Actor Jang Ji-hoo Chooses Supporting Role in 'Rent' He Once Longed For
Creatrip Team
3 months ago
Musical actor Jang Ji-hoo (37), now in his 15th year, is performing as Colin in the Korean production of Rent at COEX Artium through Feb 22. Previously cast twice as lead Roger (2020 and 2023), Jang says he finally landed the role he’d wanted since college. Rent, a modern take on Puccini’s La Bohème by Jonathan Larson, has been staged in Korea since 2000 and marks its 10th local season. Jang originally auditioned for Colin in 2018, but was directed into Roger; this season he declined two other projects to play Colin, a kind-hearted, curious college lecturer and computer programmer living with AIDS. He credits director Andy Señor Jr. for pushing him to explore deeper emotions, calling Rent a turning point that made him value life and his purpose as an actor. Now married and planning a rest after the run — including travel and daily essays — Jang says he’d gladly play Colin again if asked.
