Joo is currently onstage in director Jang Jin’s hit production "The French Vault", playing a “thug” and trading energy with the audience. Despite this being his stage debut, he’s drawing hot praise for a performance so natural and immersive that the gap between screen and stage practically disappears.
Most of all, Joo’s strong fundamentals shine. In Jang Jin’s signature fast-paced, dialogue-heavy style, he fills the theater with unshakable diction and a resonant voice. Beyond the subtlety he shows on camera, he proves he can command the space live, too.
His layered take on the role is another key draw. The “thug” he portrays seems rough and rude, yet has an unexpected moral line he won’t cross. Joo nails the lovable-rogue vibe with his sly charm and precise control. Even alongside veteran co-stars, he keeps a distinct color of his own―earning big laughs every time he steps onstage and injecting fresh momentum into the show.
Word of mouth is popping off. On social media, theatergoers are raving: “I heard it’s his first time onstage, but his projection and delivery are excellent,” “He led the show so naturally among the veterans―so impressive.” Others added, “He’s the perfect comic relief. Rude but somehow polite,” “His acting is so natural and solid that I wanted to go back,” and “He fits the stage way better than I expected.”
With this, Joo Jong-hyuk successfully expands his footprint from TV and film to theater, and anticipation is high for what he does next.
Meanwhile, "The French Vault" has added one extra week due to strong demand and runs through June 7 at NOL Seokyeong Square Scon 1 Hall in Jongno-gu, Seoul.
[Photo= Park Company]
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)