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2023
ダーウィン・ヤング 悪の起源
The Origin of Evil by Darwin Young (다윈 영의 악의 기원) is a Korean original musical based on Park Jiri’s novel, exploring inherited guilt and systemic violence in a stratified society, and is notable as the first case of a Korean public arts organization exporting a musical IP through overseas licensing.
English:
The Origin of Evil by Darwin Young
Korean:
다윈 영의 악의 기원
Country: Japan | Language: Japanese
🔗 All images are linked to their original sources or articles. No copyright ownership is claimed.
ORIGIN
The musical premiered in 2018, based on the novel of the same title by Park Jiri, with book and lyrics by Lee Hee-jun and music by Park Chun Hwee. It was produced by the Seoul Performing Arts Company and first staged at the CJ Towol Theatre, Seoul Arts Center. Developed as a large-scale original work by a national public arts organization, the production gained recognition for its dystopian worldbuilding and psychological narrative structure.
STORY
Set in a rigidly stratified fictional city, the story follows Darwin Young, a top student at an elite boarding school, as he investigates the unresolved murder of his uncle. As Darwin and his peers uncover buried truths linked to a past uprising, the narrative reveals how violence and guilt are inherited across generations. The musical adopts a dark, suspense-driven tone, combining psychological drama with social allegory. Its score emphasizes tension and emotional restraint rather than spectacle.
POSTER COLLECTION
Poster images are shown for documentation only. All rights belong to the original creators and producers.
KOREAN RUNS
2018 – Premiere, Seoul Performing Arts Company
The premiere was staged at CJ Towol Theatre, Seoul Arts Center.
Subsequent revivals were held in 2019, 2021, and 2024 at the same venue, establishing the work as a recurring repertory title for the company.
GLOBAL STAGINGS & ADAPTATIONS
Japan, 2023
Licensed adaptation – Japanese-language production by Toho Co., Ltd.
The Japanese premiere opened in June 2023 at Theatre Création in Hibiya, Tokyo, presented by Toho under a small-license agreement exporting the original script and score. The production sold out its entire run upon opening and later toured to Hyogo Prefectural Performing Arts Center. Directed by Kenichi Suemitsu, the Japanese version incorporated additional dialogue and extensive visual media to support local audience comprehension, and was widely cited as the first overseas IP export by a Korean public arts organization.
REFERENCES
Namu Wiki – Korean production history and synopsis
https://namu.wiki/w/다윈%20영의%20악의%20기원
Yonhap News – Japan licensed premiere coverage
https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20230614149100005
Toho Stage Official Site – Japanese production information
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