Hong Jong-hyun Debuts in Stage Play 'Closer'

 Hong Jong-hyun Makes Stage Acting Debut in 'Closer'

Actor Hong Jong-hyun is making his stage theater debut with the upcoming production of Closer.

The production team held a press conference on September 2 at the Ieum Center in Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Cast members including Oh Man-seok, Bae Soo-bin, Hong Woo-jin, Choi Kang-hee, Lisa, Jang Hee-jin, and Hong Jong-hyun attended.

Set in 1990s London, the story follows four individuals as their lives become deeply intertwined. The work explores their complex relationships, along with love-driven obsession, greed, and truth.

Hong plays Dan, an obituary writer at a newspaper who finds himself torn between Alice and Anna. Performers Kang Young-seok and Lee Do-yoon share the same role.

This project marks his first time taking on a live stage production. "I had wanted to try stage acting for quite a while, but the timing never lined up," he shared. "This time, thankfully, things fell into place. I was the final actor cast."

Explaining his decision, he added, "I enjoyed watching Closer a long time ago. Looking at it again now that I'm older, it gave me a completely different impression. The story doesn't feel distant from our modern era, which made me want to take on this challenge."

Describing his character, the performer noted, "Dan is very articulate and humorous. He aggressively approaches anyone who catches his interest."

He pointed to his character's internal transformation as a key element for the audience to watch. "He starts off somewhat naive, but meeting Alice changes him. While he is more sincere than anyone when loving someone, he is also self-centered. Dan becomes increasingly intriguing as the play unfolds."

Closer runs from September 15 through December 6 at the YES24 Stage in Dongsung-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Hong Jong-hyun will take the stage on opening day. In South Korea's performing arts sector, established screen actors frequently transition to Daehak-ro theater productions to challenge their artistic range in live venue settings.

https://www.dispatch.co.kr/2347296