Daejanggeum the Musical

I found a recent article on Digital Chosun about how Jewel in the Palace is slated to become a musical this May. The musical will debut in Korea, and since the television series was such an international hit (it aired in 50 countries!), the creators plan to bring the musical overseas. In the article the producer of the play is quoted saying, “We have here today people from a Chinese theater, a Japanese broadcaster and a Singaporean stage company. They're very interested in the musical 'Daejanggeum,' and want to show it in their countries."

The spread of Jewel in the Palace is cultural globalism at its finest. The series - which showcases traditional Korean history, cuisine, and culture, and features a Korean heroine - is being celebrated all over Asia and the world, and has an enormous base of loyal fans spanning the globe. The show has sparked interest in Korean history and culture while bolstering S. Korea's image as a producer of great dramas and modern culture. It has popularized Korean actresses and actors, and opened the door to other opportunities to spread Korean culture through venues like the upcoming musical.

This also relates back to a previous post by Sandy (February 3rd), which discusses how commercialization is closely tied to cultural globalism. The Korean historical figure of Jang Geum has been commercialized into a television series, a musical play, and (soon, if not already) t-shirts and other fan paraphernalia. The musical will likely market a CD, and a Jewel in the Palace movie deal can't be far behind. All of these commercial goods only make it easier for Korean cultural globalism to continue.

The article's text is pasted below, or you can read the original here.

"Daejanggeum" Musical to Debut on Stage This Year

A Korean historical TV drama that was a big hit in many Asian countries is now ready to move to the stage as a musical. Called "Daejanggeum" in Korea and also known as "A Jewel in the Palace," the producers are hoping to take the musical overseas after first showing it to local audiences.

Elaborate costumes, a tight plot and talented performers. The new production of "Daejanggeum" has all of those elements, and is set to hit the stage in May. The production is based on the TV drama of the same name about a woman who goes from royal chef to court physician.

“‘Daejanggeum' has aired in 50 countries, so its storyline is well-known and it has name value,” Song Seung-hwan, the musical’s producer, said. “We have here today people from a Chinese theater, a Japanese broadcaster and a Singaporean stage company. They're very interested in the musical 'Daejanggeum,' and want to show it in their countries."

The TV series set a host of records during its run in Korea between September 2003 and March 2004. It was also a hit in other Asian nations such as Taiwan, Singapore and Japan. The musical version could ride on the coattails of the Korean Wave or hallyu, and further spread Korean culture and influence throughout the world.

The musical's production company PMC is already famous for creating the hit percussion dance show "Nanta."
PMC says it'll focus on the Korean market this year with shows in July in Daegu and at Seongnam Arts Center south of Seoul in August. The company will then seek to hold performances next year in Southeast Asia and other countries.