Apply without hesitation if you are eligible: Gok Seong-jin on the value of failure
Actor Gok Seong-jin, a member of the National Theater Company of Korea's Youth Training Program, discusses embracing failure to grow as an artist.
The life of an actor is a continuous cycle of trial and error. Gok Seong-jin, currently a member of the National Theater Company of Korea's Youth Training Program for 2026, defines this period as the process of fully immersing himself in his life as an actor. Rather than fearing failure, he is focusing on expanding his horizons by throwing himself into new challenges.
A sanctuary where failure becomes learning: The National Theater Company's Youth Training Program
Gok is currently investing entirely in his craft—learning, facing challenges, and embracing failure. For him, the National Theater Company's Youth Training Program is more than just an educational course; it serves as a reliable sanctuary where even setbacks can be transformed into valuable lessons. Through classes led by rare and esteemed mentors, he is building his foundations and expanding his artistic possibilities through diverse experimentation.
He describes his current state as "feeling like I am truly living the life of an actor." This signifies that he has moved beyond merely acquiring acting techniques to immersing himself in the very essence of being a performer. Within an environment that encourages bold attempts, he is steadily cultivating his own unique acting style.
"If you meet the qualifications, apply without hesitation": Advice for junior artists
As he grows stronger through the growing pains of his craft, Gok offers practical advice to junior artists. He firmly encourages them to apply without hesitation if they meet the eligibility requirements. This stems from his firsthand experience of how essential it is to gain experience in an environment that allows for failure.
The belief that it is okay to fail serves as his primary driving force. He emphasizes that accumulating as many experiences as possible while one has the opportunity is the only way to broaden one's potential. The time Gok is investing now will serve as the solid foundation for his future performances on stage.
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