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Yoo Seung-ho returns to stage as Brutus in reimagining of 'Julius Caesar'
Actors Yoo Seung-ho and Son Ho-jun, who last shared the stage in the Korean production of "Angels in America," are reuniting for "Killing Caesar." The new theatrical project will run from May 10 to July 20 at Sogang University's Mary Hall in Seoul. The actors shared that their return to the stage — less than a year after their last performance — was driven by what they described as “a longing that overpowered the fear of the stage.” "The stage is a place of learning for actors. And I wanted to e
May 1, 2025 -
Unflinching Spanish stage performer dares audiences 'to confront their demons'
Spanish multidisciplinary artist and theater director Angelica Liddell has come to Korea with her searing and provocative play, “Liebestod. The Smell of Blood Does Not Leave My Eyes. Juan Belmonte.” “Liebestod,” which premiered at the 2021 Avignon Festival, marks the third installment in Belgian director Milo Rau’s “History of Theatre” series. The work draws on the legendary Spanish bullfighter Juan Belmonte and the “Liebestod” (Love-Death) from Wagner’s opera “Tristan und Isolde.” Death, blood,
May 1, 2025 -
‘Wicked’ cast excited to bring show back to Korea
The beloved Broadway musical "Wicked" is returning to Korea this summer — and this time, it’s the original English-language production that’s taking the stage for six months across Seoul, Busan and Daegu. The unusually long engagement far exceeds the typical duration of other touring productions that come to Korea, and reflects the enduring popularity of “Wicked,” one of the most successful musicals of all time, in the country. The show first premiered in Korea in 2012 with the English-language
May 1, 2025 -
Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival unveils first line up for 20th anniversary edition
The Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival, one of South Korea’s premier rock festivals, has unveiled the first names on this year's lineup, which features a blend of legendary acts and rising stars from around the globe. Pulp, the iconic Britpop band often referred to as one of the "Big Four" of the genre, is the headliner of the festival, which celebrates its 20th year this year. The upcoming performance marks Pulp’s first-ever concert in Korea. Formed in 1978, the band rose to prominence in the 1990
April 30, 2025 -
Neumeier’s ‘Camellias’ to bloom again in Seoul as its ‘best version yet’
Legendary choreographer John Neumeier’s “The Lady of the Camellias,” with which ballerina Kang Sue-jin became the first Asian dancer to win the Benois de la Danse award in 1999, will take the stage at the Seoul Arts Center, May 7-11. Neumeier and Kang, artistic director of The Korean National Ballet, have come together to create “the best possible version of this ballet that we can see right now.” “Ballet is an art of life,” said Neumeier during a press conference held Tuesday at the Seoul Arts
April 30, 2025 -
Interview: Pianist Bruce Liu: Multicultural voice interprets Russian Romantics
When pianist Bruce Liu last performed in Seoul in 2023, his recital was filled with electrifying technique and seven encores. Liu returns to Seoul in May as part of the 2025 Great Pianists Series, bringing with him an entirely new program centered on Russian Romanticism, featuring works by Tchaikovsky, Scriabin and Prokofiev. "With Tchaikovsky, I think there's this emotional vulnerability. His pain-dedicated personal moments, even larger-than-large gestures,” Liu, who catapulted to international
April 30, 2025 -
Interview: The dance, the company are 'truly one of a kind,' says BNE dancer Youn Sou-jung
When Youn Sou-jung first stepped into the audition room for the Ballet Nacional de Espana, artistic director Ruben Olmo knew immediately that she was special. “I fell in love. She has her own magnificent style. She’s one of the proud dancers of our company,” said Olmo during Monday's press conference for "Afanador." And for Youn, it was her dream come true, now a member of the corps de ballet, who started dancing at the age of three. "Since I was young, it was my dream to join BNE. I used to wat
April 29, 2025 -
‘Afanador,’ flamenco reinvented, comes to Seoul
When we think of flamenco, certain images spring to mind: a dancer in a vivid, ruffled dress with skirt flying outward in a whirl of motion; sharp, dramatic arm movements and hands twisting elegantly through the air; heeled shoes striking the wooden floor in a rapid-fire rhythm of castanets. But the Ballet Nacional de Espana’s "Afanador," created in high-profile collaboration with Spanish contemporary choreographer Marcos Morau, offers a stark departure from these familiar images. Premiered in 2
April 29, 2025 -
As temperatures rise, hottest pianists are coming to town
Korea’s classical music scene will be ablaze with two of its brightest pianistic stars: Cho Seong-jin, already a household name on the global stage, embarks on a major release of his monumental Ravel project.
April 29, 2025 -
Jeon Min-chul wins top prize at ballet's Youth America Grand Prix
South Korean dancer Jeon Min-chul won the Grand Prix title at the 2025 Youth America Grand Prix, the world's largest student ballet competition in Tampa, Florida, on Friday. Jeon competed in the senior men's division held April 21-27 and was named the overall Grand Prix winner -- the highest award given across all divisions and age groups. Jeon performed a variation from "La Esmeralda" in the finals and Albrecht’s variation from "Giselle" in the semi-finals, a piece he had recently danced with t
April 28, 2025 -
Interview: Minho embraces intimacy of stage in ‘Rendezvous’
For Choi Minho, stepping onto the theater stage was not about hiding behind a character — it was a deliberate choice to reveal himself more fully. "I wanted to show more of myself without hiding," said singer-actor Choi, who recently returned to the theater for his second play. After making his theatrical debut last year in "Waiting for Waiting for Godot," the SHINee member is back in the spotlight, this time starring in the romantic comedy "Rendezvous." Like his first project, "Rendezvous" is a
April 27, 2025 -
ABT marks GS Arts Center's grand opening with 'tasting menu' from contemporary to classic
The American Ballet Theatre will mark the opening of the GS Arts Center in Seoul with a sweeping program of classical and contemporary works, highlighting the company’s wide-ranging mixed repertoire and artistic versatility. ABT has brought a company of 104 members, including 70 dancers — 16 of whom are principal dancers — to Korea for this highly anticipated engagement. The lineup also includes five Korean dancers: principal dancers Seo Hee and Ahn Joo-won, soloists Han Sung-woo and Park Sun-mi
April 25, 2025 -
Lim Yunchan makes BBC awards history with Chopin etudes album
Pianist Lim Yunchan swept the three most prestigious categories at the BBC Music Magazine Awards in London -- recording of the year, newcomer of the year and the instrumental award -- all for his debut studio album “Chopin: Etudes,” released last year under the Decca Classics label, according to the organizer on Thursday. It marked the first time since the award's inception in 2006 that a single album has claimed all three titles. Even more unprecedented: a first-time winner in the newcomer cate
April 24, 2025 -
In 'Once,' supporting characters playing live music complete story
For the musical “Once,” 16 different types of instruments -- including guitar, mandolin, violin and drums -- are used on stage. This show demands 12 performers who can not only act and sing, but also play musical instruments. In fact, the difficulty of assembling a cast of skilled actor-musicians is one reason the show is returning to the stage a full decade after its Korean premiere in 2014. While more musicals featuring actor-musicians — such as Great Comet and Zorro — are appearing domestical
April 22, 2025 -
'We are our bravest when we love': Cyrano reimagined through coming-of-age 'The Ballads for Roxanne'
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, "The Ballads for Roxanne," a Korean adaptation of Edmond Rostand’s "Cyrano de Bergerac," is being staged at the National Theater Company of Korea’s Myeongdong Theater through this Sunday. Directed by Seo Chung-sik, the production breathes new life into the beloved classic -- this time, through the eyes of Roxanne, the woman at the center of Cyrano’s affections and the pursuit of many male characters. While the original play is famed for its swashbuckling poet Cy
April 22, 2025