2023
春を描く
Drawing Spring (봄을 그리다) is an original Korean musical developed in an academic setting and selected for the DIMF Creative Support Program, later presented internationally as a Korean-language showcase in Japan, highlighting emerging creators and educational pathways in K-musical exports.
ORIGIN
The musical was developed in 2021–2022 by students of Hongik University’s Department of Performing Arts, with music composed by students from the Practical Music program and performances by Musical Theatre majors. It originated from a creative PBL course titled “Advanced Acting / Anglo-American Popular Music Workshop (1),” followed by a staged reading in June 2021. In February 2022, the work was selected as a Creative Support Production of the 16th Daegu International Musical Festival (DIMF) and prepared for its official premiere in Daegu.
STORY
The story unfolds across two timelines, intertwining a contemporary art exhibition with a tragic love story from the Joseon dynasty. A museum curator named Hwa-won commissions music for an exhibition centered on the legendary painter Chun-woo, triggering emotional memories embedded within the paintings. In the past, Chun-woo, a gifted court painter turned wanderer due to political intrigue, falls in love with Hwa-won during a spring rain. Their relationship is complicated by loyalty, jealousy, and betrayal, leading to irreversible choices and loss. The musical blends historical romance with introspective musical storytelling.
POSTER COLLECTION
Poster images are shown for documentation only. All rights belong to the original creators and producers.
KOREAN RUNS
2022 – Premiere, produced as a DIMF Creative Support Production
The official premiere was held from July 1 to 3, 2022, at Daedeok Culture Center in Daegu as part of the 16th Daegu International Musical Festival.
The production was noted for its high musical quality despite being a student-developed work and gained attention within academic and festival circles.
GLOBAL STAGINGS & ADAPTATIONS
Japan, 2023
Showcase presentation – Korean-language showcase as part of a cultural roadshow
In 2023, Drawing Spring was presented in Tokyo as a Korean-language showcase during the K-Musical Roadshow in Tokyo. The performance was introduced alongside other Korean musicals to Japanese audiences, emphasizing cultural exchange and early-stage international exposure rather than full commercial licensing. The showcase format highlighted selected musical numbers and narrative excerpts, positioning the work as an example of emerging Korean musical talent developed through university-based programs.
REFERENCES
Hongik University News – development and DIMF selection article
https://www.hongik.ac.kr/kr/newscenter/news.do?mode=view&articleNo=78117
Interpark Ticket – 16th DIMF Creative Support Production premiere information
https://tickets.interpark.com/goods/22005967
DIMF Official Site – festival entry and synopsis
https://dimf.or.kr/portal/festival/view.do?idx=156
K-Musical Roadshow in Tokyo – official schedule information
https://imashow.jp/schedule/718/
NicoNico News – K-Musical Roadshow in Tokyo coverage
https://spice.eplus.jp/articles/324715
News Daily – article on K-Musical Roadshow featuring multiple showcases
https://www.newdaily.co.kr/site/data/html/2023/12/13/2023121300037.html



