Blockbuster casting alert: the original Korean musical Gone Tomorrow is marking its 10th anniversary with a star-packed lineup, including Highlight's Son Dong-woon — and netizens are already split over the sheer number of actors per role.
On the 21st, producer PAGE1 unveiled the cast celebrating a decade since the 2016 premiere of Gone Tomorrow.
The show is inspired by the final days and assassination of reformist Kim Ok-gyun, who fled to Japan after the Gapsin Coup, and has cemented itself as a flagship historical K-musical.
For the lead revolutionary Kim Ok-gyun, the lineup features Kang Pil-seok, Choi Jae-woong, Kim Kyung-soo, Song Won-keun, Go Hun-jung, and Son Dong-woon. Kang Pil-seok has appeared in every season since the premiere, returning once again for the 10th anniversary. First-timers Kim Kyung-soo and Highlight member Son Dong-woon are drawing major attention for their upcoming performances.
As Han Jeong-hun, a royal secret emissary, the cast includes Kim Jae-beom, Shin Seong-min, Baek Hyeong-hun, Yoon So-ho, Won Tae-min, and Moon Yoo-gang. King Gojong will be portrayed by Ko Young-bin, Park Young-soo, and Kim Jun-su. Park has led every season since the premiere, while National Changgeuk Company alumnus Kim Jun-su will once again deliver a multidimensional portrayal of Gojong with his signature vocal color and expressiveness.
Adding tension, the role of Lee Wan goes to Kim Tae-han, Ji Hyun-joon, and Shin Jae-hee. Notably, Ji Hyun-joon joins for the first time this season and will showcase range by tackling dual roles — Lee Wan and Kim Ok-gyun's loyal bodyguard, Wada.
Reacting to the casting, netizens commented, "The run isn't even that long but there are too many actors," and "I don't know if the pairing I want to see will even exist," capturing the mixed mood.
The production runs from September 15 to November 29 at the Grand Theater of Hongik University Daehangno Art Center in Seoul.