Kang Hong-seok returns as ルケニ (Ruchani) after 8 years, Musical 'Elisabeth'

'Ruckeni' Kang Hong-seok Returns After 8 Years with a New Lineup

The musical 'Elisabeth' will begin its sixth season on August 16 at the Blue Square Woori Bank Hall in Seoul. The highlight of this season is the return of actor Kang Hong-seok. Kang will take the stage after eight years in the role of 'Ruckeni,' a character for which he was highly praised for his interpretation during the 2018 production. Since then, he has built his acting skills through musicals such as 'Kinky Boots,' 'Death Note,' and 'Hadestown,' as well as dramas like 'What's Wrong with Secretary Kim' and 'The Secret Romantic Agent.'

Park Eun-tae joins the role of Ruckeni to anchor the play, while newcomer Noh Yoon will showcase the character through her vocal prowess. The full casting for this season has been officially announced by the production company EMK Musical Company.

A Complete Change in the Role of 'Death' and the Meeting of New Empresses

Changes in major roles are also notable. The role of the Austrian Empress 'Elisabeth' will be played by Lyn, Lee Ji-hye, and Lee Ji-soo. Lyn will express the empress's solitude with the interpretive skills she built through works like 'Jekyll & Hyde,' while Lee Ji-hye joins following the 2022 season, and Lee Ji-soo will appear on stage as a new face.

The role of 'Death (Der Tod),' the transcendental being who hovers around Elisabeth, consists of Kai, Seo Kyung-soo, and Ko Eun-sung. This season, the role of 'Death' has been filled entirely with a new cast. Kai has proven his rich vocal volume in works such as 'Phantom,' Seo Kyung-soo has demonstrated stage presence through 'Aladdin,' and Ko Eun-sung has proven his vocal capabilities through 'Dracula.'

The Narrative of the Emperor and Surrounding Characters

Min Young-ki and Park Min-sung will take on the role of the Austrian Emperor 'Franz Joseph,' portraying a man agonizing between duty and love. Seo Ji-young and Joo-a will play the role of the Archduchess 'Sophie,' Joseph's mother, and Jang Yoon-seok and Kim Woo-sung will appear as the ill-fated Crown Prince 'Rudolf.' Kim Dae-ho and Jang Ye-won will respectively play 'Max' and 'Ludovika,' Elisabeth's parents. This production will run from August 16 to November 15 at the Blue Square Woori Bank Hall.

A Harmony of Rock and Classical: The Global Hit 'Elisabeth'

The musical 'Elisabeth' depicts the solitude hidden behind the splendor of the Austrian imperial family and the longing for freedom. Since its premiere in Vienna, Austria, in 1992, the work has recorded a cumulative audience of 12.5 million worldwide. In Korea, it has completed five seasons since its first performance in 2012, and is characterized by numbers such as 'I Belong to Me' and 'The Last Dance,' which combine rock sounds with classical melodies.