Ok Joo-hyun Breaks Silence on 'Okjupan' Controversy After 3 Years: "Caught Between Misunderstanding and Sincerity"

Musical actress Ok Joo-hyun has finally addressed the 'Okjupan' controversy that erupted three years ago, speaking candidly about the situation for the first time. On a recent broadcast of Channel A's '4-Person Table', Ok Joo-hyun shared her honest feelings regarding the perception of her as 'arrogant', as well as comments made by senior artist Patti Kim and junior actress Lee Ji-hye.

Ok Joo-hyun explained that her unwavering commitment, which began during her time with the group Fin.K.L., might have been misinterpreted as arrogance. She expressed that her dedication to giving her all on stage, which she considers natural, could have been seen as stubbornness. Junior colleague Lee Ji-hye also shared that her initial impression of Ok Joo-hyun was one of fear, highlighting the actress's strong presence.

Regarding the 'Okjupan' incident in 2022 concerning the casting for the musical 'Elizabeth', Ok Joo-hyun clarified that her coaching of Lee Ji-hye was not for a specific production. She stated that Lee Ji-hye had built up her skills and passed the audition unanimously. While the controversy grew significantly, Ok Joo-hyun admitted she didn't take it too seriously initially because she felt she had nothing to hide. Lee Ji-hye also tearfully recalled receiving messages of concern instead of congratulations at the time. Ok Joo-hyun concluded the broadcast by expressing her desire to repay the love of her fans, acknowledging that she often faced criticism for her uncompromising approach on stage.

Ok Joo-hyun debuted in 1998 as a member of the hugely popular girl group Fin.K.L. She later transitioned to musical theater, starring in numerous productions such as 'Cats', 'The Phantom of the Opera', and 'Rebecca', earning critical acclaim for her performances. Known for her powerful vocals and nuanced emotional delivery, she is often hailed as the 'Queen of Musicals' and holds a significant fanbase.