Solar’s pictorial and interview released ahead of her return in musical "Mata Hari"

On October 29 KST, the team behind the musical "Mata Hari" shared a pictorial and interview featuring Solar for the November issue of theater magazine Theater Plus. With Mata Hari opening on December 5 at LG Art Center Seoul, LG Signature Hall, Solar’s captivating photos and sincere interview raise anticipation for the unique charm she will bring to the stage.

Mata Hari is inspired by the true story of the famed dancer Margaretha Geertruida Zelle, who was executed by the French authorities for alleged espionage during World War I. Solar takes on the role of Mata Hari, a mesmerizing dancer whose glamorous exterior conceals the wounded woman, Margaretha, beneath.

In the photos, Solar embodies Mata Hari with her alluring presence and intense gaze, capturing the character’s inner strength. At the shoot, Solar impressed the staff with her expressive poses and charismatic energy, showcasing her unique stage presence.

In the accompanying interview, Solar shared her thoughts on returning to Mata Hari, her debut musical. “It was my first musical, so it holds special meaning for me,” she said. “I have such happy memories from preparing for it, so I always wanted to come back.” Reflecting on her growth, she added, “There are moments I find myself rethinking, ‘What would I do in this situation?’ My emotional range has expanded, and I’m working to fill in the gaps I felt last time.”

Solar also discussed her approach to portraying Mata Hari, tackling challenging scenes, and performing belly dance. When asked about the production’s appeal, she said, “I’ve been on many stages over the past ten years, but few are as elaborate and dazzling as this one. Just stepping onto it fills me with excitement.”

Sharing her newfound passion for musical theater, Solar admitted, “At first, it felt like a daunting mountain to climb, and I was full of doubts. But now, I’m completely drawn to it. I understand why audiences love musicals, and that’s why I want to keep challenging myself.” She added, “It’s incredibly fun. I’m someone who needs to be engaged, and I believe that if I enjoy myself on stage, that energy reaches the audience.”

Describing confidence as one of her strengths, Solar reflected on the challenges and rewards of her journey. “Musical theater was a huge challenge for me, and it has given me so much in return. It’s one of the most amazing experiences of my life,” she said. “This time, I’ve worked hard to improve. If anyone is on the fence, I hope you’ll trust me and come watch.”

The musical Mata Hari, created by EMK Musical Company, marks their first original production and is led by general producer Um Hong Hyun. With a creative team including composer Frank Wildhorn and lyricist Jack Murphy, Mata Hari opens at LG Art Center Seoul’s LG Signature Hall from December 5, 2024, through March 2, 2025.

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