Cha Jun-hwan Spearmints 'Solo Leveling On Ice' Comeback as Figure Skating Royalty Steps into Musical Theater

 South Korea’s premier figure skater is pushing his limits far past the competitive arena.

Cha Jun-hwan is taking the main stage for an ambitious hybrid show that brings one of the world's most famous webtoons to life on ice.

Production company Live Arena held an open practice showcase on July 22 at Zenith Ice Rink in Seoul, revealing a revamped, high-octane version of Solo Leveling On Ice.

A Massive Upgrade Built on Speed, Storyline, and Elite Athletes

This year's run serves as an upgraded re-imagining of last year's premiere, sharpening both the theatrical narrative and on-ice athletic execution.

Adapted from the famous web novel and webtoon with over 14.3 billion global views, the production follows Sung Jin-woo, an E-rank hunter known as "Humanity's Weakest Weapon," who transforms into the legendary Shadow Monarch.

Director Woo Jin-ha emphasized that the new run leans into deep drama while maximizing the natural speed of live ice skating.

To achieve this, production recruited a heavy lineup of active and former national figure skating team athletes to perform intricate jump combinations and aggressive choreography.

Swords, Lines, and Vocals: Cha Jun-hwan Takes On Sung Jin-woo

Tackling a Multi-Dimensional Role

Stepping into the lead role of Sung Jin-woo, Cha Jun-hwan is taking on a completely new set of creative demands.

Unlike traditional gala exhibitions where skaters perform solo routines, this role requires him to skate, deliver scripted lines, sing, and engage in fast-paced combat routines.

"It required a much more musical approach than traditional ice shows," Cha shared with a smile during the event. "It was a brand new challenge. In particular, gliding across the ice while wielding a sword was a first for me."

Stepping Up as Co-Choreographer

Beyond his lead acting duties, Cha also contributed to the production behind the scenes by joining the creative team as a co-choreographer.

He worked directly on upgrading the show's skating routines to match the intense action sequences of the original webtoon.

The skater noted that creating choreography for a story-driven ensemble cast was challenging, yet deeply rewarding as he expands his artistic repertoire.

Decoding the Webtoon Adaptation Trend in Korean Performing Arts

Bridging IP Franchises and Live Spectacles

In South Korea’s entertainment industry, converting massive Intellectual Properties (IP) into alternative live formats is rapidly becoming a key strategy.

Solo Leveling stands as a titan in Korean pop culture, having successfully crossed over from web novel to webtoon, anime, and mobile gaming.

Bringing this hit IP to an ice rink bridges two distinct fandoms: dedicated webtoon readers and figure skating enthusiasts.

Returning to Domestic Ice Shows After Seven Years

For domestic sports fans, Cha Jun-hwan’s involvement is a major event in itself.

This production marks his return to a full-scale domestic Korean ice show in approximately seven years.

As Korea’s flagship male figure skater, Cha carries the star power needed to pull general theatergoers into ice rinks, breathing fresh energy into local winter sports entertainment.

Highlights Showcase High-Octane Action and Star-Studded Cast

A Multi-Talented Supporting Lineup

Cha is joined on the rink by a diverse ensemble of top athletes and performers.

Former national figure skaters Kim Ye-lim and Lee Si-hyeong star as S-Rank hunter Cha Hae-in and the knight Igris, respectively.

Musical actor Shin Seok-soo plays guild member Yu Jin-ho, singer Kwon Chae-won plays Sung Jin-ah, and popular content creator Amy joins as the healer Lee Joo-hee.

A Captivating Preview of Chaos and Command

The media demonstration offered a thrilling look into the show's world-building.

When the "Gate of Chaos" opened on stage, the cast sprinted across the ice with powerful jumps and swift step sequences.

The showcase reached its climax as Sung Jin-woo defeated Igris and awakened as the Shadow Monarch.

Cha Jun-hwan closed the scene by issuing his signature command, "Arise," prompting a dozen armor-clad knights to drop to their knees on the ice.

Director Woo Jin-ha expressed high hopes for the upcoming run, noting he wants the show to trigger a fresh renaissance for domestic ice performances.

Solo Leveling On Ice will run for 12 exclusive performances from August 7 through August 17 at Mokdong Ice Rink in Seoul.

https://www.dispatch.co.kr/2345485