K-Musical Culture
10 Photography Rules
Korea
In most Korean musicals, photography is strictly prohibited—not only during the performance, but also before and after the show, including empty stage shots, intermissions, and curtain calls. An exception exists on designated “curtain call days”, when audiences are permitted to take photos or videos during the final bows.
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If someone is caught taking pictures outside these exceptions, ushers usually intervene and request that the individual stop. In practice, they rarely demand deletion of photos, as strict enforcement authority is limited.
Curtain call week for Hadestown in Korea
Pre-show stage photo of Moulin Rouge! on Broadway, where ushers assist the audience
Broadway
On Broadway, rules are comparatively more relaxed. While photography and recording are banned during the performance itself, audiences are generally free to take pictures before the show, during intermission, and at curtain call. Ushers may even assist by snapping photos for guests against the backdrop of the stage, reflecting a more open and tourist-friendly culture.
