“Enjoy the Mischief”: Kim Junsu’s Boisterous Beetlejuice Reveals a Villain’s Need for Attention
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
The musical Beetlejuice opened at LG Arts Center Seoul on Dec. 16, starring Kim Junsu as the rambunctious ghost who can only exist when someone says his name three times. Based on Tim Burton’s 1988 film and the Broadway adaptation, this Korean revival highlights Beetlejuice not as a traditional evil villain but as an attention-starved outsider whose chaotic antics mask deep emotional lack. The story focuses on Beetlejuice’s attempts to be seen—first trying to frighten a living couple, then targeting Lydia, a lonely girl who can perceive him. Director Tim Burton’s recurring theme of outsiders (e.g., Edward Scissorhands) is evoked: these characters are dangerous because isolation and emotional deprivation have warped them, not simply because they are innately wicked. Kim Junsu, in his first major comedy role, brings explosive energy, swift movements, and vocal charisma to a performance that turns Beetlejuice into both a mischievous showman and a figure craving recognition. The Korean production features fast pacing, large puppets, and humor adapted for local audiences; critics note the show’s resonance with today’s social-media era, where attention-seeking can cross boundaries. The run continues through March 22. (LG Arts Center: a major performing arts venue in Seoul)
