2024
ファンレター
Fan Letter (팬레터) is a Korean original chamber musical set in 1930s Gyeongseong, exploring artistry, identity, and devotion through a web of letters among young writers. Since its 2016 premiere, it has grown into a notable K-musical export with licensed stagings in Taiwan, China, and Japan, as well as a UK showcase.
English:
Fan Letter
Korean:
팬레터
Country: Japan | Language: Japanese
🔗 All images are linked to their original sources or articles. No copyright ownership is claimed.
ORIGIN
Premiered in Korea in 2016, produced by LIVE Corp, Fan Letter originated from a government-backed creator development program. Inspired by episodes surrounding writers Yi Sang and Kim Yu-jeong and the literary circle of the era, the show reframes that milieu through fictionalized figures and a correspondence-driven narrative. Subsequent domestic runs followed in 2017–2018, 2019–2020, 2021–2022, and a fifth season scheduled for 2025–2026, solidifying its status as a contemporary Korean original.
STORY
In 1930s Gyeongseong, aspiring writer Sehun becomes entangled in the mystery of “Hikaru,” a deceased female novelist whose final manuscript is about to be published. Seeking to halt the release, he confronts poet-novelist Yiyoon, a member of a bohemian writers’ circle, and the past unfurls through letters, rivalries, and a fatal romance involving star author Hyejin. With lyrical music and a restrained, literary tone, the musical examines the blurred lines between muse and maker, person and persona, love and creation.
POSTER COLLECTION
Poster images are shown for documentation only. All rights belong to the original creators and producers.
KOREAN RUNS
Korea (2016 premiere; LIVE Corp) — Initial run opened in October–November 2016, with extended revivals in 2017–2018, 2019–2020, and 2021–2022; a fifth season is slated for December 2025–February 2026. Across these cycles the work refined its book and performance language while retaining its epistolary core and 1930s setting.
GLOBAL STAGINGS & ADAPTATIONS
Taiwan – Taichung (2018)
Licensed Mandarin-language presentation – National Taichung Theater (Grand Theater)
Aug 17–19, 2018, titled 《光的來信》. Marketed as the first overseas engagement, introducing the work’s letter-form narrative and 1930s literary setting to Taiwanese audiences in a short premiere run.
China – Shanghai (2022)
Licensed Chinese-language production – Shanghai Culture Square
Jan 13–16, 2022, under the title 《粉丝来信》. Presented with a local creative team and cast, emphasizing the musical’s themes of artistic longing and authorship while retaining the structure and tone of the Korean original.
Japan – Tokyo & Hyogo (2024)
Licensed Japanese-language production – Toho
Theatre Crea, Tokyo (Sep 9–30, 2024) and Hyogo Performing Arts Center (Oct 4–6, 2024), titled 『ファンレター』. Directed by Tamiya Kuriyama and starring Naoto Kaiho, Kenji Urai, and Haruka Kinoshita. Based directly on the 2021–2022 Korean licensed script and score, preserving historical context and character names.
United Kingdom – London (2024)
English-language highlights showcase – Lilian Baylis Studio, Sadler’s Wells
Nov 4, 2024, approx. 40-minute excerpt presentation as part of the K-Musical Roadshow. Framed as an export-ready introduction and the title’s first step into the UK market.
REFERENCES
Namu Wiki – overview and Korea run chronology
https://namu.wiki/w/%ED%8C%AC%EB%A0%88%ED%84%B0(%EB%AE%A4%EC%A7%80%EC%BB%AC)
National Taichung Theater listing (blog announcement) – Taiwan engagement details
https://studioptaiwan.pixnet.net/blog/post/222159321
LIVE Corp – China licensed production (Shanghai Culture Square, 2022)
http://www.livecorp.co.kr/m31_view.php?idx=63&cate=4
Toho Stage – Japanese licensed production (Theatre Crea / Hyogo, 2024)
https://www.tohostage.com/fanletter/
NEWSIS – London showcase announcement (Lilian Baylis Studio, 2024)
