The musical theatre “Seopyeonje,” which began, has been attracting public attention since it was announced as the newest stage project, opening on April 30 to July 19, 2026, at the BBCH Hall, Gwanglim Art Centre. Amidst this enthusiasm, STAYC Sieun also became the spotlight after officially announcing her career expansion into the world of stage acting with “Seopyeonje”. Although many fans welcomed Sieun’s first musical theatre performance as a lead character, this decision sparked a heated debate among musical fans.
STAYC Sieun Expands into Musical Theatre with “Seopyeonje“
Not only is Sieun active as an idol, but she has also officially expanded her career by exploring stage acting through musical performances. High Up Entertainment, on their social media, confirmed on Monday, February 2, 2026, that STAYC Sieun had been selected to join the musical “Seopyeonje.”
This work is an adaptation of Lee Cheong Jun’s legendary short story, which depicts the life of a pansori artist family and their long journey in the world of traditional Korean vocal art. It highlights inner conflict, life choices, and the process of reconciliation woven through music and tradition.
In the musical, Sieun plays Song Hwa, a main character who shapes her identity through vocal art. Sieun’s character is depicted as a sincere artist who grows through wanderings, separation, and suffering, ultimately reaching emotional and artistic depth through her voice.
Because “Seopyeonje” marks Sieun’s first musical debut since beginning her entertainment career, it has sparked great interest in how she will deliver a performance that demands strong stage acting.
Major Change This Season
According to Chosun Biz, one of the significant changes in this season’s show is the introduction of a new character, “Older Song Hwa.” In previous versions, Song Hwa’s life journey from youth to old age was usually portrayed by the same actor. However, for the series of shows involving Sieun, the production decided to split the role.
This season, Song Hwa’s character is played by several actors, including Sieun, Lee Ja Ram, Cha Ji Yeon, and Lee Bom Sori. Actress Jung Eun Hye will portray “Older Song Hwa” and will only appear in the show schedules featuring Sieun as younger Song Hwa.
This change is considered to add a new emotional layer to the story and add an artistic dimension to the musical “Seopyeonje.”
Musical Fans’ Reactions
Several musical fans expressed confusion about the musical’s structure. They highlighted that the demanding pansori scenes, a crucial element of the production, were not entirely performed by Sieun as a lead character, but were partially delegated to Jung Eun Hye.
Some felt that this division of roles could disrupt the audience’s understanding of Song Hwa’s character. It further fueled a heated debate, especially since Cha Ji Yeon, who also played Song Hwa in other seasons, was known to be in her 20s during the initial production.
In response to a fan’s message saying,
“It’s a shame that you’re too young to portray the older Song Hwa.”
Sieun responded honestly,
“It would be a bit difficult for me to convincingly portray a woman in her 70s with my face… There might be a sense of disconnect.”
Despite this, quite a few fans have come to Sieun’s defense. Many feel it’s natural for an idol entering the musical world to feel pressure.
The Production’s Stance
PAGE1 emphasized that the decision was not intended as special treatment for anyone. According to them, this new casting concept was designed to open up more space for young actors to interpret classic works with a fresh approach.
The production team also explained that splitting Song Hwa’s role was actually done to enrich the character’s narrative. By dividing Song Hwa into two age stages, it was hoped that the character’s emotions would be conveyed more realistically on stage.
Between Artistic Vision and Public Expectations
Playing the lead character in a musical is a significant step, especially for an idol transitioning to stage acting. While such casting choices are not uncommon in the Korean entertainment industry, Sieun’s inclusion in “Seopyeonje” has certainly sparked heated debate among musical fans.
As the 2026 season runs from April 30 to July 19, 2026, attention remains on how Sieun’s performance will be received on stage.
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