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Park Kyung-rim Makes 'Hairspray' Dream Come True

Park Kyung-rim plays the role of plump Tracy Turnblad in the musical "Hairspray" based on the 1988 cult film by John Waters. It was made into a Broadway musical in 2002, and the film was remade in 2007 by Adam Shankman.

"Like Tracy in the musical, I made my dream come true", Park says. "I watched 'Hairspray' countless times, and I really wanted to play the part".

Park's interpretation is a realization of her long cherished dream. "I got to know 'Hairspray' in 2003, when I went to the U.S. and knew nobody there", she recalls. "Many people thought I was crazy because the decision to leave for the U.S. came when my popularity was at its peak. But I wanted to give myself an opportunity. I was curious what it would be like when I let everything go and left behind all the glory and fame I enjoyed".

In New York, Park went to see a lot of musicals. "I watched about 60 musicals, and saw the same thing many times. I saw 'Phantom of the Opera' 10 times, and 'Chicago' eight times. I think I saw 'Hairspray' 16 times", she says. "I returned to Korea with a 'Hairspray' original soundtrack. I listened to it again and again and sang along. Then I thought if I wanted to get the lead, I have to be a producer. So I called Broadway and learned that a verbal agreement had been already made with the Seensee Company".

That meant she had to audition. It was not a success. "In addition to my husky voice, my grandmother died so I couldn't sleep for days before the audition", she said. Although she could not be part of the cast in 2007, she still made her name on the credit list as a co-producer. "At the press conference for production briefing at Chungmu Art Hall, I was the presenter. After the event, I cried because I knew where I should be there with the actors".

Then she married and had a baby in January last year, and afterwards began to prepare for another audition. "I had private lessons with a voice coach every day for three weeks, and ultimately got the part".

Park's vocal skills have received mixed reviews. "It wasn't as difficult as when I started out. When people asked me what I wanted to be, I always replied, 'I want to be a presenter'. Every time the reaction was skeptical. But I ended up becoming one. I hope many people get positive energy from the fact that I achieved my dream job", she says.

A graduate of the Department of Broadcasting and Entertainment at Dongduk Women's University, Park got a master's degree in private banking from Soongsil University early last year. "I love taking on new challenges. I thought I lacked knowledge about economy and finance as an entertainer, so I learned about stocks, real estate, insurance and pensions". Her next goal is to host a talk show. "I want to be like Oprah Winfrey who has a gentle charisma. I also would like to establish a cultural foundation so that I can share the love I received from my fans. The only reason that an average person like me could become a TV celebrity was because I had help from my fans. I want to return the love by helping out troubled youth and the disabled".

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