On June 5, 2025, the South Korean musical scene was rocked by the sudden withdrawal of two prominent actors, Park Jun-hwi and Woo Jin-young, from the acclaimed production Bare the Musical. The announcement came from Showplay, the production company behind both Bare the Musical and Nijinsky, revealing that the actors stepped down due to personal reasons. This unexpected development sent ripples through the theater community and left fans scrambling for answers.
Bare the Musical, a celebrated work marking its 10th anniversary in Korea this year, is set in a conservative Catholic high school and explores the complex lives and struggles of its characters. The show has been a staple at the Doosan Art Center in Jongno-gu, Seoul, featuring a talented ensemble including Jin Ho, Kang Byung-hoon, Yoon Seung-woo, Kim Jae-han, and Sung Min-jae. The production was scheduled to run until September 14, 2025.
Showplay’s official statement expressed regret over the inconvenience caused by the casting changes. They announced that for the June 5 performance at 7:30 PM, Kang Byung-hoon and Park Do-yeon would step in to replace Park Jun-hwi (Peter) and Woo Jin-young (Tanya), respectively. The following day’s show on June 6 would see Kang Byung-hoon continue in the role of Peter. Unfortunately, the evening performance on June 7 was canceled entirely, a move that disappointed many ticket holders.
In addition to Bare the Musical, Park Jun-hwi also withdrew from Nijinsky, another Showplay production. For Nijinsky, the afternoon show on June 8 was reassigned to Shin Joo-hyup, while Jung Hwi would fill in on the evening of June 15. However, the evening performance on June 8 and the show on June 10 were canceled. Showplay assured audiences that anyone affected by these cancellations or casting changes could receive refunds without service fees through the reservation site’s customer center. Tickets not explicitly canceled would be automatically voided after the performance start times.
The sudden departures sparked widespread speculation and concern among fans, especially after a series of photos and private messages surfaced on Park Jun-hwi’s social media accounts. Earlier on June 5, Park posted a photo showing himself in underwear sitting alongside Woo Jin-young, who appeared with her head bowed. Alongside this image was a screenshot of a private KakaoTalk conversation between the two, which added fuel to the fire. The controversy was intensified by revelations that Park Jun-hwi was engaged to another woman, making the nature of his relationship with Woo Jin-young a shock to fans and the public alike.
The fallout was swift. The operator of Park Jun-hwi’s Naver fan cafe announced plans to shut down the fan community by the end of June, citing the recent news as a source of shock and disappointment for many supporters. Despite the growing public scrutiny, neither Park Jun-hwi nor Woo Jin-young had issued direct statements addressing the situation as of June 5.
Showplay’s handling of the crisis has been transparent, with multiple public apologies for the disruption to audiences. Their statements emphasized sincere regret for any inconvenience caused by the sudden changes and cancellations. They have taken steps to minimize the impact on theatergoers by promptly arranging substitute actors and facilitating refund processes.
The abrupt exit of two lead actors from a major musical production is a rare and significant event in the Korean theater industry, especially for a show with the stature and longevity of Bare the Musical. The musical’s themes of identity, acceptance, and the pressures of a conservative environment now seem to echo in real life, as the cast shakeup unfolds amid personal controversies.
Fans and theater critics alike are now watching closely to see how the production will stabilize and move forward. With replacements stepping in and a clear schedule for upcoming performances—minus the canceled shows—the company aims to maintain the show’s momentum and honor the 10-year milestone of the Korean premiere.
This incident also sheds light on the intense scrutiny public figures face in the entertainment industry, where personal lives can swiftly become public matters, affecting careers and productions. The situation underscores the delicate balance performers must maintain between their private affairs and professional responsibilities.
As Bare the Musical continues its run at the Doosan Art Center, audiences can expect a mix of familiar faces and new talent in the cast. Whether the production can weather this storm and retain its artistic integrity remains to be seen, but the company’s proactive approach to casting and communication suggests a commitment to delivering quality performances despite the setbacks.
In the meantime, the story of Park Jun-hwi and Woo Jin-young’s withdrawal serves as a potent reminder of the human stories behind the spotlight and the unpredictable nature of live theater. The coming weeks will be crucial for all involved as they navigate the aftermath and work towards restoring confidence among fans and patrons.
