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Korean musical star eyes London’s West End debut

January 28, 2014
Hong Kwang-ho

Hong Kwang-ho

By Kwon Mee-yoo

Hong Kwang-ho, a popular actor in Korean musical theater, will appear in an upcoming production of Miss Saigon in London’s famous West End, according to its British producers on Tuesday.

In an e-mailed statement, theatre impresario Cameron Mackintosh said he became impressed with Hong’s talent after seeing him in a Korean production of Miss Saigon and his other iconic work, “The Phantom of the Opera.’’

Miss Saigon will make its highly-anticipated return to London’s famous theater street in May and Hwang has been cast in the role of Thuy. Hong joins the previously announced Jon Jon Briones The Engineer, Eva Noblezada as Kim, Alistair Brammer as Chris, Tamsin Carroll as Ellen, Hugh Maynard as John and Rachelle Ann Go as Gigi.

“It always takes a year to find a cast for ‘Miss Saigon.’ It is terribly important that the story is authentic, and we have to look across the world to find a cast that properly tells this marvelous story,’’ Mackintosh said.

:We’ve managed to pool a tremendous amount of international talent … We had him (Hong) originally in the first Korean production of ‘Miss Saigon’ a few years ago. He pulled off the rather remarkable feet of starring as ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ in the Korean production as well. I call that a very wide talent. He really is very special.’’

Hong is among the big-name actors in Korea, one of Asia’s most lucrative musical markets. Aside from Miss Saigon and Phantom, his credits include the roles of Dr. Henry Jekyll/Edward Hyde in “Jekyll and Hyde’’ and starring in “Man of La Mancha.’’