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Sun-Sin

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2023

순신

Sun-Sin (순신) is a Korean original musical that reinterprets the life of Admiral Yi Sun-sin through a fusion of pansori, dance, and musical theatre, focusing on his inner turmoil and humanity during the Imjin War.

2023

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SOURCE

biography

SETTING

Korea

BOOK

original

Productions in Korea

2023.11 🔴 Seoul Arts Center CJ Towol Theater (Seoul)

🔴 = Large-scale production

SYNOPSIS

(Partial Synopsis)

Set during the Imjin War (1592–1598), the musical unfolds in Joseon Korea, where Admiral Yi Sun-sin struggles with the burden of leadership, war, and his own inner turmoil.

Drawing from the war diaries Nanjung Ilgi, the narrative interweaves historical events with dream sequences experienced by Yi Sun-sin. Rather than presenting a linear biography, the work explores fragmented memories, visions, and emotional states as he faces repeated battles and the expectations of the nation.

Major naval battles such as Hansan, Myeongnyang, and Noryang are depicted through pansori, while Yi Sun-sin’s psychological state is expressed through movement and dance. Surrounding characters, including the king, family members, and fictional figures, contribute to the dramatic structure through musical scenes.

The musical emphasizes the contrast between the legendary hero and the vulnerable human, portraying a figure weighed down by responsibility, fear, and relentless loss rather than a triumphant war narrative.

PRODUCTION NOTE

Sun-Sin is an original production by Seoul Performing Arts Company, conceived as a hybrid “total theatre” work combining pansori, contemporary music, dance, and musical theatre. Directed by Lee Jina, with music direction by Kim Moon-jung and pansori composition by Lee Jaram, the production departs from conventional musical structures by minimizing spoken dialogue and emphasizing physical and auditory expression. The staging features a large-scale symbolic set representing both Yi Sun-sin’s inner psyche and the battlefield, utilizing projection mapping and immersive scenography.

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.

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All rights reserved. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used with full credit and a clear link to the original content.

Last update: March 17, 2026

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