Kulture Issue_Tony award winning "Maybe Happy Ending" opens new era for K-musicals

After sweeping six Tony awards, the Korean-made musical "Maybe Happy Ending" has proven that when it comes to cultural content or entertainment, Korea knows no limits.

Today we want to take a deeper look at the recent achievement on Broadway as well as the further potential of K-musicals. For that, we're joined by our culture critic, Professor Chie Hye-won at Kyung Hee University. Welcome Professor Chie!

Q1. The Korean original musical "Maybe Happy Ending" won six Tony Awards earlier this month. We were able to touch upon it briefly on the day it happened, but it is such a meaningful achievement worth going deeper. How has the domestic and overseas response been so far?

Q2. We've had our attention on this work since its debut on Broadway last year. (You Professor Chie, of course have been following it from much earlier since its domestic release) What do you think has been the most compelling aspect of the musical that led to its global acknowledgment? (And is there anything in particular about the production or creative process that stood out to you?)

Q3. The plot of "Maybe Happy Ending" hasn't changed from the domestic production, but the Broadway version did go through some transformations. What are they?

Q4. Professor Chie, what are the most important factors to look at in order to resonate with the international audience? (And how did "Maybe Happy Ending" succeed with this?)

Q5. Apart from "Maybe Happy Ending", as Korean musicals are growing on the international stage, which productions are currently running overseas like on Broadway or which Korean actors are active abroad?

Q6. What do you think is the main thing that Korean original musicals should do to reach higher in the global market from hereon?

Q7. Do you believe K-musicals have the potential to become a hallyu genre of its own?

Thank you Professor Chie for your insights. Have a happy start to the week.

Have a happy rest of the day Walter, I'll see you tomorrow.