Ok Joo-hyun is considered one of the most beloved female actresses on the Korean musical stage and feels a special connection to Mata Hari, the Dutch dancer and spy, among the many characters she has portrayed. Debuting as the main vocalist of Fin.K.L in 1998 at the age of 18, she ventured into the musical stage in 2005. Currently, she is starring as the lead in the musical ‘Mata Hari,’ which opened in West Seoul.
At a press conference held at the LG Signature Hall in Gangseo District on Friday, Ok Joo-hyun stated, “Mata Hari felt she was nothing special from a young age. She knew how to give satisfaction without giving her heart and accepted things she didn’t like as fate. I have that aspect too.” She added that she didn’t have to ask many questions to understand Mata Hari’s story.
Mata Hari is the real name of Margaretha Geertruida Zelle, who was suspected of being a German spy during World War I and executed in France. Her innocence remains controversial, but in this musical, the plot captivates audiences by adding elements of sisterhood and romance.
Ok Joo-hyun also took time to gain popularity in the musical and popular music scenes, but today she is one of South Korea’s top actresses. She said, “When I first started as an actress, I didn’t have a specific career goal. I had to prove that I could overcome many stereotypes and embrace the musical genre,” adding, “Being called an actress with ‘ticket power’ today is sometimes daunting, but it always means I have to do my best not to disappoint those who have a lot of faith in me.”
‘Mata Hari’ is EMK’s first original musical, which premiered in 2016 and is now in its fourth season. This season’s performance opened just after the urgent martial law declaration and withdrawal by Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, and Ok Joo-hyun feared the performance might be canceled but wasn’t afraid. She said, “We should never take for granted the moments we can be thankful for,” and was confident that this season’s performance is the best ‘Mata Hari.’
Previously criticized, this musical has undergone several changes and director swaps, but today the emotional depth of the friendships Mata Hari forms is at the heart of the story. “In the process of young Mata Hari learning, relationships and love can be sweet but also hurtful. As you age, you learn how to treat precious people and things,” she said.
Ok Joo-hyun alternates the role of Mata Hari with MAMAMOO Solar, and the performance will continue at the LG Signature Hall until March 2 next year. It is anticipated how her performance will evolve in the future.
