Singer-turned-musical actress Ock Joo-hyun will play the 1900s exotic dancer and female spy Mata Hari in an upcoming musical production, the show’s production company in Seoul said Tuesday. 

According to EMK Musical, the show, “Mata Hari,” will premiere in March next year with Ock in the lead role. 

Ock, who debuted in 1998 as a member of the now-disbanded girl group Fin K.L. is one of the most sought-after musical actresses in Korea. Her previous roles have included such coveted characters as the princess Aida in musical “Aida,” Grizabella in “Cats” and the green-skinned witch Elphaba in musical “Wicked.” She currently stars as Empress Elisabeth in a local rendition of Austrian musical “Elisabeth.”  

"Mata Hari,” a 25 billion won ($21 million) production with a clear eye on global stages, follows the splendorous and mysterious life of the Dutch dancer, born Margaretha Geertruida, who was killed by firing squad in France, accused of spying for Germany during World War I. 

It has a team of Broadway creators topped off by composer Frank Wildhorn of “Jekyll & Hyde” and director Jeff Calhoun of “Bonnie & Clyde.”

By Lee Sun-young (milaya@heraldcorp.com)