Chinese superfans of Korean musicals flock to Seoul to watch original and Western shows
Korean original musicals and Western productions are attracting audiences from China, while Chinese productions are making inroads in Korea
Korea and China’s musical theatre scenes are experiencing an increase in cultural exchanges, with Korean productions captivating Chinese audiences and Chinese musicals making notable debuts on Korean stages.
This dynamic interplay is not only attracting theatregoers but also reshaping the musical landscapes of both countries.
The growing relationship began with Chinese musical enthusiasts travelling to Korea, drawn by the country’s reputation for high-quality productions featuring A-list performers.
Xiao Yimeng, a 25-year-old who works in Beijing, has been visiting Seoul for musicals on a regular basis for more than a year, after hearing praise about Korea’s musical scene from friends. She estimates that she has seen more than 60 shows since then.
The first performance she watched left her amazed by the cast’s excellent singing skills.
“I felt as if I could touch the waves of the actors’ voices,” she says. “I can feel the actors’ vocal foundations are all very good … Not only the lead actors but the whole ensemble is at this high level.”
