The musical 'Phantom', described as the 'culmination of the performing arts', has unveiled a monumental casting for its 10th anniversary performance. Actors Park Hyo-shin, Kai, and Jeon Dong-seok will portray the role of 'Phantom', while Lee Ji-hye, Song Eun-hye, and Jang Hye-rin will take on the role of 'Christine Daaé'. These actors have been part of the journey since the Korean premiere in 2015 and will come together for the fifth season in 2025, completing an extraordinary cast for the 'Grand Finale' season of 'Phantom'.
The character photos released alongside the cast lineup on the 28th feature Park Hyo-shin, Kai, and Jeon Dong-seok perfectly transformed into the Phantom, hiding their distorted faces behind masks. Each of the three Phantoms gazes intensely at the camera, revealing a glimpse of deep sorrow, capturing the mysterious essence of the Phantom with a single photo that fully expresses the narrative of the work. Additionally, Lee Ji-hye, Song Eun-hye, and Jang Hye-rin, portraying Christine Daaé, embody the pure spirit of Christine, who became a ray of light in the Phantom's dark life, evoking a sense of the heartbreaking fate between the Phantom and Christine, stirring curiosity about the work.
Based on Gaston Leroux's 'The Phantom of the Opera' (1910), the musical 'Phantom' showcases the solid capabilities of EMK Musical Company, known for its high-quality original musicals that have changed the industry landscape, such as 'The Man Who Laughs', 'Frankenstein', and 'Beethoven: Beethoven Secret', as well as its excellent localization through works like 'Mozart!', 'Rebecca', and 'Elisabeth'.
The grand three-story stage that recreates the Paris Opera House, along with the intricate direction that adds depth to the Phantom character, a seamless narrative, and quick scene transitions enhance the audience's immersion. The Phantom's (Eric's) past is visualized through a ballet pas de deux, breathing new life into the work. As a result, the production topped the ticket sales rankings in the musical category in 2015 and 2016, won the Grand Prize at the 11th Golden Ticket Awards, and has established itself as a steady seller with explosive box office power and artistic merit.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in Korea this year, the musical 'Phantom' is set to heighten audience expectations as it announces its Grand Finale season, featuring both the legendary actors who led its box office success and a new cast that will add fresh synergy on stage.
Park Hyo-shin, Kai, and Jeon Dong-seok have confirmed their participation in the role of the 'Phantom', a character with a tragic fate who must hide his appearance behind a mask due to his hideous face, living in the underground of the opera house.
Park Hyo-shin, praised as 'the Phantom itself' for his outstanding vocal ability and delicate acting, has consistently delivered moving performances by insightfully interpreting the loneliness and sorrow hidden within the Phantom. Returning to the role after about nine years, he is expected to fill the stage once again with deeper inner acting and explosive vocal power. Kai, who has added depth to the character by capturing the Phantom's human anguish with his advanced vocal techniques and emotional acting, is anticipated to continue the legacy of the 'Phantom' with his unique character interpretation and expressiveness. Jeon Dong-seok, beloved for his rich bass and overwhelming high notes, will return to the stage after four years since the fourth season of 'Phantom' in 2021, captivating the audience with his distinctive heavy charisma and explosive vocal power.
Lee Ji-hye, Song Eun-hye, and Jang Hye-rin have been cast in the role of 'Christine Daaé', who grows from a lovely and pure woman into the diva of the opera house. Christine, who is the Phantom's angel of music and a source of light, has a role that requires her to perform high-difficulty numbers rarely seen on musical stages, making her an attractive character coveted by actors who span both classical singing and musical genres.
Lee Ji-hye, a leading diva in the musical world known for her roles in 'Elisabeth', 'Rebecca', and 'Werther', plans to portray 'Christine Daaé' with her clear and pure voice, high-level technique, and solid acting skills. Song Eun-hye, who made her debut as a lead in the role of Christine in the musical 'The Phantom of the Opera', is expected to showcase an even more developed performance this time, having been loved for her rich expressiveness and sensuous technique. Additionally, Jang Hye-rin, who has established herself as a rising star in the musical world with her beautiful voice and solid singing ability in works like 'The Rose of Versailles' and 'The Man Who Laughs', is anticipated to deliver a perfectly synchronized and mature portrayal of Christine.
In the role of 'Gérard Carrière', the former director of the Paris Opera House, respected by the troupe, Min Young-ki, known for his deep acting and stable vocal ability, and Hong Kyung-soo, who has showcased profound character expression and seasoned acting, have been cast. Min Young-ki and Hong Kyung-soo are expected to perfectly portray the character of 'Gérard Carrière', the only one who knows the Phantom's hidden secret, with their stable vocal skills and impressive performances.
In the role of 'Madame Carlotta', the charming and cunning villain who, despite her terrible singing ability, has secured the diva position at the opera house thanks to her husband’s power, Lisa, Jeon Soo-mi, known for her vibrant stage presence and explosive vocal ability, and Yoon Sa-bong, who has showcased solid acting skills across various genres, will appear.
In the role of 'Count Philippe de Chandon', the top patron of the Paris Opera House and heir to a massive champagne company, Park Si-won, who brings life to the work with his rich vocal ability, and Lim Jung-mo, who leaves a deep impression on the audience with his dramatic acting, will perform. Park Si-won and Lim Jung-mo are expected to perfectly embody the 'Count Philippe de Chandon', a gentleman admired by all women.
In the role of 'Monsieur André', the new director of the opera house and husband of 'Madame Carlotta', Moon Sung-hyuk, who has captivated audiences with his passionate performances in musicals like 'The Man Who Laughs' and 'Frankenstein', will take the stage.
In the role of 'Belladova', the lover of Gérard Carrière and a ballerina with a heavenly voice, Kim Joo-won, a prima ballerina representing South Korea who has presented astonishing performances every season, is set to deliver a particularly special stage for the 10th anniversary. Hwang Hye-min, who has worked as a principal dancer at the Universal Ballet Company, and Choi Ye-won, who has performed on stage from the 2015 premiere to 2021, are also expected to shine.
In the role of 'Young Carrière', the lover of Belladova, Jeong Young-jae, a former principal dancer of the National Ballet Company known as 'the perfect ballet dancer', Kim Hee-hyun, who has showcased lyrical performances as a soloist in the National Ballet Company, and Kim Tae-seok, who gained popularity and stardom through his appearance on Mnet's 'Stage Fighter', have been cast.
With a luxurious cast that brings together the top actors in the country, the musical 'Phantom' is expected to elevate anticipation for the upcoming performance. The fifth season and 10th anniversary performance of 'Phantom' will be available exclusively at the Seoul Arts Center Grand Theater from May 31 to August 11.
