Musical 'Dream High 3' producer apologizes over Raki casting change, admits notice misled fans

Art One Company, producer of musical Dream High Season 3: Reboot, issued a formal apology over the removal of Astro's Raki from the Jason role. Its July 29 casting-change notice had created a false impression that Raki withdrew due to personal scheduling conflicts.

The original notice stated Raki "was unable to participate due to schedule adjustment issues" following a theater schedule change. Art One Company now says the actual reason was internal production circumstances. The responsibility for the misleading wording rests entirely with the company.

Raki's agency, Won E Jin Co., Ltd., had already pushed back on July 30. Raki had been in continuous consultation with the production company to prepare for the show. The withdrawal was caused by production company circumstances, not his schedule. The agency apologized to fans who learned of the news through articles.

Block B's Yoo Kwon is set to perform the Jason role during the first run of performances. The production itself has been reshuffled. Originally scheduled July 18–September 27 at COEX Artium Woori Bank Hall in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, it now opens August 8 and runs through October 18 at Gwangrim Art Center BBCH Hall.

The apology lands as Art One Company faces scrutiny over Dream High 2 (2025). GOT7's Young Jae publicly alleged unpaid appearance fees in June; the company claimed a settlement agreement by end of June, which Young Jae's side denied. On July 20, Young Jae wrote that by August it would be nearly a year without resolution. Musical actor Peter separately revealed on July 7 that the company offered to pay his fees only on the condition that he delete his personal account posts.

Dream High is an original musical based on the 2011 drama of the same name, with its premiere in early 2023 and a revival in 2025.