"Is the Truth Now Closer?"... Revisiting Ibsen's 'An Enemy of the People' in the Age of SNS

This is an era where the influence of online media, such as social networking services (SNS) and live broadcasts, has grown significantly. Compared to the past, there are now far more channels to access information and share opinions, which has in turn increased the possibility of reaching the truth. However, Lee Junwoo, artistic director of the Seoul City Theater Company, questioned during the production presentation for the play "Enemy" held at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts on October 6, whether it has actually become harder to discern the truth in this era.

Lee said, "I used to believe that SNS and media would help us know the truth better and make society more transparent, but it seems that today's society has another side," and added, "If SNS and media function in a negative direction, they can actually obscure the truth and amplify choices that serve individual interests." Such concerns are reflected in the Seoul City Theater Company’s new work, "Enemy."

"Enemy" is based on "An Enemy of the People," a play written by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906) and published in 1882. "An Enemy of the People" is set in a small town aspiring for prosperity through hot spring tourism. The protagonist, Dr. Thomas Stockmann, discovers contamination of the hot spring water and attempts to make this information public, but faces backlash from his brother, town mayor Peter Stockmann, and residents seeking to protect their economic interests.

Kang Hungoo, artist, actor Moon Sori, director Lee Junwoo, actor Lee Bongryun, and actor Kang Singoo are posing for a commemorative photo after the Seoul Theater Company’s “Enemy” production press conference. Sejong Center for the Performing Arts

Scottish playwright Kieran Hurley adapted the work for a contemporary audience in 2021 as "The Enemy." For the Seoul City Theater Company, Kang Hungoo translated and adapted Hurley’s version, with Lee Junwoo as director.

In Hurley’s adaptation, the Stockmann brothers are reimagined as sisters, Kirstin and Bonnie Stockmann, and the hot spring project becomes a large-scale eco-friendly resort development called "Big Splash." The essential plot remains: Kirstin uncovers a case of water contamination, leading her into conflict with her sister, Mayor Bonnie, and the townsfolk.

The changes in the media landscape are also reflected. The original play’s printer character is turned into a major YouTuber, and public opinion, which once formed around newspapers and citizen gatherings, now shifts to SNS and live streaming. Kang Hungoo explained, "In the original, the press was depicted as hiding the truth, but in the adaptation, along with a reporter, a major YouTuber also appears."

These changes drew Lee Junwoo’s particular interest. He said, "The fact that the adaptation is set against a backdrop of major YouTubers, public opinion, and the media was fascinating," and added, "We aim to vividly portray the flow and role of media, from how public opinion changes after Kirstin reveals the truth to the process of her being subjected to insults and violent comments." He continued, "If the power generated by SNS and media is misused, it can turn into a double-edged sword that wounds others, and I wanted to show a fractured society where people see themselves as victims while also being perpetrators."

Both director Lee Junwoo and writer Kang Hungoo especially focused on how the influence of SNS is rapidly reflected in Korean society.

Kang Hungoo said, "In Korean society, it seems we can witness in real time, via news articles or SNS, the process of someone becoming a hero in a single day and then tumbling down to become 'an enemy of the people' again." He added, "I find this phenomenon not only interesting but at times frightening."

Lee stated, "Sometimes I wonder if divisive and hateful words are thrown around too lightly on SNS and in the media. There are times when just reading those words feels chilling and scary, and I feel that our world is becoming more and more difficult for genuine conversation."

The role of Kirstin, the protagonist, is played by both Moon Sori and Lee Bongryun.

Moon Sori shared that the more she rehearsed, the more complicated the question of "truth" became for her. She said, "The more I rehearse, the more I wonder what the truth actually is. From the sister’s perspective, her story is right; from the reporter’s view, the reporter is also correct. Even the comments on SNS may be correct depending on each person’s situation." She added, "The fact that each person’s truth can differ, collide, and then collectively gain force makes me reflect deeply."

Moon Sori said, "When I first read the script, I felt an incredible sense of speed and fear. At the time, this must have been an extremely daring play, but I also felt that the original structure was so robust that it was impossible to break free from it."

The role of Kirstin's older sister and the mayor, Bonnie, is played by Hwang Younghee. The journalist Benny is played by Ma Dooyoung, Kirstin’s father-in-law and businessman Derek by Kang Shingu, YouTuber Ellie by Lee Kangwook, and Kirstin’s daughter Petra by Park Sae-eun. "Enemy" will be performed at the Sejong Center M Theater from October 26 to November 14.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.