Former Fin.K.L member and musical actor Ok Ju-hyun drew attention by sharing a relaxed update despite controversy over monopolizing performance dates.
On the 28th, Ok Ju-hyun posted photos and a video on her social media (SNS) wearing an orange prison uniform, a costume from the musical stage. In the video, Ok said, "Prisoner. My charge? That I am Ok Ju-hyun."
The post drew more attention as it was released immediately after controversy flared over casting and the allocation of performance dates for the musical "Anna Karenina."
According to the performance schedule recently released by the production company, in the triple-cast role of Anna, Ok Ju-hyun is scheduled to take the stage a total of 23 times. By contrast, Lee Ji-hye, who plays the same role, was assigned 8 performances, and Kim So-hyang was assigned 7.
For the male lead, Alexey Vronsky, performances were distributed relatively evenly among actors Yoon Hyeong-ryeol, Moon Yu-gang and Jeong Seung-won, prompting what some called suspicions of "favoritism," questioning whether performance dates were concentrated on Ok Ju-hyun.
Adding to this, Kim So-hyang, who also plays Anna, posted "halmanhamal (I have a lot to say, but I won't)" on her SNS, prompting various interpretations among fans.
In response, production company Mast International said, "Casting and performance-date allocation are the exclusive authority of the production company and the original creative team," adding, "This was the result of difficult coordination considering various variables, including consultations with the licensor, a reduction in the total number of performances, and the actors' schedules."
The musical "Anna Karenina" is based on Tolstoy's novel of the same name, which deals with love, marriage and family issues against the backdrop of Russia's aristocratic society in the late 19th century. This season marks the first staging in seven years since the 2019 revival, and will run from Feb. 20 to Mar. 29 at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts Grand Theater.