In 2021, South Korean playwright Lee Si-won and director ChoiWon-jong, the couple who helm the theater company, Masterpiece Cornfield , envisioned a story where South Korean fans of Leslie Cheung (1956–2003) unexpectedly cross paths with pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong.
"When Choi questioned, 'Why Leslie Cheung?' I responded, 'At that time, I repeatedly watched his concert videos. He seemed like someone who deserved care, protection, and warmth,' " Lee explained.
Their play, Good Morning Hong Kong Premiered in 2022 and currently ongoing into its third season until April 6 at Seoul’s Jeongdong Theater.
Contrary to action heroes such as Chow Yun-fat or Andy Lau, who represented powerful, rescuer-type personas, CheUNG frequently depicted characters steadfastly holding onto their principles, only for them to be crushed by reality—characters who were simultaneously innocent, isolated, and profoundly susceptible," noted Choi. "Upon his death on April Fool’s Day in 2003, I reflected, 'Perhaps we cherished Cheung because he embodied our own anxiety-ridden and delicate nature during those times.'
The performance begins with devoted South Korean fans of Leslie Cheung, members of the Jang Samo (Leslie Cheung Enthusiasts' Group), journeying to Hong Kong for what they consider a "pilgrimage." They recreate various moments from his movies during their trip. A Better Tomorrow 2 In a tribute video, the exaggerated gun battles and the highly theatrical finale set in a telephone booth—where Cheung’s character passes away cradled by Chow Yun-fat—are met with chuckles from the crowd.
A segment replicating the analog special effects used in Cheung’s 1987 movie A Chinese Ghost Story demonstrates the production's creative stagecraft. However, when Hong Kong demonstrators and Jang Samo group members come together to perform "The Moon Represents My Heart," the scene becomes emotionally charged.
For many in the audience, the play is more than a tribute—it’s a portal back to the golden age of Hong Kong cinema. The nostalgia is reflected in ticket sales, with the proportion of attendees in their 40s and 50s surging to 35.4%, nearly triple the usual 12.5% for past productions.
Why does the longing for Cheung and Hong Kong cinema persist so intensely?
Lim Dae-geun, who serves as a professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies and leads the Korean Cinema Association, elucidates: "The blend of Hong Kong noir incorporated elements from Hollywood alongside Chinese martial arts motifs, giving rise to a captivating universe wherein concepts like loyalty and camaraderie flourished—a refuge for younger South Koreans seeking respite from their strict societal norms."
In contrast to his peers like Chow and Lau, who grew older alongside their audience, Cheung's premature departure immortalized him as a perpetually young icon.
"South Korea has embraced democratic reforms and stands at the forefront of the worldwide K-content phenomenon, whereas Hong Kong's path has taken a contrary direction. The production reflects these historic changes by connecting the democracy movements from previous years in South Korea with the current challenges faced in Hong Kong," explained Lim.
Coinciding with the 22nd anniversary of CheUNG's death on April 1, three of his movies will be screened again in South Korean cinemas.
Farewell My Concubine In 1993, the actor's most successful film in South Korea, which attracted almost 400,000 viewers, is set for a re-release exclusively at Lotte Cinema starting March 26. This new edition includes additional scenes that were originally omitted from the movie. Notably, this same film claimed the prestigious Palme d'Or award at the Cannes Film Festival that very year.
In the meantime, Megabox plans to showcase two less-frequently seen Cheung movies on March 31.
Nomad
In 1982, this romantic drama signaled his shift to becoming a lead actor as it portrays a rich young man from Hong Kong who becomes involved in a passionate relationship with a woman being tracked by a Japanese hitman. This movie led to an Academy Award nomination for him under the category of Best Actor.
(Note: There seems to be a discrepancy since typically nominations happen through organizations like the Hong Kong Film Awards rather than directly mentioning "Academy Award." If you meant another awards ceremony please clarify.)
Tristar In 1996, director Tsui Hark helmed a comedy where Cheung portrays a young priest drawn into a wild pursuit after helping a runaway woman.
"These movies provide an opportunity for viewers to uncover aspects of Leslie Cheung that they might not have known about previously," stated a representative from Megabox.
Years after he passed away, Cheung's influence remains—both on stage and screen, and in the hearts of those who continue to see significance in his enduring and poignant genius.
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