Choi Kang-hee Returns to Acting After Five Years with Play 'Closer', Cites Moon Geun-young's Encouragement

Actor Choi Kang-hee, 47, is returning to acting after a hiatus of about five years.

During the press conference for the play "Closer" held at Daehangno Eum Art Center in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 2nd, Choi appeared in a black suit and shared her determination regarding her transformation into Anna, a mature character marked by delicate sensibilities.

Regarding her choice of a theatrical production, Choi said, "I have loved the music from the movie 'Closer' for a long time. It is a movie that completely hit my taste." She added, "Around the time I was preparing to return, I wanted to keep acting, but there were no opportunities for a year. There were not many works I could do. I had received offers for plays, but I had never done one before," revealing that she had deep concerns.

She cited the support of fellow actors as the turning point for her decision to take on the challenge. She stated, "Actor Moon Geun-young recommended plays to me a long time ago, and actor Jin Seo-yeon, whom I go to the gym with, also told me that she loved 'Closer' and suggested I try it. That gave me the courage."

Anna, the character played by Choi, is a rational and smart upper-class photographer caught between two fateful loves. This role is shared by Choi Kang-hee, Lisa, and Jang Hee-jin.

Choi temporarily halted her acting career after finishing the 2021 KBS drama "Hello, Me!". Having rarely appeared on variety shows even during her active years, she had occasionally shown her face on programs where she knew people during her hiatus. It is drawing attention that her return project after five years is a play, marking her very first theatrical challenge since her debut.

Finally, Choi expressed her determination, saying, "I am practicing so happily. Practicing like this feels like a huge gift to me. I will make sure it becomes a gift to the audience as well."

The event was attended by director Kim Ji-ho along with actors Oh Man-Seok, Bae Soo-bin, Hong Woo-jin, Choi Kang-hee, LISA, Jang Hee-jin, Hong Jong-hyun, Kang Young-seok, Lee Do-yoon, So Joo-yeon, and Lee Na-eun.

Meanwhile, "Closer" is a production set in 1990s London that depicts the process of four men and women—Larry, Anna, Dan, and Alice—meeting and becoming entangled in each other's lives. Amidst falling in love and the end of that love, the work highlights desire and obsession toward each other, wavering hearts, and the importance of communication and truth.

Performances will run from the 15th to December 6th at Yes24 Stage Hall 2 in Dongsung-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)