The local performing arts industry this year was seriously affected by the economic meltdown with supply largely exceeding demand.
There were some bright spots, like the relative success of musicals. But they did not always turn out to meet fan or expert expectations, as production companies tended to depend on stopgap measures like using idol stars for short-term gains instead of pursuing perfection or novelty.
However, some production companies found ways to buck the recession, such as venture theater company Yeongeukyeoljeon2, which attracted nearly 200,000 patrons this year despite an overall slump in Seoul's theater mecca, Daehangno.
Classical music, meanwhile, enjoyed a steady year. This was in big part thanks to the success of classical music-themed television drama "
Beethoven Virus". According to Auction, sales of classical performances has more than doubled year-to-year since September when the drama began airing.
In the dance circle, fans were blessed with a series of visits by groups of world-renown, including the American Ballet Theatre, Stuttgart Ballet and Boston Ballet.
'Movicals'
Amidst unsteady market conditions, some musical production companies opted to play it safe, resulting in the abundance of so-called "movicals" or musicals based on hit movies.
Considering that many people are already familiar with the plots, the success of the shows was guaranteed.
Starting with
"Singles", a front runner in the market, shows like "
200 Pounds Beauty" and
"Radio Star" drew a lot of audiences to the theater.
"Just as theater pieces in the past used to adopt their story from myths or novels, movies now have become a good source for con...
MoreBy Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
1. The Death of Celebrities in 2008
The suicide death of actor
Ahn Jae-hwan because his debt shocked the nation. Then, the suicide death of Korea's commercial queen and sweetheart,
Choi Jin-sil, friend to Ahn and his wife/comedian Jung Seon-hee, jolted the nation. Choi's death hit the nation hard, with fellow celebrities following suit, including transsexual actress
Jang Chae-won, model Kim Ji-hoo, and vocal group M Street's leader Lee Seo-hyun.
Many stars passed away, leaving the entertainment industry and its fans grieving.
The first celebrity to leave fans was Kim Chang-ik, youngest member of the group Sanulrim. He was followed by famed composer Lee Young-hun, who died in February after suffering from colon cancer. In April, Turtleman from the pop group "Turtles" died from a heart attack, while
Kim Min-soo, member of the pop group Monday Kiz, passed away after being involved in a motorcycle accident.
Model Ion also died in a motorcycle accident. Most recently, actor
Park Kwang-jeong passed away after suffering from lung cancer.
2. The Popularity in "Real" Reality Shows
This year welcomed various reality shows, some new and some simply upgraded. The key factor of this year's reality programs is that the shows represent raw realism. MBC's "Infinity Challenge" showed its group practicing for a Latin dance competition and also a nationwide aerobic competition. KBS' "One Day Two Nights" presented a celebrity group visiting villages and carrying out tasks and games along the way. MBC's "We've Got Married" put popular celebrity couples in "marriages" and showed them living in the same house, and spending time together like other married couples. SBS joined in the fun with "The Family is Out", which brought a number of celebrities to the country picking fruits and vegetables, working in the fields and cooking things for themselves.
3. The Comeback of Big Stars and Rise of Idol Groups
The pop scene this year was busy with the return of big stars as well as the rise of hip pop idol groups. Singer
Kim Gun-mo appeared with his new album, which was made with composer
Kim Chang-wan for the first time since their split 13 years ago. Ballad singer Shin Seung-hun also returned after holding concerts in Japan. Singers Kim Jong-kook and Jo Sung-mo returned after finishing their military service, while "JYP" Park Jin-young, Rain and even Seo Tai-ji returned to their loyal fans. Female singers were also strong, with Baek Ji-young and
Lee Soo-young gracing the stage with new tunes.
The rise of the idol groups ― Big Bang, Wonder Girls, Girls' Generation and newcomer SHINee ― wowed fans with distinctive styles and catchy songs. Individual ...
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Lee Soo-kyeong will be in the new SBS drama "Love You a Thousand Times" and will be returning to the screens. The actress is returning to the screens after three years of break!
