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2013
ヴェルテルの恋
The Sorrows of Young Werther (젊은 베르테르의 슬픔) is a long-running Korean original musical based on Goethe’s novel, depicting Werther’s tragic, unrequited love through lyrical music and intimate staging. Premiered in 2000, the show has continued recurring in Korea and was exported once in 2013 for a fully Korean-cast performance in Tokyo.
English:
The Sorrows of Young Werther
Korean:
젊은 베르테르의 슬픔
Country: Japan | Language: Korean
🔗 All images are linked to their original sources or articles. No copyright ownership is claimed.
ORIGIN
2000, script and lyrics by Ko Sunwoong, music by Kim Sungsoo, directed by Cho Kwanghwa, premiered at C Art Hall, Seoul. Adapted from Goethe’s 1774 novel and developed as a chamber-scale musical emphasizing emotional narration, piano-based score, and literary monologues. Became one of the most frequently revived Korean original musicals of the 2000s.
STORY
Werther, a sensitive young artist, falls in love with Lotte, only to learn she is already engaged to Albert. His passion grows into obsession as he struggles between reason, desire, and despair. Lotte’s kindness keeps hope alive, but her loyalty to Albert deepens Werther’s internal conflict, leading to a tragic end. The musical foregrounds inner psychology and poetic language over spectacle, highlighting the pain of unattainable love.
POSTER COLLECTION
Poster images are shown for documentation only. All rights belong to the original creators and producers.
KOREAN RUNS
2000 – Premiere, C Art Hall, Seoul
The musical has recurred over multiple seasons through the 2000s and 2010s with rotating casts and remains one of the representative works of Korean literary musicals.
GLOBAL STAGINGS & ADAPTATIONS
Japan – Tokyo (2013)
Korean-language licensed engagement
Akasaka ACT Theater, Jan 11–26, 2013
Performed with the original Korean cast, with Kim Da-hyun and Jeon Dong Suk alternating as Werther. Marketed under the Japanese title ヴェルテルの恋 (“Werther’s Love”) and presented without translation, using surtitles for local audiences. Promoted as the first full Japanese staging of a major Korean literary musical.
REFERENCES
The Musical – Korean production history
https://www.themusical.co.kr/Musical/Detail?num=421
Ticket Pia – Japanese performance announcement
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