The Story of Hong Gildong’s Mother... Play "Chunseom’s Lie" Opens on the 22nd

Official Selection of the 47th Seoul Theater Festival

The play "Chunseom’s Lie," which features the mother of Hong Gildong as the main character, will be staged at the Arko Arts Theater Grand Theater in Daehangno, Seoul from May 22 to May 31, 2026.

The theater company Mosin Saram announced that "Chunseom’s Lie" has been selected as an official entry for the 47th Seoul Theater Festival and will be performed on stage.

The production tells the story of Chunseom, an eighteen-year-old woman who gave birth to the righteous outlaw Hong Gildong, the protagonist of "The Tale of Hong Gildong," the first novel written in Hangul during the Joseon Dynasty.

Chunseom dreams of marrying the man she loves, but gets caught up in the desires of the yangban (aristocracy) and is driven to the edge. Chunseom’s lie leads to the birth of Hong Gildong, who is destined to shake the world. In the play, Chunseom is portrayed as someone who chooses her own fate in the face of unjust violence of the era. The story also depicts the solidarity among women, including Jjongjjongi, the lady’s maid who helps Chunseom, Geutnae the kitchen maid’s daughter, and Chunseom’s mother.

"Chunseom’s Lie" is the final installment in the "Joseon Women’s Story" series presented by Mosin Saram, and received high praise from critics and audiences during its premiere last year.

The cast includes Hyun Kim (as Matchmaker) from the drama "Reborn Rich," Moonseong Shin (as Seondal) from "When the Camellia Blooms," and actress Seongsoonsung from the Madanggeuk troupe Ugeumchi. In addition, actor Kwanwoo Yoon, who delivered a memorable performance in the play "Fish Man," joins the cast as Hong Daegam.

After the 7 p.m. performance on May 23, there will be a conversation with the artists led by assistant director Kijeong Kim. Writer and director Jeongsuk Kim, along with actors Hyun Kim, Moonseong Shin, Jungeun Lim, Myungjun Oh, Hyeji Song, and Jungyeon Hong, will participate.

Since its founding in 1989, Mosin Saram has presented works such as "Blue Saigon," "Oasis Laundromat Raid," and "Puppy Poo."

Tickets for "Chunseom’s Lie" are available for reservation through Arko·Daehangno Arts Theater, NOL Ticket, Naver Reservation, YES24 Ticket, Play Ticket, and other platforms.

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