Above the Korean Wave. The Success of Contemporary South Korean Musical Theatre as Socially Conscious Theatre, as Exemplified by the Plays "Metro Line 1" and "Laundry"

Abstract

Western productions seem to dominate the contemporary South Korean musical scene, outnumbering original Korean musicals by several percent. Broadway hits with Korean casts provide an unforgettable visual experience, creating a sense of the internationalization of the Korean musical theatre industry. Various associations between these shows and Korean pop culture – such as the casting of popular K-pop stars and television actors – have led many to believe that the phenomenon of the so-called Korean Wave (hallyu) is the leading factor determining the popularity of Korean musicals both in Korea and abroad. However, this paper proposes a different approach: namely, that the success and recognition of contemporary Korean musicals go beyond the Korean Wave phenomenon and stem largely from the fact that they are, by their very nature, a form of deeply socially conscious theatre.