Choi Jae-rim followed by Cha Ji-yeon... "Performance halted due to hyperventilation"

Musical 'Gwanghwamun Yeonga' Hospitalized During Performance
Producer "Will Proceed with 110% Refund"

Actor Cha Ji-yeon stepped down from the stage due to health issues while performing in the musical 'Gwanghwamun Sonata.'

On the 23rd, Yonhap News reported that the 'Gwanghwamun Sonata' performance held at the D-Cube Link Art Center in Seoul at 2 p.m. the previous day was halted due to health problems experienced by actor Cha Ji-yeon, who played the role of 'Wolha.'

The production company CJ ENM stated, "During the first act, actor Cha Ji-yeon experienced a temporary hyperventilation condition, causing the performance to be stopped. The actor was promptly taken to the hospital and is currently recovering after undergoing necessary examinations and treatments based on a specialist's opinion." They added, "Ticket holders for the affected performance will receive a 110% refund of the ticket price through a two-step process. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused to the audience."

At the press call for the musical 'Gwanghwamun Yeonga,' actor Cha Ji-yeon and others are performing highlight scenes. Photo by Yonhap News

The casting for another musical featuring Cha Ji-yeon, 'Empress Myeongseong,' in Busan has also been changed. For the performances on the 23rd and 24th, actor Kim So-hyun will take over the role of Empress Myeongseong in place of Cha Ji-yeon.

Recently, there have been consecutive incidents of well-known musical actors halting performances or having their casting changed due to health issues.

Actor Choi Jae-rim was unable to appear on stage for the second act of the musical 'Cyrano' at the Seoul Arts Center on the 20th due to poor throat condition. Furthermore, other actors replaced Choi Jae-rim in the scheduled performances of the musical 'Kinky Boots' in Seongnam and 'Chicago' in Busan.

Actor Choi Jae-rim, who played the role of Cyrano in the musical 'Cyrano'. Provided by CJ ENM

Choi Jae-rim’s agency, Four K Entertainment, stated, "We sincerely apologize to the many audience members who visited the venue and were inconvenienced. We bow our heads in deep apology to those who attended the performance on the 20th and to the many who were waiting for upcoming shows." They added, "Currently, actor Choi Jae-rim is recovering quickly and is preparing to return to the stage of the musical 'Cyrano' on the 25th based on expert advice. We will do our best to deliver a great performance without forgetting the heavy responsibility we feel."

Earlier this year, Choi Jae-rim also faced controversy over overlapping roles after showing signs of poor condition on stage while simultaneously performing in musicals such as 'Les Mis?rables' and 'The Phantom of the Opera.'