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2017
Oh! While You Were Sleeping
Oh! While You Were Sleeping (오! 당신이 잠든 사이) is a Korean original musical set in a free hospital on Christmas Eve, known for its long-running popularity in Daehangno and its warm, ensemble-driven storytelling. Its 2017 Hong Kong appearance introduced the work to overseas presenters through a non-commercial K-Musical Roadshow showcase rather than a licensed production.
English:
Oh! While You Were Sleeping
Korean:
오! 당신이 잠든 사이
Country: Hong Kong | Language: Korean
🔗 All images are linked to their original sources or articles. No copyright ownership is claimed.
ORIGIN
Oh! While You Were Sleeping was created as a Korean original musical and premiered in 2006, with its first run opening on September 1, 2006 at Art Theater Namu and Water in Daehangno. The work was developed and produced by Yeonwoo Stage (Yeonwoo Theatre Company), one of Korea’s established theatre groups, and quickly gained attention for its accessible tone, ensemble structure, and appeal to a wide audience. Since its premiere, the musical has been staged continuously with rotating casts, becoming a staple of Daehangno repertory culture.
STORY
Set on Christmas Eve in a free hospital, the musical follows patients and staff whose lives intersect over the course of a single night. At the center is Byeong-ho, a patient suffering from paralysis and memory loss, whose forgotten past gradually surfaces through encounters with others. The story blends humor and sentiment, focusing on loneliness, regret, compassion, and healing. Musically and tonally, the work emphasizes warmth and emotional connection rather than spectacle, positioning itself as a healing ensemble musical.
POSTER COLLECTION
Poster images are shown for documentation only. All rights belong to the original creators and producers.
KOREAN RUNS
2006 – Premiere, produced by Yeonwoo Stage
Following its premiere, Oh! While You Were Sleeping has been revived repeatedly in Daehangno with long-running seasons across multiple venues, establishing itself as a steady repertory title. The production is widely regarded as one of the representative long-running Korean original musicals of the mid-2000s, known for launching or hosting numerous actors over successive generations.
GLOBAL STAGINGS & ADAPTATIONS
Hong Kong, 2017
Cultural exchange showcase – K-Musical Roadshow presentation
Oh! While You Were Sleeping was presented on November 28–29, 2017 at Y Theatre, Youth Square in Hong Kong as part of the 2017 K-Musical Roadshow. Organized by the Korea Arts Management Service with support from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korean Cultural Office in Hong Kong, the event showcased six Korean original musicals to international presenters and industry professionals. The appearance functioned as a non-commercial showcase rather than a ticketed local run, positioning the musical within Korea’s broader strategy for introducing original works to overseas markets.
REFERENCES
Namu Wiki – Korean production history and overview
https://namu.wiki/w/%ED%8A%B8%EB%A0%88%EC%9D%B4%EC%8A%A4%20%EC%9C%A0
Within News – 2017 K-Musical Roadshow report
http://withinnews.co.kr/news/view.html?category=126&no=13757§ion=9
YTN World – Report on K-Musical Roadshow in Hong Kong
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCsNNAbqwrI
Sohu – 2017 K-Musical Roadshow coverage
https://www.sohu.com/a/206669597_805907
AMcreative / Central News Agency – 2017 K-Musical Roadshow report
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