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귀환
The Promise of the Day (귀환) is a Korean original musical centered on the recovery of Korean War soldiers’ remains, intertwining past and present narratives of sacrifice, memory, and reconciliation. It reflects on generational perspectives toward war and the enduring promise to bring fallen soldiers home.
SOURCE
original
SETTING
Korea
BOOK
original
국내 프로덕션
2019.10 🔴 Olympic Park Woori Financial Art Hall (Seoul)
2020.06 🔴 Olympic Park Woori Financial Art Hall (Seoul)
SYNOPSIS
(Full Synopsis)
Set across the Korean War era and the present day, the musical unfolds between battlefields of the past and excavation sites in modern Korea, where efforts are made to recover the remains of fallen soldiers.
The story follows Seungho, a Korean War veteran who dedicates his later life to searching for the remains of his fallen comrades. His grandson, Hyunmin, initially views the war as distant history and struggles to understand his grandfather’s commitment. After facing academic failure, Hyunmin enlists and is assigned to a military unit specializing in identifying and recovering war remains.
As Hyunmin participates in excavation efforts, the narrative interweaves Seungho’s youth during the war. Alongside his friends Haeil and Jingu, Seungho experiences friendship, love, and the abrupt outbreak of war that forces them into military service. Their personal stories unfold amid the chaos of conflict, including separation, sacrifice, and unfulfilled emotions.
Through the convergence of past and present, Hyunmin gradually comes to understand the weight of history and the meaning behind his grandfather’s lifelong mission. The musical ultimately emphasizes remembrance, human connection, and the promise to return those who never came home.
제작 노트
The Promise of the Day was produced by the Republic of Korea Army in 2019 as a large-scale original musical focusing on the recovery of Korean War soldiers’ remains.
Developed as a commemorative work, the production highlights themes of national memory and reconciliation, combining contemporary staging with historical narrative. It gained attention for its emotional resonance and subject matter, as well as for its involvement of military personnel and institutional backing.
REFERENCES
Synopsis Sources
NamuWiki Synopsis
https://namu.wiki/w/%EA%B7%80%ED%99%98(%EB%AE%A4%EC%A7%80%EC%BB%AC)
PlayDB Synopsis
https://m.playdb.co.kr/Play/Info/151417
The Musical Page
https://www.themusical.co.kr/Musical/Detail?num=2770
Articles & Reviews
Brunch Review
https://brunch.co.kr/@writeroui/17
Yonhap Photo Article
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