MUSICAL IRON MASK

Exactly 26 days ago, I was in Seoul for a business trip. On November 4th, I decided to go and watch Ken's musical, Iron Mask. Today, in this post, I am sharing my experience with you guys.

First, let’s start with the ticketing process. My trip to Seoul was from 3rd to 7th of November. I arrived around midnight and the only show I could attend was on the 4th. I was on a tight budget so I had to choose the cheapest tix there is. Cost me around KRW60000 and I got the centre seat. Which isn’t very bad. I could have gone for the side seats, which is few rows front but a friend suggested that I go for the centre, so I did.

I bought my tix from a website called www.visitseoul.net The process was easy and smooth. I bought it a few days before flying. And I was supposed to collect the tix on the day at the venue. Which also turned out to be very easy!

Few weeks before the show, I have been looking up the best way to get to the venue. Been asking around and one Starlight said the nearest subway exit was Exit 4 of Apgujeong. And she recommended that I use Naver Map from there. I also studied from Google Earth and tried to memorise the way to the hall.

The show should start at 6pm and I made my way to the venue at around 4pm from Myeongdong, which took me 5 stations and 1 change. As I got out of the exit, I followed what I remembered and BELIEVE ME it was really easy. I was so proud of myself, as if I have known the place since forever. I’m glad I didn't get lost or anything (without using any map) or it would have spoiled my mood.

Got there around 5-ish and saw so many people lining up in front of the building, waiting for someone. I reached out to one blonde girl and she said they’re waiting for Sandeul, who happened to have just finished his show. So I made my way to the 7th floor, where the ticket collection takes place.

I also saw Starlights holding on to some cards and was curious so I asked my friend on Twitter. She told me that the card can be printed from the machines by the stairs, and explained to me in detail on how to do it.

There was a few machines by the stairs where you may scan a QR code displayed on the screen. Then you will be directed to a website to customise it. You may upload any photo of Ken or the musical, basically anything. You will then be given a code and must enter the code to the machine. Pay KRW2000 and the card will be printed in no time!!

Here’s mine!

You could also get a free Iron Mask folder with Ken’s photo on it. You just have to post any picture related to the musical on any social media with a few hashtags. Show it to the counter and make sure you are following the musical’s social media accounts. I did all and got it easily!

Around 5.45pm, I went up to the hall and got to my seat. The rules are very strict, we are not allowed to take any photo, even before the show started. There were 2 staff walking around checking if you’re taking photos. A girl next to me got told off for taking a photo.

Being stubborn, I still tried to sneak some photos. After a few try, managed to get this!!

As you can see, even tho I was seating at the second last row, my view was actually really good. I was glad I bought the central seat!

The show started sharp at 6pm. I was so nervous but excited. Tho I wont be able to understand the whole thing, I knew I would enjoy it anyways, because of Lee Jaehwan.

The first time he appeared, it wasn't really clear as they were retelling the story of how Phillip was thrown into the prison and was forced to wear the iron mask. His second appearance, which was a more proper scene, he was talking to someone, pointing to the board as if they were discussing some war strategy. I couldn't help but cry. There was so much going on in my mind, I missed him, I felt so happy to see him on stage again after so long, so I cried like nobody’s business.

The infamous topless scene which Starlights have been talking about took place during the first half of the show. I wasn't prepared coz I never thought it would happen so fast. He came out from the backstage wearing a robe, of course you can see he’s not wearing anything inside with his chest slightly exposed. He was talking about something and suddenly stood up in the middle of the stage. Two handmaids walked up to him, one helping him to take off his robe while the other putting on a different outfit for him. His body?? Lemme describe it for you. Very toned arms, chest and shoulders. His abs are well-defined, not as well as Ravi’s but he’s getting there. I love his broad shoulders and his small tiddies the most. Tried to see if there’s any hair under his pit but it was too fast, couldn't catch anything.

There was only one kissing scene if I remember correctly, but many flirty Jaehwan in action. He was trying his best to get Christine to like him. As King Louis, Jaehwan was very assertive and pushy. He must get what he wants in whatever way he can. So he wanted Christine to be his although Christine is already with Raoul. He seduced (more like forcing) her, sweet-talked her, hugged her. Mind you, in a very controlling way, but with Jaehwan’s soft voice. Isn’t that intimidating? Who would say no to that combination? Even Christine ended up letting King Louis kissing her.

Christine wore drop-shoulder dress in almost every scene and believe me Jaehwan always attacked her shoulders. As in, fondling, kissing, caressing. I almost jerked off in my seat, as if I can feel his breath on my shoulders. It was so intense, as he back-hugged her and rested his chin on her shoulder.

Jaehwan also kisses intensely, with his hands all over Christine’s hair and waist and cheek. He switches sides regularly, showing dominance, coughs BDSM coughs.

Now let’s talk about Jaehwan’s singing. As always, he nailed it. His voice projection is very powerful. I can confidently say (tho I’m not a musical expert) there were no mistakes or off-pitch at all. Everything was PERFECT! I was in awe when he pulled off the ending of this one song where he stood in the middle of the stage, with his arms wide open, with his voice so loud and clear, and as he was looking up towards the audience, I felt like as if we were making eye contact. Which is so special!

The curtain call is actually my favourite part. Jaehwan was very playful the whole time. I believe 99% of the audience came for him. He was cheered the loudest and Starlights screamed at the smallest gesture he did. There was one time when he came to the front and Starlight went crazy, he pulled a face, idk how to describe, but it’s cute and weird, and believe me Starlight went even crazier!! Even other actors played along with him, they love him I can tell. Who doesn’t? It’s Lee Jaehwan we’re talking about.

After the show ended, we all rushed to the ground floor to send him off. At first I waited for the elevator, but that took so long. So I used the staircase and went down 9 floors as fast as I can. I got a fair spot in front of the building, second row and got my camera ready. We waited around 10 minutes and Jaehwan came out!

He was wearing a white shirt with a suspender, I kid you not!! He looked so gorgeous, I couldn't believe my eyes. I have met him in person many times and, each time, he always makes me go speechless.

It is not a good shot, but it’s my video and I’m proud of it. My eyes were on him and my hand was everywhere, hence this sloppy clip. Once he drove past my section, I saw others running towards the front to catch him again so I followed. It was the best decision ever. This time, I put down my camera and stared into his soul, trying to memorise each and every curve of his handsome face, to live with this memory till the next time I see him again.

It all happened too fast, but I was very happy. I promise myself, this will not be the last musical of his I will watch. I will work my ass off to watch his musicals again in the future, and aim for the front seats!!

Anyways, I’m sorry for writing too long I tend to get carried away when writing. If you’re reading this, thank you!! I hope you enjoy my sharing, and if you haven't been able to watch his musicals, or see him or VIXX, I hope you will be able to someday. Sending you all the LUCK in the world.