영웅
Hero (영웅) is a major Korean original musical portraying the final year of independence activist An Jung-geun, combining historical events with personal sacrifice and the pursuit of justice.
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SOURCE
biography
SETTING
Korea
BOOK
original
Productions in Korea
2009.10 LG Arts Center (Seoul)
2010.12 🔴 National Theater of Korea, Haeoreum Theater (Seoul)
2011.12 🔴 National Theater of Korea, Haeoreum Theater (Seoul)
2012.01 🔴 Seoul Arts Center Opera House (Seoul)
2012.10 🔴 Blue Square Samsung Electronics Hall (Seoul)
2014.01 🔴 Seoul Arts Center Opera House (Seoul)
2015.04 🔴 Blue Square Samsung Electronics Hall (Seoul)
2017.01 🔴 Sejong Center for the Performing Arts (Seoul)
2019.03 🔴 Sejong Center for the Performing Arts (Seoul)
2019.07 🔴 Seoul Arts Center Opera House (Seoul)
2022.12 🔴 LG Arts Center Seoul, LG SIGNATURE Hall (Seoul)
2023.03 🔴 Blue Square Shinhan Card Hall (Seoul)
2024.05 🔴 Sejong Center for the Performing Arts (Seoul)
🔴 = Large-scale production
SYNOPSIS
(Full Synopsis)
Set between 1909 and 1910 across Russia, Japan, and Harbin, the musical unfolds around the final mission of An Jung-geun and his fellow independence fighters as they prepare for a decisive act against Japanese imperial power.
The story begins with the “finger-cutting oath,” where An Jung-geun and eleven comrades pledge their lives to Korea’s independence. As Japan tightens its grip on the Korean peninsula, political figures led by Ito Hirobumi advance expansionist ambitions across East Asia.
Seol-hee, a former court lady traumatized by witnessing the assassination of Empress Myeongseong, joins a secret intelligence network and infiltrates Japanese circles as a geisha under the alias “Namida.” Meanwhile, An Jung-geun travels through Russia, reuniting with allies and organizing resistance efforts.
Amid growing tension, personal relationships unfold—Lingling, the sister of An’s Chinese ally, develops feelings for him, while Seol-hee struggles between her mission and the emotional complexity of her interactions with Ito. As Japanese forces intensify their pursuit, sacrifices mount, culminating in Lingling’s death while protecting An.
With time running out, An and his comrades split into strategic positions to ensure the success of their plan. Seol-hee attempts to assassinate Ito but fails, ultimately choosing death over betrayal. Finally, at Harbin Station on October 26, 1909, An Jung-geun carries out the historic assassination of Ito Hirobumi.
Following his arrest, An defends his actions in court with unwavering conviction. In prison, he writes his vision for peace in East Asia, inspiring even his Japanese guard. Facing execution on March 26, 1910, he meets his death with dignity, reaffirming his belief that sacrifice for one’s country is a soldier’s duty.
PRODUCTION NOTE
Premiering in 2009 at LG Arts Center to commemorate the centennial of An Jung-geun’s assassination, the musical was produced by Acom International and directed by Yoon Ho-jin. With music by Oh Sang-jun, the production became one of Korea’s most successful original musicals, surpassing one million audience members. It has been staged internationally, including at David H. Koch Theater, and adapted into a film released in 2022.
REFERENCES
Synopsis Sources
The Musical – Hero Detail
https://www.themusical.co.kr/Musical/Detail?num=1503
NamuWiki – Hero Musical
https://namu.wiki/w/%EC%98%81%EC%9B%85(%EB%AE%A4%EC%A7%80%EC%BB%AC)
Articles & Reviews
Wikipedia – Hero Musical History
https://ko.wikipedia.org/wiki/%EC%98%81%EC%9B%85_(%EB%AE%A4%EC%A7%80%EC%BB%AC)
Sejong Center – 15th Anniversary
Daum – Film Adaptation
https://v.daum.net/v/751Y8cwM7k
OhmyNews – Production Success
https://www.ohmynews.com/NWS_Web/View/at_pg.aspx?CNTN_CD=A0001292130
Metro Seoul – Review
https://www.metroseoul.co.kr/article/2017012500134
Related Pages (Musicals of Korea)
Hero – New York Run
https://www.musicalsofkorea.com/k-musicals-in-the-west2/2011_hero
Hero – China Run
https://www.musicalsofkorea.com/k-musicals-worldwide-non-english/201502-hero-cn














