Lee Jinseok, who like Bong Jinwoo, grew up in an orphanage.
Despite his earlier indifferent tone, as soon as the intermission started, he rushed to the bathroom quicker than anyone.

With only about 20 minutes for the break, he feared he’d be late if he got caught in a line.

Rustle, rustle.

The theater buzzed with noise. From behind the curtain, he could hear something moving.

Were they setting up the stage? Jinseok felt a surge of excitement, wondering what kind of scene would unfold next.
He even thought he might have understood the difference between the King and the Foolish Tree, the Volcano and the Stylish One. After the show, he’d be able to explain it to the others if they didn’t catch on.

His view dimmed again, signaling that all the children were seated, and the next scene was about to begin.
The curtains opened slowly.

The first thing he noticed was a background reminiscent of a desert.

“I feel like I’m about to collapse.”

Standing there in worn-out clothes was the Pilot.

 

The Pilot gazed at the blowing sands with a sense of helplessness.

There was nothing else he could do. Too weak to move, all he could do was lean against his wrecked plane. His food and water were gone, and he had no energy left.

“If I’d known I’d die like this, I would’ve tried harder back then.”

Regretful memories surfaced.

“Why didn’t I apologize? I could’ve said it more kindly.”

He thought of all the things he could have said gently, but chose not to—harsh words spoken because he was close to someone, or because he’d grown too familiar.

“If someone would just give me one more chance...”

But second chances rarely came. Everything had an end, and usually, he didn’t get to decide when that end would be. The Pilot slowly closed his eyes. Or, he tried to.

“Why are you lying down?”

Startled by the innocent question, his eyes shot open. He immediately answered the voice’s request without thinking.

“Water, please... if you have water...”
“Why do you need water?”

His cracked voice rasped, but he continued to answer, feeling even the words were precious to save. Eager to satisfy this stranger’s wish, he reached out a desperate hand.

“I haven’t eaten or drunk anything in three days... Please, just a little water…”
“If I give you water, what can you give me in return?”

Unable to respond, he found he no longer had the strength to answer. At that moment, the Little Prince tipped water over his head.

Splash, splash.

Gradually, his cracked face regained its color.

Cough, cough.

With moisture restored, he coughed with newfound vitality.

“I must repay my savior in any way I can.”

Once fully alert, the Pilot promised his gratitude.

“You live on such a beautiful star. Why are you full of regrets?”

The Little Prince asked his long-held question.

“Regrets? What regrets?”
“You said you wished you’d done better. Isn’t that a regret?”
“Yes, you’re right. That’s what regret is.”
“I’m curious why.”
“Is that all?”
“What?”
“Is that all you want as repayment for giving me water?”
“Yes, that’s right.”

The Pilot looked up at the Little Prince in surprise. Suddenly, he realized the Prince’s clothes were unlike anything one would wear in the desert. He looked as if he came from another world.

Is this a dream?

The Pilot lightly slapped his cheek. It wasn’t a dream.

“I was showered with so much love when I was young that I thought it was normal.”

Even if it were a dream, it didn’t matter. He was indebted and felt a duty to repay.

So the Pilot began his story.

“So I left home, thinking I’d find kindness wherever I went, that everyone would treat me well.”
“But they didn’t?”
“No, look at me now. Here I am, alone, lying in the barren desert.”

Feeling this might be his last moment, the Pilot recounted his life story.

From his childhood to becoming an adult, then to becoming a pilot, each moment was portrayed by actors on stage.

The Pilot expressed regret for each moment.

“Then why did you say those things?”

The Little Prince continued to ask uncomfortable questions.

For instance, when the Pilot spoke of an argument with his girlfriend, who suddenly burst into tears, the Little Prince asked why he hadn’t comforted her.

“At the time, I thought it was the right thing to do. If I could go back, I wouldn’t have said that.”
“Listening to you, I’m reminded of the things I left behind.”
“The things you left behind?”
“But I don’t know why.”

The Pilot shrugged at the Little Prince’s words.

“You have regrets too, don’t you?”
“Regrets? Me? What could I regret?”
“You’ll have to figure that out yourself. But hey, I’m sorry to ask, do you have any food?”
“I do. It’s a fruit I love, but I’m not sure how others would find it.”
“You have water, food, even a sword—you’re well-prepared.”
“I guess so. I noticed all these things when I left.”
“Someone must’ve cared for you a great deal.”
“....”

Hearing those words, the Little Prince felt a strange tingling inside.

What was that feeling? After giving the Pilot food, he left the area in haste.

For some reason, he felt a sudden urge to leave this unfamiliar, blue planet. Yet he didn’t leave right away.

The Little Prince decided to visit one more place on this magnificent blue world, where countless roses bloomed.

As narration from Jang Geonho filled the air, the stage transformed. Amidst the roses blossoming in full bloom, the Pilot vanished, replaced by a fox and countless roses with hidden faces.

The fox, seeing the Little Prince, immediately became defensive, protecting her young cubs nearby.

“Stay back! Come any closer, and I’ll bite you!”

The Little Prince instinctively drew his sword at the fox’s threat. The sword, adorned with a volcano symbol, pointed directly at her.

“Why are you so angry? I haven’t done anything yet.”
“If I waited until you did, it’d be too late! I’m warning you in advance!”

At that moment, the Little Prince realized why the Volcano got angry and why he had food in his pouch—it was because of the Foolish Tree.

At the same time, the countless roses began to murmur.

“Look at me! Aren’t I the most beautiful?”
“No, look at me. Hurry and care for me so I won’t feel lonely.”

They said the exact same things as the rose on his asteroid, but there was an obvious difference.

“…You’re not beautiful at all.”

Why had he thought his rose back home was so beautiful? Why had he come so far, leaving that beauty behind?

Finally, the Little Prince understood what he regretted and what the Pilot meant about time that couldn’t be turned back.

“Why don’t we realize the value of what’s close to us until we’re far from it?”

The differences between the King and the Foolish Tree became clear. The King served only himself, while the Foolish Tree had to grow for the Little Prince.

The distinction between the Stylish One and the Volcano was also evident. The Stylish One’s anger was for himself, while the Volcano’s fury was to protect the Little Prince.

Just as the fox’s rage protected her cubs, prepared to guard them at any cost.

“I must go.”

The Little Prince lifted his gaze to the sky. The tiny star and shining moon he once thought insignificant now seemed vast, high, and precious.

Because he was far away, he finally understood The Story of Stars and Moon.

Filled with longing, the Little Prince sheathed his sword and moved past the fox, through the field of roses.

Having realized what was important, the Little Prince returned to his asteroid in an instant.

With each step, the stage rotated, shifting scenery and structure back to the familiar place where he had the Foolish Tree, the ever-angry Volcano, and his Rose.

“Look! It’s the Little Prince! You’re back! How was your journey?”

Despite the harsh words he’d spoken, the Foolish Tree was still concerned for him.

“Are you hurt? You scared us, leaving like that! Tell us if you’re hurt!”

The Volcano worried first for his safety, scolding him.

“You’re back. Thank you for returning. I was so worried, wondering what I’d do if I couldn’t see you again.”

Even after everything, Rose still looked at him with warmth, still embraced him with kindness.

With a warm expression, the Little Prince held Rose close, holding back his tears but allowing them to fall freely.

“My Rose, my one and only beloved Rose.”

Among the countless roses, this single, precious one was the most beautiful to him.

The Little Prince embraced Rose tightly and slowly apologized.

“I’m sorry… I was so harsh to you all…”

The Foolish Tree and the Volcano drew close, wrapping him tightly in their arms, hugging him with unyielding strength.

Holding Rose close, the Little Prince stayed that way for a long time.

Even though they seemed so different, in their hearts, they were a family.

With the narration’s end, the stage lights dimmed, and the curtain slowly fell.

Then, applause erupted.

Clap, clap, clap!

Moments later, it was time for the curtain call.

As the actors stepped forward with bright smiles, they were taken aback by what they saw.

In the theater lights, the children’s eyes were flushed, on the verge of tears, yet beaming with joy.

“…They’re smiling so brightly.”

With clear smiles, the children clapped.

“It’s only the beginning.”
“Hmm?”
“We finished the first show. Now the real journey begins.”

Hearing Kim Donghu’s words, Bong Jinwoo snapped out of his thoughts.

“Oh, that’s right.”

Though he’d joined the curtain call, he realized they hadn’t performed for the general public yet.

“If this works for the kids, imagine how adults will respond.”

With that curiosity, The Story of Stars and Moon concluded its first successful show.

 

Week Two: Public Performances Begin

—If you don’t see The Story of Stars and Moon, you’re missing out!
—Seriously, a must-watch!
—We might see another play surpassing a million audience members!

Korea was swept up in The Story of Stars and Moon frenzy.

—If you have the time and money, head straight to the Arts Center.
—There’s a breathtakingly handsome Little Prince there.
—Even if you don’t, just go. It’ll be an unforgettable experience.