The musical 'Dream of the Peach Blossom Land' (directed by Yoon Ho-jin) premiered on the 27th of last month at the National Theater of Korea in Seoul. The work is based on the novel 'Dream of the Peach Blossom Land' by author Choi In-ho, which takes inspiration from the 'Domijeon' legend in the historical text 'Samguk Sagi.'
In the story, King Yeogyeong of Baekje becomes infatuated with a woman named Arang, whom he sees in a dream. Arang is already married to Domi, the leader of Mokjiguk. One day, Yeogyeong accidentally meets Arang after being struck by an arrow misfired by Domi, sparking Yeogyeong's possessive desire. His longing for Arang gradually turns into rage, ultimately blinding Domi. In response to Yeogyeong's obsessive madness, Arang decides to scar her own face.
The production seamlessly integrates stage design, video, choreography, music, and acting. The setting of Mokjiguk is projected onto a screen at the edge of the stage, transitioning from day to night and from sunrise to sunset, capturing the dreamlike atmosphere of the legend. The palace, a key location for Yeogyeong, showcases Korean aesthetics while meeting dazzling lighting reminiscent of a music show, amplifying Yeogyeong's emotions.
The scene where Domi and Yeogyeong engage in a game of Go is particularly striking. The game is portrayed by an ensemble of over ten performers dressed in white and black, whose erratic choreography depicts the intense match. When the victor roars, the ensemble's costumes instantly unify in color, showcasing the director's ingenuity.
Music director Kim Moon-jung, known for major works like 'Death Note' and 'Bonnie and Clyde,' kept the audience engaged for the entire 120 minutes. The continuous performance maintained audience immersion, even during quiet dialogue scenes, and enriched the experience by blending traditional Korean melodies with Western orchestral sounds, leaving a strong impression with the fusion of traditional instruments and electronic sounds.
Traditional Korean costumes, hanbok, also contributed to the audience's full immersion in the story. From the scene where the priestess Bia offers a ritual to the moon to the scenes where officials express concern over Yeogyeong's obsession, various styles of hanbok were showcased throughout the production. The atmosphere was further enhanced by the fitting musical numbers and the passionate performances of the actors, creating an illusion of witnessing a real story.
The lead actors excelled in both vocal and pansori performances, and even the supporting cast was composed of skilled performers. Actor Seo Young-joo, playing Yeogyeong's loyal subject Hyangsil, displayed a remarkable consistency with his character through his outstanding historical drama tone. Comedian Kim Jin-soo, known for his frequent TV appearances, transformed into a court official, capturing the heavy atmosphere of the palace with his solemn performance.
As of 5 PM on the 6th, audience ratings are impressively high at 9.8. Ahead of the opening, director Yoon stated, "Our goal was to create a stage that makes you forget the passage of time," and revealed plans to debut on Broadway in 2028. 'Dream of the Peach Blossom Land' will meet international audiences this August at the David Koch Theater in Lincoln Center, New York. It remains to be seen whether the Korean sentiment of this domestically acclaimed musical will resonate with foreign audiences.
Meanwhile, 'Dream of the Peach Blossom Land' will continue its run at the National Theater's Haeoreum Theater until the 22nd, and from April 10th to May 10th at the Charlotte Theater in Jamsil, Seoul.
Reporter Dayeon Jeong, TenAsia light@tenasia.co.kr