Local musical fans were delighted last month by the arrival of the first licensed Korean production of the legendary musical “Les Miserables.”

Korea’s moviegoers will be seeing the show on the silver screen next month, produced by the theater performance’s original producer Cameron Mackintosh and starring popular actor Hugh Jackman.

Prior to the movie’s opening in December, Jackman, who has a huge fan base in Korea, visited Seoul, along with Mackintosh.

“I’m very excited to be in Korea, Korea jjang!” said the Australian actor, sporting the Korean slang meaning “the best,” during a press conference at Ritz Carlton Seoul on Monday. “I’m very excited to be sharing this project with you.”

The 44-year-old is playing Jean Valjean, a hapless French peasant who serves 19 years in prison for stealing a piece of bread for his starving family in the turbulent 19th century France.

After being released, he manages to assume a new identity and is made mayor of a town. While trying to avoid being recaptured by Javert, a police inspector, he agrees to take care of Cosette, the illegitimate daughter of Fantine ― a sick, abused prostitute who had to sell her hair and two front teeth to make a living.

“Jean Valjean is a real hero,” Jackman told reporters.

“Playing him was daunting because he’s had certainly more obstacles than I’ve ever had in my life. And he rises above and goes further than I’ve ever been and probably will be.”

Just like the legendary musical, the film is an adaptation of Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel of the same title, which is considered one of the greatest pieces of literature in the 19th century. The movie is directed by “The King’s Speech” director Tom Hooper, and its star-studded cast includes Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe and Amanda Seyfried.

“I will admit to you ― I’ve never been more aggressive in going for a role than this,” Jackman told reporters.

“I’ve waiting for a long time to do a movie musical. Never did I dream this one would come at this perfect time. ... I think I spoke to Tom Hooper before he even signed for the project. So I really wanted to do it.”

All of the actors, including Jackman, sang live during filming, rather than lip-synching to pre-recorded tracks. The film also follows the musical’s sung-through form, and thus includes very little additional dialogue.

“Singing live was the greatest news to me,” Jackman said. “To me, acting through a song is instinctive and it needs to come from thought and emotion. And the idea of trying to replicate something you did three months before is just like handcuffs for an actor. So it was fantastic.

“The song has to be so within you and so in your bones, so to speak, that you never think that you are singing,” Jackman went on about singing live while filming.

“If you are thinking about singing, then you are not communicating. You can’t be thinking of the notes, rhythms and singing technique; you have to be thinking about what the song is about.“

Mackintosh also expressed his satisfaction with the result of the film, and praised Jackman for his performance as Jean Valjean.

“There is one thing that an actor cannot manufacture, and that is heart and soul,” the British producer told reporters.

“And that is the center of Jean Valjean. And Jackman was born with it ― which is why he is so brilliant and brilliant in the show.”

In the movie, actress Anne Hathaway plays Fantine, whose illegitimate daughter is raised by Jean Valjean after her death. Jackman said he was blown away by her presence on the first day of their rehearsal.

“She is an incredible actor,” Jackman said. “I remember her coming into rehearsals on the very first day. And I told director Tom Hooper, ‘Tom, you could’ve just filmed that and she’d win the Academy award.’ No one’s ever been more born-ready to play the part than Anne as Fantine.”

Jackman also gave a special message for local figure skater and 2010 Olympic champion Kim Yu-na, who chose the soundtrack of “Les Miserables” for the upcoming season for her programs.

“Yu-na Kim, I heard that you have chosen the score of ‘Les Miserables’ for your next competition,” he said. “I know you won the gold medal before but now (with the ‘Les Miserables score) you are certain to win. Yu-na Kim, jjang!”

This is Jackman’s third visit to Seoul, following his previous visits in 2006 and 2009. He was appointed a goodwill ambassador for Seoul back in 2009.

“Les Miserables” is slated to open in local theaters in Korea in December.

By Claire Lee (dyc@heraldcorp.com)