Ock Joo-hyun Quips "My Crime? Being Ock Joo-hyun" Amid Musical 'Anna Karenina' Casting Split Debate

South Korean musical star Ock Joo-hyun offered a pointed response after backlash over how performance dates were allocated for the stage musical "Anna Karenina", with fans arguing her shows were disproportionately stacked.

On the 28th, Ock posted a photo in an orange prison jumpsuit to her social media, writing, “Prisoner. My crime? Being Ock Joo-hyun.” Many theatergoers read it as the actress pushing back on the recent controversy over the "Anna Karenina" performance split.

The dust-up began when the five-week, 38-show schedule was released. Ock, along with Lee Ji-hye and Kim So-hyang, shares the lead role of Anna ― but Ock is slated for 25 performances, more than half, prompting complaints that the run is overly tilted toward a single star.

Some in the industry suggested the producer likely prioritized “ticket power” for a premium-priced show. The production behind "Anna Karenina" also weighed in, saying the casting and performance distribution are “the exclusive prerogative of the producer and the original creators.” With no detailed criteria or further explanation offered, however, the debate has continued to simmer.

Fueling speculation, Kim So-hyang posted a cryptic line on her social media ― essentially, “I have a lot to say, but I’ll keep quiet” ― which many took as a veiled nod to her feelings about the casting breakdown.

This isn’t Ock’s first casting controversy. Back in 2022, during the rollout for "Elisabeth," theater actor Kim Ho-young appeared to take a swipe at her with a wordplay-laced post implying the scene had become “Ock’s turf.” Ock responded by filing a legal complaint, saying those who “ran their mouths and fingers without facts” should be held accountable, but she later withdrew it as the uproar grew. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)