Actor and author Cha In-pyo has invited youths who have been victims of school violence to attend the play "Dead Poets Society."

On July 16, the BTF Blue Tree Foundation announced that Cha had personally donated tickets to allow youths and activists associated with the foundation to watch the performance. Cha is set to play the lead role of Mr. Keating in the play "Dead Poets Society," which premieres on July 18. By portraying a teacher who respects the individual thoughts and potential of his students over grades and discipline, he plans to convey the play's message of "Carpe diem, seize the day."

This invitation stems from the connection between Cha and the Blue Tree Foundation. Last year, Cha attended the foundation's Daehyun Scholarship ceremony as a special guest speaker, where he offered comfort and encouragement to youths who had overcome the trauma of school violence.

He has continued this relationship by inviting the youths he met at that time to the performance he is starring in. It is reported that Cha expressed his hope that "the message delivered on stage will reach these youths."

The play "Dead Poets Society" is the first official licensed production in Korea based on the screenplay by Tom Schulman, which won an Academy Award in 1989. In the story, Mr. Keating inspires students trapped in a rigid educational system and strict discipline to think for themselves and find the courage to choose their own paths in life. Cha intends to send a message of support to the youths who have suffered, telling them, "You are never alone."

The Blue Tree Foundation stated, "We hope this invitation will be a time of comfort and courage for the youths who are continuing their recovery and growth despite the trauma of school violence and difficult circumstances."

The Daehyun Scholarship program was established to honor the late Kim Dae-hyun, who passed away due to school violence. The program provides scholarships and cultural activities for youths who have been victims of school violence and those in need of social support.



(Reported by Kang Kyung-yoon, SBS Entertainment News)