Director of 'Anna Karenina' Praises Musical Star Ock Joo-hyun Amidst Casting Controversy

The director of 'Anna Karenina' has spoken positively about musical actress Ock Joo-hyun, who was previously embroiled in a 'casting monopoly controversy.'

On the morning of the 12th, an interview with Alina Chevik, the director of the musical 'Anna Karenina,' took place at a hotel in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

During the interview, Chevik addressed the controversy surrounding Ock Joo-hyun, stating, "I was aware of it," and praised her strengths, saying, "She possesses all the qualities I desire in an actor."

Chevik elaborated, "There are only two things I want from a musical actor: energy and acting skills. Ock Joo-hyun has it all, including vocal power and voice." She added, "Although we worked together during the premiere, as a director, I believe she is suitable for my production, which is why I decided to include her this time."

Previously, 'Anna Karenina' faced a 'casting monopoly controversy' when it was revealed that Ock Joo-hyun would perform in 23 shows, despite being triple-cast with Lee Ji-hye and Kim So-hyang for the role of Anna. Lee Ji-hye and Kim So-hyang were scheduled for 8 and 7 performances, respectively.

In response, the production company of 'Anna Karenina' stated the day after the controversy, "Casting and scheduling are the exclusive rights of the production company and the original creators," explaining that "due to many variables such as negotiations with the licensor, reduced total performances, and actors' schedules, the schedule was difficult to finalize."

Meanwhile, 'Anna Karenina' is based on the novel of the same name by Tolstoy. The production delves deeply into issues of love, marriage, and family against the backdrop of 19th-century Russian aristocratic society. It is set to open on the 20th.

Reporter Dayeon Jeong, TenAsia light@tenasia.co.kr