The reaction is that it was bound to happen. Musical actor Choi Jae-rim, who has been embroiled in the 'overlapping appearance controversy', has ultimately canceled performances due to health issues. Criticism from musical fans continues regarding a tragedy that has been foreseen for years.
On the 20th, the musical 'Cyrano', being performed at the CJ Towol Theater in the Arts Center of Seoul's Seocho District, was halted after the first act due to Choi Jae-rim's health issues. The production company announced, "Choi Jae-rim has canceled the performance for health reasons. Ticket purchasers will receive a 110% refund based on the ticket payment amount through two procedures."
Choi Jae-rim was also performing in 'Kinky Boots' in Seongnam and 'Chicago' in Busan. He ultimately canceled the schedules for 'Kinky Boots' and 'Chicago'. His appearance on KBS Radio's 'Park Myung-soo's Radio Show' on the 26th has also been canceled.
The aftermath has hit fellow actors. In the musical 'Kinky Boots' at the Seongnam Arts Center, Kang Hong-seok took the stage as 'Lola' in place of Choi Jae-rim. In the Busan performance of 'Chicago', Park Gun-hyung stepped in to play 'Lily Flynn'.
The time and money of the audience have also been wasted. 'Cyrano' boasts ticket prices of up to 150,000 KRW. Audience members who traveled from various parts of the country to see the performance returned home empty-handed without witnessing a proper show.
As Choi Jae-rim's health issues surfaced, the controversy over his 'overlapping appearances' resurfaced. From late last year to early this year, he juggled performances of 'The Phantom of the Opera', 'Les Misérables', and 'The Last Five Years' in Seoul and other regions. He then moved between the stages of 'Chicago', 'Hadestown', and 'Kinky Boots'. Since the 6th, he has been performing in 'Cyrano', and he is set to join 'Jekyll and Hyde' starting in March next year.
In fact, there have been reports that Choi Jae-rim's condition was not good. During the 'Les Misérables' performance, which boasted ticket prices of up to 180,000 KRW, he received criticism from the audience for multiple vocal slips. Audience members voiced their concerns, saying, "He looked unwell from the first song," "He was too ambitious," and "It was a waste of money and time."
As Choi Jae-rim was unable to perform due to health issues, fellow cast members had to step in, leading to accusations of being a 'burden'. Earlier this year, Choi Jae-rim tested positive for COVID-19, resulting in a complete casting change for 'Les Misérables' and 'The Phantom of the Opera', which also sparked controversy. Kang Hong-seok, who took the stage for 'Kinky Boots' in Choi Jae-rim's place, is currently performing in the musical 'Aladdin' in Seoul, making his schedule quite challenging.
Last month, Choi Jae-rim appeared on tvN's variety show 'You Quiz on the Block' and explained his reasons for taking on multiple projects, saying, "There is a time to hone my skills and a time to show them. Surely, the time when many people come to see me will pass, so I want to show more while I have the opportunity and time to be on stage, as well as the physical strength and will to do so. That's why I seem to be doing a lot of works this year."
It cannot be seen as unavoidable that the same incidents keep occurring repeatedly. It is entirely his responsibility. The health issues are regrettable.
Choi Jae-rim must now acknowledge that his prolific output is no longer 'confidence' but rather 'greed'. If mistakes continue, that is simply a matter of skill.
The end for someone who does not show any signs of change is like that of 'The Boy Who Cried Wolf'. He may lose the time for someone to seek him out and the time to stand on stage. He must remember what is most important before shedding tears of blood instead of tears.
[Shin Young-eun, Star Today Reporter]
