Ock Joo-hyun Opens Up About Past Casting Controversy and Personal Growth

Ock Joo-hyun has spoken out about the casting controversy involving her musical colleague three years ago.

On the recent episode of Channel A's variety show 'Best Friends Documentary - Four-Person Dining Table,' Ock Joo-hyun appeared alongside host Park Kyung-lim, singer Tei, and musical actress Lee Ji-hye.

Three years ago, Ock Joo-hyun and her close friend Lee Ji-hye were simultaneously cast as the lead in the musical 'Elisabeth,' sparking rumors of 'network casting.' At the time, Kim Ho-young's comment, "The old saying is 'Asaripan,' but now it's 'Ockjangpan,'" was seen as a jab at Ock Joo-hyun, fueling the controversy.

During the show, Ock Joo-hyun revealed, "We didn't contact each other because we weren't okay. We knew we weren't okay." Lee Ji-hye recalled, "Ock Joo-hyun is a leading figure in the musical world, and I was thrust into the spotlight just because of our personal connection and the lessons I took from her. The news of my casting was a significant moment in my life, but instead of congratulations, I received messages asking if I was okay. Even old flames reached out."

Ock Joo-hyun explained, "I learned things from Ji-hye that I didn't know, and we simply shared with each other. She grew so well that she was unanimously selected in the audition. We were confident in our integrity, so we didn't respond to the controversy."

Lee Ji-hye added, "When friends called, I told them I was fine and to call Ock Joo-hyun instead. We didn't talk until after the performance, and then we cried a lot."

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ock Joo-hyun said, "Even as my heart was crushed and I cried, I thought, 'This is life, this is the life of an actor.'"

She continued, "I want to tell my past self, 'You're doing well.' It's not because I was truly doing well, but to give myself courage. Even now, I feel anxious. It doesn't go away."

By You Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr