아이돌에서 뮤지컬 배우까지, ‘산들’이라는 이름이 그려내는 15년의 성장 서사 > K-wave Trends

The backstory of Sandeul's debut is quite fascinating. When he told his mother he wanted to become an idol singer, she reportedly opposed it strongly, saying, "Someone like you shouldn't be an idol." This was more than just a mother's concern; it reflected her objective, cool-headed assessment of her son through a strict lens. However, Sandeul crossed that threshold and stepped into the world of idols, and for 15 long years, he has remained the center of his group, silencing his mother's concerns with his talent. This anecdote, which he can now laugh about, clearly illustrates the intense process of self-validation he has undergone.

Recently, Sandeul has been showcasing a new side of himself as an actor, appearing alongside actor Ryu Soo-young in the musical "The Days." "The Days" is a jukebox musical based on the hit songs of the late Kim Kwang-seok, featuring a narrative that masterfully weaves between the past and the present. In this production, Sandeul plays "Moo-young," a free-spirited soul, displaying both his signature bright energy and deep emotional acting. His performance in the practice room was enough to dispel any prejudices about his idol background, and he is drawing high expectations from the theater industry by holding his own among veteran actors.

How do Sandeul's artistic colleagues view him? Actor Ryu Soo-young praised him as an "actor whose energy sparkles," noting that Sandeul plays a significant role as a teacher, helping others with their singing during musical rehearsals. Meanwhile, B1A4 members CNU and Gongchan, who have been with him for 15 years, praised his energy while also making the room burst into laughter with the cute revelation that he "can't memorize choreography well." These contrasting evaluations highlight the multi-dimensional charm Sandeul possesses. Possessing both perfect vocal ability and artistic sensitivity, his human flaws serve as a driving force that provides both trust and laughter to his colleagues.

One of the most notable human aspects of Sandeul is his "obsession with food." His members revealed that his fixation on food is unique, which may stem from a survival instinct developed during childhood competition with his older sister, rather than just a simple love for eating. This "personality that hates to have things taken away" might be another form of the passion he learned to survive in the fierce competition of the entertainment industry. Such trivial daily habits have become the seasoning that strengthens the bond within the team, suggesting that he is more than just a colleague to his members—he is a source of deep comfort and a reliable pillar of support.

Meanwhile, the landmarks of Chungju, Sandeul's hometown, offer a glimpse into the source of his bright and healthy energy. From the beautiful scenery of Hoamji Reservoir to the Gyemyeongsan Natural Recreation Forest and the serene Seokjongsa Temple, Chungju is a city where nature and history harmonize. The temperament Sandeul developed while growing up in such an environment is likely not unrelated to the deep emotional sensitivity he displays on the musical stage. His childhood, spent enjoying walks by the city lake and learning to calm his mind at temples, likely served as the foundation for the relaxed, steady breathing he shows on stage today.