Jung Sun-ah Transforms Into 'Queen of Art Deco' for Korea Premiere of Tony-Nominated Musical 'Lempicka'

Veteran musical actress Jung Sun-ah has revealed a striking new photoshoot and in-depth interview for the March issue of Theater Plus magazine, offering fans a first look at her transformation into the iconic painter Tamara de Lempicka. Jung takes the title role in the Korean premiere of the Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical Lempicka, set to open at COEX Artium Woori Bank Hall in Seoul on March 21.

Channeling the Queen of Art Deco

For the magazine cover shoot, Jung Sun-ah embodied the dramatic life of one of the twentieth century most revolutionary artists. Dressed in styling that reinterprets the glamour of early twentieth-century Europe through a contemporary lens, she conveyed both regal poise and the intense inner turmoil of a woman who fought fiercely for her art and her loves during one of history most tumultuous periods.

The photoshoot captured Jung in a range of looks, from sleek and commanding to quietly vulnerable. Her gaze throughout the images carries a weight that hints at the emotional complexity of the role, projecting the loneliness and determination that defined Lempicka as she navigated the upheavals of the Russian Revolution and two World Wars.

A Character Defined by Multifaceted Love

In the accompanying interview, Jung Sun-ah spoke candidly about how she understands the woman she will portray on stage. She described Tamara de Lempicka as someone who was honest about her feelings, noting that the character expresses love in multiple directions simultaneously toward her husband Tadeusz, her daughter Kizette, and her muse Raphaela, with each relationship rendered in vivid emotional detail.

Reflecting on the performance challenges ahead, Jung acknowledged the difficulty of inhabiting such a layered character. She explained that the role requires her to enter deeply into one person innermost feelings and then transform across multiple identities and emotional states on stage. Despite the demanding nature of the work, she expressed genuine excitement about how audiences will receive the performance.

Music That Moves the Heart

Jung Sun-ah singled out the musical score as one of the elements that first drew her to the project. She recalled being completely captivated upon first hearing the numbers, describing them as having a grand, almost Olympic quality that feels both uplifting and hopeful. She expressed confidence that audiences will be moved when the songs fill the theater, noting the way the score combines classical foundations with modern pop and rock elements to create something truly stirring.

On the broader meaning of her work, Jung shared her belief that art transcends language and generations, connecting people and giving them strength. She affirmed her identity as a musical actress who constantly seeks new challenges and promised to continue pushing herself artistically in the years ahead.

A Broadway Pedigree Comes to Seoul

The original Broadway production of Lempicka earned nominations in three categories at the 77th Tony Awards in 2024, establishing both its artistic credibility and cultural relevance. The Korean premiere marks the first licensed international production of the show anywhere in the world, adding significant prestige to the Seoul run.

Joining Jung Sun-ah in the Korean cast are powerhouse performers Kim Sun-young and Park Hye-na in the title role rotation, with Cha Ji-yeon, Rin-ah, and Son Seung-yeon sharing the role of Raphaela. The combination of proven talent and an acclaimed source material has generated substantial anticipation among Korean musical theater fans.

The full photoshoot and interview can be found in the March issue of Theater Plus. Lempicka runs from March 21 through June 21, 2026, at COEX Artium Woori Bank Hall in Seoul.