'Queen of Musicals' Goes Back in Time with New Show

Kim Sun-young-V has been at the helm of the Korean musical world for 14 years, and she now appears in "Sweet Come to Me", which opened on Feb. 16.

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The show, which was the first Korean classical musical on stage in 1966, tells the story of a gisaeng or female entertainer who tries to seduce a state official but ends up falling in love with him for his innocence.

"Before the curtains went up, I was more nervous than excited", Kim recalled. But she earned her reputation yet again with a standing ovation at the end of the performance.

Kim debuted with the Korean adaptation of the long-running Broadway hit "Fame" in 1999 and eight years later took all the musical awards in 2007 with "Evita". Last year, she appeared in "Elisabeth", the top musical of 2012 in Korea.

Despite her diverse experiences, though, "Sweet Come to Me" still holds a special place in her heart.

"I have sung in numerous musicals, but it is such a different feeling when you sing traditional Korean melodies", she explained. "I was thrilled that something written 50 years ago can still communicate with the audience. I realized then that this is the joy of being able to perform on the stage".

"Sweet Come to Me" runs until the end of March at Towol Theater of Seoul Arts Center. For more information, call 1588-0688.