16 Emerging Artists to Present Five New Musicals and Plays as Staged Readings at Daehangno for the First Time

'Stage JOO' at Starlit Hall in Daehangno on October 20-21

Production company Jooda Culture announced on October 6 that it will present five new works—musicals and plays—as staged readings for the first time at Starlit Hall in Daehangno, Seoul, on October 20 and 21.

Supported by the Arts Council Korea, the '2026 Preliminary Artists' First Presentation Support Project, STAGE JOO,' was established to help emerging artists enter the performing arts scene by discovering new talent, facilitating networking, and supporting live presentations. According to Jooda Culture, five writers, three composers, and eight actors—a total of 16 participants—were selected in April, and after several months of mentoring and creative development, five final works have been prepared.

The mentoring process involved 11 industry professionals, including producers, writers, composers, and directors, who assisted with table reads, individual mentoring, and auditions to help develop and stage the new works.

Each piece will be presented in the format of a staged reading and pitch session, each running for approximately 70 minutes. On October 20, three new musicals will be showcased to audiences.

The musical 'Bihyeongseolhwa' features a script by Hyunseo Lee, music by Seongyun Yoo, and direction by Junyoung Park. This fantasy musical follows the quest for the true meaning of love amid emptiness as Bihyeongrang, a half-human, half-spirit, is pursued by a reaper. Cast members include Noah No, Sohyun Choi, Taehwoo Oh, and Jaejun Ahn.

'Eutopia' was written by Minha Kim, composed by Minji Kim, and directed by Jiho Kim. This psychological drama explores a young man's journey as he escapes the harsh reality of post-war trauma in pursuit of his own safe utopia. The cast features Yeoreum Nam, Saedam Park, and Jeongmin Lee.

'Etoile,' with a script by Jungwon Baek, music by Wooseok Jang, and direction by Sanga Pyo, is set in a closing theater under Nazi-occupied Paris in 1944. The story centers on characters searching for their erased identities and personal value under the weight of censorship. The cast includes Seunghoon No, Sol Han, Doha Kim, and Baekseon Jeong.

On October 21, two new plays will follow.

'Nakjo,' written by Yeona Choi and directed by Hyesun Park, is a relationship thriller that explores how a character comes to truly see others while uncovering the secret of a lover who becomes a winged human. The cast features Subin Park, Seunghoon No, Ain Jeong, and Eunchae Na.

'Aquarium,' written by Suhyeon No and directed by Gyeol Kim, is a mystery fantasy that examines the meaning of true care and protection through the story of a mysterious 'mer-being' inside an aquarium and the secrets surrounding them. The production stars Seoyoung Lee, Seyoung Lee, Dohyun Kim, Kyungtae Moon, and Jieun Ha.

The participating emerging artists will receive creative support grants and be provided with the stage, lighting, and audio facilities of Starlit Hall in Daehangno for their productions.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.