Lee Eun-gyeol’s 30-year illusion dream lands at Sejong Center

A 30-Year Wait: Entering the Sejong Center Grand Theater

To celebrate his 30th anniversary since his debut, magician Lee Eun-gyeol will take the stage at the Sejong Center Grand Theater, fulfilling a long-held aspiration. Appearing on SBS Power FM's 'Bae Seong-jae's Ten' on the 8th, Lee shared his thoughts on his upcoming special performance, 'ONE OF ONE,' which runs from August 22 to September 6.

This performance holds profound significance for him. Since holding his first magic concert in 2003, he has aimed to stand on the stage of the Sejong Center. It took 30 years to realize that dream. Having performed at major domestic venues such as the National Theater of Korea, Seoul Arts Center, and LG Arts Center, his appearance at the Sejong Center marks a milestone where he has now graced the stages of all the major performance venues in Korea.

Regarding this upcoming stage, Lee stated, "I am preparing a performance where the audience will have no choice but to be convinced after seeing the true essence of what the genre of illusion is."

An 'Illusionist' Stimulating Imagination Beyond Mere Tricks

Lee Eun-gyeol defines himself not as a simple magician, but as an 'illusionist' and an 'imagination director.' This is the result of his longing for new forms of expression that move the hearts of the audience, rather than merely providing wonder through technical tricks.

He expressed his firm artistic philosophy, saying, "If a magician is someone who constructs a structure of impossibility, breaks it, and then poses as if they are a great person, I want to be an illusionist who stimulates the audience's imagination."

He also touched upon the value of offline performances in the age of advanced AI technology. Distinguishing between the act of purchasing goods and the act of watching a performance, Lee noted, "The important thing about cultural life is that when you spend money to buy an object, the story ends there, but when you watch a performance together, the conversation begins from that moment." He expressed his hope that this performance would serve as an opportunity for audience members to start conversations with their loved ones.

A 120-Minute Stage Collaborated with Las Vegas Technicians

The 30th-anniversary commemorative performance 'ONE OF ONE' has increased in scale through collaboration with technical crews from Las Vegas, USA. The show will run for approximately two weeks at the Sejong Center Grand Theater from the 22nd of next month to September 6.

The performance will run for 120 minutes without an intermission. Showtimes are 19:30 on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday; 14:00 and 18:30 on Saturday; and 14:00 on Sunday.