Korean Musical 'Ozigye Fun Gashina' Leads with Most Nominations at 10th Korean Musical Awards

The original musical 'Ozigye Fun Gashina' by production company Live has garnered the most nominations at the 10th Korean Musical Awards.

On the 22nd, the Korean Musical Association announced the nominees for the 10th Korean Musical Awards, with 'Ozigye Fun Gashina' (hereafter 'Ozigye') receiving nominations in eight categories, making it the most nominated production.

'Ozigye' is nominated for the Grand Prize, awarded to the best original premiere musical of the year, including categories such as ▲Best Production (under 400 seats) ▲Best Supporting Actor (Jungwoo Kang) ▲Best Producer (Byungwon Kang) ▲Best Director (Kyungtaek Oh) ▲Best Script (Hajin Kim) ▲Best Composition (Hyeseong Kim) ▲Best Stage Art (the late Sangyeon Park, video designer).

'Ozigye' is a stage adaptation of the true story of elderly women in Chilgok who rediscovered excitement in life by learning to read and write poetry. It is based on the popular documentary film 'Chilgok Gashina' and the essay 'Aging with Great Fun.' The musical features over 20 poems written by the real-life elderly students, transformed into musical numbers that deliver warm emotions.

The production was selected as the '2024 Performing Arts Creation New Work' and premiered at the National Theater's Haneul Theater this year. It has been praised as a family musical that resonates across generations, allowing grandmothers, mothers, and daughters to laugh and cry together. Due to overwhelming audience support, it is set for a return engagement at the same theater from May 15 to June 28, 2026.

Additionally, 'Ozigye' took a step towards international exposure by participating in the '2025 K-Musical Roadshow in Tokyo' showcase held at Hulic Hall Tokyo on November 12. Hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and organized by the Arts Management Support Center, the showcase featured five selected Korean original musicals introduced to Japan. 'Ozigye' presented a 20-minute highlight scene, receiving applause from local audiences and recognition for its cross-border message and artistic value.

The Korean Musical Awards, established in 2016, is a prestigious domestic musical awards ceremony hosted by the Korean Musical Association and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Arts Council.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the Korean Musical Awards saw over 100 entries, marking the highest competition rate in its history. The awards consider original and licensed musicals that opened and had paid performances in Korea from December 2, 2024, to December 7, 2025. Nominees were selected through preliminary voting, with final winners to be announced on the day of the ceremony after main voting.

The awards ceremony will take place on January 19, 2026, at 7:30 PM at the Sejong Center Grand Theater. All eyes are on 'Ozigye' to see what achievements it will garner at this year's Korean Musical Awards.

Reporter Dayeon Jeong, TenAsia light@tenasia.co.kr