National Theater Company of Korea’s Signature Play 'Orphan of the Joseon Dynasty, Seeds of Revenge' Opens 10th Anniversary Performance

The 10th anniversary performance of the National Theater Company of Korea's representative repertoire, , will open on November 21 at the Haeoreum Grand Theater of the National Theater of Korea.

is an adaptation and direction by Ko Sunwoong of the Chinese classic tragedy (original by Ji Junxiang), often called the "Hamlet of the East." The play premiered in 2015. Since its debut, it has received critical acclaim, winning the Dong-A Theater Award and the Korea Theater Awards, and was ranked No. 1 in a 2019 National Theater Company of Korea survey as the "most anticipated play" among audiences.

This seventh season marks the first time the play will be staged in a large theater with a capacity of 1,200 seats, aiming for another leap forward.

Scene from the play "Jo's Orphan, Seeds of Vengeance" [Photo by National Theater Company of Korea]

The play centers on the story of Jeong Yeong, who strives to save the last surviving bloodline of the Zhao family, the Orphan of the Joseon Dynasty, after the family is annihilated by General Do Ango of the Qin dynasty. Jeong Yeong, a rural doctor and former retainer of the Zhao family, raises the orphan as his own son, Jeongbal. Believing Jeong Yeong to be on his side, Do Ango adopts Jeongbal as his foster son. When Jeongbal comes of age, Jeong Yeong reveals the tragic history of the Zhao family and asks him to take revenge on Do Ango.

Actors Ha Seonggwang (as Jeong Yeong), Jang Dooi (as Do Ango), and Lee Hyeonghun (as the Orphan of the Joseon Dynasty), who have been part of the production since its premiere, will deliver even more refined performances on this 10th anniversary stage. Veteran actor Lee Hojae, who debuted in 1963 and now marks his 62nd year on stage, joins the cast as Younggong.

Director Ko Sunwoong stated, "For the 10th anniversary, I hope will be both familiar and newly interpreted for audiences. Based on the trust built over many years among the cast and creative team, I hope we can present a definitive edition that reflects our accumulated directing, stage experience, and technical evolution. While inheriting the spirit of the original, we are adding new theatrical sensibilities and approaches, and I hope this will demonstrate that can continue not only for 10 years but for 20, 30, even 100 years to come."

To commemorate the 10th anniversary, the National Theater Company of Korea will present special performance merchandise to 200 audience members with paid tickets at each show. Ticket holders can receive the merchandise on a first-come, first-served basis by presenting their tickets at the event booth in the theater lobby after collecting their paid tickets at the box office. Details of the event are available on the National Theater Company of Korea’s official social media channels, including Instagram.

Tickets for can be reserved through the National Theater Company of Korea and National Theater of Korea websites, as well as NOL Ticket. Accessibility support-including audio description, Korean subtitles, and a stage model touch tour-is provided for all performances. After the performance on November 23, there will be a post-show talk with director Ko Sunwoong and actors Ha Seonggwang and Lee Hyeonghun.

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