On Joo-wan Returns to the Stage in Musical 'Mahagonny' After Three Years

Actor On Joo-wan has been cast in the musical 'Mahagonny'.

On Joo-wan will take on the role of 'Host' in the musical 'Mahagonny', with his first performance set for the 19th. The production is inspired by Bertolt Brecht's 'Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny', set in the surreal city of Mahagonny where reality and fantasy intertwine. On Joo-wan's character, the 'Host', is the architect and guide of Mahagonny, providing everything to the city's visitors, the 'Guests', while fulfilling his own narcissism and self-esteem.

Significantly, 'Mahagonny' marks On Joo-wan's return to the stage after three years, following his last musical 'Hourglass' in 2022. Since his musical debut in 2016 with 'Newsies', On Joo-wan has expanded his acting career, actively participating in original Korean musicals such as 'Yoon Dong-ju, Shoot the Moon', 'The Days', 'Eyes of Dawn', and 'Hourglass'.

Through his agency, Sun and Moon Entertainment, On Joo-wan expressed, "I'm both nervous and excited to return to the stage after three years," adding, "I look forward to setting the summer nights of 2025 ablaze with my fellow actors in 'Mahagonny'. I ask for your anticipation and interest."

In a separate note, On Joo-wan shared a past incident on a broadcast where he encountered a woman running barefoot on the side of the road 20 years ago. After learning she had been sexually harassed by a driver, he revealed his identity and took her home. During the drive, they spotted the foreign assailant's car, and with the victim's consent, he stopped the vehicle and issued a stern warning, resolving the situation.

The musical 'Mahagonny' will be performed at the Link Art Center Payco Hall until August 31.

Reported by Kim Se-ah, TenAsia haesmik@tenasia.co.kr