A scene from the Korean production of the Chinese musical "The Butterfly on the Bund 1939" / Courtesy of Focustage By Vanessa Cai The musical theater scenes in Korea and China are experiencing an increase in cultural exchanges, with Korean productions captivating Chinese audiences and Chinese musicals making a notable debut on Korean stages. This dynamic interplay is not only attracting theatergoers but also reshaping the musical landscapes of both countries. This growing relationship began with Chinese musical enthusiasts traveling to Korea, drawn by the country's reputation for high-quality productions featuring A-list actors.
Xiao Yimeng, a 25-year-old who works in Beijing, has been visiting Seoul for musicals on a regular basis since June 2023, after hearing praise about Korea's musical scene from friends. She estimated that she has seen more than 60 shows since then. The first performance she watched left her amazed with the cast’s excellent singing skills.
“I felt as if I could touch the waves of the actors’ voices," she recalled. “I can feel the actors’ vocal foundations are all very good ..
. Not only the lead actors but the whole ensemble is at this high level.” Xiao is among many Chinese musical enthusiasts who find Seoul a go-to destination for overseas trips for the shows, while others who study or work in Korea also appreciate the opportunities to see the performances during their stay.
Korean original musicals including “ Frankenstein ” and “ La.