] Producer-director Pyo Jae-soon reveals six decades of backstage stories at 89 ... A master’s record spanning the 1988 Seoul Olympics to beloved national dramas

At 89, master reveals the truth behind six decades onstage

“I have the surname Pyo, but I spent my whole life trying not to stand out.” Pyo Jae-soon, 89, a living history of South Korea’s broadcasting and performing arts industries, has published his first autobiographical essay, “Gya, What’s Your Job?”, distilling his 60-year artistic journey. The record, in which the veteran puts his life into print for the first time on the eve of his 90th birthday, traces the arc of modern Korean cultural history from the opening and closing ceremonies of the Seoul Olympics in 1988 to the beloved national dramas that dominated television screens.

The book’s distinctive title comes from a joke-laced outburst by the late actor Jang Min-ho, who directed across genres and was active in every medium. Pyo turned to media directing because it was difficult to make a living through theater alone, but he used that experience as fuel for reflection and gratitude, building a singular artistic world.

A pioneer who erased boundaries, a ‘maker’ who crossed genres

His filmography boasts a vast spectrum that cannot be defined by a single genre. After joining TBC in 1967, he conceived and directed works that became icons of their eras, including The Frog Husband, Chief Investigator, 500 Years of Joseon and Sandglass. His achievements in the performing arts are equally striking. From the play Death of a Salesman to the musical Padam Padam Padam, he broke down genre barriers and connected with audiences.

Despite the many labels attached to him, Pyo calls himself a creator. His philosophy can be summed up in what he calls the “bibimbap theory.” The idea is to mix traditional foundations with colorful ingredients such as cutting-edge technology and convergence to create new content that captivates the world. He said the sweat of unnamed staff members and actors provided the nourishment that built today’s K-culture, and expressed boundless optimism about the future of Korean culture.

A confession to the family left behind the bright lights

Although he earned worldwide praise as the overall director of a major national event, deep remorse for the family he left outside the stage has remained within him. His painful self-reflection over spending his life at work and failing to fulfill his role as a good husband and father forms another central theme of the essay. His quiet vow to devote the rest of his life to service offers a glimpse of the humanity hidden behind the master’s imposing public stature.

Meanwhile, former Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Yoo In-chon, along with cultural and arts giants including Shin Goo, Kim Young-ok and Yoon Bok-hee, attended the publication celebration. They recalled the warm leadership of Pyo Jae-soon as it remained etched in their memories and expressed deep respect for their colleague and teacher of 60 years.