Choi Jae-rim is building self-esteem, onstage and off

Choi Jae-rim, one of the most sought-after actors in Korean musical theater, plays 109, the self-esteem cell in "Yumi's Cells," a new musical based on the hit webtoon.

The role was built from scratch for the stage, with no counterpart in the original webtoon — and it's the cell he wishes everyone had.

Why wish that on everyone?

Because in his own definition, self-esteem isn't just self-belief; it's belief backed by evidence.

"You keep a clear, objective eye on reality while never losing faith in ...