Hallyu Drama "Winter Sonata" To Mark 10th Year Milestone with a Musical

Hallyu drama “Winter Sonata” celebrates its 10th year with a staging of a new musical adaptation.  The stage production of the popular drama that starred Bae Yong Joon and Choi Ji Woo is set to open in Seoul on September 27 and will run through March 18.

Yoon Suk Ho, director of the “Endless Love” series which includes “Winter Sonata” will likewise helm its musical adaptation.  Art direction is by Yoo Hee Sung of musicals “Mozart” and “Pimagol Love Song.”  Musical score is by Oh Eun Hee, who worked on the productions “Jewel in the Crown” and “Singing in the Rain.”

The new production has yet to announce its cast.

Previously, the “Winter Sonata” musical had been staged in several cities in Japan, including Sapporo, Tokyo and Osaka in 2006.  It also completed a run in Busan and Seoul, from late 2010 to early 2011.

Through its run, the new “Winter Sonata” musical will celebrate its source drama’s premiere, which was on January 14, 2002. The original 20-episode drama garnered a large following domestically and abroad, particularly in Japan, which catapulted Bae and Choi into Hallyu superstardom.  Apart from the stage, it was adapted into a 26-episode animated series that was broadcast in Japan.  The anime adaptation is notable for featuring 23 members of the original Korean cast providing the voices for the characters.

Meanwhile, director Yoon has just announced his next project, “Singing in the Rain,” set to air in 2012, with Jang Geun Suk in the lead.  Choi has recently come back to TV, and is co-starring with Yoon Sang Hyun in the currently airing MBC drama “Can’t Lose.”  Bae is currently in Japan to appear in the concert with the 
young idol stars of “Dream High,” which he co-produced.