The musical is inspired by Alicia Keys' music and focuses on personal growth.
Park Ji-won's debut in musical theater is anticipated to be a positive turning point in her career.
[TV Daily, Kim Jin-seok] Park Ji-won from the group Fromis_9 is set to make her musical debut. According to her agency Ascend, she will play the role of Ellie in 'Health Kitchen,' which opens in July at the GS Art Center in Gangnam, Seoul. Inspired by the music and life of the American singer-songwriter Alicia Keys, this musical showcases the journey of a girl named Ellie as she finds her voice and life in the vibrant Hell's Kitchen area of New York. Since its premiere in 2024, 'Health Kitchen' has garnered positive acclaim, receiving 13 Tony Award nominations and winning the 'Best Musical Theater Album' at the 2025 Grammy Awards. Park Ji-won is expected to captivate audiences with her charming vocal tone and outstanding singing ability. Recently, she contributed to the OST for the drama 'Shin Lee Law Office' with the track 'Here I Am,' and has also been active as the MC of the web entertainment program 'Workdoll,' showcasing her versatility as an entertainer. This upcoming performance marks her first venture into musical theater, generating excitement among fans.
Park Ji-won's musical debut presents an opportunity to further highlight her versatility as an entertainer. By participating in a contemporary musical like 'Health Kitchen,' she is likely to showcase her abilities across various genres, potentially attracting a broader fan base. This performance raises anticipation on how she will bring a new allure to the musical stage. The character Ellie is particularly significant since it closely relates to her own journey in the music industry, suggesting it might profoundly impact her career trajectory.
Recently, Park Ji-won has been active not just in music, but also in drama OSTs and as an MC for web entertainment programs. This diversification of her activities indicates her establishment as a significant artist across different platforms rather than merely a K-pop idol. The success of 'Health Kitchen' may also positively influence her future musical endeavors, helping her growth as an artist and providing fans with a glimpse of her evolving persona.
Lastly, this performance is expected to attract great interest not only from Park Ji-won's fans but also from musical enthusiasts. Her exceptional performance and natural energy on stage are likely to captivate a wide audience, and combined with 'Health Kitchen's unique charm, her distinctive interpretation could garner significant affection from many viewers.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: S&Co
