Musical Star Ock Joo-hyun Addresses Casting Controversy on 'Four-Person Table'
Musical Star Ock Joo-hyun Addresses Casting Controversy on 'Four-Person Table'
Ock Joo-hyun, a former member of the iconic K-pop group Fin.K.L and now a renowned musical actress, recently addressed the casting controversy involving her close friend and fellow actress Lee Ji-hye on Channel A's 'Four-Person Table'.

During the episode aired on the 8th, Ock Joo-hyun was joined by her close friends, singer Tei, Lee Ji-hye, and host Park Kyung-lim. The discussion centered around the casting controversy from three years ago involving the musical 'Elisabeth'.

Ock Joo-hyun, who debuted in the musical scene with 'Aida' in 2005, is considered a pioneer among idols transitioning to musical theater. Reflecting on her career, she expressed, "I never aimed to be number one. I didn't even know I would be active for 20 years."
Musical Star Ock Joo-hyun Addresses Casting Controversy on 'Four-Person Table'
Musical Star Ock Joo-hyun Addresses Casting Controversy on 'Four-Person Table'
Musical Star Ock Joo-hyun Addresses Casting Controversy on 'Four-Person Table'
Musical Star Ock Joo-hyun Addresses Casting Controversy on 'Four-Person Table'
Musical Star Ock Joo-hyun Addresses Casting Controversy on 'Four-Person Table'
Musical Star Ock Joo-hyun Addresses Casting Controversy on 'Four-Person Table'
Musical Star Ock Joo-hyun Addresses Casting Controversy on 'Four-Person Table'
Musical Star Ock Joo-hyun Addresses Casting Controversy on 'Four-Person Table'
The controversy arose when both Ock Joo-hyun and Lee Ji-hye were cast as the lead in 'Elisabeth', leading to accusations of 'network casting'. Ock Joo-hyun clarified that during that period, she and Lee Ji-hye were not in contact, stating, "We didn't talk because we knew things weren't okay."

Ock Joo-hyun explained that she took time to 'learn' and help her juniors excel in their roles, not just in 'Elisabeth' but in other productions as well. She emphasized, "I learned things from Ji-hye that I didn't know. We simply shared with each other. After thorough preparation and unanimous audition results, she was cast as the lead. We were confident in our integrity, so we didn't respond to the controversy."
Musical Star Ock Joo-hyun Addresses Casting Controversy on 'Four-Person Table'
Musical Star Ock Joo-hyun Addresses Casting Controversy on 'Four-Person Table'
Musical Star Ock Joo-hyun Addresses Casting Controversy on 'Four-Person Table'
Musical Star Ock Joo-hyun Addresses Casting Controversy on 'Four-Person Table'
Musical Star Ock Joo-hyun Addresses Casting Controversy on 'Four-Person Table'
Musical Star Ock Joo-hyun Addresses Casting Controversy on 'Four-Person Table'
Musical Star Ock Joo-hyun Addresses Casting Controversy on 'Four-Person Table'
Musical Star Ock Joo-hyun Addresses Casting Controversy on 'Four-Person Table'
Lee Ji-hye recalled, "Ock Joo-hyun is a solid number one, and because of our personal connection, I became the center of the issue just for receiving lessons from her." She added, "The news of my casting was a monumental moment in my life, but instead of congratulations, I received messages asking if I was okay, even from old flames."

After the final performance of 'Elisabeth', both actresses embraced and cried, finally addressing the controversy. Tei, who witnessed their journey, shared, "I sent Ock Joo-hyun a supportive message, saying I hope no one suffers from sudden loneliness in the entertainment industry. Her heartfelt response showed me that those who have worked hard to earn their place on stage remain unshaken."
Musical Star Ock Joo-hyun Addresses Casting Controversy on 'Four-Person Table'
Musical Star Ock Joo-hyun Addresses Casting Controversy on 'Four-Person Table'
Musical Star Ock Joo-hyun Addresses Casting Controversy on 'Four-Person Table'
Musical Star Ock Joo-hyun Addresses Casting Controversy on 'Four-Person Table'
Musical Star Ock Joo-hyun Addresses Casting Controversy on 'Four-Person Table'
Musical Star Ock Joo-hyun Addresses Casting Controversy on 'Four-Person Table'
Musical Star Ock Joo-hyun Addresses Casting Controversy on 'Four-Person Table'
Musical Star Ock Joo-hyun Addresses Casting Controversy on 'Four-Person Table'
Ock Joo-hyun also opened up about her early struggles, revealing, "At 27, I faced a business failure and a long period of debt repayment." She reflected, "I thought about whether to repay or end it all, which felt like hell. But one day, I realized that even tough trials can be a driving force in life. The old saying that there are no purely good or bad times is true."

Having grown stronger through adversity, Ock Joo-hyun expressed gratitude for her experiences, saying, "Even while shedding tears, I thought, 'This is life, this is the life of an actor.'" She concluded by expressing her appreciation for the deep love from fans, which she couldn't fully appreciate during her Fin.K.L days, and offered words of encouragement to her past self, "You're doing well."

Reported by Kim Eun-jung, TenAsia
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