‘Palace’ actor returns with starring role in ‘Dr. Zhivago’ musical

Actor Ju Ji-hoon from the 2006 hit drama series “The Palace” breaks his three-year hiatus from the entertainment scene with a starring role in the musical “Doctor Zhivago.”
Ju has been absent from the industry since 2009, when he was involved in a drug scandal that left him with a sentence of six months in jail with a stay of one year. After the jail term, Ju enlisted in the Army. He finished his military service on Nov. 21.

When asked what made him return to entertainment with a role in a musical, Ju said it was because he could relate to his character.

“[Doctor Zhivago] is a poet and he also works as an army doctor. He comes from a fallen noble family and his life is full of ups and downs.” He was speaking at a press conference on Nov. 30 at the Grand Ambassador Hotel in central Seoul.

“I could sympathize with his life in many ways,” he said.
The musical “Doctor Zhivago” will premiere in Seoul on Jan. 27. By Sung So-young