New K-pop Musical Arrives on Broadway
The global sensation of Korean pop music has come to Broadway in a new musical called KPOP, which opened November 27 at the Circle in the Square Theatre.
The musical, which follows the backstage story of K-pop performers getting ready for their first show in New York City, stars a mostly Asian American and Asian cast.
Writer Jason Kim first had the idea for a K-pop musical around 10 years ago and staged an off-Broadway version of KPOP in 2017, with music and songs written by Helen Park and Max Vernon.
Kim says that in 2017, America "didn't really know what K-pop was, and so there was a lot of explaining that I had to do." The new version of the show has been written for a world where K-pop groups like BTS and Blackpink are global stars.
Born in South Korea, Kim came to the United States as a child. K-pop was always a part of his life, and he loved musicals too — especially shows set backstage.
Casting the show took about two years, Kim said, with actors coming from both the US and South Korea. Some of those in the show have K-pop experience, including Luna, a former member of the group f(x), who plays the show's main character: a singer who has spent years working toward her dreams.
It's a step forward for Asian American representation on Broadway, which is very important for Kim, who says, "it was really important to me to put these Asian people on stage and see them not playing the typical roles … but playing rock stars, playing pop stars, … and just being spectacular."
1. What are your thoughts on KPOP playing on Broadway?
2. Are you a fan of K-pop? If so, who are your favorite musicians?
3. Why do you think K-pop has become a global sensation?
4. Have you been to any musicals? If so, did you enjoy them?
5. What are the most spectacular live shows you've seen?
6. Who are the biggest music stars in your country at the moment?
7. Have you discovered any new musicians lately?
8. Do you have the same taste in music as most of your friends?
9. Are there any music genres that you've recently gotten into?
10. Would you rather work in the theatre or music industry?