"A Miracle": Ivy Becomes First Korean Actress to Join Broadway's 'Chicago' [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.

Musical actress Ivy will become the first Korean actress to appear on the stage of the Broadway musical 'Chicago'. This historic achievement marks the first time a Korean actress has reached this milestone after numerous challenges and efforts.

On the 23rd, a press conference was held at the Chungmu Art Center in Jung District, Seoul, regarding actress Ivy's entry into the Broadway production of the musical 'Chicago'. Actress Ivy and producer Park Young-seong attended the event and shared various stories.

'Chicago' is the longest-running American musical in Broadway history. It swept six categories, including the 1997 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, and won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Album.

Park Young-seong, producer at Shinshi Company, stated, "I feel a deep sense of pride that Ivy's entry into Broadway itself signifies how much the status of Korean musicals has risen." He added, "I have long believed that lead actors from our country possess world-class talent that can compete anywhere in the global market."

He continued, "I am delighted and offer my congratulations that Ivy will be joining Broadway on this occasion. Shinshi Company has only played the role of building a bridge and providing support; the result came from her own determination and hard work. We applaud her passion, adventure, and challenge."

Ivy participated in the Korean production of the musical 'Chicago' as 'Roxie Hart' from 2012 to 2024, spanning six seasons.

Regarding her feelings about joining Broadway, she said, "After digging one well for a long time, a tremendous opportunity has come, and with the help of many people, I have been given the chance to perform at the birthplace of musicals."

She continued, "Since I am going to Bae U-reul (CEO), I feel a great sense of responsibility and burden, but also excitement. On Broadway, I am also curious about how actors and staff work. I will experience it well and return."

Having showcased top-tier skills every season, she received an audition offer from the Broadway production last year and, after rigorous preparation, finally made it to Broadway.

Ivy, who will become the first Korean actress to appear on the stage of the musical 'Chicago', revealed that she underwent three video auditions over the course of one year.

She said, "I thought the Americans work at a slightly slower pace than Koreans. During the waiting period, I often thought, 'Maybe this won't work out.'"

She continued, "I have only been learning English for a year and a half, and since 'Chicago' itself is a very American work, I thought it was impossible for me, with a Korean accent, to stand on that stage. I had no confidence in myself, and honestly, I thought it was an impossible thing."

She then expressed her overwhelming feelings, saying, "I still can't believe that I am here today."

Although she received an audition offer several years ago, she had not even considered taking on the challenge. She recalled, "At that time, I could only speak English for self-introductions, so I didn't have the courage to challenge myself. I remember hearing it and letting it go. I thought, 'How can I go to America if I can't speak English?' But I received another audition offer the year before last and started studying English seriously."

She explained, "During the audition process, I practiced two Roxie songs and a monologue in English and auditioned. However, after the first audition, I received many critiques, so I improved and took the second audition. In the second round, I was criticized about my accent, so I worked on that and proceeded to the third audition."

Ivy also recalled the moment she received the acceptance call. She said, "Honestly, I was shopping at the time, and since it was a quiet store, I couldn't celebrate loudly. I had told my close friends, family, and colleagues for several months that I thought I would make it. However, I wasn't certain of my acceptance."

She added, "I haven't heard what thoughts led to my casting in the United States, but I am sure my performance was not perfect. I am not as fluent in English acting as someone born and raised there, so I think they kindly viewed my progress."

Regarding her recent activities ahead of the performance, she laughed, "I am practicing pronunciation and accent, and nine native teachers are teaching me. I am taking classes from business conversation to acting lessons. During the week, I am busier than most studying students."

Finally, Ivy said, "I have performed as Roxie Hart in 'Chicago' more than any other Korean actor. My entire acting career feels like Roxie Hart. It is strange that most musical actresses' journeys are largely defined by Roxie Hart, and it is a miracle that I can perform in another language. I will have fun, enjoy it, and return."

Meanwhile, Ivy is scheduled to meet audiences as 'Roxie Hart' at the Ambassador Theatre in New York from August 17 to September 6.

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*This content was translated by AI.