Musical Adaptation of 'My Sweet Seoul' to Hit Stage

By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter

"My Sweet Seoul", a musical based on Jeong I-hyeon's bestselling novel of the same name, will hit the stage next month.

The work was also made into a 2008 television drama, depicting the life of thirty-something urbanites in the 21st century.

The musical, presented by OD Musical Company, Eda, Show Play and the Theatre Yong will star Kim Woo-hyung, Park Hye-na and Lee Jung-mi.

"Both the drama and novel gained enormous popularity with a loyal fan base. So it was hard to put this work on stage. But we will break away from the traditional style of stage art to depict what is happening in present society", Shin Chun-soo, producer of the musical and head of OD Musical Company, said during the press conference for the show.

For the theatrical version, a new character named Which will be introduced to add a new flavor.

"The character Which is an omniscient narrator who embodies the female protagonist's internal struggles ― an objective point of view. It was necessary to create the new role because of the theatrical nature", Hwang Jae-hun, director of the musical, said.

"Many people who enjoyed the novel and the drama will be able to get a totally different spin from the musical version. Fantasy elements will make the work more appealing and entertaining".

The choreography will feature recurring moves and steps to portray the repetitive lives of the urbanites, while the musical numbers will feature modern rock tunes.

Author Jeong I-hyeon said she is happy to see her work reborn on the stage. "I am eager to see the completed work next month. I am a very happy author whose work has been adapted into a drama and now a musical", she said.

The novel "My Sweet Seoul" depicts the simple, yet extraordinary story of an earnest and introspective 31-year-old woman named Eun-soo looking for love. It has sold about 400,000 copies so far.

The strength of the book lies in its introspection of ordinary people and ability to capture the small moments and universal yearnings of the modern urban generation.

As for the TV drama, despite the disadvantage of being broadcast on Friday nights, it quickly garnered a loyal fan base thanks to great writing, direction and performances.

The musical will be on stage at the Theater Yong from Nov. 13 to Dec. 31. Tickets cost from 50,000 to 90,000 won. For more information, call (02) 1544-5955.