By Korea.net Honorary Reporter Bojana Doneva from Bulgaria
Photos = SHOWNOTE Co.
Video = SHOWNOTE Co. and Republic of Korea Army

One of Korea’s most important historical holidays, Samiljeol (March First Independence Movement Day), is just two days before Bulgaria's Liberation Day on March 3. While Korea was ruled by Japan from 1910-45, Bulgaria suffered under the occupation of the Ottoman Empire for five long centuries (1395-1878).

To mark Liberation Day in my own way, I headed to Seoul on March 2 to watch the musical "Shinheung Military Academy" at Seoul's BBCH Theater.



This musical is produced by the Korean production house Show Note, which is known for hit Korean adaptations of Broadway musicals such as "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" and "A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder." "Shinheung" was created to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Republic of Korea last year, and this year marks the centennial anniversary of the March First Independence Movement of 1919.

The majority of the cast comprises active duty soldiers, among whom are Kim Sung-gyu from the K-Pop group Infinite and actor Kang Ha-neul.



The story is set in Korea from 1907-20. After Korea falls under Japanese colonial rule in 1910, many Koreans move to Manchuria, northeastern China. Real-life independence activist Lee Sang-ryung leaves Korea and sets up a secret military school in China's Jilin province, Shinheung Military Academy. The school's purpose is to give military training to young Koreans who will later fight to liberate their homeland. The plot follows the friendship of the main characters as well as their hard times fighting the Japanese army.

As a huge fan of musicals, I can proudly call "Shinheung" the best among the many musicals I've seen for providing not only a pleasant experience but an emotional one.



I anticipated great performances from K-Pop star Kim Sung-gyu and actor Kang Ha-neul, both of whom I'm a very big fan of. Kim not showed off his rich voice but a unique vocal quality that stood out every time he performed on stage. He also showed graceful but powerful dance moves, effortlessly completing stunning military choreography on stage supported by a powerful ensemble. Kang, meanwhile, demonstrated his brilliant acting and comedic skills by eliciting laughter from the audience throughout the show.

The emotional side of the production was what surprised me most about the musical. Even as a non-Korean, I could feel Koreans' love of and pride for their country through every cast member's performance. It reminded me of Bulgaria's painful past and all the heroes who gave their lives for my motherland. Listening to the musical numbers with their dramatic instrumental build-ups sent chills down my spine.

"Shinheung Military Academy" was an exhilarating experience that I will remember for life. Watching it reminded me of how we should all appreciate our homeland's history and respect our national heroes.

wisdom117@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.