[News] Joo Ji-hoon Pulls Out of Dr. Zhivago Musical.

[News] Joo Ji-hoon Pulls Out of Dr. Zhivago Musical.
Cr. - http://english.chosun.com/

Actor Joo Ji-hoon, who was to star in the musical "Dr. Zhivago," has pulled out just two weeks before the grand opening on Jan. 27 due to problems with his vocal chords.

"It's obviously disappointing because Joo has worked very hard for the musical and he became quite attached to the project as it was his first work since he concluded his [mandatory] military service," said the actor's agent.

Joo's throat was not in a good condition at the end of last year and it got progressively worse in recent weeks, he added.

Joo, who enjoyed huge popularity after he switched careers from being a model to an actor, entered the military after he was involved in a drug scandal in the spring of 2009.

"The role of Dr. Zhivago will be now played solely by Hong Kwang-ho, who was originally meant to rotate the role with Joo. We will do our best to minimize any disruptions caused by Joo's departure," said the producers of the musical.

The blockbuster musical, which has a production cost of W25 billion, premiered in Sydney last February (US$1=W1,157). Following its run in Korea, the producers hope to take it to London's West End next year, and on to Broadway in 2014.