Take 1 (2022–…): Season 1, Episode 1 - Episode #1.1 - full transcript
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WE ASKED MUSICIANS
FROM DIFFERENT GENRES
WHAT IF
YOU HAD ONLY ONE CHANCE TO PRESENT
A PERFECT PERFORMANCE BEFORE YOU DIED?
THERE'S JUST ONE CONDITION
DO IT IN ONE TAKE
I think she needs to come now.
Ready?
Our Take 1 project is asking artists,
"If you could present one last performance
before you died, how would you do it?"
It's where you can realize
your dream stage.
It's a performance
that happens only once, in one take.
When the song ends,
this stage is taken down.
ONE PERFORMANCE
ONE TRY
I thought it was ridiculous.
That's not possible for me.
Because throughout my career of 36 years,
so many important songs
have made my life really special.
If you're ready, let's get started.
Let's bring her out here.
What should I do?
I'm worried, and I'm also afraid.
I wondered, "Am I doing the right thing?
Can I do this?"
I had so many doubts.
But a challenge always comes with a risk.
And it also requires courage.
I think this will be a great experience.
One that I'll never forget.
Ten seconds. Nine, eight, seven, six,
five, four, three, two, one.
The song I chose...
FIRST ASIAN TO WIN 6 INTL COMPETITIONS,
THE INTERNATIONAL PUCCINI AWARD,
THE SIOLA D'ORO
AND A GRAMMY FOR BEST OPERA RECORDING
She's made a huge impact
as an opera singer.
LEE JUNG-JAE
ACTOR
Everything that she has achieved
as a Korean on the Western stage
makes her truly remarkable.
I got a very good impression
of her when we first met.
There was immediate respect
and empathy for each other.
ANDREA BOCELLI
TENOR
We've sung together many times since then.
I MUSICI
TOP CHAMBER ENSEMBLE
Every time I watch her perform,
she inspires me.
CHOI YOUNG-SUN
CONDUCTOR
As an artist, she acts as a muse.
I think she is simply perfect
rather than being a perfectionist.
NAM HYEONG-JU
RECORDIST
I have to study this again,
and this one also.
You're a world-famous soprano,
yet you still don't neglect your studies.
No matter how well you prepare,
unpredictable situations can always arise.
Practice, perform, travel.
Practice, perform, travel.
One day I'd be in Tokyo,
and the next day I'd be in New York.
After New York, I'd be in Vienna.
SHE SPENDS MORE THAN
300 DAYS A YEAR ABROAD
SHE IS NOW IN PORTUGAL
FIRST PHONE CONVERSATION
-Hello.
-It's an honor.
We got connected right away. Okay.
It's titled Take 1, and it's about
the one important song in my life, right?
That's right.
The dates are all set
for your visit to Seoul, right?
When would it be possible
for us to have our first meeting,
even if it's just 30 minutes or an hour?
-Let me see.
-Sure.
Hold on. The dates that I'm in Seoul
are the 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd...
Oh, my God. When can we meet?
I don't have the time.
I'm fully booked.
I have a ridiculously hectic schedule.
She really doesn't have the time.
Actually, I'm busy every day.
I'm going on tour
to ten different locations
with I Musici,
Italy's best indoor ensemble.
ONLY TWO WEEKS TO PREPARE
FOR THE TAKE 1 PERFORMANCE
-Hello.
-Hello.
SOME TIME LATER, IN SEOUL
-Hello, sir.
-Hello.
-It's nice to meet you.
-It's nice to meet you too.
So how should we greet...
Should we do this?
-It's nice to see you.
-It's a pleasure.
-Shall we sit?
-It's great to see you.
Hello.
JO YOUNG-JOON
AGENCY CEO, SUMI'S BROTHER
What was your first reaction
when you first heard about this project?
I've been exposed to a lot of songs while
singing around the world for 36 years.
I'm sure.
I didn't like the idea of having
to choose just one song.
I'm sure it sounded crazy.
Yes. I said, "It's not possible for me."
It's not like I just debuted
two years ago.
Since I'm famous for my portrayal
of "Queen of the Night",
I thought I might choose that.
SUMI JO IS MOST FAMOUS
FOR THE QUEEN OF THE NIGHT ARIA
There's always a message
when you do something.
So it's important for me to consider
what message I'm sending.
There needs to be a reason.
"ABANDONED MAY YOU BE FOREVER
DESTROYED BE FOREVER"
The story is very negative.
The Queen of the Night gives her daughter
a knife and says, "Kill my enemy."
As you know, I was designated
a UNESCO Artist for Peace.
It wouldn't be right for me to sing
"kill him" while holding a knife.
PEACE IS BETTER THAN A KNIFE
So I was really worried
and gave it a lot of thought.
I have some Korean songs
that are well-known in this country.
But I'll rule those out.
So if I go with opera or classical music,
I have so many to choose from.
"LET ME WEEP"
"VOICES OF SPRING WALTZ"
"AVE MARIA"
Many songs come to mind.
It'll be very difficult to pick one
since there are so many to choose from.
SUMI HAS MANY SIGNATURE SONGS
Which one should it be?
I think it needs to have
a bit of mainstream appeal.
SHE CAN ONLY CHOOSE ONE
I agree. Instead of being
too dramatic or too sad,
it needs to be positive
and have some amusing elements.
Something that people
of all ages can enjoy,
and maybe even learn something from it.
-Would it be risky to try a new song?
-Yes, it would be too risky.
Besides, I won't have time to prepare.
-Yes, that would be a problem.
-There's no time.
I have to consider all that. Let me think.
What should I do? My head hurts.
IT'S NOT EASY TO MAKE A DECISION
To give that
once-in-a-lifetime performance,
what would be the right choice?
The show has to be fun
for the audience to enjoy it.
NOT DRAMATIC OR SAD
POSITIVE, FUN
What would that be?
So think it over.
For the artists taking part in Take 1,
we're giving out these souvenirs.
This was made for you.
-For me?
-Yes.
My goodness.
Try touching it.
One, two, three?
Is this like Squid Game?
When I see numbers, I think of Squid Game.
What is this?
-What does this mean? 264?
-It's the time remaining until Take 1.
You're kidding me!
So we have 264 days until the concert?
-No, it's hours, actually.
-So it's 264 hours.
THE TAKE ONE CLOCK
It's been a pleasure.
All right, then.
TIME LEFT UNTIL TAKE 1
Seville might be fun.
"A VOICE A LITTLE WHILE AGO"
-This sounds good too.
-There's a lot to show.
Or this one?
"I WANT TO LIVE IN THIS DREAM"
When she was invited
to take part in Take 1,
she had a really hard time
deciding which song to choose.
CHRIS
CLASSICAL PIANIST
-What about that?
-I like it.
I really like it.
Can I find anything better than that
for the best song of my life?
"AVE MARIA"
"LET ME WEEP"
But those songs might not be enough...
to be the Take 1 of my life.
THE REASON SHE'S WRESTLING
WITH THE DECISION
While building a career of 36 years,
I have walked a path that other
"traditional" opera singers usually don't.
So when I get a chance
to work on a project like this,
I obviously want to try something
I've never tried before.
Something I've always wanted to try.
There's this urge to challenge myself.
So I thought...
LIFE'S TAKE 1
SHE COMES UP WITH A NEW CHALLENGE
...I could mix opera
with a Korean melody and rhythm.
OPERA
GUGAK
OPERA + GUGAK
It could be a dangerous mix.
So I need to approach this with care.
And there are a lot of things to consider.
So I was still debating what to do.
But a challenge always comes with a risk.
And it also requires courage.
I'm always thirsting for new adventures.
I can't live my life in the same pattern.
I can't live that way.
For me, challenges are a way of life.
Having all these thoughts
made it easier for me
to narrow down the list of songs.
WHAT IS THAT ONE SONG
THAT WILL JOIN THIS NEW CHALLENGE?
-Is this on?
-Hello?
A SUDDEN CALL
-Can you hear me?
-Yes, we can hear you.
-Hello!
-Hello.
I spoke with Mr. Jo a few times
and we exchanged a lot of ideas.
The first song that came
to my mind was "The Doll Song."
It's a really fun song.
I also get to do these
doll-like movements while performing.
"THE DOLL SONG"?
"THE DOLL SONG"
OFFENBACH: THE TALES OF HOFFMANN
SINCE ITS PREMIERE IN PARIS IN 1881
THIS ARIA HAS BEEN LOVED AROUND THE WORLD
IT IS FAMOUS
FOR ITS BEAUTIFUL MELODY AND UNIQUE PLOT
HOFFMANN, THE PROTAGONIST,
MEETS A SCIENTIST
AND FALLS FOR THE SCIENTIST'S DAUGHTER
She is Hoffmann's ideal woman.
But as it turns out,
she's a perfectly formed doll.
But the doll suddenly breaks down.
When the scientist panics
and winds up the doll,
she comes back to life
and starts singing again.
On a scale of one to ten,
its difficulty level would be a ten.
For a singer,
it's a song with a lot of risk.
It's a technically difficult song
with a lot of high notes.
THE SONG PRESENTS CHALLENGES
I must have performed
this song hundreds of times.
The production, clothes, countries,
and the stages would change every time.
SHE PERFORMED THE SONG
IN A VARIETY OF WAYS
I've gone through that hundreds of times.
-But I've never done a Korean doll before.
-Well, that's good.
So instead of a foreign doll,
it would be a Korean doll
dressed in Korean clothes.
I like this idea. I'm sure no one
in the world has ever done this before.
I'm sure no one has.
I'm scared to death
even as I'm saying this.
What have I done?
What if I actually can't do this?
-I've never done it this way.
-Right.
It even makes me wonder
how it will turn out.
But in the end, if you're confident
about what you're doing as an artist,
I believe the results will be successful.
That belief will allow me
to sing with confidence
when I finally stand on stage.
You have no regrets
about choosing "The Doll Song"?
I have no regrets.
I think it will be
the best choice I have ever made.
I just spoke with the music arranger...
HOWEVER
...and asked about
the arrangement of the song.
JO YOUNG-JOON
AGENCY CEO
I was told it might be tricky
to include elements of gugak.
It's almost perfectly
made up with Western elements.
I was studying and listening
to the song yesterday.
If gugak were to be incorporated,
it'd be a totally new accompaniment.
I couldn't sleep at the thought of that.
So talk it over with him today
and try to work it out between you two.
So in verse two,
there's a touch of gugak. Between that...
KIM JIN-HWAN
ARRANGER
Yes?
Would it be possible to "play around"
a little bit with the music?
In gugak, the musicians
sometimes improvise.
Also, since this is a doll song,
we could look at Korean puppet shows.
I'm thinking of Kkokdugaksi music.
KKOKDUGAKGSI
THE LEGENDARY MUSIC THAT FILLED
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PLAYGROUNDS
IT IS A CREATIVE DANCE ACCOMPANIMENT
THAT WAS COMPOSED AND ARRANGED
BY MASTER JI YOUNG-HEE IN 1939
"MANCHUNGOK"
KKOKDUGAKSI MUSIC
KKOKDUGAKSI MUSIC MEETS OFFENBACH
THE ARRANGER'S EYES LOOKED SAD
THAT'S HOW THE TWO WORLDS MET
A 50-PIECE ORCHESTRA
GUGAK SOLOISTS
"THE DOLL SONG," TAKE 1 VERSION
THE FIRST ENSEMBLE
Have all the gugak musicians
finished tuning their instruments?
Let's start with the Kkokdugaksi music.
-I'll start.
-Yes. Please follow the sheet music.
CHOI YOUNG-SUN
CONDUCTOR
"MANCHUNGOK" (KKOKDUGAKSI)
THE ARRANGED SECTION
It has to be faster.
Much faster than this.
The tempo has to be like this.
MATCHING THE TEMPOS
OF WESTERN MUSIC AND GUGAK WILL BE KEY
All right, let's start. We'll try again.
We'll go straight into it.
One, two, three, and...
THEY'RE NOT MIXING WELL
Let's try it one more time.
One, two, three, and...
Doesn't it sound a little strange?
It sounds very shrill.
-Because the rhythms are different.
-Right.
It sounds strange.
-If it sounds strange, we can take it out.
-It could be a little risky.
Should we start from the beginning.
Something's sort of working.
From here,
if it doesn't work like this,
then it's no good.
It could be really bad.
It's this part.
If we don't go mechanical on this,
it's going to be a mess.
If not, we'll be in big trouble.
It's a very dangerous part.
I was very concerned.
In the past, when the two worlds merged,
not every song sounded successful.
At least to my ears.
I thought, "Is this right? Can I do this?"
Because nobody's ever done this before.
Who knows what it will sound like?
What kind of beat is it?
In the second verse,
the gugak goes in much faster.
-It's fast, right?
-It's very fast.
If it sounds like it's wrong, then...
It just keeps sounding wrong.
It's okay to sound different,
but it's bad if it sounds wrong.
Can we just try G again?
I told you, that's not right.
THE TEAM'S VIBE ISN'T GOOD
-Just do yours.
-Start with G.
Honestly, I was having a meltdown.
In gugak...
CHOI JIN-SEOK
HEAD OF GUGAK
...we count the beat with our breath.
GUGAK IS ABOUT THE BREATH
In Western music, breathing
is measured in beats, like heartbeats.
WESTERN MUSIC IS ABOUT THE BEAT
There was some difficulty in matching
that beat with the breathing rhythm.
COMBINING THE TWO ISN'T EASY
-We need to overcome this.
-Yes. We can practice.
Well, we only have five minutes left.
-Let's try again.
-Okay.
-We finish at 4:30?
-Yes.
EVERYONE IS FOCUSED ON ONE THING
Honestly, I think you're all doing great.
As long as the practice goes well,
there should be no problem.
We're almost done,
so let's do it a couple more times.
Sure.
-Just two more times?
-Yes.
THE PRACTICE CONTINUES
We'll start from there.
You have to split it up properly.
One more time.
Again? One more time?
We'll have to start from here again.
I'll do it this way.
Okay, let's do it again.
I'll start with the trill.
I'm already worried.
I didn't have enough time to practice.
My schedule is packed
with different things every day.
HER SCHEDULE IS TIGHT
Everything is happening at once.
Because I have so many tours
going on right now,
looking at the clock has become a habit.
You're always pressed for time.
I'm always pressed for time.
-There's a reason I wanted to see you.
-Okay.
I wanted to incorporate
more of Korea's taste...
SEO SEUNG-YEON
FASHION DESIGNER
...into the stage costume.
And you're the first person I thought of.
It's necessary to fully express
the form of the Korean traditional dolls.
Although we have limited time,
I'll do my best.
STAGE COSTUME MEETING
DANCE PRACTICE
In addition to the main character,
the actors, actresses, and dancers
all play an important role.
I'll go back and forth, like this.
"Oh my God. Where am I going?"
I'll be like, "I don't know this music."
We didn't know you had such flair.
Our choreography was too static.
Okay, let's try this.
I'll just be natural.
STAGE INSTALLATION
Nowadays, people want
and need something fun.
What if we try this?
I'll hide in the box,
and then I'll come out and say, "Ta-da!"
COSTUME CHECK
-We can do it like this.
-It's good. I like it.
As a beautiful Korean doll...
I'll be reborn.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCES
Honestly, I was sleeping as I was singing.
I mean it.
ARRIVAL AT THE ACCOMODATION
AMIDST A BUSY SCHEDULE WHERE
THERE IS NO TIME TO EVEN BREATHE
WHY SHE KEEPS CHALLENGING HERSELF
You're performing just one song
for just one audience.
What kind of audience
do you want to perform for?
I want to share this special performance
with maybe students
who are studying vocal music
or maybe those in difficult situations
who just need some laughter.
I thought about who I'm doing this for.
To make children with disabilities
and their families laugh,
I have to put on a fun performance.
I have always been interested
in animal protection, abandoned dogs...
My name is Beth.
...and children with illnesses.
I've always wanted to socially help
people in places like this.
I do this while I'm singing.
You want to see it?
She must have a really tight schedule.
YIM SOON-RYE
DIRECTOR, KARA BOARD MEMBER
But what's impressive is that
despite that tight schedule,
she always makes time for volunteer work.
We could never have imagined that children
in wheelchairs could ride a swing.
PAIK KYUNG-HAK
PURME FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER
She donated that swing
for the first time ever.
So, in the spring, children come
with their parents to ride the swing.
HOPE THE CHILDREN ARE HAPPY
Why does the world need music
and why do I sing?
The answer is simple.
We need music
to make this world more beautiful.
To make that beautiful world,
I need to know the world,
and I have to be beautiful.
He's kissing me.
I want to be a person
who brings happiness.
I want to live with a humble heart.
SUMI JO ARRIVES
11:40 A.M.
-What about makeup?
-They're coming.
What is this?
Seven hours and sixteen minutes.
THE TIME IS CLOSING IN ON HER
What is this?
-What does this mean? 264?
-It's the time remaining until Take 1.
You're kidding me!
It's been a pleasure.
SUMI JO
-Were you able to sleep last night?
-No, I couldn't sleep.
Not even a wink.
-Not at all?
-No. My throat was burning.
I've been practicing a lot these days,
and my schedule has been so tight.
I think I overworked my throat.
It's even harder today
because the song has really high notes.
Technically, it's more challenging.
It's such a difficult song in every way.
And not just the singing.
I also have to act,
along with everything else.
I'm afraid to test my voice.
-What should I do?
-What will you do?
I have 4 hours and 58 minutes left.
I'll leave it like this.
I NO LONGER WANT TO SEE IT
Let's do this.
GETTING READY FOR REHEARSAL
We're asking artists,
"If you could present one last performance
before you died, how would you do it?"
It's where you can realize
your dream stage.
It's a performance
that happens only once, in one take.
When the song ends,
this stage Is taken down.
ONLY ONCE
ONLY ONE STAGE FOR ONE SONG
-Hello.
-We'll see you later.
-Hello.
-Hello. You all look so beautiful.
Hello, everyone. I'm the doll.
Let's get started.
If you're not involved with the concert,
please leave the stage.
We'll do it like the real performance.
Okay, here we go. Stand by.
REHEARSAL BEGINS
THE LAST AND MOST DIFFICULT HIGH
Hold on. You know this part?
-We have to go fast on that.
-I understand.
-Or else, it'll get really hard.
-Right.
Where was that? That wasn't good.
I usually hit all my high notes.
My throat hurts, and it stings a bit.
I'm sorry.
I need to warm up my voice. It hurts.
I'm actually a little worried.
Will I be able to sing properly?
I was actually very worried.
-Thank you, everyone.
-Good work.
ENDING REHEARSAL FEELING ANXIOUS
Go on and get some rest.
-Let's all rest.
-Thanks, everyone!
Thank you.
SHE'S HAVING A HARD TIME LEAVING
I'm not sure how my voice
will come out in this condition.
1 HOUR AND 30 MINUTES LEFT
STAFF ON STANDBY
THE AUDIENCE IS ARRIVING
CHILDREN'S FAMILIES
FROM THE PURME FOUNDATION
AND VOCAL MUSIC MAJORS
MAKE UP THE 500 SPECTATORS
TAKE 1
10 MINUTES REMAINING
Why am I screaming?
Everybody's ready, right?
This is it. Take 1.
TAKE 1
5 MINUTES LEFT
TAKE 1
2 MINUTES AND 30 SECONDS LEFT
I keep stepping on my dress.
It's getting in my way.
You'll be fine.
But a challenge always comes with risk.
And it also requires courage.
I think this will be a great experience.
Here we go.
"The Doll Song."
"THE DOLL SONG"
TAKE 1 VER.
There once was a man who went looking
for the doll of his dreams.
But no matter where he went,
he couldn't find the doll
he was looking for.
"What if I never find her?"
He was very disappointed and anxious,
but he kept looking
for the doll of his dreams.
During his journey,
he finds a shop of an eccentric scientist.
"Maybe in this place..."
He carefully goes into the shop.
Will he be able to find
the doll of his dreams here?
"THE DOLL SONG" SUNG BY SUMI JO
The birds in the arbor
The sky's daytime star
Everything speaks to a young girl
Everything speaks to a young girl
Of love!
Of love!
Everything speaks of love
This is the sweet song
The song of Olympia
Of Olympia
This is the sweet song
The song of Olympia
Of Olympia
Everything that sings resounds
And sighs, in turn
Moves his quivering heart
Moves her quivering heart
With love
With love
Which shivers with love
This is the cute song
The song of Olympia
Of Olympia
This is the cute song
The song of Olympia
Of Olympia!
I want to go home
and sleep for three days.
I mean it.
It was the busiest time of my life,
because of Take 1.
And I put a lot of effort into it.
So, I'm very proud of what
I've accomplished. Well done.
I had no idea classical music
could be like this.
I got goosebumps when
the gugak accompaniment first joined in.
I think they're the best in the world.
It was the best concert of my life.
I want to thank everyone.
Because doing all these new things
and going on a path
that nobody's gone on before,
wouldn't have been possible
solely through my own efforts
or without the help of all these people
who worked with us.
In the end,
life is all about challenges.
Don't be afraid.
You have to trust in yourself
and enjoy what you do. Just do your best.
Because every day is Take 1.
Subtitle translation by: So Young Park
---
WE ASKED MUSICIANS
FROM DIFFERENT GENRES
WHAT IF
YOU HAD ONLY ONE CHANCE TO PRESENT
A PERFECT PERFORMANCE BEFORE YOU DIED?
THERE'S JUST ONE CONDITION
DO IT IN ONE TAKE
I think she needs to come now.
Ready?
Our Take 1 project is asking artists,
"If you could present one last performance
before you died, how would you do it?"
It's where you can realize
your dream stage.
It's a performance
that happens only once, in one take.
When the song ends,
this stage is taken down.
ONE PERFORMANCE
ONE TRY
I thought it was ridiculous.
That's not possible for me.
Because throughout my career of 36 years,
so many important songs
have made my life really special.
If you're ready, let's get started.
Let's bring her out here.
What should I do?
I'm worried, and I'm also afraid.
I wondered, "Am I doing the right thing?
Can I do this?"
I had so many doubts.
But a challenge always comes with a risk.
And it also requires courage.
I think this will be a great experience.
One that I'll never forget.
Ten seconds. Nine, eight, seven, six,
five, four, three, two, one.
The song I chose...
FIRST ASIAN TO WIN 6 INTL COMPETITIONS,
THE INTERNATIONAL PUCCINI AWARD,
THE SIOLA D'ORO
AND A GRAMMY FOR BEST OPERA RECORDING
She's made a huge impact
as an opera singer.
LEE JUNG-JAE
ACTOR
Everything that she has achieved
as a Korean on the Western stage
makes her truly remarkable.
I got a very good impression
of her when we first met.
There was immediate respect
and empathy for each other.
ANDREA BOCELLI
TENOR
We've sung together many times since then.
I MUSICI
TOP CHAMBER ENSEMBLE
Every time I watch her perform,
she inspires me.
CHOI YOUNG-SUN
CONDUCTOR
As an artist, she acts as a muse.
I think she is simply perfect
rather than being a perfectionist.
NAM HYEONG-JU
RECORDIST
I have to study this again,
and this one also.
You're a world-famous soprano,
yet you still don't neglect your studies.
No matter how well you prepare,
unpredictable situations can always arise.
Practice, perform, travel.
Practice, perform, travel.
One day I'd be in Tokyo,
and the next day I'd be in New York.
After New York, I'd be in Vienna.
SHE SPENDS MORE THAN
300 DAYS A YEAR ABROAD
SHE IS NOW IN PORTUGAL
FIRST PHONE CONVERSATION
-Hello.
-It's an honor.
We got connected right away. Okay.
It's titled Take 1, and it's about
the one important song in my life, right?
That's right.
The dates are all set
for your visit to Seoul, right?
When would it be possible
for us to have our first meeting,
even if it's just 30 minutes or an hour?
-Let me see.
-Sure.
Hold on. The dates that I'm in Seoul
are the 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd...
Oh, my God. When can we meet?
I don't have the time.
I'm fully booked.
I have a ridiculously hectic schedule.
She really doesn't have the time.
Actually, I'm busy every day.
I'm going on tour
to ten different locations
with I Musici,
Italy's best indoor ensemble.
ONLY TWO WEEKS TO PREPARE
FOR THE TAKE 1 PERFORMANCE
-Hello.
-Hello.
SOME TIME LATER, IN SEOUL
-Hello, sir.
-Hello.
-It's nice to meet you.
-It's nice to meet you too.
So how should we greet...
Should we do this?
-It's nice to see you.
-It's a pleasure.
-Shall we sit?
-It's great to see you.
Hello.
JO YOUNG-JOON
AGENCY CEO, SUMI'S BROTHER
What was your first reaction
when you first heard about this project?
I've been exposed to a lot of songs while
singing around the world for 36 years.
I'm sure.
I didn't like the idea of having
to choose just one song.
I'm sure it sounded crazy.
Yes. I said, "It's not possible for me."
It's not like I just debuted
two years ago.
Since I'm famous for my portrayal
of "Queen of the Night",
I thought I might choose that.
SUMI JO IS MOST FAMOUS
FOR THE QUEEN OF THE NIGHT ARIA
There's always a message
when you do something.
So it's important for me to consider
what message I'm sending.
There needs to be a reason.
"ABANDONED MAY YOU BE FOREVER
DESTROYED BE FOREVER"
The story is very negative.
The Queen of the Night gives her daughter
a knife and says, "Kill my enemy."
As you know, I was designated
a UNESCO Artist for Peace.
It wouldn't be right for me to sing
"kill him" while holding a knife.
PEACE IS BETTER THAN A KNIFE
So I was really worried
and gave it a lot of thought.
I have some Korean songs
that are well-known in this country.
But I'll rule those out.
So if I go with opera or classical music,
I have so many to choose from.
"LET ME WEEP"
"VOICES OF SPRING WALTZ"
"AVE MARIA"
Many songs come to mind.
It'll be very difficult to pick one
since there are so many to choose from.
SUMI HAS MANY SIGNATURE SONGS
Which one should it be?
I think it needs to have
a bit of mainstream appeal.
SHE CAN ONLY CHOOSE ONE
I agree. Instead of being
too dramatic or too sad,
it needs to be positive
and have some amusing elements.
Something that people
of all ages can enjoy,
and maybe even learn something from it.
-Would it be risky to try a new song?
-Yes, it would be too risky.
Besides, I won't have time to prepare.
-Yes, that would be a problem.
-There's no time.
I have to consider all that. Let me think.
What should I do? My head hurts.
IT'S NOT EASY TO MAKE A DECISION
To give that
once-in-a-lifetime performance,
what would be the right choice?
The show has to be fun
for the audience to enjoy it.
NOT DRAMATIC OR SAD
POSITIVE, FUN
What would that be?
So think it over.
For the artists taking part in Take 1,
we're giving out these souvenirs.
This was made for you.
-For me?
-Yes.
My goodness.
Try touching it.
One, two, three?
Is this like Squid Game?
When I see numbers, I think of Squid Game.
What is this?
-What does this mean? 264?
-It's the time remaining until Take 1.
You're kidding me!
So we have 264 days until the concert?
-No, it's hours, actually.
-So it's 264 hours.
THE TAKE ONE CLOCK
It's been a pleasure.
All right, then.
TIME LEFT UNTIL TAKE 1
Seville might be fun.
"A VOICE A LITTLE WHILE AGO"
-This sounds good too.
-There's a lot to show.
Or this one?
"I WANT TO LIVE IN THIS DREAM"
When she was invited
to take part in Take 1,
she had a really hard time
deciding which song to choose.
CHRIS
CLASSICAL PIANIST
-What about that?
-I like it.
I really like it.
Can I find anything better than that
for the best song of my life?
"AVE MARIA"
"LET ME WEEP"
But those songs might not be enough...
to be the Take 1 of my life.
THE REASON SHE'S WRESTLING
WITH THE DECISION
While building a career of 36 years,
I have walked a path that other
"traditional" opera singers usually don't.
So when I get a chance
to work on a project like this,
I obviously want to try something
I've never tried before.
Something I've always wanted to try.
There's this urge to challenge myself.
So I thought...
LIFE'S TAKE 1
SHE COMES UP WITH A NEW CHALLENGE
...I could mix opera
with a Korean melody and rhythm.
OPERA
GUGAK
OPERA + GUGAK
It could be a dangerous mix.
So I need to approach this with care.
And there are a lot of things to consider.
So I was still debating what to do.
But a challenge always comes with a risk.
And it also requires courage.
I'm always thirsting for new adventures.
I can't live my life in the same pattern.
I can't live that way.
For me, challenges are a way of life.
Having all these thoughts
made it easier for me
to narrow down the list of songs.
WHAT IS THAT ONE SONG
THAT WILL JOIN THIS NEW CHALLENGE?
-Is this on?
-Hello?
A SUDDEN CALL
-Can you hear me?
-Yes, we can hear you.
-Hello!
-Hello.
I spoke with Mr. Jo a few times
and we exchanged a lot of ideas.
The first song that came
to my mind was "The Doll Song."
It's a really fun song.
I also get to do these
doll-like movements while performing.
"THE DOLL SONG"?
"THE DOLL SONG"
OFFENBACH: THE TALES OF HOFFMANN
SINCE ITS PREMIERE IN PARIS IN 1881
THIS ARIA HAS BEEN LOVED AROUND THE WORLD
IT IS FAMOUS
FOR ITS BEAUTIFUL MELODY AND UNIQUE PLOT
HOFFMANN, THE PROTAGONIST,
MEETS A SCIENTIST
AND FALLS FOR THE SCIENTIST'S DAUGHTER
She is Hoffmann's ideal woman.
But as it turns out,
she's a perfectly formed doll.
But the doll suddenly breaks down.
When the scientist panics
and winds up the doll,
she comes back to life
and starts singing again.
On a scale of one to ten,
its difficulty level would be a ten.
For a singer,
it's a song with a lot of risk.
It's a technically difficult song
with a lot of high notes.
THE SONG PRESENTS CHALLENGES
I must have performed
this song hundreds of times.
The production, clothes, countries,
and the stages would change every time.
SHE PERFORMED THE SONG
IN A VARIETY OF WAYS
I've gone through that hundreds of times.
-But I've never done a Korean doll before.
-Well, that's good.
So instead of a foreign doll,
it would be a Korean doll
dressed in Korean clothes.
I like this idea. I'm sure no one
in the world has ever done this before.
I'm sure no one has.
I'm scared to death
even as I'm saying this.
What have I done?
What if I actually can't do this?
-I've never done it this way.
-Right.
It even makes me wonder
how it will turn out.
But in the end, if you're confident
about what you're doing as an artist,
I believe the results will be successful.
That belief will allow me
to sing with confidence
when I finally stand on stage.
You have no regrets
about choosing "The Doll Song"?
I have no regrets.
I think it will be
the best choice I have ever made.
I just spoke with the music arranger...
HOWEVER
...and asked about
the arrangement of the song.
JO YOUNG-JOON
AGENCY CEO
I was told it might be tricky
to include elements of gugak.
It's almost perfectly
made up with Western elements.
I was studying and listening
to the song yesterday.
If gugak were to be incorporated,
it'd be a totally new accompaniment.
I couldn't sleep at the thought of that.
So talk it over with him today
and try to work it out between you two.
So in verse two,
there's a touch of gugak. Between that...
KIM JIN-HWAN
ARRANGER
Yes?
Would it be possible to "play around"
a little bit with the music?
In gugak, the musicians
sometimes improvise.
Also, since this is a doll song,
we could look at Korean puppet shows.
I'm thinking of Kkokdugaksi music.
KKOKDUGAKGSI
THE LEGENDARY MUSIC THAT FILLED
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PLAYGROUNDS
IT IS A CREATIVE DANCE ACCOMPANIMENT
THAT WAS COMPOSED AND ARRANGED
BY MASTER JI YOUNG-HEE IN 1939
"MANCHUNGOK"
KKOKDUGAKSI MUSIC
KKOKDUGAKSI MUSIC MEETS OFFENBACH
THE ARRANGER'S EYES LOOKED SAD
THAT'S HOW THE TWO WORLDS MET
A 50-PIECE ORCHESTRA
GUGAK SOLOISTS
"THE DOLL SONG," TAKE 1 VERSION
THE FIRST ENSEMBLE
Have all the gugak musicians
finished tuning their instruments?
Let's start with the Kkokdugaksi music.
-I'll start.
-Yes. Please follow the sheet music.
CHOI YOUNG-SUN
CONDUCTOR
"MANCHUNGOK" (KKOKDUGAKSI)
THE ARRANGED SECTION
It has to be faster.
Much faster than this.
The tempo has to be like this.
MATCHING THE TEMPOS
OF WESTERN MUSIC AND GUGAK WILL BE KEY
All right, let's start. We'll try again.
We'll go straight into it.
One, two, three, and...
THEY'RE NOT MIXING WELL
Let's try it one more time.
One, two, three, and...
Doesn't it sound a little strange?
It sounds very shrill.
-Because the rhythms are different.
-Right.
It sounds strange.
-If it sounds strange, we can take it out.
-It could be a little risky.
Should we start from the beginning.
Something's sort of working.
From here,
if it doesn't work like this,
then it's no good.
It could be really bad.
It's this part.
If we don't go mechanical on this,
it's going to be a mess.
If not, we'll be in big trouble.
It's a very dangerous part.
I was very concerned.
In the past, when the two worlds merged,
not every song sounded successful.
At least to my ears.
I thought, "Is this right? Can I do this?"
Because nobody's ever done this before.
Who knows what it will sound like?
What kind of beat is it?
In the second verse,
the gugak goes in much faster.
-It's fast, right?
-It's very fast.
If it sounds like it's wrong, then...
It just keeps sounding wrong.
It's okay to sound different,
but it's bad if it sounds wrong.
Can we just try G again?
I told you, that's not right.
THE TEAM'S VIBE ISN'T GOOD
-Just do yours.
-Start with G.
Honestly, I was having a meltdown.
In gugak...
CHOI JIN-SEOK
HEAD OF GUGAK
...we count the beat with our breath.
GUGAK IS ABOUT THE BREATH
In Western music, breathing
is measured in beats, like heartbeats.
WESTERN MUSIC IS ABOUT THE BEAT
There was some difficulty in matching
that beat with the breathing rhythm.
COMBINING THE TWO ISN'T EASY
-We need to overcome this.
-Yes. We can practice.
Well, we only have five minutes left.
-Let's try again.
-Okay.
-We finish at 4:30?
-Yes.
EVERYONE IS FOCUSED ON ONE THING
Honestly, I think you're all doing great.
As long as the practice goes well,
there should be no problem.
We're almost done,
so let's do it a couple more times.
Sure.
-Just two more times?
-Yes.
THE PRACTICE CONTINUES
We'll start from there.
You have to split it up properly.
One more time.
Again? One more time?
We'll have to start from here again.
I'll do it this way.
Okay, let's do it again.
I'll start with the trill.
I'm already worried.
I didn't have enough time to practice.
My schedule is packed
with different things every day.
HER SCHEDULE IS TIGHT
Everything is happening at once.
Because I have so many tours
going on right now,
looking at the clock has become a habit.
You're always pressed for time.
I'm always pressed for time.
-There's a reason I wanted to see you.
-Okay.
I wanted to incorporate
more of Korea's taste...
SEO SEUNG-YEON
FASHION DESIGNER
...into the stage costume.
And you're the first person I thought of.
It's necessary to fully express
the form of the Korean traditional dolls.
Although we have limited time,
I'll do my best.
STAGE COSTUME MEETING
DANCE PRACTICE
In addition to the main character,
the actors, actresses, and dancers
all play an important role.
I'll go back and forth, like this.
"Oh my God. Where am I going?"
I'll be like, "I don't know this music."
We didn't know you had such flair.
Our choreography was too static.
Okay, let's try this.
I'll just be natural.
STAGE INSTALLATION
Nowadays, people want
and need something fun.
What if we try this?
I'll hide in the box,
and then I'll come out and say, "Ta-da!"
COSTUME CHECK
-We can do it like this.
-It's good. I like it.
As a beautiful Korean doll...
I'll be reborn.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCES
Honestly, I was sleeping as I was singing.
I mean it.
ARRIVAL AT THE ACCOMODATION
AMIDST A BUSY SCHEDULE WHERE
THERE IS NO TIME TO EVEN BREATHE
WHY SHE KEEPS CHALLENGING HERSELF
You're performing just one song
for just one audience.
What kind of audience
do you want to perform for?
I want to share this special performance
with maybe students
who are studying vocal music
or maybe those in difficult situations
who just need some laughter.
I thought about who I'm doing this for.
To make children with disabilities
and their families laugh,
I have to put on a fun performance.
I have always been interested
in animal protection, abandoned dogs...
My name is Beth.
...and children with illnesses.
I've always wanted to socially help
people in places like this.
I do this while I'm singing.
You want to see it?
She must have a really tight schedule.
YIM SOON-RYE
DIRECTOR, KARA BOARD MEMBER
But what's impressive is that
despite that tight schedule,
she always makes time for volunteer work.
We could never have imagined that children
in wheelchairs could ride a swing.
PAIK KYUNG-HAK
PURME FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER
She donated that swing
for the first time ever.
So, in the spring, children come
with their parents to ride the swing.
HOPE THE CHILDREN ARE HAPPY
Why does the world need music
and why do I sing?
The answer is simple.
We need music
to make this world more beautiful.
To make that beautiful world,
I need to know the world,
and I have to be beautiful.
He's kissing me.
I want to be a person
who brings happiness.
I want to live with a humble heart.
SUMI JO ARRIVES
11:40 A.M.
-What about makeup?
-They're coming.
What is this?
Seven hours and sixteen minutes.
THE TIME IS CLOSING IN ON HER
What is this?
-What does this mean? 264?
-It's the time remaining until Take 1.
You're kidding me!
It's been a pleasure.
SUMI JO
-Were you able to sleep last night?
-No, I couldn't sleep.
Not even a wink.
-Not at all?
-No. My throat was burning.
I've been practicing a lot these days,
and my schedule has been so tight.
I think I overworked my throat.
It's even harder today
because the song has really high notes.
Technically, it's more challenging.
It's such a difficult song in every way.
And not just the singing.
I also have to act,
along with everything else.
I'm afraid to test my voice.
-What should I do?
-What will you do?
I have 4 hours and 58 minutes left.
I'll leave it like this.
I NO LONGER WANT TO SEE IT
Let's do this.
GETTING READY FOR REHEARSAL
We're asking artists,
"If you could present one last performance
before you died, how would you do it?"
It's where you can realize
your dream stage.
It's a performance
that happens only once, in one take.
When the song ends,
this stage Is taken down.
ONLY ONCE
ONLY ONE STAGE FOR ONE SONG
-Hello.
-We'll see you later.
-Hello.
-Hello. You all look so beautiful.
Hello, everyone. I'm the doll.
Let's get started.
If you're not involved with the concert,
please leave the stage.
We'll do it like the real performance.
Okay, here we go. Stand by.
REHEARSAL BEGINS
THE LAST AND MOST DIFFICULT HIGH
Hold on. You know this part?
-We have to go fast on that.
-I understand.
-Or else, it'll get really hard.
-Right.
Where was that? That wasn't good.
I usually hit all my high notes.
My throat hurts, and it stings a bit.
I'm sorry.
I need to warm up my voice. It hurts.
I'm actually a little worried.
Will I be able to sing properly?
I was actually very worried.
-Thank you, everyone.
-Good work.
ENDING REHEARSAL FEELING ANXIOUS
Go on and get some rest.
-Let's all rest.
-Thanks, everyone!
Thank you.
SHE'S HAVING A HARD TIME LEAVING
I'm not sure how my voice
will come out in this condition.
1 HOUR AND 30 MINUTES LEFT
STAFF ON STANDBY
THE AUDIENCE IS ARRIVING
CHILDREN'S FAMILIES
FROM THE PURME FOUNDATION
AND VOCAL MUSIC MAJORS
MAKE UP THE 500 SPECTATORS
TAKE 1
10 MINUTES REMAINING
Why am I screaming?
Everybody's ready, right?
This is it. Take 1.
TAKE 1
5 MINUTES LEFT
TAKE 1
2 MINUTES AND 30 SECONDS LEFT
I keep stepping on my dress.
It's getting in my way.
You'll be fine.
But a challenge always comes with risk.
And it also requires courage.
I think this will be a great experience.
Here we go.
"The Doll Song."
"THE DOLL SONG"
TAKE 1 VER.
There once was a man who went looking
for the doll of his dreams.
But no matter where he went,
he couldn't find the doll
he was looking for.
"What if I never find her?"
He was very disappointed and anxious,
but he kept looking
for the doll of his dreams.
During his journey,
he finds a shop of an eccentric scientist.
"Maybe in this place..."
He carefully goes into the shop.
Will he be able to find
the doll of his dreams here?
"THE DOLL SONG" SUNG BY SUMI JO
The birds in the arbor
The sky's daytime star
Everything speaks to a young girl
Everything speaks to a young girl
Of love!
Of love!
Everything speaks of love
This is the sweet song
The song of Olympia
Of Olympia
This is the sweet song
The song of Olympia
Of Olympia
Everything that sings resounds
And sighs, in turn
Moves his quivering heart
Moves her quivering heart
With love
With love
Which shivers with love
This is the cute song
The song of Olympia
Of Olympia
This is the cute song
The song of Olympia
Of Olympia!
I want to go home
and sleep for three days.
I mean it.
It was the busiest time of my life,
because of Take 1.
And I put a lot of effort into it.
So, I'm very proud of what
I've accomplished. Well done.
I had no idea classical music
could be like this.
I got goosebumps when
the gugak accompaniment first joined in.
I think they're the best in the world.
It was the best concert of my life.
I want to thank everyone.
Because doing all these new things
and going on a path
that nobody's gone on before,
wouldn't have been possible
solely through my own efforts
or without the help of all these people
who worked with us.
In the end,
life is all about challenges.
Don't be afraid.
You have to trust in yourself
and enjoy what you do. Just do your best.
Because every day is Take 1.
Subtitle translation by: So Young Park