Choi Soo-jong: "Oedipus, the Pinnacle of Tragedy... Requires Immense Energy"

by Park Pyunghee

Published 27 May.2026 19:21(KST)

Returning to the Stage After 9 Years with "Oedipus"

Opening on July 4 at Sejong Center

Featuring Yang Jun-mo, Seo Young-hee, Park Jeong-ja, Nam Myung-ryul, and More

"Oedipus is a role at the pinnacle of tragedy. It is a captivating character that demands an immense amount of energy from the actor."

Choi Soo-jong, who plays the lead role of Oedipus in the play "Oedipus," which will open on July 4th at Sejong Center M Theater, described his character in this way and called it a "tremendous challenge."

"Oedipus" is a play written around the 5th century BC by Sophocles, a playwright who represents ancient Greek tragedy. Oedipus is a tragic figure who, due to an oracle that foretells he will kill his father and marry his mother, is abandoned by his father, but ultimately, regardless of his intentions, fulfills the prophecy by killing his father and marrying his mother.

Actor Choi Soo-Jong is sharing his thoughts at the production press conference for the play 'Oedipus,' held on the 27th at Chungmu Art Center in Jung-gu, Seoul. Su Company

At the production press conference held on the 27th at Chungmu Art Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, Choi Soo-jong emphasized that, as the most tragic character, Oedipus requires a deeper emotional line than other roles.

He said, "In order to portray Oedipus, who stands at the peak of tragedy, a profound emotional depth that confronts a great destiny is needed, beyond that of an ordinary human being," adding, "I am placing my trust in director Seo Jae-hyung and following his lead."

This is Choi Soo-jong's first theatrical performance in nine years, since "The Story of a Fairy Who Couldn't Go to Heaven" in 2017. He explained that he was inspired to return to the stage by the passion of senior actors, including the late Lee Soon-jae, who passed away last year.

Choi Soo-jong said, "For several years, watching senior actors like Lee Soon-jae, Park Geun-hyung, Shin Goo, Park Jeong-ja, and Son Sook on stage, I felt new dreams and hopes," and continued, "Observing their clear vocalization, their connection with the audience, their delivery, and their movement on stage, I reflected on myself a lot. Even while appearing in TV dramas, I promised myself that, if I had the chance, I would definitely return to the theater. Fortunately, a good opportunity has come." He added, "There was a time when I performed on stage every two years because I was so drawn to the charm of theater. I hope to show a different side of myself on stage once again."

The cast and production team of the play Oedipus, which opens on July 4 at Sejong Center M Theater, are taking a commemorative photo. Su Company

Yang Jun-mo, who has appeared in musicals such as "Hero," "The Last Empress," and "42nd Street," will also play Oedipus alongside Choi Soo-jong. Yang Jun-mo emphasized that he wants to portray Oedipus as a human being, not just a king. He said, "I hope that the audience will also draw strength from seeing Oedipus, who, before the gods, is just a frail human like dust, struggling but never giving up as he continues to live his life."

Director Seo Jae-hyung also said, "I am creating this work with the hope of conveying the will of the human Oedipus to the audience," adding, "I want to deliver a message of comfort, encouraging the audience to have willpower and find a little more strength in their own lives."

Seo Young-hee and Lim Kang-hee will play Queen Jocasta, while Lim Byung-geun and Lee Hyung-hoon will play the Chorus Leader. In addition, Nam Myung-ryul and Oh Chan-woo will portray the Messenger from Corinth, Kang Sung-jin and Choi Soo-hyung will play Creon, and Park Jeong-ja and Na Ja-myung will play Tiresias.