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Gwanghwamun Love Song

Official English Title.gif

2011

광화문 연가 (2011)

Gwanghwamun Love Song (광화문 연가 (2011)) is a jukebox musical built on the songs of composer Lee Young-hoon, weaving a bittersweet love triangle set against 1980s Seoul.

2011

​Posters included in this archive are embedded solely for documentary and educational purposes.

🔗 All images are linked to their original sources or articles. No copyright ownership is claimed.

SOURCE

jukebox

SETTING

Korea

BOOK

original

Productions in Korea

2011.03 🔴 Sejong Center for the Performing Arts (Seoul)
2012.02 🔴 LG Arts Center (Seoul)
2012.05 🔴 Chungmu Arts Center Grand Theater (Seoul)
2013.05 Sookmyung Art Center Theater S (Seoul)

🔴 = Large-scale production

SYNOPSIS

(Full Synopsis)

Set between the 1980s and the present, the musical unfolds in Seoul’s Gwanghwamun district, where memory, music, and unresolved love intertwine across time.

The story begins in the present, where composer Sang-hoon and his friend Ji-yong revisit a song tied to their shared past. As questions arise about its true origin, Sang-hoon is drawn back into memories of his youth.

The narrative shifts to the 1980s, centering on a live music café called “Blue Azit.” There, Sang-hoon, already an established composer, meets a young woman who becomes the emotional center of a love triangle involving himself and his friend Hyun-woo. The three form a close bond, sharing music, dreams, and moments in the vibrant yet politically tense atmosphere of the era.

As student protests intensify, Hyun-woo becomes deeply involved and is eventually arrested, while the woman supports him through hardship. Their relationship deepens into love, leaving Sang-hoon to confront his own unspoken feelings.

Over time, Hyun-woo disappears, and Sang-hoon gradually grows closer to her. However, the sudden return of Hyun-woo reignites unresolved emotions and tensions among the three. Through music and memory, the characters confront choices, regrets, and the enduring resonance of past love.

PRODUCTION NOTE

This musical was conceived from the songs of Lee Young-hoon, known for iconic hits such as “Old Love” and “Gwanghwamun Love Song.” Although sharing its title with a later 2017 production, the 2011 version is a distinct work with different characters and storyline. Directed by Lee Ji-na with musical direction by Kim Moon-jung, the production featured live performances by YB (Yoon Do-hyun Band) and marked a large-scale jukebox musical experiment in Korea.

POSTER COLLECTION

Poster images are provided for documentation purposes only and link to their original sources. All rights remain with the original creators and producers.

🔴 indicates Seoul large-theatre productions.

REFERENCES

Synopsis Sources

     

NamuWiki – Gwanghwamun Love Song (2011)

https://namu.wiki/w/%EA%B4%91%ED%99%94%EB%AC%B8%20%EC%97%B0%EA%B0%80(%EB%AE%A4%EC%A7%80%EC%BB%AC)

     

     

Articles & Reviews

     

JoongAng – Musical Awards

https://www.joongang.co.kr/article/5481045

     

Dailian – Casting News

https://www.dailian.co.kr/news/view/233951

     

SCToday – Award Article

http://www.sctoday.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=12518

     

Chosun Art – Performance Info

https://art.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/02/23/2011022301900.html

     

The Musical – Review

https://m.themusical.co.kr/Magazine/Detail?num=1234

     

NoCut News – Review

https://www.nocutnews.co.kr/news/815295

     

     

Related Pages (Musicals of Korea)

     

Gwanghwamun Love Song – Japan Run

https://www.musicalsofkorea.com/k-musicals-worldwide-non-english/201301-gwanghwamun-love-song-jp

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Last update: March 17, 2026

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