Reviving the Musical Tale of Sejong and Park Yeon: ‘Romantic Ballad’ Takes the Stage

Sejong and Park Yeon’s Musical Story Revived in the Musical “Romantic Ballad”

The musical “Romantic Ballad” is set to open on March 19th at Yes24 Art One 2nd Hall in Seoul, bringing to life the story of Sejong and Park Yeon, who played a significant role in establishing the foundation of Korean music. Inspired by the historical record in the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, which mentions Sejong’s enjoyment of musical instrument performances before his reign, the musical combines fact and fiction to create a captivating historical drama.

Storyline and Characters

The musical follows the journey of “Lee Do,” played by actors Lee Jong-suk, Ban Jung-mo, and Kim Woo-sung, who disguises his identity and enters the music institution of the Joseon Dynasty. “Park Yeon,” portrayed by actors Park Yoo-deok and Jang Min-soo, is suddenly appointed to manage the musicians. “Yesung,” portrayed by actors Jeon Ha-young and Park Joo-eun, assumes a male disguise to seek revenge and becomes a musician in the institution. “Dongrae,” played by actors Hwang Du-hyun, Jung Baek-sun, and Jung Ji-woo, roams the streets playing the flute before becoming a musician in the institution. The character “Muyong,” represented by actors Yoo Da-hye and Bae Sang-kyung, personifies the plum blossom and embodies the essence of music itself.

Award-Winning Musical

The musical “Romantic Ballad” has already received recognition, winning the Best Story award in the story category at the 2022 Korea Content Awards, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and hosted by the Korea Creative Content Agency. The story, written by Shin Jae-ah and adapted into a musical script by Park Hae-rim, has also been acknowledged in the Korean Musical Awards, receiving the Best Script and Cha Beom-seok Playwriting awards.

Production Team and Performances

The musical is directed by Kim Eun-young, who also handles the composition, direction, and music direction. The choreography, created by Shin Sun-ho, enhances the various expressions and symbolism within the performance. Audiences can enjoy the musical “Romantic Ballad” until June 9th, immersing themselves in the enchanting world of Sejong and Park Yeon’s musical journey.