Background of the 1987 Democratization Movement, Original Musical 'Bom-eul Geudaeege' to Open Next Month

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] The original musical "Spring to You," set against the backdrop of the 1987 democratization uprising, will open next month on the 22nd at the Daehakro Arts Theater Small Theater in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

"Spring to You" was selected as this year's new work at the 2019 Performing Arts Creation Workshop.

The musical features Gong Min-seop of "Grease" and "Man of La Mancha," Na Kyung-ho of "Laundry" and "Legendary Little Basketball Team," Moon Jin-ah of "Poongwolju" and "Kill Me Now," Lim Ye-seul of "Thank You Very Strawberry," Lim Jin-seop of "Legendary Little Basketball Team," "The Goddess is Watching," and "Boys Over Flowers," and Jo Hoon of "Oh! While You Were Sleeping."

In the spring of 1987, Myeong-ha (Lim Jin-seop), who just entered university, remembers Su-in (Moon Jin-ah), a university senior who came to his hometown for rural volunteer work during high school and was part of the drama club. To meet Su-in, Myeong-ha visits the drama club, but she is nowhere to be found. By chance, at a teahouse he visits, Myeong-ha finds traces of Su-in. "Spring to you, Rainer Maria Rilke. Those who love this poem, meet in front of the main gate on March 30." With a fluttering heart, Myeong-ha goes to the meeting place to see Su-in, but what unfolds before his eyes is a fierce protest scene. Amid the thick tear gas smoke, Myeong-ha finally meets Su-in.

"Spring to You" is a work that asks about the freedom and justice that the youth, who had to race through the tear gas fog, sought to protect, set against the backdrop of the 1987 democratization uprising. The musical was first presented as a reading performance under the title "Spring of '87" in 2016 at the Chungmu Art Center InStage's "Musical House Black and Blue," and after more than two years of development, it is now officially staged.

Writer Lee Eun-hye stated, "Although the characters experience shaking, worry, and frustration in a painful reality that does not go as they wish, I hope that through their overcoming, it becomes an opportunity for everyone today to find their true spring."

The musical "Spring to You" will have tickets open on Interpark Ticket from the 14th and can be reserved until March 1. For more details, please contact the production company Culture Mine.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.