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The Promise of the Day

Official English Title.gif

2019

귀환

The Promise of the Day (귀환) is a Korean original musical centered on the recovery of Korean War soldiers’ remains, intertwining past and present narratives of sacrifice, memory, and reconciliation. It reflects on generational perspectives toward war and the enduring promise to bring fallen soldiers home.

2019

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

SOURCE

original

SETTING

Korea

BOOK

original

Productions in Korea (🔴 = Seoul Large Theatre Production)

2019.10 🔴 Olympic Park Woori Financial Art Hall (Seoul)
2020.06 🔴 Olympic Park Woori Financial Art Hall (Seoul)

SYNOPSIS

(Full Synopsis)

Set across the Korean War era and the present day, the musical unfolds between battlefields of the past and excavation sites in modern Korea, where efforts are made to recover the remains of fallen soldiers.

The story follows Seungho, a Korean War veteran who dedicates his later life to searching for the remains of his fallen comrades. His grandson, Hyunmin, initially views the war as distant history and struggles to understand his grandfather’s commitment. After facing academic failure, Hyunmin enlists and is assigned to a military unit specializing in identifying and recovering war remains.

As Hyunmin participates in excavation efforts, the narrative interweaves Seungho’s youth during the war. Alongside his friends Haeil and Jingu, Seungho experiences friendship, love, and the abrupt outbreak of war that forces them into military service. Their personal stories unfold amid the chaos of conflict, including separation, sacrifice, and unfulfilled emotions.

Through the convergence of past and present, Hyunmin gradually comes to understand the weight of history and the meaning behind his grandfather’s lifelong mission. The musical ultimately emphasizes remembrance, human connection, and the promise to return those who never came home.

PRODUCTION NOTE

The Promise of the Day was produced by the Republic of Korea Army in 2019 as a large-scale original musical focusing on the recovery of Korean War soldiers’ remains.

Developed as a commemorative work, the production highlights themes of national memory and reconciliation, combining contemporary staging with historical narrative. It gained attention for its emotional resonance and subject matter, as well as for its involvement of military personnel and institutional backing.

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 Synopsis

https://namu.wiki/w/%EA%B7%80%ED%99%98(%EB%AE%A4%EC%A7%80%EC%BB%AC)

     

PlayDB Synopsis

https://m.playdb.co.kr/Play/Info/151417

     

The Musical Page

     

https://www.themusical.co.kr/Musical/Detail?num=2770

     

     

Articles & Reviews

     

Brunch Review

https://brunch.co.kr/@writeroui/17

     

Yonhap Photo Article

https://www.yna.co.kr/view/PYH20190924152700013

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Last update: May 27, 2026

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