Ock Joo-hyun Breaks Silence on 'Elisabeth' Casting Controversy: 'Lee Ji-hye Was Fairly Chosen'

Musical actress Ock Joo-hyun has candidly addressed the casting controversy surrounding the 10th-anniversary production of the musical 'Elisabeth' for the first time.

Appearing on Channel A's 'Four-Person Table' on the 8th, Ock Joo-hyun shared a meal with fellow musical actors Tei and Lee Ji-hye, recalling the controversy that arose in 2022. At the time, suspicions of 'nepotism casting' emerged when Lee Ji-hye, who was in the same agency and had a personal friendship with Ock Joo-hyun, was double-cast as the lead role of Elisabeth.

Ock Joo-hyun confessed, "Actually, I didn't talk to Ji-hye about it, and Ji-hye didn't talk to me about it, for each other's sake. Because it wasn't okay," revealing the difficult situation they faced. She emphasized that Lee Ji-hye was legitimately selected through auditions.

"I had told this friend (Lee Ji-hye) that if she studied the works well, she could do well someday," Ock Joo-hyun explained, clarifying that her intention was not to target a specific production but to support their growth together. She added, "Ji-hye studied diligently and grew so well. She was unanimously selected as the female lead in the audition."

Lee Ji-hye also spoke about the pain she experienced, stating, "At the moment I should have received the most congratulations, I only received messages filled with worry." She recalled telling friends who called, "I'm okay, please comfort unnie," showing how they tried to care for each other. It was revealed that Ock Joo-hyun and Lee Ji-hye finally embraced and cried together after the performances concluded, evoking a sense of poignancy.

The casting controversy, infamously dubbed the 'Ok-Jang-Ppan Incident', erupted due to the casting for the 10th-anniversary Korean premiere of 'Elisabeth' in June 2022, fueled by speculation that Ock Joo-hyun had influenced the cast selection. Actor Kim Ho-young's SNS post at the time, featuring an 'Ok-Jang-Ppan' photo and a theater drawing with the caption "Asari-pan is a thing of the past. Now it's Ok-Jang-Ppan," and Ock Joo-hyun's subsequent response about preparing legal action, further escalated the issue.

Ock Joo-hyun debuted in 1998 as a member of the popular K-pop group Fin.K.L, quickly gaining recognition for her powerful vocals.

After her successful music career, she transitioned to musical theater and has since become a leading figure, starring in major productions like 'Aida', 'Chicago', 'Elisabeth', and 'Rebecca'.

She is highly regarded by musical fans for her exceptional singing ability and stable acting, consistently delivering captivating performances in every role.