Korean Musical 'Mongyudowon' Reimagines Tragic Love with Local Colors
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
The musical Mongyudowon, adapted from Choi In-ho’s novel and the ancient ‘Domi-jeon’ legend, opened at Seoul’s National Theater. It contrasts two forms of love: Domi and Arang’s devoted bond versus King Yeogyeong’s obsessive, violent desire that leads to tragedy. Updated after its 2002 premiere, the production aims for Broadway and emphasizes Korean aesthetics—combining traditional melodies and instruments (gugak) with Western orchestration and electronic sounds. Ensemble choreography powers the show, notably a dynamic baduk (Korean board game) match staged with black-and-white costumed dancers. Visuals use ink-wash (sumukhwa) effects and symbolic imagery like eclipses to blur dream and reality. Cast includes Min Woo-hyuk and Kim Ju-taek as Yeogyeong, Ha Yun-joo and Yuria as Arang, and Lee Chung-ju and Kim Sung-sik as Domi. Performances run at the National Theater’s Haeoreum Theater through the 22nd.
