Actress Ock Joo-hyun shares behind-the-scenes stories.
Ock Joo-hyun and Moon Yoo-kang appeared on SBS's 'Nightline' on the night of the 23rd to discuss their experiences with the musical 'Anna Karenina.' Ock Joo-hyun, who starred in the premiere, and newcomer Moon Yoo-kang, who joined the cast this season, shared rich behind-the-scenes stories and their genuine reflections as actors, drawing much attention.
Ock Joo-hyun expressed, "Rejoining the production after the premiere brings back many emotions. Preparing for the performance was filled with joy and excitement of revisiting a previous work. Especially in this season of 'Anna Karenina,' I felt and expressed more as an actor, for which I am very grateful. Above all, I sincerely thank all the audience members who have been waiting for and attending the show."
Moon Yoo-kang shared, "I am stepping onto the musical 'Anna Karenina' stage for the first time as Vronsky. I consider it a valuable experience, and I prepared for the performance with gratitude and a challenging spirit. I pondered a lot about creating the character, from his professional traits to the essential aspect of his love with Anna. I hope many will come to the theater to hear this story."
In the musical, Ock Joo-hyun plays the role of 'Anna Karenina,' a noblewoman of beauty who navigates love and tragedy. Praised as 'Anna herself' during the premiere, she continues to captivate audiences this season with her irreplaceable vocal prowess and deepened emotional expression. Moon Yoo-kang takes the stage as Alexei Vronsky, a promising young officer who falls in love with Anna at first sight, creating his own unique character.
Meanwhile, the musical 'Anna Karenina,' featuring Ock Joo-hyun and Moon Yoo-kang, is based on the novel by Tolstoy, one of the three great literary works, set in the late 19th-century Russian aristocracy, exploring themes of love, marriage, and family. Returning after seven years since 2019, the musical delivers a profound message on humanity's inherent dilemmas of 'love,' 'happiness,' 'choice,' and 'conflict' through elegant music and sophisticated stage aesthetics.
Previously, Ock Joo-hyun was embroiled in a 'casting monopoly controversy' last month. She was set to appear in an overwhelming number of performances in 'Anna Karenina.' The production company explained, "The schedule was difficult to finalize due to many variables, including negotiations with the licensor, reduced total performance numbers, and actors' schedules."
The musical 'Anna Karenina' will run for only five weeks at the Sejong Center in Seoul until March 29, with a 30% discount on all seats for select performances until the 25th to commemorate the opening.
Reporter Kim Se-ah, Ten Asia haesmik@tenasia.co.kr