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2024
嫌疑人X的献身
The Devotion of Suspect X (용의자 X의 헌신) is a Korean original musical adapted from Higashino Keigo’s best-selling novel, reimagining its logic-driven mystery through live music and emotional focus. Since its 2018 premiere, the show has expanded beyond Korea through multiple licensed Chinese-language productions and a 2025 Taiwanese stage adaptation.
English:
The Devotion of Suspect X
Korean:
용의자 X의 헌신
Country: China | Language: Chinese
🔗 All images are linked to their original sources or articles. No copyright ownership is claimed.
ORIGIN
Premiered in 2018, produced by Dal Company and Daemyung Culture Factory, based on Higashino Keigo’s novel. The musical was first developed through a staged reading in 2016 as part of the DCF Daemyung Theater’s “Performance, Meet – Companion” project, then fully staged two years later. The work emphasizes the contrast between mathematical logic and human emotion, framing the original mystery through a musical structure centered on live ensemble performance and dual-level staging.
STORY
Genius mathematician Ishigami secretly protects his neighbor Yasuko after she commits an accidental murder, constructing a perfect alibi with the precision of a mathematical proof. His former classmate, physicist Yukawa, becomes involved in the police investigation and begins to unravel Ishigami’s logic step by step. The narrative focuses not on discovering the killer, but on why the crime was committed and how far a person can go for love. Themes of rational sacrifice, emotional suppression, and moral ambiguity unfold through a suspense-driven score.
POSTER COLLECTION
Poster images are shown for documentation only. All rights belong to the original creators and producers.
KOREAN RUNS
2018 – Premiere, Dal Company and Daemyung Culture Factory, DCF Daemyung Cultural Factory 1 Theater
2022–2023 – Revival, Synth Wave, KEPCO Art Center
Developed from a 2016 reading supported by the Daemyung Cultural Factory 2nd-anniversary program
GLOBAL STAGINGS & ADAPTATIONS
China, 2024
Licensed adaptation – Chinese-language production in Chengdu
Staged at Chengdu High-Tech Zone Grand Theatre on January 12–13, 2024, starring Ye Qisheng and Jiang Qianru. The production marked the first confirmed commercial presentation of the musical in mainland China, presented as a localized Mandarin adaptation.
China, 2024
Licensed adaptation – Chinese-language production by Muse Sky
Presented at Shanghai People’s Grand Stage in August 2024 under the title 嫌疑人X的獻身. Marketed as a high-profile suspense musical with industrial-style staging and live band accompaniment. The production emphasized the emotional conflict behind the “perfect alibi” and was positioned as a major summer theatrical event.
China, 2025
Licensed adaptation – Chinese-language touring production by Muse Sky
Returning to Shanghai Grand Theatre from May 30 to June 1, 2025, followed by performances at Beijing Tianqiao Art Center from June 26 to 29 before launching a national tour. Promoted as part of Muse Sky’s 10th-anniversary season, the production highlighted its 9.8 audience rating on Damai and over 100 prior performances.
Taiwan, 2025
Licensed stage adaptation – Mandarin production
Presented as 嫌疑犯X的獻身 at Taipei’s National Theater Studio format venue from December 26–28, 2025, produced by BIRD Studio with local cast including Mo Tzu-yi and Yeh Wen-hao. Marketed as the first officially licensed Taiwanese adaptation of the novel for the stage, emphasizing the work’s literary prestige and emotional depth.
REFERENCES
Namu Wiki – Korean production history
YTN Science – 2018 feature coverage
https://science.ytn.co.kr/program/view.php?mcd=0082&key=201806151140186222
Piaowutong – Chengdu 2024 ticketing page
https://m.piaowutong.com/ticket/18/15542.html
Knews – 2025 Shanghai/Beijing tour announcement
https://www.163.com/dy/article/K0T3JF1V0514EGPO.html
OPENTIX – Taiwan 2025 ticketing page
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