2026 K-Drama Stars Take to the Stage: Boosting Korea’s Theatre and Overseas Reach
Creatrip Team
a month ago
Star film and TV actors are increasingly returning to live theatre in Korea this year as OTT-driven declines in screen productions and a post-COVID theatre rebound push performers to the stage. High-profile castings at major venues—like Seojye-ji and Kwak Si-yang in Sa-ui Chanmi, Moon Geun-young’s comeback in Orphans, and a possible debut stage role for Lee Seo-jin in Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya at LG Arts Center—are drawing attention. LG Arts Center’s large Signature Hall relies on star power to fill extended runs, and star-led productions have helped Korean plays tour overseas (e.g., The Cherry Orchard’s runs in Hong Kong, Singapore, planned shows in Australia and New York). Major institutions such as the National Theater and LG Arts Center are also staging the same works (Chekhov’s Vanya) simultaneously, heightening competition. Despite earlier double-digit growth, overall ticket revenue growth slowed in 2025, with small Daehangno (대학로) theatres—unable to hire stars—seeing a revenue decline. Producers are shifting some focus back to musicals, which are seen as more commercially viable. Both public and private companies say they are planning productions with international touring in mind to capitalize on K-culture demand.
