MUSIC
Ock Joo-hyun, musical ‘Trustworthy Treasure’ will not be a risk
Reporter Choi Ji-ye of Ten Asia objectively and keenly points out events that have occurred throughout the entertainment industry. We carefully analyze the ‘glitch’ you missed from a reporter’s perspective.
Ock Joo-hyun (43), a former member of the group Fin.K.L., is a unique presence as a musical actor. It is also a unique case in the musical world where the label of being an idol is meaningless. Ok Joo-hyun, who majored in vocal music, wanted to pursue a career as a vocalist, but after meeting the late Lee Ho-yeon, CEO of Daesung Communications (formerly DSP Media), she debuted as Fin.K.L's main vocalist. Ock Joo-hyun, who reached the top while performing as Fin.K.L., when her girl group activities came to an end, dreamed of entering the musical stage, which was related to her major, and as she had solid vocal skills, she quickly established herself as a top actor.
Ock Joo-hyun, who made her musical debut as the title role Aida in the 2005 musical 'Aida', has appeared in 'Chicago', 'Cats', '42nd Street on Broadway', 'Monte Cristo', 'The Handmaids and the Gangsters', 'Elizabeth', and 'Rebecca'. ', 'Marie Antoinette', 'Mata Hari', 'Wicked', 'Marie Curie', 'Beethoven', and 'Red Book'. Since his debut in 2005, he has performed at least one work, and as many as three works, every year except 2006.
Ock Joo-hyun expanded her influence on the musical stage based on the fandom and recognition she had through Fin.K.L. activities. Except for the early stages of his debut, his skills did not show much ups and downs, and he satisfied musical fans with acting and singing skills that were above the basics. In addition, his skills were evaluated to have steadily improved through constant practice. In addition, the consensus in the industry is that Ock Joo-hyun is highly preferred by many musical production companies due to her considerable ticket power. Ock Joo-hyun, who has guaranteed talent, recognition, and ticket power, has maintained the top spot on the musical stage.
But is it because I've been running non-stop? For several years now, there have been concerns that Ock Joo-hyun's neck condition is not good and her skills on stage are faltering. Evaluations that it is unprofessional are increasing.
Ock Joo-hyun was in poor condition at the Busan performance of 'Wicked' in June 2021 and failed to perform the main number of her role, 'Elphaba', ruining the performance. Accordingly, 'Wicked' took measures to 'refund full tickets' to the audience who came to see the performance, and Ock Joo-hyun also expressed her apology through social media. Ock Joo-hyun explained that the reason for her poor physical condition at the time was 'extreme stress' and said, "I suffered for a very long time from the guilt of having caused anxiety and concern, rather than full satisfaction, to the audience who had come to expect this great performance."
Ock Joo-hyun has been disappointing the audience due to poor physical condition and health problems in recent years. It is pointed out that he failed to keep his promises to the audience on stage and failed to manage himself. It is said that the musical fans who came to the stage believing in the name Ock Joo-hyun are not able to perform with as much satisfaction as before. Even among the audience, you can often find comments that Ock Joo-hyun is not the same as before.
Due to his poor condition, the production company of 'Wicked' had to incur losses by refunding the entire ticket, and the production companies of 'Beethoven's Secret Season 2' and 'Red Book' had to urgently fill the cast. If Ock Joo-hyun, who couldn't manage her condition, hadn't taken on the role, it would have been a huge opportunity for someone else. The production team was also exposed to the risks caused by Ock Joo-hyun. No matter the situation, as a professional, it's all just an excuse. In the end, it is Ock Joo-hyun's failure to manage herself.
Analysis suggests that the reason for Ock Joo-hyun's self-management failure is that the period between works is too short and she lacks rest. The 'Wicked' concert in question was held in Seoul from February 12 to May 2, 2021, and in Busan from May 20 to June 27, and at the time, Ok Joo-hyun performed from November 17 to 3, 2020. I have been playing the role of Mercedes in ‘Monte Cristo’ until the 28th of February. Ock Joo-hyun was on stage non-stop from November 2020 to May 2021. In the end, all that can be said is that he signed the contract while being overconfident about his own limitations.
Given the situation, some in the industry are saying that it is fortunate that Ock Joo-hyun did not collapse on stage. An official said, "Ok Joo-hyun is very greedy for work and has a great passion for the stage, so she is working tirelessly. As she does not take a break from her schedule, she has suddenly started having physical problems a few years ago. In recent years, her skills have drastically improved. “The fans are seeing this falling,” he said.
Ock Joo-hyun must have shed a lot of blood and sweat to rise to and maintain today's top musical position. Therefore, I understand that it is not easy to give up one's greed for multiple works. But if greed goes too far, it becomes obsession. It is a virtue of a musical actor to rest sufficiently at the right time and stand in front of the audience with full capabilities. Ock Joo-hyun has risen to the top as a member of the girl group Fin.K.L. and as a musical actress. In order to have a long run as a trustworthy actor rather than a risk in the musical industry, you must now know how to let go.
Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr
