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The Origin of Evil by Darwin Young
다윈 영의 악의 기원
Official English Title
SOURCE
novel
SETTING
Korea
BOOK
adaptation
Based on Park Jiri, The Origin of Evil by Darwin Young
Korean Premiere
2018
Korean Premiere Theatre
CJ Towol Theater, Seoul Arts Center, Seoul
Further Korean run reference:
https://namu.wiki/w/%EB%8B%A4%EC%9C%88%20%EC%98%81%EC%9D%98%20%EC%95%85%EC%9D%98%20%EA%B8%B0%EC%9B%90
https://www.themusical.co.kr/Musical/Detail?num=2767
The Musical search cue — “다윈 영의 악의 기원”
Summary
In a rigidly stratified society, elite student Darwin Young investigates a murder and uncovers inherited guilt, family secrets, and systemic violence.
Origin & Development
The musical premiered in 2018, based on the novel of the same title by Park Jiri, with book and lyrics by Lee Hee-jun and music by Park Chun Hwee. It was produced by the Seoul Performing Arts Company and first staged at the CJ Towol Theatre, Seoul Arts Center. Developed as a large-scale original work by a national public arts organization, the production gained recognition for its dystopian worldbuilding and psychological narrative structure. 2018 – Premiere, Seoul Performing Arts Company. The premiere was staged at CJ Towol Theatre, Seoul Arts Center. Subsequent revivals were held in 2019, 2021, and 2024 at the same venue, establishing the work as a recurring repertory title for the company.
Partial Synopsis
Set in a rigidly stratified fictional city, the story follows Darwin Young, a top student at an elite boarding school, as he investigates the unresolved murder of his uncle. As Darwin and his peers uncover buried truths linked to a past uprising, the narrative reveals how violence and guilt are inherited across generations. The musical adopts a dark, suspense-driven tone, combining psychological drama with social allegory. Its score emphasizes tension and emotional restraint rather than spectacle.
ダーウィン・ヤング 悪の起源
2023
2023-06-07
to
2023-06-25
Country:
Japan
City:
Tokyo
Production Type:
Licensed
Language:
Japanese
Venue:
Theatre Crea
Presented by Toho under a small-license agreement for the original script and score, the Japanese premiere sold out its entire run upon opening and later toured to Hyogo Performing Arts Center. Directed by Kenichi Suemitsu, it added dialogue and extensive visual media to aid local comprehension and was cited as the first overseas IP export by a Korean public arts organization.
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