'20th Anniversary of Debut' Ok Joo-hyun: "Makes Me Think About the Value of My Existence" [Photo Spread]
Musical actress Ok Joo-hyun, who announced her return as a legend through the musical 'Marie Curie', showcased her diverse charms.
On the 27th, the photo shoot and interview for the performing arts magazine 'TheaterPlus', which features O Joo-hyun who joined as the title role in the fourth season of the musical 'Marie Curie', was released. You can meet her heartfelt story filled with affection for the work, along with the photoshoot capturing various aspects of O Joo-hyun.
Ji-hyun Ok's musical 'Madame Curie' is a work that adds imagination to the real life of Marie Curie, a scientist who achieved remarkable accomplishments despite the hardships faced as a woman and an immigrant. The show poignantly portrays Curie's struggles and growth after discovering the radioactive element radium and receiving the Nobel Prize, only to later realize its dangers. It offers audiences a meaningful message.
In the show, Ok Joo-hyun plays the role of the renowned scientist 'Marie Skłodowska Curie,' who discovered radium. This marks her return since the reprise in 2020, after a five-year hiatus, which delighted fans who had been eagerly anticipating her as 'Ok Mari.' Notably, Ok Joo-hyun has been involved in the overseas debut performances in Japan and the UK, even sharing the stage bow with local actors. Given her status as a representative actor for the production, her joining the fourth season is particularly momentous.
In the released photoshoot, Ok Joo-hyun revealed a gentle charisma, proving her multifaceted charm. Not only did she perfectly digest various styling, but as a veteran actress celebrating her 20th anniversary in musicals, she simultaneously showcased depth and aura, capturing everyone's attention. Her serious yet elegant expressions and poses allowed a glimpse into Ok Joo-hyun's inner strength, raising expectations for her new look in the musical 'Marie Curie.'
In the interview released alongside it, Ock Joo-hyun spoke about the global success of the musical 'Marie Curie,' saying, "I want to pay homage to the efforts. Thanks to all these efforts, I feel like I'm placing the last star on a carefully crafted Christmas tree as I join this production."
He spoke about "Marie Curie," saying, "It makes me think about how far a human being as an existence can influence. The value of my own existence, and the sacrifice." He added, "If not for the sacrifices of the characters in the work, there would have certainly been more victims. Sense of responsibility and spirit of sacrifice. I think this is Marie's symbol. It makes me wonder how far a person can have such feelings."
Especially Ock Joo-hyun expressed her respect for 'Marie Skłodowska Curie', saying, "It's truly special to be able to meet this figure familiar to everyone through biographies on stage. I'm happy to be able to glimpse and portray her life, even for a moment. It seems that every scene of the work is humble. Nothing feels forced or artificial."
I just find it a bit amazing," Ok Joo-hyun began, sharing her thoughts on reaching the 20th anniversary of her musical debut. "After choosing musicals, I seem to ponder more fundamental questions. I think about what primal things I can still discover here. I reflect on what I might be missing.
Finally, Ok Ju-hyun recommended the musical 'Marie Curie' to the audience, saying, "It allows you to observe the essential aspects of human nature without pretense, and it makes me feel small in the face of its greatness. I am sure that this will be a time to raise new questions about things I have been contemplating throughout my life. I hope you get to see this precious being that has been a guide on my life's journey."
With Ok Joo-hyun's joining, the musical 'Marie Curie' completed its legendary lineup. It premiered in early 2020 and was restaged the following year, earning five awards including the Grand Prize and Producer's Award at the 5th Korea Musical Awards, recognizing its artistic excellence. In 2022, the Korean original cast held a special concert and screening of the performance in Marie Curie's home country, Poland, and received the Grand Prix, the 'Golden Water Sprinkler Award,' at the 'Warsaw Music Gardens Festival,' confirming once again the power of this work to inspire audiences around the world. In 2023, it successfully held its licensed premiere in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan, with lead actress Manaeki Reika being selected for the 'Best 5 Female Performers of the First Half of the 31st Yomiuri Theater Awards,' proving its topic-worthiness.
The musical 'Marie Curie' in 2024 was the first Korean musical to have a long-term local production run in London's West End. The English version premiere of 'Marie Curie', produced by Kang Byung-won, CEO of Live Co., as lead producer, was nominated for two categories at the UK's performing arts awards ceremony 'The Offies Awards': New Musical Production and Actress, drawing attention from both local audiences and critics. Additionally, the 'Marie Curie' UK performance team appeared at the European representative musical festival 'West End LIVE', held annually in Trafalgar Square, London, thereby inscribing the name of K-Musical on the world stage.
The musical 'Marie Curie,' entering its fourth season this year, is raising expectations with the participation of top-tier actors and the promise of live orchestra performances, offering a richer sound.
Meanwhile, the musical 'Marie Curie' will be performed from July 25 to October 19 at the BBCH Hall of the Kwanglim Art Center in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
UD News Entertainment Jung Min Yoo | Photo Source Theater Plus
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