2023
消失
Vanishing (배니싱) is a Korean original musical set in 1925 Gyeongseong about a vampire named K and two medical students whose research blurs the line between cure and monstrosity. After multiple domestic seasons, it exported in 2023 to Hong Kong (original cast, surtitled) and mainland China (licensed Mandarin production).
English:
Vanishing
Korean:
배니싱
Country: China | Language: Chinese
🔗 All images are linked to their original sources or articles. No copyright ownership is claimed.
ORIGIN
Premiered in 2017 at DCF Daemyung Culture Factory Vivaldi Park Hall after a 2016 tryout at Daehakro TOM 2. Produced by Neo Production, written by Han Jae-eun and composed by Joo Min-a, the piece developed into a recurring small-to-mid scale title with a devoted fanbase, exploring themes of immortality, ethics, and desire to see sunlight.
STORY
In a derelict house, medical student Uishin and his junior Myeongryeol encounter K, a man who burns in sunlight and shows no heartbeat. Believing K to be a rare clinical case, Uishin begins secret experiments that promise a cure, while Myeongryeol grows suspicious and ambitious. As murders spread through the city, trust fractures and a final experiment forces a choice between human life, monstrous survival, and the possibility of walking in the sun.
POSTER COLLECTION
Poster images are shown for documentation only. All rights belong to the original creators and producers.
KOREAN RUNS
2017 – premiere, Neo Production, DCF Daemyung Culture Factory Vivaldi Park Hall (following 2016 tryout at Daehakro TOM 2)
2018, 2020–2021, 2022, 2025 – recurring seasons at Art One Theater 1 and Link Art Center Payco Hall
GLOBAL STAGINGS & ADAPTATIONS
Hong Kong, 2023
Original Korean-language tour with Chinese/English surtitles – Festive Korea (Korean Cultural Center in Hong Kong; supported by LCSD)
Three performances on October 13–14, 2023 at Hong Kong City Hall Theatre, featuring original Korean cast. Part of Festive Korea’s government-supported cultural exchange program; performances sold out and drew strong audience response, with post-show talk highlighting live music and staging.
China (Shanghai), 2023
Licensed adaptation – Mandarin-language production
Ran September–November 2023 at Shanghai Gongwu Stage, marketed with the tagline about “walking into sunlight.” Local coverage emphasized high-difficulty vocal numbers and varied casting combinations for K, Uishin, and Myeongryeol, noting strong audience engagement with the finale’s reprise about sunlight.
REFERENCES
Korean Cultural Center in Hong Kong – Festive Korea “Vanishing” recap
https://www.korean-culture.org/kocc/view?seq=1046434
Korea.net – Festive Korea 2023: Musical “Vanishing” (ticket link via URBTIX)
https://www.korea.net/Events/Overseas/view?articleId=18584
LCSD Hong Kong – Programme page
https://www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/tc/theatre/programs_1613.html
Shanghai Huangpu news (JFDaily) – Shanghai run feature
https://www.jfdaily.com/sgh/detail?id=1156980
NamuWiki entry
https://namu.wiki/w/%EB%B0%B0%EB%8B%88%EC%8B%B1(%EB%AE%A4%EC%A7%80%EC%BB%AC)
