Even as a youngster, Jeon Soo-kyung, one of the most successful musical actresses today, craved fame. 

“Ever since I was a kid, I knew I wanted to be famous,” said Jeon, 49, during an interview with The Korea Herald at the Millennium Hilton Seoul hotel.

“Growing up I would see all these beautiful and admired celebrities on TV and I just knew that I wanted to be in the public eye,” she added. 

And, just as she wished, she is very much in the public eye -- she has stood center stage in some of the most successful musical productions here, including “Mamma Mia!,” “Chicago,” “Guys and Dolls,” “Cats” and “Kiss Me, Kate.”

The musical scene 20 years ago, when there were very few musical auditions, and today are like “night and day,” Jeon recalled.

“When I first started out in the musical scene in Korea, you didn’t have very many options. It was nothing like it is today,” said Jeon. “There were much fewer opportunities as musicals just weren’t that popular. Most of the drama and arts students were either pursuing careers in acting or in music, but I loved to act and I also loved to sing, so I wanted to be able to combine both those loves.”

At the age of 23, Jeon made her official big-time stage debut with the international Broadway smash-hit musical “Cats.”

“My first musical was a very surreal experience, not only because it would be my first time on the big stage, but because it opened my eyes to all the painstaking work that goes into preparing for a production,” she said.

“The practices were very intense, like boot camp,” Jeon added with a look of nostalgia in her eyes. “When all the actors got together in the practice studios, we would work so hard and practice so much that our sweat would actually fog up the mirrors. So we had to take salt pills to help absorb all the sweat so that we could look in the mirror while practicing.”

Although her first musical production jump-started her now successful career, the actress admitted the memories conjure up mixed emotions.

“I remember being on the stage and being so overwhelmed and confused because during the practices we were not in costumes, so I could see everyone’s faces,” said Jeon. “But on opening day, we were all in our cat costumes, so when it came to the dance routines, I couldn’t recognize who was who with all the makeup and cat fur on their faces. It was hard to remember who I was supposed to stand next to.”

Despite all her initial jitters and concerns, Jeon has successfully parlayed her talent into award-winning recognition. 

In 1997 Jeon was named best supporting actress at the third annual Korea Musical Awards for her role in “42nd Street.” Two years later she snagged another nod for best supporting actress for “The Life,” and, in 2002, she was crowned the year’s best musical actress for “Kiss Me, Kate.”

Just as it seemed like her career was really taking off, things came to a sudden halt in 2010.

“I found out I had thyroid cancer and had to undergo major surgery,” said Jeon. “I nearly lost my voice, and not just my singing voice. I could barely speak. At this point in time, I was plagued with worries about whether I would ever be able to return to the stage.”

“There was a very dark cloud over my head because I knew that this was something that could possible end my career forever. But thankfully, after about a year of recovery, I was able to sing again,” she added. “My vocals are not quite what they used to be, but I am just happy and I am able to continue to pursue my dreams.” 

Following her recovery, Jeon has appeared on numerous TV dramas and films, as well as continuing with her musical endeavors.

The actress is currently playing the role of Tanya, belting out ABBA’s classic hits in this year’s return production of “Mamma Mia!” The musical made its local debut in 2004 and has since then become one of the most successful musicals productions of all-time.

Jeon also recently wrapped up filming her latest role on the silver screen, playing a restaurant owner in “Scent of a Ghost,” which is expected to be released later this year.  

“It hasn’t been an easy road. I’ve auditioned for countless roles and failed a countless number of times,” she said. “I’ve been told I wasn’t good enough, I’ve been told my face wasn’t pretty enough. But no matter the hardships, I’ve never once thought about doing anything else.” 

“Mamma Mia!” will be staged daily (expect Mondays) at the Charlotte Theater in Seoul until June 4. Alongside Jeon, this year’s production will also star musical acts Choi Jung-won, Lee Kyung-mee, Nam Kyeong-ju, Sung Ki-yoon and Seohyun. Ticket prices range from 60,000 won to 140,000 won. For more information, call 1588-5212.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)