Ock Joo Hyun has once again found herself at the center of controversy over casting fairness, this time surrounding the musical Anna Karenina.
According to the production's recently released schedule, the role of Anna is triple-cast with Ock Joo Hyun, Lee Ji Hye, and Kim So Hyang. However, the allocation of performances has sparked debate. Out of 38 total shows, Ock Joo Hyun is scheduled for 23 performances—over 60 percent—while Lee Ji Hye will appear in 8 and Kim So Hyang in 7.
Concerns have also been raised over time-slot distribution. Of Kim So Hyang's seven performances, five are matinees, while Lee Ji Hye is set for six evening shows and two daytime performances. In musical theater, evening shows are generally considered prime slots, leading to criticism that most of these were concentrated on Ock Joo Hyun.
In contrast, the male lead role of Alexei Vronsky was distributed more evenly, with Yoon Hyung Ryul and Moon You Kang each taking 11 performances, and Jung Seung Won appearing in 16.
Fueling speculation, Kim So Hyang posted a cryptic message on social media on January 27 reading, "Night night night—many things to say, but better left unsaid," a phrase widely interpreted as referencing the concentration of evening performances.
On January 28, production company MAST International responded to the controversy, stating that the schedule was determined after consultations with the licensor, a reduced total number of performances, and the actors' individual schedules. The company emphasized that the final lineup was the result of a difficult but carefully coordinated process.
This is not the first time Ock Joo Hyun has faced casting-related criticism. In 2022, she was involved in a similar dispute during the 10th anniversary run of Elisabeth, after actor Kim Ho Young posted a remark widely interpreted as criticizing so-called "connections casting." Ock Joo Hyun responded by warning of legal action against what she described as groundless speculation, while the production company also denied the allegations.
Anna Karenina is based on the classic novel by Leo Tolstoy. Set in late 19th-century Russian high society, the story explores themes of love, marriage, and the meaning of family.
