Musical actress Ok Joo-hyun speaks directly about the casting controversy surrounding her in the past.
In the preview aired on the 1st for Channel A's 'Friend Documentary: 4-Person Table', Ok Joo-hyun is seen hosting a meal for her close friends, Tei and Lee Ji-hye.
During a cheerful conversation in the video, Park Kyung-rim began by saying, "Aren't there moments when you are doubted before gaining recognition?" To this, Ok Joo-hyun replied, "Are you talking about that incident?" and mentioned the casting controversy which sparked three years ago, saying, "Was it three years ago? 'Elisabeth'?".
Previously, in the 2022 10th anniversary performance of the musical 'Elisabeth', Kim So-hyun was excluded from the lineup, and Lee Ji-hye, known to be close to Ok Joo-hyun, was listed on the double casting board, leading to the 'connection casting' controversy. Notably, fellow musical actor Kim Ho-young intensified the controversy by posting on his Instagram, "The old saying about 'Asari' is outdated. Now it’s 'Ok Jang-pan'."
In relation to this, Ok Joo-hyun had sued Kim Ho-young but later withdrew the complaint. However, prominent figures in the musical industry, including Park Kal-lin, Choi Jeong-won, and Nam Kyung-joo, issued a statement emphasizing, "We all have a level we must uphold in our respective positions and professions", preventing the controversy from dying down. Later, EMK Musical Company announced, "Ok Joo-hyun had no involvement", affirming that a fair audition process was followed.
Meanwhile, 'Friend Documentary: 4-Person Table', featuring Ok Joo-hyun, will air on the 8th at 8:10 PM.