Musical Actor Choi Jae-rim Cancels Performances Due to Health Issues Amidst Controversy

Musical actor Choi Jae-rim has faced criticism following the cancellation of multiple performances due to health concerns, with some speculating that this may be linked to his recent 'overlapping roles' in various productions. On December 20, the production companies for the musical 'Cyrano' announced via their official social media that Choi's performance as Cyrano scheduled for 2:30 PM that day was canceled due to health issues.

Reports indicated that Choi appeared unwell from the start of the first act, struggling with high notes and experiencing vocal strain during regular dialogue. Consequently, the production team decided to cancel the show before the second act to protect the actor's well-being, offering a 110% refund on ticket purchases.

Currently, Choi is involved in multiple productions, including 'Chicago' and 'Kinky Boots,' alongside 'Cyrano.' As a result, the cast for the 'Kinky Boots' performance in Seongnam on December 21 has also been altered, with actor Kang Hong-seok stepping in for Choi in both the 2 PM and 7 PM shows.

Choi has been under scrutiny for his recent pattern of taking on multiple roles simultaneously, which has raised concerns among fans about his health and performance quality. Earlier this year, he faced backlash after testing positive for COVID-19, leading to casting changes in 'Les Misérables' and 'The Phantom of the Opera.'

Despite these challenges, Choi has continued to juggle 2-3 productions at once, a situation referred to as 'overlapping' or 'triple overlapping' by fans. His current schedule is set to continue into January 2025.

In the world of musicals, excessive overlapping roles are generally discouraged, and audience disappointment has grown regarding Choi's declining stamina due to frequent performances. This has sparked ongoing debates, and the recent cancellation has intensified criticism.

The impact of his health issues extends beyond himself, affecting fellow cast members and the overall production. While showcasing diverse roles is commendable, delivering the best performance possible for ticket-paying audiences remains paramount. With performances of 'Chicago' scheduled in Busan on December 22 at 2 PM and 6:30 PM, many are eager to see how Choi will navigate his upcoming commitments.