Kang Hong-seok to Return as Lola in 'Kinky Boots' for Record Sixth Consecutive Time

Actor Kang Hong-seok is set to once again deliver profound emotional resonance with his portrayal of Lola in the musical 'Kinky Boots'.

Since his debut in the role for the musical's Korean premiere in 2014, Kang Hong-seok has been consistently cast as Lola for the 2016, 2020, 2022, and 2024 productions. This year marks his sixth consecutive appearance, promising another wave of 'Kinky Boots' fever.

'Kinky Boots,' a globally acclaimed musical directed by Jerry Mitchell with lyrics and music by Cyndi Lauper, tells the inspiring true story of a Northampton shoe factory that narrowly avoids closure by producing footwear for drag queens. The musical has garnered numerous awards, including Tony Awards, and enjoys widespread international popularity.

In the production, Kang Hong-seok will embody Lola, a fabulous drag queen who embraces her true self against societal prejudice. Having been lauded as 'Lola itself' since the initial Korean run, and even recognized by director Jerry Mitchell as his 'favorite Korean actor,' anticipation is high for his renewed interpretation of the character.

Kang Hong-seok has previously captivated audiences with his powerful vocals and acting prowess in musicals such as 'Street Life (Run To You)', 'Death Note', 'Dracula', 'Elisabeth', 'Hadestown', and 'Aladdin', leaving a lasting impression with each performance.

Furthermore, his presence has been felt on the small screen through dramas like 'What's Wrong with Secretary Kim', 'Hotel Del Luna', 'Mung Bean Chronicle' (also known as 'Stove League' or 'Cheollima Mart'), and 'Captivating the King'. His diverse roles have solidified a strong filmography and made him a recognizable figure across various media.

The upcoming run of 'Kinky Boots,' featuring Kang Hong-seok, will kick off on November 1st at the Goyang Aramnuri Aram Theater, embarking on a six-city tour across the country. The Seoul engagement is scheduled from December 17th to March 29th, 2026, at the Charlotte Theater.

Kang Hong-seok made his impactful debut as Lola in the 2014 Korean premiere of 'Kinky Boots', quickly gaining significant recognition. He has since been the continuous choice for the role in 2016, 2020, 2022, and 2024, solidifying his status as a signature performer for the musical. Beyond the stage, he has actively participated in television dramas, showcasing his versatile acting abilities.