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2017
フランケンシュタイン
Frankenstein (프랑켄슈타인) is a large-scale Korean original musical based on Mary Shelley’s gothic novel, premiering in Seoul and quickly becoming one of the most commercially successful Korean-created “grand musicals.” Its strong box-office record led to a Japanese license deal, resulting in full-scale Japanese-language productions and a continued presence in the Asian export market.
English:
Frankenstein
Korean:
프랑켄슈타인
Country: Japan | Language: Japanese
🔗 All images are linked to their original sources or articles. No copyright ownership is claimed.
ORIGIN
The musical premiered in 2014 in Seoul, created by writer-director Wang Yong-beom with music by Lee Sung-joon. It was originally produced by the Jung District Cultural Foundation as the 10th-anniversary project for Chungmu Art Center, with a large cast, dual-role principal casting, and cinematic staging. After strong domestic reception, later seasons were produced by New Contents Company and eventually EMK Musical Company, solidifying the title as a signature large-format Korean original. Its international development began with a confirmed licensing agreement with Toho in Japan.
STORY
The plot reinterprets Mary Shelley’s classic novel, following Victor Frankenstein and his friend Henri Dupre as they pursue the creation of a perfect, death-defying lifeform. The work expands the original narrative into themes of scientific obsession, loyalty, and moral consequence, introducing new characters, dual casting, and dramatic flashback structure. Musically, it blends symphonic rock elements with large choral sequences, positioning the piece as an operatic grand musical rather than a literal literary adaptation.
POSTER COLLECTION
Poster images are shown for documentation only. All rights belong to the original creators and producers.
KOREAN RUNS
The musical premiered in 2014 at Chungmu Art Center Grand Theater and was restaged frequently due to sustained demand, including major revivals in 2015–2016, 2018, 2021–2022, and a 10th-anniversary production in 2024. The title is regarded as one of the most commercially successful Korean original blockbusters, with repeat casting of vocal star actors and a stable fan base.
GLOBAL STAGINGS & ADAPTATIONS
Japan – Tokyo (2016)
License contract – Japanese-language rights sold to Toho Stage
The first export agreement was finalized in 2016, granting Toho Stage exclusive production rights in Japan. Industry coverage noted the deal as a rare case of a Korean grand musical being licensed rather than toured, leading directly to the 2017 premiere.
Japan – Tokyo (2017)
Licensed Japanese-language production – Nissay Theatre
Ran Jan 8–29, 2017, presented by Toho, with full dual-casting mirroring the Korean format. Japanese press emphasized the scale of the production and its Korean origin, and the run was regarded as a commercial success that set the stage for future revivals.
Japan – Tokyo (2020)
Licensed revival – produced by Horipro Stage
Second Japanese-language staging with new ensemble casting but the same dual-role structure. Marketing framed the production as a “grand musical imported from Korea,” confirming continued demand three years after the premiere. A planned Chinese expansion was announced but no confirmed staging has followed.
REFERENCES
NamuWiki – Korean production history
Toho Stage – 2017 Japan performance listing
https://stage.corich.jp/stage/79586
Horipro Stage – 2020 revival trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S6pWVjjvE8
Toho official trailer (2017 premiere)
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