Actor Ju Ji-hoon quits musical 'Doctor Zhivago'

By Noh Hyun-gi

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Actor Ju Ji-hoon has decided not to star in the musical "Doctor Zhivago", a work that was to be his comeback stage after some two year absence from the entertainment business.

Joo's agency said that the actor has damaged his vocal chords and that doctors have recommended that he stop practicing for the show that will go on stage at Charlotte Theater on Jan. 27.

Joo is a popular star whose works include the hit television drama "Princess Hours" (2006). But in 2009, he was slapped with a six-month prison term suspended for one year for taking ecstasy in March 2008 during parties with fellow entertainers. He was also sentenced 120 hours of community service and a 360,000 won fine. He entered his mandatory military service in February 2010 and was discharged last November.

OD Musical, the producing company of "Doctor Zhivago", said that Joo's role was not dominant and that they are currently searching for Joo's replacement. In January, Hong Kwang-ho, who was scheduled to alternate the role with Joo, will cover the show for January.

The musical will run through June.