Joo Hyun-young Makes Theater Debut... Black Comedy of Loss and Fracture "The Comeuppance" Opens in July

A Tony Award-Winning Play by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
High School Friends Reunite at Their 20th Graduation Anniversary
A Story of Millennials Shaped by 9/11, War, and the Pandemic

Actress Joo Hyun-young is making her debut on the theater stage.

Joo Hyun-young will appear as 'Caitlin' in the play "The Comeuppance," which will open at Studio Blue in Daehakro on July 11 and run until August 30. This production is a collaboration between the theater troupe Baba Circus and Project Gijigae, a theater creation group co-founded by Joo Hyun-young together with actors Kim Min-sung and Yeon Sol. As the first work of Project Gijigae, Joo Hyun-young is also taking on the role of producer.

"The Comeuppance" is a work by American playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, who drew attention by consecutively winning Tony Awards in 2024 and 2025. His play "Appropriate" won the 2024 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play, and "Purpose" won the Tony Award for Best Play last year.

"The Comeuppance" is a black comedy that explores the inner fractures left on Millennials by historic events such as the 9/11 terror attacks, war, and the pandemic, using dark humor and surreal devices. In particular, the character known as "Death," who reveals secrets through the voices of the characters, creates an eerie sense of tension and chilling laughter. The play premiered off-Broadway in 2023 and made its way to the London West End stage in 2024.

The story is set during the night of a pre-party for a high school class's 20th reunion held in 2022. It follows five friends who once shared a close bond as they reunite and confront their changed lives, loss, and wavering identities.

Emilio is a successful artist, but finds himself unsettled in the presence of a former unrequited love. The role is played by Kim Bada, known for the play "The Boys in the Band" and the 2026 Baeksang Arts Award-winning play "Jellyfish," as well as Kim Siyu, a nominee for Best Actor in Theater at the 2026 Baeksang Arts Awards for "Orphans" and "Bunker Trilogy," and An Seung-gyun, who has appeared in the play "Let Me In" and the drama "All of Us Are Dead."

Caitlin is a character who is conscious of others' opinions and pretends to have a perfect family life, but suffers from inner emptiness. The role is played by Kim Min-sung, who has appeared in the play "Soksal" and the musical "Finding Mr. Destiny" alongside Joo Hyun-young.

Francisco is plagued by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the Iraq War and longs for past glory and an ordinary life. The role is played by Kim Beom-soo, returning to the stage after seven years since "Kill Me Now" in 2019, and Yoo Hee-je, who has appeared in plays such as "The End by Accident" and "The Place."

Ursula is the host of the gathering, enduring loneliness with her unique sense of humor even as she gradually loses her eyesight. The role is played by Kim Bo-na, known for her performances in the plays "Press Guidelines" and "Macbeth Report Show," and Jo Yoo-jin, who has made her presence known in dramas such as "The Good Woman, Boo Semi" and "Tangled Stream."

Christina is a doctor who worked on the frontlines of the pandemic and struggles between her faith and identity. The role is portrayed by Yeo Seung-hee, who showed a powerful presence in the plays "The Crucible" and "This Unstable House," and Yeon Sol, who is active across theater, musicals, and opera.

Shim Jae-uk, the production director of Baba Circus, and Lee Eun-jin, the CEO, are in charge of translation and direction. Tickets for "The Comeuppance" can be reserved via Ticket Link. More details can be found on the Baba Circus Instagram account.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.