Swag Age: Shout Out, Joseon!
스웨그에이지: 외쳐, 조선!
🟥 Korean Original
Korean Premiere
2019: Doosan Arts Center, Seoul
International Runs
2024: Lilian Baylis Studio, London, UK
2025: Gillian Lynne Theatre, London
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Swag Age: Shout Out, Joseon!
📍 Korean Premiere: 2019: Doosan Arts Center, Seoul
🌍 International Runs:
2024: Lilian Baylis Studio, London, UK
2025: Gillian Lynne Theatre, London, UK
🎭 Overview
Swag Age: Shout Out, Joseon! is a Korean original hip-hop musical set in a fictionalized Joseon dynasty where strict laws ban poetry. The story follows rebellious youths who defy authority through rhythm, rhyme, and underground word battles. By blending the traditional Korean poetry form Sijo with rap, dance, and modern beats, the show reimagines resistance as art and art as defiance.
Premiering in 2019 at Doosan Arts Center, the musical won acclaim for its innovative fusion of Korean history and hip-hop culture. It has since become a signature work of contemporary Korean musical theatre, recognized for bold experimentation and cross-cultural resonance.
🎶 2024 London Concert
In July 2024, Swag Age was introduced to U.K. audiences through a staged concert at the Lilian Baylis Studio. Part of a showcase for Korean musicals, it highlighted the show’s unique blend of historical setting, Sijo, and urban rhythm, sparking interest in its international potential.
🎶 2025 West End Concert
A concert staging is scheduled at the Gillian Lynne Theatre on 8 September 2025, marking the musical’s West End debut and highest-profile showcase to date.
According to West End Theatre, the performance will present Swag Age’s dynamic mix of hip-hop, traditional Korean music, and Sijo against a backdrop of rebellion and performance. Composer Lee Jeong-Yeon described the show as embodying heung — a uniquely Korean energy that blends joy with resistance — aiming to connect Eastern and Western audiences.
Notably, tickets are being sold through the Korean platform NOL Ticket (Interpark) rather than standard U.K. outlets, reflecting a Korea-led distribution strategy and strong outreach to overseas Korean audiences.
🏆 Awards (Korea)
2020 Korea Musical Awards: Best Musical (Under 400 Seats)
Best Music
Best New Actor
📙References
Announcement of Korean musical Swag Age to play London concert in westendtheatre.com
NOL Korean ticket site link for Swag Age in Concert – London
📚 Part of a historical archive of Korean musicals performed abroad — from landmark revivals to upcoming premieres in the U.S. and U.K.
Video Clips & Media Highlights
This section provides visual context for Korean musicals staged or developed abroad — including productions, showcases, interviews, and media features. English or subtitled clips are included where available. For works with clear Korean origins (e.g. Maybe Happy Ending, The Last Empress, L’art Reste), videos highlight cultural roots or adaptations.