For 15 years, a mother and daughter have walked the same stretch of beach together every day. Kelly, a 27-year-old with Down syndrome, is independent and capable of caring for herself. Her mother, Agnes, has fought tirelessly on her behalf, navigating a world that often underestimates her daughter. Their quiet, familiar routine is disrupted when Kelly makes an unexpected declaration: she has a boyfriend. Kelly envisions a future like anyone else’s—marriage, children, and a life with her non-disabled boyfriend, Neil. But Agnes fears her daughter is being misled. As they confront societal prejudices and discrimination, all three find themselves grappling with difficult questions. Can Kelly achieve her dream of an ordinary life?
This struggle for the right to love is at the heart of Jellyfish, directed by Min Sae-rom, which opens on Mar. 19 at the Modu Arts Theater in Seoul’s Chungjeong-ro district. The play is, at its core, a story of resilience and the courage to love. Kelly is portrayed by Baek Ji-yoon, a 33-year-old actress with Down syndrome, alongside Jung Soo-young as Agnes. Their compelling mother-daughter dynamic returns to the stage following last year’s sold-out showcase at the same venue. Encouraged by the overwhelming response, the production has undergone over a year of development before making its official debut.
The play challenges audiences to confront their own biases, stripping away pretense to expose raw, deeply resonant emotions—much like its namesake. Baek’s performance is a standout, drawing tears and empathy with each show.
Memorizing lines was no small feat for Baek. “The key is endless repetition,” she said with a smile. “I’ve loved reading since I was young, and I enjoy studying and memorizing. I covered my script in labels, highlighted everything, and practiced again and again.” Her words reflect a quiet but steadfast determination.
Jung noted that Jellyfish required a different approach to acting. “Theater often relies on actors anticipating each other’s cues, but here, we willingly waited for Ji-yoon,” she said. “We gave her space to process her lines, absorb the moment, and be present on stage. Every rehearsal became a new experience.” The cast and crew trained together for four months, far exceeding the typical two to three months of preparation. The production itself stands as a testament to patience and collective growth. “It’s not just a first for the audience, but for us as well. There’s a sense of responsibility in being part of something new,” Jung added with a laugh.
Baek is no stranger to the stage. Her journey was first documented in a 2010 television special, which highlighted how she took up ballet to challenge discrimination. In 2013, she performed a solo from Giselle at a cultural event for the PyeongChang Special Olympics. She also appeared in the 2019 drama Go Go Song. Yet she says this play has changed her the most. “I used to say no to everything my mom asked me to do,” she admitted. “But Jellyfish changed that. I’ve even started sharing my favorite foods with my younger siblings—even though I’m a foodie.”
Jung has also witnessed Baek’s transformation. “This time around, rehearsals were filled with laughter,” she said, crediting Baek’s growth as an actor. “During practice, if something felt slightly off, she would step on stage and deliver something fresh and powerful. When Kelly dances with Neil, her joy is genuine. When she sneaks around to keep secrets from her mother, her reactions are spot on. It felt like watching a child bring home their first perfect test score—I realized how much Ji-yoon was doing for us.”
Baek’s favorite line in the play is: ‘You don’t have to worry. I’m okay.’ She says it in response to her mother’s painful assertion that she cannot have children. For Jung, the most poignant moment comes when Agnes finally says, ‘I’m sorry. I was wrong.’ Until then, Kelly has been the transparent one—like a jellyfish. But in that moment, Agnes, too, becomes unguarded. It is a turning point where audiences are forced to confront their own assumptions and prejudices.
When asked how she sees herself as an actor, Baek grinned. “A genius who works hard!” she said, laughing. “Kelly is strong-willed and determined—just like me. Jellyfish is a story of growth, for both of us.”
