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Veteran actors Shin Goo (89) and Park Geun-hyung (85), who have been performing together in the play Waiting for Godot since 2023, will hold a special benefit performance next month in support of young artists. Hosted by the Arts Council Korea, the event will take place on May 13 at the Daloreum Theater of the National Theater of Korea in central Seoul.

The actors, performing without pay, will donate all proceeds from the show to the “Tomorrow for Theater Fund,” a program established by the Arts Council to support emerging theater talent.

“Our theater scene is in such a poor state, it's almost been depleted,” Shin said during a press conference held on April 23 at the Artist House in Seoul's Jongno District. “I hope our resources can become rich again.”

Park, reflecting on the show’s success, noted, “Waiting for Godot has sold out 102 performances. I’ve thought a lot about how to give back. I hope this performance not only rewards the audience with great art but also becomes a small source of strength for young actors.”

Both actors expressed hope that this benefit performance would serve as a model for creating a culture of giving in the theater world. “I hope this project becomes the foundation for something that can genuinely help young actors,” Shin said. Park added, “I wish other commercially successful plays would dedicate a performance to charity. As long as we’re active, we’ll continue to support this cause.”

Shin and Park portray Estragon and Vladimir, respectively, in Waiting for Godot, which debuted at the National Theater of Korea in December 2023 and went on to sell out performances in 21 cities nationwide. The final run of the production will be staged from May 9 to 25 at the Daloreum Theater.

The actors attributed the play’s popularity among younger audiences to its raw reflection of societal realities. “This absurdist play mirrors the life of waiting for something undefined, which resonates deeply with today’s youth,” Park said. “We wanted to offer hope and foster communication with younger generations, which is why we are taking part in this benefit performance.”