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South Korean Star Ivy to Lead Broadway's 'Chicago' as Roxie Hart
๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท South Korea /Culture & Society

South Korean Star Ivy to Lead Broadway's 'Chicago' as Roxie Hart

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • South Korean singer and musical actress Ivy will star as Roxie Hart in the Broadway production of 'Chicago'.
  • This marks a rare occasion for a South Korean performer to take a lead role in a major Broadway show.
  • Ivy expressed honor and responsibility, aiming to represent South Korea well during her August 17 to September 6 run.

South Korean singer and musical actress Ivy is set to make her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in the renowned musical 'Chicago.' The announcement was made by the production on Instagram, highlighting Ivy as a "K-pop star" who has "conquered the world stage."

It is an honor and happiness to perform on the Broadway stage as Roxie Hart, my first leading role and most beloved character.

โ€” IvyThe South Korean performer's reaction to being cast in the iconic role on Broadway.

This casting is a significant and unusual achievement for a performer active in South Korea's entertainment industry. Ivy is scheduled to perform from August 17 to September 6 at the Ambassador Theatre in New York. She has a strong history with the role, having first played Roxie Hart in the Korean production in 2012 and performing it nearly 600 times over six seasons until 2024.

Ivy shared her excitement and sense of duty upon receiving the offer. "It is an honor and happiness to perform on the Broadway stage as Roxie Hart, my first leading role and most beloved character," she stated. She detailed a rigorous audition process involving three video auditions and a period of waiting, emphasizing the value she places on this opportunity and the "heavy responsibility" she feels.

There were three video auditions and a period of waiting for a year. That's why this opportunity is so precious, and I feel a heavy responsibility.

โ€” IvyIvy describing the challenging audition process for the role.

'Chicago' is one of Broadway's longest-running musicals, having received critical acclaim since its 1997 revival, including six Tony Awards and a Grammy for Best Musical Album. Ivy is diligently preparing for her Broadway performances, focusing on improving her English dialogue and pronunciation to ensure a high-quality portrayal.

I will prepare well with the mindset of representing South Korea. I ask for your support and interest.

โ€” IvyIvy's commitment to her upcoming Broadway performances.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.