A Gay Girl's Guide to Korean Musicals (with English subtitles!)
People often associate musicals with male gayness (both onstage and off) but there's stuff out there for female-oriented queers too! It's just harder to find, which is why I put this video together despite not knowing Korean.
This list isn't comprehensive and I deliberately chose musicals with either queer female characters or gender-free casting (i.e. female actors playing male roles), except for Bernarda Alba, which is special as it’s by far the largest-scale all-female production with 10 characters. Obviously there are many Korean musicals out there which don't meet these criteria and are still of interest to the queers, but I wanted to highlight these in particular as they are, apart from Rebecca, not as well-known. I highly recommend checking out @koreanmusicals for more information on Korean musicals generally!
Note: Again, I don’t understand Korean and relied heavily on machine translation and the original lyrics for licenced productions, so any errors in the subtitles or explanations are mine. Corrections are very welcome!
At-a-glance list:
1. Lizze (리지)
2. Midnight (미드나잇)
3. Rebecca (레베카)
4. Pirate (해적)
5. V Ever After (V 에버 애프터)
6. Frida (프리다)
7. Red Cliff (적벽)
8. Bernarda Alba (베르나르다 알바)
More details, including links to the sources, under the cut!
1. LIZZIE (리지)
Photo source: NewsCulture
A. “If You Knew” (네가 안다면)
Actor: J-Min/제이민 (Alice)
Video source: Oh! J-Min 오! 제이민
B. “Will You Stay?” (있어줄래?)
Actors: J-Min/제이민 (Alice – main vocal), Yuria/유리아 (Lizzie)
Video sources: 서울문화투데이TV, OSEN TV, 톱데일리 Top Daily, 더인터 (clip 1, clip 2), PlayDB, TongTongCulture
C. “Sweet Little Sister” (소중한 내 동생)
Actors: Kim Ryeowon/김려원 (Emma – main vocal), Jeon Sung-min/전성민 (Lizzie), Lee Youngmi/이영미 (Bridget), Kim Suyeon/김수연 (Alice)
Video sources: PlayDB, TongTongCulture
2. MIDNIGHT (미드나잇)
Photo source: 666PICTURE
A. “The Future Comes A-Knocking” (그날이 찾아왔어)
Actor: Yuria/유리아 (Visitor)
Video source: 정숲
B. “Everyone’s A Devil, Now and Then” (누구나 악마죠 때로는)
Actors: Jang Bo-ram/장보람 (Visitor), Ju Da-on/주다온 (Woman), Jang Yoo-sang/장유상 (Man), Park Seon-young/박선영 (Player 1), Jina Esther Baek/백지나에스더 (Player 2), Kang Daewoon/강대운 (Player 3), Hwang Ji-sung/황지성 (Player 4)
Video sources: 빚, 라디우스, 탄수화물 섭취량과 행복도의 상관관계
3. REBECCA (레베카)
Photo source: EMK Musical’s official Facebook page
“Rebecca” (레베카)
Actors: Ock Joo Hyun/옥주현 (Mrs. Danvers - main vocal), Lee Ji Hye/이지혜(Protagonist)
Video source: EMK MUSICAL
4. PIRATE (해적)
Photo source: comet7423_PIC
A. “I Won't Let You Go” (가만 안 둬)
Actors: Kim Ee-hoo/김이후 (Anne Bonny), Kim Ryeowon/김려원 (Mary Read)
Video source: KONTENTZ PLANNING
B. “All of us and the dreams we don’t remember” (우리 모두의, 기억나지 않는 꿈)
Actors: Kim Ee-hoo/김이후 (Anne Bonny), Kim Ryeowon/김려원 (Mary Read)
Video source: MN CAM
5. V EVER AFTER (V 에버 애프터)
Photo source: Amor_pic
“Hunt” (사냥)
Actors: Kim Ee-hoo/김이후 (Lehwig – main vocal), Hwang Hannah/황한나 (Frantzschez)
Video source: 컷콜 찍는 먼지
6. FRIDA (프리다)
Photo source: NewsCulture
“Hummingbird” (허밍버드)
Actors: Jeon Su-mi/전수미 (Diego/Reflejar), Kim So-hyang/김소향 (Frida)
Video source: PlayDB
7. RED CLIFF (적벽)
Photo source: L0VE_pearl
“Southeastern Wind” (동남풍)
Actors: Lim Ji-soo (Kong Ming, aka. Zhuge Liang), Lee Geum-mi/이금미 (Zhou Yu), Kim Su-in 김수인 (Lu Su), Choi Ha-neul/최하늘 (Xu Sheng), Lee Yongjeong/이용전 (Zhao Yun, aka. Zhao Zilong), others
Video source: KBS 11’s 국악 한마당, episode 1256 (aired 27 Apr 2019)
8. BERNARDA ALBA (베르나르다 알바)
Photo source: Screencap from livestream
“Prologue” (프롤로그)
Actors: Jung Young-joo/정영주 (Bernarda Alba), Lee Youngmi/이영미 (Foncia – main vocal), Hwang Seok-jeong/황석정 (Maria Josefa), Jung In-ji/정인지 (Angustias), Kim Hwan-Hee/김국희 (Amelia), Oh So-yeon/오소연 (Adela), Baek Eun-hye/백은혜 (Magdalena), Jeong Sung-min/전성민 (Martirio), Kim Hieora/김히어라 (Young Handmaid), Kim Koo-hee/김환희 (Handmaid, Prudence)
Video source: THE MUSICAL
song kang as jeong guwon in my demon (2023-2024) ✧ kim bum as lee rang in tale of the nine tailed (2020) ✧ yun ji on as im ryung gu in tomorrow (2022) ✧ park hyungsik as jung yihyun in happiness (2021) ✧ han hyojoo as yoon saebeom in happiness (2021) ✧ lee soohyuk as cha joo ik in doom at your service (2021) ✧ ji chang wook as yoon gyeo re in if you wish upon me (2022) ✧ choi sooyoung as seo yeon joo in if you wish upon me (2022) ✧ kwak dong yeon as jang han seo in vincenzo (2021)
tagging (no pressure ofc <3) the mutuals I've discussed dramas with this year: @lee-minhoe @sunminshine @jwooyoung @kimsmingyu
honorable mentions bc I am horrible at following directions
gunwoo & woojin (bloodhounds) • do dohee (my demon) • doom (doom at your service) • samdal (welcome to samdalri) • yongpil (welcome to samdalri) • lee yeon (tale of the nine tailed) • park junmo (the worst of evil) • jung gichul (the worst of evil) • koo ryeon (tomorrow)
Space Sweepers is a South Korean sci-fi action film that takes viewers on an exciting adventure through the cosmos. If you love space themed flims then this is one of the must see korean movies to watch for you.
Movie Info
Directed by Jo Sung-hee
Produced by CJ ENM and Dexter Studios
Starring Song Joong-ki, Kim Tae-ri, Yoo Hae-jin, and Jin Sun-kyu
Genre: Science Fiction, Action, Adventure
Synopsis
one of the best Korean movies to watch for Sci-Fi Fans
Space Sweepers is a visually stunning film with an engaging story. Packed with action and suspense, the film also explores themes of social inequality and what it means to be human. With a talented cast and crew, Space Sweepers is one of the highly recommended Korean movies to watch for fans of sci-fi films.
9. Lucid Dream
Lucid Dream is a 2017 South Korean science fiction mystery-thriller that delves into the world of lucid dreaming, where the dreamer is aware they are dreaming. This unique plot makes it one of the best sci-fi Korean movies to watch this weekend.
Behind the Scenes
Directed by Kim Joon-sung (directorial debut)
Written by Kim Joon-sung and Lee Young-Jong
Starring Go Soo, Jung Yu-mi, Park In-hwan, and Sol Kyung-gu
Genre: Science Fiction, Mystery, Thriller
A Father’s Desperate Search
A Mind-Bending Adventure
Lucid Dream is a film that will keep you guessing. As Dae-ho delves deeper into his dreams, he uncovers unsettling truths and faces nightmarish dangers. The film explores the potential of the human mind and the terrifying consequences that can arise when dreams become a battleground.
For Fans of Psychological Thrillers
Lucid Dream is one of the best Korean movies to watch for fans of mind-bending films with a touch of science fiction. The film’s exploration of lucid dreaming is both fascinating and unsettling, and the performances by the cast are captivating. If you’re looking for a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, Lucid Dream is one of the perfect Korean movies to watch.
8. Save The Green Planet
Save the Green Planet! is a 2003 South Korean science fiction black comedy film that blends environmental commentary with violent action and dark humor as well as one of the most enjoyable Korean movies to watch.
Cinematic Team
Directed and Written by Jang Joon-hwan (debut film)
Produced by Kim Ki-duk Films (yes, the director of “Oldboy”)
Starring Shin Ha-kyun, Baek Yun-sik, and Jeong Min-ah
Genre: Science Fiction, Black Comedy, Action
Environmental Hero (of Sorts)
Byung-gu (Shin Ha-kyun) is an eco-warrior with a twist. Disillusioned with the state of the planet, he becomes fixated on the idea that aliens are responsible for environmental destruction. Believing himself to be Earth’s chosen savior, Byung-gu kidnaps a powerful corporate executive, Kang Man-shik (Baek Yun-sik), convinced he’s an alien leader. Aided by his childlike girlfriend, Su-ni (Jeong Min-ah), Byung-gu subjects Kang to a series of bizarre and brutal interrogations, determined to force him to reveal the aliens’ plan and save the planet.
A Genre-Bending Experience
Save the Green Planet! is not your typical sci-fi film. The dark humor and outlandish violence create a unique viewing experience. While the film can be shocking at times, it also uses satire to explore themes of environmental degradation, corporate greed, and social isolation.
Not for the Faint of Heart
The film’s graphic violence and intense situations may not be for everyone. However, for those seeking a unique and thought-provoking film that blends genres and challenges expectations, Save the Green Planet! is another of the best Korean movies to watch.
Continue reading at: 10 Sci-fi Korean Movies To Watch This Weekend
An Yu Jin (IVE) — Sugar Rush
Cha Eun Woo — sunflower
Christopher Bang — bluehour
Choi Beom Gyu — LittleJoanna
Choi San — sonogong
Choi Soo Bin — Bonvoyage
Choi Ye Rim — Cherry
Choi Yeon Jun — Nahida
D-E-F
Fukutomi Tsuki — Eunoia
G-H-I
Hanni Pham — Kamek
Han Yu Jin (ZB1) — Dumpling
Hirai Momo — Kamek
Hwang Hyun Jin — Némesis
Hwang Ye Ji — Dalí
J-K-L
Jake Sim — Darimda
Jang Won Young — jellypop
Jeon Jung Kook — genos
Jeon So Yeon — Bluey
Jeon Won Woo — Zag
Jeong Yun Oh — Blue
Joshua Hong —sonogong
Jung Woo Young — wang
Kang Seul Gi — bluehour
Kang Tae Hyun — shinyland
Kim Chae Won — Kamek
Kim Jennie — Promqueen
Kim Ji Woong — Gaku
Kim Ji Soo — Lynx
Kim Min Ji— Hype Girl
Kim Min Gyu — Than
Kim Min Jeong (Winter) — Leixah
Kim Seon Woo (Sunoo) — shinyland
Kim Tae Hyung (V) — Bonvoyage
Kim Yoo Jung — Pebbles
Lalisa Manoban — Peach
Lee Chae Min — Rotten
Lee Chan (Dino) — Gatitos
Lee Felix — shinyland
Lee Min Ho (Lee Know) — Bonvoyage
Lee Hee Seung — badlands
Lee Ju Yeon — Nahida
M-N-O
Min Yoon Gi — Gatitos
Minatozaki Sana — ReiRei
Miyawaki Sakura — soul
Myung Jae Hyun — Hype Girl
Na Jae Min — poppy
Nakamura Kazuha — ReiRei
Naoi Rei — Darimda
Ning Yi Zhuo — jellypop
P-Q-R
Park Ji Won (ESteem Model) — Gaku
Park Jong Seong (JAY) — butch
Park Sung Ho — Hype Girl
Park Sung Hoon — Dumpling
S-T-U
Seol Yoon Ah — kitty
Shen Quan Rui (Ricky) — Disaster
Shim Ja Yoon — Nahida
Shin Yu Na — Peach
Sung Han Bin — Sugar Rush
Song Yuqi — ReiRei
Stephen Yoon (Keeho) — soul
V-W-X
Wang Yi Xiang (Nicholas) — Gaku
Won Ji Min — whiskerssmile
Y-Z
Yang Jung Won — caracolcito
Yoo Ji Min (Karina) — whiskerssmile
Yoon Jeong Han — Darimda
Zhang Hao — whiskerssmile
Zhou Tzu Yu — darum
Credits: Artist & Creator: Jung Kook Production: Artist Contents Studio (HYBE 360)
Contents Creative: Bang Woo Jung Photo-Folio Creative: Kim Su Rin Contents Director: Jang Jeong In Contents Editor: Min Young Eun
CONTENTS PRODUCTION: PLAY COMPANY corp. Camera: Lee Jae Woong, Kim Daeyong (PLAY COMPANY), Lee Hee Yeon, Jang Hye Min, Jeong Ji Won (HYBE 360) PD: Lee So Jin, Kim Ye Won, Kim Yun Su AD: Lee Eun Jin Video Edit: Kim Ye Won