A Wave of Original Premieres to Hit the Performing Arts Scene at the End of 2025

National Opera Company of Korea's "Hwajeonga":
Lives of Women Before the War
Seoul Performing Arts Company's "Jeonwoochi" and "Light the Cheongsachorong Lanterns":
Original Works Take the Stage in Succession
EMK's Tenth Original Musical "The M

As Korean content such as the musical "No Other Choice for a Happy Ending" and the animated film "K-Pop Demon Hunters" sweeps the global stage in late 2025, the domestic performing arts scene is seeing a surge of original premieres. Some works highlight uniquely Korean emotions, while others stand out for their imaginative and intriguing concepts.

The National Opera Company of Korea will stage its new original opera "Hwajeonga" at the Opera Theater of the Seoul Arts Center on October 25 and 26. The production is set in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, in April 1950, just before the outbreak of the Korean War.

Amid a time of ideological conflict, the opera shines a light on the lives of women who have sent off their loved ones and steadfastly carry on with their daily routines, waiting for their return. Nine women gather at the home of the protagonist, Mrs. Kim, to celebrate her 60th birthday. Instead of a grand party, Mrs. Kim suggests a Hwajeon-nori (flower pancake picnic), and the women cook, share stories through the night, and heal each other's wounds. Mezzo-soprano Lee Ahkyung, who became the first Korean to win first prize at the Bellini Competition, has swept six competitions in total, and marks her 30th anniversary this year, will play the role of Mrs. Kim.

The Seongnam Cultural Foundation will present the original opera "Song of the Wind," based on the children's songs of composer Park Taehyun, who wrote over 200 songs including "Mountain Wind, River Wind" and "Who Is Sleeping Now?" The performances will take place on November 14 and 15 at the Grand Theater of Seongnam Atrium.

The Seoul Performing Arts Company will perform its new original musical drama "Jeon Uchi" at the CJ Towol Theater of the Seoul Arts Center from October 25 to November 2. Jeon Uchi was a real-life figure from the Joseon Dynasty during the reign of King Jungjong, known for his eccentric deeds, and his legend later inspired the classic novel "Jeon Uchi-jeon."

The Seoul Performing Arts Company announced that it will reinterpret Jeon Uchi's mysterious and extraordinary exploits and folklore with a modern perspective and imagination, introducing a new "K-superhero" work. Their version of Jeon Uchi follows his journey as he transforms into a hero who uses his magical and shamanic powers to punish corrupt authorities and save the people, all while displaying popular sensibility and mischievous humor. Notably, world-renowned illusionist Lee Eungyeol will join as "Magical Scene Director" to help bring Jeon Uchi's magic and illusions to life. The role of Jeon Uchi will be played by company member Lee Hansoo and Son Dongwoon of the group Highlight.

Following Jeon Uchi, the Seoul Performing Arts Company will also present a new original work, "Light the Cheongsachorong Lanterns," at the National Jeongdong Theater from November 29 to December 20. The production is based on the imaginative premise, "What if there had been wedding planners in the Joseon Dynasty?" Set against the backdrop of Joseon's first wedding planning company, Cheongsachorong, it tells the delightful story of a Joseon-era wedding planner orchestrating a festive wedding celebration. "Light the Cheongsachorong Lanterns" was selected as an outstanding work in the 2nd Seoul Performing Arts Company Original Musical Drama Competition.

Imagination also shines in EMK Company's tenth original musical, "The Man in Hanbok," which will premiere at the Grand Theater of Chungmu Art Center on December 2.

The musical is based on the 2014 novel of the same name by author Lee Sanghun, featuring the genius scientist Jang Yeong-sil from the Joseon Dynasty as its main character.

Jinseok, a TV producer, becomes intrigued by the figure in the painting "The Man in Hanbok" by 17th-century artist Peter Paul Rubens and plans a documentary around it. He receives an old memoir from an Italian woman and, together with his friend Kangbae, a linguistics Ph.D., works to interpret it. The stage then shifts to the Joseon Dynasty, where Jang Yeong-sil, feeling constrained by the rigid social hierarchy, leaves Joseon and sets sail for Europe, eventually meeting Leonardo da Vinci in Florence, Italy. Act 1 is set in Joseon, while Act 2 takes place in Europe, with the story moving back and forth between the present and the past to create a diverse and engaging stage experience.

The actors play dual roles, portraying both contemporary and historical characters. Park Euntae, Jeon Dongseok, and Ko Eunsung will alternate as Jang Yeong-sil, the genius scientist of Joseon, and Kangbae, the scholar tracking the truth of the memoir. Kai, Shin Sungrok, and Lee Kyuhyung will take on the roles of King Sejong, who created the Korean alphabet and promoted scientific advancement, and Jinseok, the TV producer pursuing the truth behind the memoir.

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