STAYC member Sieun's first-ever musical role has ignited a "special treatment" firestorm, with a growing fairness controversy surrounding her debut.
On February 2, production company PAGE1 unveiled the cast of the musical Sopyonje, which includes Cha Ji-yeon. While Sieun's debut drew buzz, the season's restructuring — which altered the role format — sparked backlash. Starting this season, the life of Song-hwa, previously portrayed by a single actor, is split; for performances featuring Sieun, pansori singer Jeong Eun-hye will play the older Song-hwa.
For two straight days, netizens questioned the change, saying, "Was the role structure altered for a specific actor?" and "Creating an exception for just one pair goes against fairness." Some also worry that splitting the role could hurt emotional immersion during the late-show pansori number.
The producers responded, "We expanded the casting framework so younger actors can take on the work in a more open way," calling it a new interpretation to present Song-hwa's life in a more three-dimensional way.
Through the fan platform Bubble, Sieun admitted, "As the youngest Song-hwa, it's true I feel pressure," sharing her candid feelings.
Amid mixed expectations and concerns, Seopyeonje runs from April 30 to July 19.