A chilling, psychology-driven musical that digs into the roots of evil and human nature is making a shocking return to the stage this summer.
On the 29th, producer Beautiful Way announced the opening of the musical On the Origin of Species and unveiled its cast lineup.
On the Origin of Species is based on bestselling author Jung Yu-jung’s novel of the same name. The story follows protagonist Han Yoo-jin as he recognizes and awakens the darkness within. Once a promising swimmer, Han’s life shifts after a competition accident. While living as a seemingly ordinary law school hopeful, he discovers his mother brutally murdered one day—forcing him to confront his true nature. Two actors split Han Yoo-jin’s inner conflict on stage, while taut relationships with those around him sharpen the portrait of innate evil.
This season welcomes back fan-favorites Kim Ryeo-won, Gi Se-jung, Kim I-hu, Park Sang-hyeok, Noh Hee-chan, Kang Hana, and Ryu Bi. Newcomers Byeon Hee-sang, Jung Jae-hwan, Lee Jong-seok, Shin Eun-chong, Kim Geon-yul, Do Hae, Choi Min-kyung, and Kim Sara join to inject fresh energy into the production.
The role of Han Yoo-jin—a law school hopeful hiding a cold, ruthless psychopathic instinct—will be played by Kim Ryeo-won, Byeon Hee-sang, Gi Se-jung, Jung Jae-hwan, Lee Jong-seok, Kim I-hu, Shin Eun-chong, and Park Sang-hyeok. Han’s friend, the passionate film student Kim Hae-jin, will be portrayed by Noh Hee-chan, Kim Geon-yul, Do Hae, and Choi Min-kyung. Kim Ji-won (Han’s mother) and Kim Hye-won (Han’s aunt) will be performed in dual roles by Kang Hana, Kim Sara, and Ryu Bi—driving the show’s central clash. Notably, continuing from last season, the production will feature an all-female fixed pairing that offers a distinctly different charm from the male pairing.
With the original and revival’s acclaimed creative team reuniting to deliver another hard-hitting experience, On the Origin of Species runs from June 23 to September 20.