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Song of Two Flowers
쌍화별곡
Official English Title
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SOURCE
history
SETTING
Korea
BOOK
original
The young monks Wonhyo and Uisang
Korean Premiere
2012
Korean Premiere Theatre
Universal Arts Center, Seoul
Further Korean run reference:
https://www.themusical.co.kr/Musical/Detail?num=1887
The Musical search cue — “쌍화별곡”
Summary
Set in the Silla era, this musical imagines the youth of Buddhist monks Wonhyo and Uisang, tracing their friendship, dreams, human struggles, and paths toward enlightenment.
Origin & Development
Premiered in 2012 at Universal Arts Center in Seoul, produced by Buddhist Broadcasting System (BBS). Directed and choreographed by Iran-young, with music by Jang So-young and lyrics by Lee Hee-joon. The show was conceived as a contemporary retelling of the famous Silla-era figures through dance, sung-through score, and mixed instrumentation (Korean percussion and electronica). Cast included Kim Da-hyun, Park Wan, Kim Ho-young, and Jung Sun-ah. 2012 – Universal Arts Center, Seoul (world premiere, Sept 11–30). 2012 – Limited touring dates in Daegu and Busan (2 performances per city). Promoted as a large-scale sung-through musical blending Buddhist themes with contemporary staging.
Partial Synopsis
Set in 7th-century Silla, the musical follows Wonhyo, a free-spirited monk who questions life, death, desire, and enlightenment after witnessing the brutality of war. His philosophical journey intersects with the disciplined scholar-monk Uisang, whose rivalry and friendship frame the narrative. Romantic subplots with Princess Yoseok and Seonmyo add human contrast, while the score and choreography alternate between devotional ritual and pop-theatrical energy. The work emphasizes the Buddhist idea that all suffering and liberation arise from the mind.
双花别曲
2012
2012-11-07
to
2012-11-07
Country:
China
City:
Shenzhen
Production Type:
Full Production
Language:
Korean
Venue:
Shenzhen Poly Theatre
A Korean-language special engagement marking the 20th anniversary of Korea–China diplomatic relations, selected by the China Buddhist Association and staged with video-based scenery in place of the original revolving set. It drew full houses and standing ovations.
双花别曲
2013–2014
2013-12-05
to
2014-01-04
Country:
China
City:
Multiple Cities
Production Type:
Full Production
Language:
Korean
Venue:
Multiple Venues
A government-approved tour of Shenzhen (December 5–7), Hainan (December 11–12), Guangzhou (December 16–18), and Beijing (January 3–4). The Beijing performances, at the Great Hall of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, were the first musical ever staged there; promoted as a cultural exchange project highlighting shared Buddhist heritage, the tour reported repeated sell-outs and attendance by Chinese and Korean dignitaries.
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