Health Issues Lead to Cancellations in Korean Musical Performances

The Korean musical scene has recently faced a series of performance cancellations due to the health issues of its actors. On December 22, the musical 'Gwanghwamun Sonata' was interrupted at the D-Cube Arts Center in Seoul when actress Cha Ji-yeon, who plays the role of Wolha, experienced a temporary hyperventilation episode during the first act. The production company, CJ ENM, reported that she was promptly taken to the hospital for necessary examinations and treatment, and is currently recovering. They also announced that ticket holders would receive a 110% refund based on their purchase amount.

Additionally, Cha Ji-yeon’s role in another musical, 'The Last Empress,' will be filled by actress Kim So-hyun for performances on December 23 and 24 in Busan.

Earlier, on December 20, actor Choi Jae-rim had to halt the performance of 'Cyrano' after the first act due to his poor vocal condition, which included a hoarse voice. Consequently, actor Kang Hong-seok stepped in to perform the role of Lola in 'Kinky Boots' at the Seongnam Arts Center on December 21, while Park Geon-hyung took over the role of Lily Flynn in the Busan performance of 'Chicago.'

The recent trend of sudden performance interruptions due to actors' health has raised concerns among musical fans regarding the issue of overlapping schedules. Choi Jae-rim is currently involved in multiple productions, including 'Cyrano,' 'Kinky Boots,' and 'Chicago,' leading to speculation that his demanding schedule may have impacted his health.

In response to these incidents, Choi Jae-rim's agency, Pokicks Entertainment, issued an apology on December 23 to the audience members who attended the performances and those awaiting future shows. They expressed gratitude to fellow actors and the production staff for their support during the sudden casting changes. The agency confirmed that Choi Jae-rim is recovering well and is preparing to return to the stage for 'Cyrano' on December 25. They acknowledged the heavy heart felt due to the missed performances and promised to deliver a great show moving forward.