SBS Star

Hong Jong-hyun Makes Stage Debut in Play 'Closer': "I Was Cast Last"

newsservice@sbs.co.kr(SBS Star) — Wed, 2 Sep 2026 17:42:00 +0900

Actor Hong Jong-hyun is taking on his very first theatrical stage debut through the play "Closer".

During the press conference for the play "Closer" held at the Daehangno IEUM Center in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 2nd, Hong Jong-hyun shared, "This is my first time challenging myself with a play since my debut." He added, "I had been thinking about wanting to try a play for quite a while, but the timing never worked out. Gratefully, things fell into place this time. I believe I was the last one to be cast among the lineup."

He continued, "I decided to take on the challenge because I wanted to work with great actors. The background of the play is not too distant from the present time. Because of that, I felt like I could take on this challenge even though it is my first play. The actors I am working with are wonderful," expressing his satisfaction.

The role of Dan, played by Hong Jong-hyun, has been cast with Hong Jong-hyun, Kang Young-seok, and Lee Do-yoon. Dan is an obituary writer who finds himself confused between Alice and Anna in the story.

Explaining Dan from his own perspective, Hong Jong-hyun described him as "someone who speaks very well, has a humorous side, and actively approaches people he finds interesting." He added, "He is a bit clumsy, but changes after meeting Alice. When he is in love, he is more sincere than anyone else, but on the other hand, that can make him seem self-centered. As the play progresses, Dan's trajectory becomes quite interesting. I think it will be fun to watch while keeping that in mind."

This production of "Closer" features actors who are challenging themselves with a play rather than films or dramas for the first time, including Hong Jong-hyun, Lee Do-yoon, Choi Kang-hee, and Lee Na-eun.

Regarding this, director Kim Ji-ho remarked, "Working on the same project with completely different people is a tremendous stroke of luck as a director. Thanks to that, the practice room never has a dull moment, and my mind never rests. We are sharing, talking, and dividing things together."

Explaining the casting background, the director stated, "The reason I cast these people is simply because I cast those who are extremely good-looking and talented. When casting male characters like Dan or Larry, I think I was looking for people who could adapt those images a bit more to the current era." The director also noted, "Anna is likewise a character who is easy to misunderstand and can sometimes be overshadowed, but Anna steps forward and shines. Each character has been prepared with their own distinct individuality. I prepared this casting to hit right on that exact mark, and I am very satisfied."

Meanwhile, "Closer" will be performed at Yes24 Stage Hall 2 in Dongsung-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul from September 15 to December 6.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)

SBS Star

Hong Jong-hyun Makes Stage Debut in Play 'Closer': "I Was Cast Last"

Han Su-ah’s Captivating, Hypnotic Gaze

Jin Exudes Style at the '2027 S/S Seoul Fashion World' Photo Call

Choi Yoojung Stuns with Lovely Heart Poses at Seoul Fashion Week

HITGS's Seohui and Hyerin Flash Fresh Styles at Fashion Week

XLOV Shines as a 'One-of-a-Kind Genderless Boy Group' at Seoul Fashion Week

Hitomi Shows Off Her Lovely Wave at Seoul Fashion Week

Kim Kwang-jin Poses at '2027 S/S Seoul Fashion Week' Photo Wall

WINNER's Kang Seung-yoon Lights Up the '2027 S/S Seoul Fashion Week' Photowall

Swings: 'Meet Me at the Dongdaemun Tonkatsu Restaurant'

Oh Hayoung Brightens the Blue Carpet With Her Rosy Smile

Nicole at the Seoul Fashion Week Photo Call

Yerin Rocks Crop Top Farmer Look at Seoul Fashion Week

Freezia Brings Chic Vibes to Seoul Fashion Week

Park Gyuri Shines with Confidence at '2027 S/S Seoul Fashion Week' Photo Call

Ryu Hye-young Channels 'Sung Bo-ra's Chic Transformation at Seoul Fashion Week

IU Shows Sweet Support for Byeon Wooseok with Coffee Truck on 'Solo Leveling' Set

Sul Kyung-gu Reveals How He Discovered Kim Minha: "I Told Her Parents that They Need to Make Her an Actress"

Choi Kang-hee Returns to Acting After Five Years with Play 'Closer', Cites Moon Geun-young's Encouragement

Handball Legends Join 'Kick a Goal' for Special Cup Competition

Lee Jang-won ♥ Bae Da-hae's 100-Year-Old Grandfather Passes Away After Moving in with the Couple

Lee Seung-gi, EXO SUHO and More Confirmed for 'The Listen' Season 6 with Star-Studded 14-Member Lineup

Director Park Chan-wook Returns with Revenge Thriller, Teases 'The Brigands of Rattlecreek' As His 'Most Brutal' Film Yet

Hyun Bin Exploits Loophole During a Mission on 'Whenever Possible', Soars to 6.1% Ratings

Jung Woosung Shows Intense Charisma at 'Made in Korea' Season 2 Press Conference

Hyun Bin Returns for 'Made in Korea' Season 2

Seo Eun-soo Rocks Chic Suit and Bob at 'Made in Korea' Season 2 Press Conference

'Made in Korea' Season 2 Cast and Director Attend Press Conference

Hyun Bin Flashes a Smile as Baek Gi-tae Driven by Ambition