The New York Times, the U.S. newspaper of record, published an article about the development of Korea’s and Asia’s musical and theater industry, “Korean Cash Takes Broadway Bows,” in its arts section on December 31 last year.
The article sheds light on a new trend springing up on Broadway, New York’s culture and arts hub: Korean production companies are beginning to tap into Broadway opportunities.
Its lead story in the Theater section introduced Korean musical producer Kim Byeong-seok of the entertainment agency CJ E&M who co-produced the Tony Award-winning musical “Kinky Boots.”
The musical won six Tony Awards: Best Musical, Best Original Music & Lyrics, Best Performance by an Actor, Best Choreography, Best Orchestrations and Best Sound Design. Just one Tony Award is a coveted Broadway honor.
Kim was quoted as saying that Seoul has become the bridge between Broadway and all of Asia. “We want to partner with the Americans, so you’ll see more Korean money coming to Broadway to establish these ties,” he affirmed.
The article also mentions other Korean production companies that have found success on Broadway. OD Musical put part of its assets into big hits, such as “Jekyll & Hyde,” “Chaplin,” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Also, Seol and Company recently invested in the US tour of “Priscilla Queen of the Desert.”
Many Broadway musicals that received money from Korean producers have become great successes after hitting the Korean stage, the article reported. Citing another successful Seoul-Broadway tie-up, the article mentioned the 2007 musical “Legally Blonde.” The show was a big hit in Seoul with K-pop star Jessica, from the famous nine-member girl group Girls’ Generation, performing in the bubbly lead role as Elle Woods.
For now, the article summarized, the Korean money mostly benefits Broadway producers who need financing for their shows.
It presented theater artist Frank Wildhorn whose musical “Jekyll & Hyde” had flopped on Broadway but which has seen a boom in Korea over the past decade. “You get another life over in Seoul,” it quoted Wildhorn as saying.
In the long run, however, the Korean firms are hoping to bring Broadway musicals to Seoul and elsewhere in Asia, benefitting not only the companies, but the audiences, too.
By Sohn JiAe
Korea.net Staff Writer
jiae5853@korea.kr
The article sheds light on a new trend springing up on Broadway, New York’s culture and arts hub: Korean production companies are beginning to tap into Broadway opportunities.
A captured image of the New York Times article that casts light on Korean producers who have invested in Broadway musicals.
Its lead story in the Theater section introduced Korean musical producer Kim Byeong-seok of the entertainment agency CJ E&M who co-produced the Tony Award-winning musical “Kinky Boots.”
The musical won six Tony Awards: Best Musical, Best Original Music & Lyrics, Best Performance by an Actor, Best Choreography, Best Orchestrations and Best Sound Design. Just one Tony Award is a coveted Broadway honor.
Kim was quoted as saying that Seoul has become the bridge between Broadway and all of Asia. “We want to partner with the Americans, so you’ll see more Korean money coming to Broadway to establish these ties,” he affirmed.
The article also mentions other Korean production companies that have found success on Broadway. OD Musical put part of its assets into big hits, such as “Jekyll & Hyde,” “Chaplin,” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Also, Seol and Company recently invested in the US tour of “Priscilla Queen of the Desert.”
The Broadway musical “Kinky Boots,” co-produced by CJ E&M, won six Tony Awards last year. Pictured is a scene from the musical. (Photo: Yonhap News)
Many Broadway musicals that received money from Korean producers have become great successes after hitting the Korean stage, the article reported. Citing another successful Seoul-Broadway tie-up, the article mentioned the 2007 musical “Legally Blonde.” The show was a big hit in Seoul with K-pop star Jessica, from the famous nine-member girl group Girls’ Generation, performing in the bubbly lead role as Elle Woods.
For now, the article summarized, the Korean money mostly benefits Broadway producers who need financing for their shows.
It presented theater artist Frank Wildhorn whose musical “Jekyll & Hyde” had flopped on Broadway but which has seen a boom in Korea over the past decade. “You get another life over in Seoul,” it quoted Wildhorn as saying.
In the long run, however, the Korean firms are hoping to bring Broadway musicals to Seoul and elsewhere in Asia, benefitting not only the companies, but the audiences, too.
By Sohn JiAe
Korea.net Staff Writer
jiae5853@korea.kr
Most popular
- Grammy-winning producer calls Suga of BTS 'amazing artist'
- 'Universal love, family' themes fuel success of 'King of Kings': director
- Council sets minimum hourly wage in 2026 at KRW 10,320
- Expansion of foreign app system raises tourist convenience
- Nat'l population diversity rose nearly 8% from 2018-22: study
