Musicals are emerging as the new Hallyu market. While the Korean pop culture boom involving singers and TV dramas such as "Winter Sonata" and "Dae Jang Geum (Jewel in the Palace)" has waned, musicals are getting a fresh boost.
The attraction of Korean music embracing hit hop, rap and other American-influenced music along with its deep sentimentality have dazzled all of Asia. Now that same quality is shining on the musical stage.
The hit Korean musicals "Dalgona" and "Singin' in the Rain" will be exported to Japan in a license deal. An official contract will likely be inked this month for Dalgona.
Thanks to the star power of actor Jo Seung-woo, "Jekyll & Hyde" was favorably recieved in Japan while the musical "Winter Sonata" has also been successful.
The musical "Dae Jang Geum" by PMC Production, best known for 'Nanta', targeted the Asian market from early on in its stage production. It will open next month in Korea with plans to tour Southeast Asia next year in addition to seeking a license export deal.
The French musical "Notre Dame de Paris" and "Romeo and Juliet" that did not make it to Broadway and received poor reviews in London's West End are set to be revived due to their successful Korean performances.
Moreover, a Korean production agency is in charge of funding and distribution for the two musicals' entry into other Asian countries such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and China.
The move is a sign that Korea is surpassing Japan as the new Asian hub for musicals.
Riding on the explosive growth of the domestic musical market, Korean musicals are expected to grow as the next signature Hallyu product.
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