Kei, a member of the now-disbanded K-pop girl group Lovelyz, takes on the role of Kaori Miyazono in the musical "Your Lie in April," at CJ Towol Theater of the Seoul Arts Center, Seocho District, Seoul. Courtesy of EMK Musical Company By Pyo Kyung-min The narrative of a boy dealing with past trauma who discovers redemption through his love for a spirited and joyful girl may not offer anything new — it’s a cliché we’ve all come across repeatedly in literature. The musical "Your Lie in April," based on the Japanese romance manga of the same name, follows a similar, much familiar trope.
The show revolves around the story of Kosei Arima, a piano prodigy, and his unexpected meeting with Kaori Miyazono, a charming violinist at his high school. Through their young romance, Kosei begins to heal from the trauma inflicted by his late mother, who had driven him into an unhappy musical career. A scene from the musical "Your Lie in April" / Courtesy of EMK Musical Company Despite the predictability of the storyline, the musical adaptation of "Your Lie in April" stands out due to the exceptional performances of its cast, which includes prominent stars from a range of musical backgrounds, including K-pop.
Premiering in Korea at the CJ Towol Theater of the Seoul Arts Center, the musical is a licensed version of the Japaense musical first staged in 2022. Earlier in June, it arrived in London's West End, drawing rave reviews from European audiences. The music by Frank Wildhorn, known for his works in hit musicals such as "Jekyll & Hyde," "Dracula," "Mata Hari" and "The Man Who Laughs," adds to the show's allure.
The production features big names as members of its cast, including K-pop boy band FT Island's Lee Hong-ki, musical actor Yoon So-ho and trot singer Kim Hee-jae playing Kosei. The role of Kaori is alternated by equally famous figures — Kei from now disbanded girl group Lovelyz, "The Glory" star Jung Ji-so and musical actor Lee Bom-so-ri. A scene from the musical "Your Lie in April" / Courtesy of EMK Musical Company A Korea Times reporter attended a performance on July 18, where K-pop stars Lee Hong-ki and Kei took the stage to demonstrate their seamless transition from idols to stage actors.
Their heartfelt performances not only demonstrated their acting skills but also showcased their growth beyond the confines of their idol personas. Kei’s portrayal of the bubbly violinist Kaori was particularly impressive, as her typical lively and charming demeanor from her time in Lovelyz brought smiles to the audience throughout the show. Her vocal performance also did not disappoint, as her rendition of "Perfect," a standout number in the production, emerged as one of the most emotionally resonant moments of the evening.
Kei’s soft, clear vocals captivated the audience, leaving a lasting impression. A scene from the musical "Your Lie in April" / Courtesy of EMK Musical Company The vibrant performance of the ensemble and the stunning stage design that evokes the beauty of the Japanese spring season make "Your Lie in April" a must-see this summer. The ensemble, primarily composed of younger actors, perfectly captured the boundless energy typical of highschool students.
Their dynamic performances, full of enthusiastic harmonies of singing and dancing, evoked a nostalgic return to teenage years. The stage design further enchanted audiences with its transforming backdrops, seamlessly shifting from a schoolyard to a dessert cafe and a concert hall. This visually rich setting, reminiscent of Japanese anime, added a layer of charm and realism to the onstage experience.
The use of stage lights and digital screens to depict a starry night sky and flowing cherry blossom petals also enhanced the musical's dreamy, otherworldly appeal. "Your Lie in April" continues its run at the CJ Towol Theater of the Seoul Arts Center in Seocho Distict, southern Seoul, until Aug. 25.
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