ctress Kwon Yuri is set to return to the stage with a dramatic transformation, taking on a lead role in the psychological thriller play ‘The Wasp,’ marking her first theatrical appearance in several years.
According to her agency SM Entertainment, Kwon Yuri will star in ‘THE WASP’ (Korean title: ‘말벌’), a two person psychological drama that explores memory, class, and survival through an intense confrontation between two former classmates. The production will run from March 8 to April 26 at Sejong S Theater in Seoul.
A Critically Acclaimed Play Makes Its Korean Debut
Originally premiered in 2015 at London’s Hampstead Theatre, ‘The Wasp’ received critical acclaim for its tightly constructed narrative and emotional intensity. The upcoming production marks the play’s first ever staging in Korea, drawing attention from theater audiences eager to see the internationally recognized work reinterpreted on a local stage.
The story centers on two women Heather and Carla who reunite 20 years after graduating from high school. Their long-delayed meeting gradually unravels into a psychological battle, exposing buried memories, power dynamics, and unresolved resentment.
Kwon Yuri as Carla: Survival and Inner Fracture
Kwon Yuri takes on the role of Carla, a woman trapped in a cycle of poverty and hardship, forced to navigate life through relentless survival. Her character is shaped by economic instability and emotional scars, presenting a stark contrast to her former classmate.
Through Carla, Kwon is expected to portray subtle emotional fractures and escalating tension, delivering a performance rooted in restraint rather than spectacle. The production promises an intimate yet suffocating atmosphere, relying on dialogue and psychological pressure rather than physical action.
Continuing a Darker Acting Trajectory
Kwon Yuri’s casting follows her recent turn in the psychological thriller film ‘Intrusion,’ released last year, where she portrayed Kim Min, a trauma survivor suffering from memory loss while working for a specialized cleaning service. The role marked a departure from her brighter public image and was noted for its emotional weight and intensity.
Her return to theater also carries particular significance, as ‘The Wasp’ marks her first stage appearance since the 2020 play ‘Grandpa Henri and Me.’
A Stage Return With Meaning
By choosing ‘The Wasp,’ Kwon Yuri continues to expand her dramatic range, moving further into psychologically complex roles that challenge both performer and audience. The minimalist two hander format places full focus on performance, making the role a demanding test of emotional precision.