A jukebox musical built on the greatest hits of Korean folk legend Song Chang-sik is set to hit the stage this June, stirring both nostalgia and fresh buzz.
On the 22nd, the National Jeongdong Theater of Korea announced the main poster and full cast lineup for the co-produced musical The Pied Piper of Hamelin with Artrover Company.
Set to Song Chang-sik’s iconic tracks that defined the youth culture of the 1970s, the show weaves in the turbulent era of the Japanese colonial period, telling the story of young people who fought through the times. Even amid darkness, these youths nurtured dreams of art, love, and independence—now meeting Song’s timeless melodies that celebrate purity and freedom for a deeply moving experience.
A theater representative said, “While Song Chang-sik’s songs have appeared in performances and films before, this is the first time an entire production is built exclusively on his catalog. Twenty cross-generational hits—including ‘The Pied Piper of Hamelin,’ ‘Whale Hunting,’ ‘Tobacco Shop Lady,’ and ‘Ga-na-da-ra’—are seamlessly woven into the narrative to maximize immersion.”
The Pied Piper of Hamelin shines a spotlight not on grand, recorded heroes but on the “nameless masses.” It authentically captures universally relatable stories of ordinary youth—between dreams and reality, family ties and personal convictions, and an identity shaken by the times.
The powerhouse creative team and skilled cast are already raising expectations. Writer Jung Chan-su, arranger Han Hye-shin, director Sim Seol-in, music director Park Jae-hyun, and choreographer Han Seon-cheon join forces. Leading the show, the role of Young-soo—a youth who heals others through song—will be played by Choi Min-woo, Kim Ri-hyun, and Cho Sung-tae. The role of Ji-hye, a secret-laden star of Gyeongseong, goes to Lee Tae-eun and Lee Ru-won. Lee Dong-su and Park Jwa-heon play Daegil (Daikichi), a pro-Japanese collaborator who has abandoned his own name, while Yoon Seok-hyeon and Cho Seong-yun portray Young-gi, a member of the independence group who sacrifices his life for freedom.
Bridging generations with rich nostalgia for parents and a fresh emotional punch for younger audiences, The Pied Piper of Hamelin runs from June 12 to August 2.