[Dispatch=Lee Myung-joo] "Figure Prince" Cha Jun-hwan has achieved another "level up."

While the ice rink stage remains the same, his arsenal has become more diverse. Beyond figure skating technique, he has expanded his scope of challenge to include acting, singing, and choreography creation.

Production company Live Arena held a practice room open event for "Solo Leveling on Ice" at Jennis Ice Rink in Guro-gu, Seoul on the 22nd.

A highlight scene demonstration took place. Cha Jun-hwan, the "male figure skating representative," attended alongside Kim Ye-rim, Shin Seok-soo, Amy, Lee Si-hyung, and Kwon Chae-won.

"Solo Leveling on Ice" is an ice performance show based on the web novel and webtoon of the same name, which has accumulated 1.43 billion views. It depicts the process of E-rank hunter Sung Jinwoo, the "weakest weapon of mankind," growing into a Shadow Monarch.

The original story has been infused with musical and skating elements. Director Woo Jin-ha explained, "I worked to provide the unique sense of speed of an ice show while not deviating from the original work."

This year's performance is a remount following last year's premiere. The story has been further reinforced. Director Woo stated, "While the premiere focused on the musical aspects, the remount aimed to solidify the dramatic elements."

The emphasis on skating also stands out. The cast lineup was composed of multiple active skating athletes and figure skating national team representatives.

He said, "We recruited many figure skaters (compared to the premiere). Figure skating choreography and linear action have increased. We paid attention to ensure all elements are indispensable in following Sung Jinwoo's narrative."

This season will hold a total of 12 performances as a single cast. Cha Jun-hwan was cast in the role of Sung Jinwoo. Cha Jun-hwan said, "Although I have participated in multiple ice shows, I am honored to be part of 'Solo Leveling on Ice.'"

It marks his return to the domestic ice show stage in approximately seven years. Unlike the ice shows or galas he had previously done, he had to handle skating, dialogue, and singing simultaneously.

Cha Jun-hwan said, "A more musical approach was needed (compared to existing) ice shows. It was a new challenge. (Especially) gliding on ice while holding a sword was a first," he laughed.

Regarding the difference from galas, he explained, "A gala showcases an individual athlete's program, but this performance shows Sung Jinwoo's growth and the characters' stories in a drama format."

He also took his first steps as a choreographer. He contributed to the collaborative skate choreography work. "We developed the existing choreography. Creating an ice show was not easy since it was my first time, but I prepared diligently," he revealed.

Kim Ye-rim and Lee Si-hyung, both from the national figure skating team, play S-rank hunter Cha Hae-in and Knight Igrit respectively.

Musical actor Shin Seok-soo takes on the role of Yujin-ho, Sung Jinwoo's guild member. Singer Kwon Chae-won joins as Sung Jin-ah, Sung Jinwoo's sister, and YouTuber Amy as Healer Lee Ju-hee.

The highlight demonstration arranged scenes that offer a glimpse into the work's world. As the "Gate of Chaos" opened, the cast raced across the ice. Powerful jumps and fluid step sequences harmonized.

In the second scene, Sung Jinwoo (played by Cha Jun-hwan) realizes his leveling-up ability and is depicted winning the battle against Cerberus. Cha Jun-hwan, as Sung Jinwoo, performed singing and jump movements.

Additionally, scenes followed of hunters organizing a guild to fight against beasts, and Sung Jinwoo parting with fellow Ju-hee (played by Amy).

The highlight was the scene where the protagonist wins the battle against Igrit (played by Lee Si-hyung) and grows into a Shadow Monarch. At Cha Jun-hwan's command, "Rise," dozens of knights knelt, leaving an emotional resonance.

Director Woo said, "There will be moments for those seeing an ice show for the first time to go 'wow,'" and added, "I hope 'Solo Leveling on Ice' becomes the starting point for the revival of domestic ice shows."

Meanwhile, "Solo Leveling on Ice" will be performed at the Mokdong Ice Rink in Seoul from the 7th to the 17th of next month.

<Photo by Reporter Song Hyo-jin>