Lee Hyunse's "Nambeol" Debuts as Original Musical 32 Years Later; Runs Through Nov. 14

Moving LED Screens and a Mobile Stage Bring the Battlefield to Life
Oh Jonghyuk and Seonyul Star as Protagonist Oh Hyesung
Lee Eomji, Daughter of Lee Hyun-se, Joins the Stage Design Team

“Nambeol,” one of the best-known works by cartoonist Lee Hyunse, has been adapted into an original musical for the first time, 32 years after its publication.

The musical “Nambeol” opened on October 23 at Ticketlink 1975 Theater in Seoul, production company Exclamation said on October 26. Preview performances will run through October 26, with regular performances beginning on October 27 and continuing through November 14.

“Nambeol” is based on Lee Hyunse’s 1994 comic of the same name, which has sold more than 1 million copies in collected editions. The production condenses the expansive story of the original, which spans nine volumes, into a stage adaptation centered on its main characters and events.

Photo from the musical "Nambeol." Exclamation.

The musical “Nambeol” depicts a desperate struggle to rescue more than 2,000 South Korean nationals held captive amid an international conflict sparked by an energy crisis originating in the Middle East. Oh Hyesung, who has lived in the back alleys of the city, heads to the battlefield carrying the grief and anger of losing his family. The story unfolds as his love for Eomji, his desperate need to survive, and his sense of duty to rescue the captives intersect.

The nine-volume original is brought to the stage in a condensed form using moving LED screens, vertically and horizontally moving platforms, and video. Rapid scene changes and moving set pieces convey the scale and urgency of the battlefield.

Lee Eomji, the daughter of the original artist Lee Hyunse, worked on the stage design. Composer Cho Wooin and music director Hwang Minjung are in charge of the music.

Before opening night, original artist Lee Hyunse visited a dress rehearsal to encourage the cast and production team. “Nambeol is a special work to me, and I am rooting for it to succeed more than anyone,” he said. During the production process, he also expressed his hope that the musical would become an independent work in its own right rather than being bound by the original.

Lee Jonghun is responsible for the book, lyrics, and direction, with composer Cho Wooin, music director Hwang Minjung, choreographer Kim Kyungyong, and others joining the creative team. Oh Jonghyeok and Seonyul have been cast as Oh Hyesung, Park Soeun and Lee Jaerim as Choi Eomji, and Kim Mincheol and Jung Siuk as Kaoru. The cast also includes Lee Jongyeong, Park Mingwan, and Kim Minsu.

“Nambeol” was selected for the Arts Management Support Center’s “2026 Support Program for Large-Scale Musical Showcases.” The performance runs for 160 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission, and is suitable for audiences aged 14 and older.

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