Cha Jun-hwan sings and swings Sung Jin-woo's sword on ice

Cha Jun-hwan transforms into 'Sung Jin-woo' with singing and sword dances

National figure skater Cha Jun-hwan is taking on a new challenge, wielding a sword and even singing on the ice.

At the rehearsal studio reveal event for 'Solo Leveling on ICE' held on the 22nd at the Zenith Ice Rink in Guro-gu, Seoul, Cha Jun-hwan showcased his transformation into Sung Jin-woo, the protagonist of the original webtoon and web novel. This performance is based on the global IP 'Solo Leveling,' which has amassed 14.3 billion views. It is an ice performance show that translates the journey of Sung Jin-woo—an E-rank hunter, the weakest of humanity—as he grows into the Shadow Monarch, through a blend of skating, musical, and media art elements. Prepared by the production company Live Arena, this stage is a revival performance returning to the stage after reorganization following its premiere last year.

Choreography collaborator Cha Jun-hwan: "A musical approach is a new experience"

The true highlight is that this stage is on a completely different level from traditional gala shows. Unlike gala shows that focus on showcasing an individual's technical skills, this production must follow the growth process of the character Sung Jin-woo.

"I have to wear a microphone and handle lines and songs myself. The process of going from the weakest to the Shadow Monarch was a musical approach and a new experience for me," Cha Jun-hwan said. He expressed excitement, noting that it is his first time performing action sequences while wielding a sword on the ice. He added that because the performance is divided into parts for singing and parts for focusing on skating, he can showcase a more diverse range of skills.

He did not stop at merely acting; he also participated directly in the choreography production. Cha Jun-hwan worked alongside choreography director Kim Hae-jin to contribute to the joint skating choreography. Director Kim Hae-jin highly praised his active participation, stating, "While utilizing Jun-hwan's strength and beautiful technique, he also presented various ideas due to his deep understanding of the character."

National-level lineup including Kim Ye-lim and Lee Si-hyung joins the cast

The cast for this performance consists of active skaters and former national figure skaters. Kim Ye-lim and Lee Si-hyung will play the roles of S-rank hunter Cha Hae-in and the knight Igris, respectively, performing alongside Cha Jun-hwan. While Lee Si-hyung participated as an athlete in last year's premiere, this time he focused on character interpretation following his retirement.

Musical actor Shin Seok-su takes the role of Yu Jin-ho, and singer Kwon Chae-won plays Sung Jin-ah. Creator Amy, who has 5 million followers, appears as the healer Lee Ju-hee. Amy, who was a figure skater in the United States for 15 years, shared her feelings about returning to the stage 11 years after her retirement.

Director Woo Jin-ha explained that compared to the premiere, they have recruited a large number of figure skaters to strengthen the skating choreography and the linear, ice hockey-style action. Special effects using fire and aerial elements for mid-air staging have also been added.

'Solo Leveling on ICE' will run for a total of 12 performances from August 7 to 17 next year at the Mokdong Ice Rink in Seoul.