Stars from various media take center stage, captivating audiences

Female stars known for their small screen presence are set to dominate the summer performance scene. Choi Sooyoung, singer-actress from Girls' Generation, will star in "The Merchant of Venice," while her former bandmate Tiffany Young takes the lead in the musical "Yumi's Cells." Kim Gyu-nam and Joo Hyun-young are set to make their theatrical debuts in "Fleabag" and "The Comeuppance," respectively.

▲ Choi Sooyoung and Won Jin-ah share the stage with veterans Shin Goo and Park Geun-hyung in "The Merchant of Venice"

Choi Sooyoung takes on the role of Portia, a character known for her wit and wisdom, in Shakespeare's classic comedy "The Merchant of Venice." The play centers on the Jewish moneylender Shylock's pound-of-flesh contract with Antonio, exploring themes of justice, mercy, and revenge. Choi's Portia plays a crucial role in shifting the courtroom dynamics.

Choi previously earned acclaim for her strong vocal performance and nuanced character portrayal in the 2023-2024 run of "Wife." In "The Merchant of Venice," she alternates the role of Portia with Won Jin-ah, an accomplished actress known for lead roles in dramas like "Judge Lee Han-young" and the film "Secret." Won received praise for her charismatic turn in the 2023 production of "Faust."

The star-studded cast also includes veteran actors Shin Goo and Park Geun-hyung, alongside Lee Sang-yoon and Kai. The production runs until August 9 at the National Theater of Korea's Haeoreum Theater in Seoul.

▲ Tiffany Young headlines "Yumi's Cells" musical; husband Byun Yo-han shows support

Tiffany Young stars as Yumi in the musical adaptation of the wildly popular webtoon "Yumi's Cells," which has amassed 3.5 billion views. This original musical condenses the webtoon's sprawling 512-episode narrative into a 150-minute show, the result of a five-year collaboration with the webtoon's creators.

Young portrays Yumi, an ordinary woman living an extraordinary life, as she navigates the chaos of her personified inner thoughts. Building on her previous musical experience in "Chicago," Young continues to receive praise from audiences. Recently, her husband, actor Byun Yo-han, made headlines by attending a performance.

"Yumi's Cells" runs until August 23 at the CJ Towol Theater in the Seoul Arts Center. Musical star Choi Jae-rim and former VIXX member Jung Taek-woon share the role of "Cell No. 109," performing alongside Young.

▲ Kim Gyu-nam and Joo Hyun-young make stage debuts; Joo doubles as producer

Actors Kim Gyu-nam and Joo Hyun-young are set to make their theatrical debuts this summer. Kim is currently starring in "Fleabag," which opened on June 19, while Joo is preparing for her role in "The Comeuppance," opening July 11.

Kim, known for his work in TV and film, as well as his popular YouTube channel, brings his relatable persona to "Fleabag." He takes on the challenging role of a complex female character in this one-person show, carrying the entire 90-minute performance solo. This marks a significant milestone in Kim's career as he ventures into live theater.

"Fleabag" runs until September 6 at the Doosan Art Center's Yeongang Hall in Seoul, with Kim Hee-ra and Kim Joo-yeon alternating in the lead role.

Joo Hyun-young not only stars in "The Comeuppance" but also serves as a producer, overseeing the project from its inception. The play follows five friends at their 20th high school reunion pre-event as they confront life changes, loss, and identity crises. Joo's versatile career, spanning TV dramas, theater, and comedy shows like SNL Korea, has generated considerable buzz around her theatrical debut.

"The Comeuppance" runs until August 30 at Studio Blue in Seoul, featuring a talented ensemble cast including Kim Ba-da, Kim Si-yu, and Ahn Seung-kyun.