A promotional poster for the theatrical play, "The Pope" / Courtesy of ACOM

By Kwak Yeon-soo

New Zealand-born playwright Anthony McCarten's play "The Pope," which centers on an imagined series of conversations between Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, will come to life on stage in Korea.

Veteran actor Shin Goo will portray Pope Benedict XVI, who has an uncompromising attitude toward his principles, while Jung Dong-hwan will play the role of Pope Francis, a progressive leader who feels comfortable giving open-air sermons and reaching out to the poor.

The play, which premiered in the U.K. in 2019, was later adapted into a Netflix film, "The Two Popes." Korea is the first country that licensed the theatrical play outside of the U.K.

"Through the wide range of discussions between two very different men, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, the play will make the audience realize that the differences can actually bring them together. The witty dialogues and soothing music will light up the stage," the play's production company, ACOM, said in a statement.

"The Pope" will be performed at the KEPCO Art Center in Seoul from Aug. 30 to Oct. 23.

Shin most recently starred as Sigmund Freud in the play, "Last Session," which ended in March. Jung is expected to appear as Polonius in the play, "Hamlet," which opens on July 13.