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2013
雙花別曲
Song of Flowers (쌍화별곡) is a large-scale original Korean musical dramatizing the lives of Buddhist monks Wonhyo and Uisang during the Silla period. The work drew attention for combining Buddhist philosophy with pop-musical staging and later became a notable early case of Korean musical export to China through an officially invited multi-city tour.
English:
Song of Flowers
Korean:
쌍화별곡
Country: China | Language: Korean
🔗 All images are linked to their original sources or articles. No copyright ownership is claimed.
ORIGIN
Premiered in 2012 at Universal Arts Center in Seoul, produced by Buddhist Broadcasting System (BBS). Directed and choreographed by Iran-young, with music by Jang So-young and lyrics by Lee Hee-joon. The show was conceived as a contemporary retelling of the famous Silla-era figures through dance, sung-through score, and mixed instrumentation (Korean percussion and electronica). Cast included Kim Da-hyun, Park Wan, Kim Ho-young, and Jung Sun-ah.
STORY
Set in 7th-century Silla, the musical follows Wonhyo, a free-spirited monk who questions life, death, desire, and enlightenment after witnessing the brutality of war. His philosophical journey intersects with the disciplined scholar-monk Uisang, whose rivalry and friendship frame the narrative. Romantic subplots with Princess Yoseok and Seonmyo add human contrast, while the score and choreography alternate between devotional ritual and pop-theatrical energy. The work emphasizes the Buddhist idea that all suffering and liberation arise from the mind.
POSTER COLLECTION
Poster images are shown for documentation only. All rights belong to the original creators and producers.
KOREAN RUNS
2012 – Universal Arts Center, Seoul (world premiere, Sept 11–30)
2012 – Limited touring dates in Daegu and Busan (2 performances per city)
Promoted as a large-scale sung-through musical blending Buddhist themes with contemporary staging.
GLOBAL STAGINGS & ADAPTATIONS
China – Shenzhen (2012)
Korean-language special engagement
Presented for the 20th anniversary of Korea–China diplomatic relations
Selected by the China Buddhist Association and staged with video-based scenery in place of the original revolving set. Reported strong audience response, including full-house attendance and standing ovations.
China – Multiple Cities (2013–2014)
Korean-language government-approved tour
Shenzhen (Dec 5–7), Hainan (Dec 11–12), Guangzhou (Dec 16–18), Beijing (Jan 3–4)
The Beijing performances were held at the Great Hall of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, marking the first musical ever staged in the venue. Promoted as a cultural exchange project highlighting shared Buddhist heritage. Press reported repeated sold-out houses and attendance by Chinese and Korean dignitaries.
REFERENCES
Korea Creative Foundation – production announcement
http://www.kosancf.or.kr/html/performance_1.html
Buddhist Broadcasting System – China tour report
https://www.ibulgyo.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=122279
Bulkyo21 – Beijing closing performance coverage
https://www.bulkyo21.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=23759
Chosun Art – China performance preview
https://art.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2012/11/04/2012110400874.html
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