(Culture Zone 2) - 2008 Recap & Outlook
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I see, Jihae. How did the Korean theater industry do this year?
[Reporter] Well many companies in Seoul's theater mecca, Daehangno were hit hard by the economic slump with supply exceeding demand. But strangely enough some parts of the industry celebrated a rather unexpected success especially in the genre of musicals.
This is largely due to the casting of top-ranked actors and singers and offering of plots approachable to a wide range of fans. Classical concerts were also a hit last year thanks to "Beethoven Virus" the mega-hit TV drama that stars a talented yet difficult maestro Kang with ticket sales doubling since September last year when the drama began airing.
This year experts say stages will be filled with more performers from here rather from abroad and ticket prices will see a moderate drop to attract more theater goers.
More affordable tickets~ that is something to look forward to! Now before you leave us do tell us a bit about the music industry. [Reporter : ] Korea's album industry also coped with the sales slump rather well with mega stars like Seo Taiji, Rain and popular idol groups such as TVSQ and Big Bang selling more than 100-thousand albums. And thanks to marketing efforts linked to other media Lee Sangmin from Warner Music Korea says the company has seen a 10 percent in jump in sales of pop and classical music albums.
Here's more on what he said:
[Interview : Lee Sangmin, Senior manager Warner Music Korea] "The music industry in 2008 was rescued by intervention from other media such as television and movies, owing to Paul Potts from the UK who has emerged as a star in a British TV show. And the TV drama "Beethoven Virus" which has created a classical music sensation, called the "Beethoven Syndrome" boosted Beethoven album sales and soundtracks from that TV drama. The film "Mama Mia" also played a big part".
Stressing the fact that more people tend to listen to music during hard times Lee projected a rosier outlook for the music industry in 2009 citing more albums by local artists and joint efforts in marketing with other media.
What a year it has been! Thank you Jihae for the recap and the prospects for 2009.
[Reporter] Right!
We'll see you again next week.
[Reporter] Well many companies in Seoul's theater mecca, Daehangno were hit hard by the economic slump with supply exceeding demand. But strangely enough some parts of the industry celebrated a rather unexpected success especially in the genre of musicals.
This is largely due to the casting of top-ranked actors and singers and offering of plots approachable to a wide range of fans. Classical concerts were also a hit last year thanks to "Beethoven Virus" the mega-hit TV drama that stars a talented yet difficult maestro Kang with ticket sales doubling since September last year when the drama began airing.
This year experts say stages will be filled with more performers from here rather from abroad and ticket prices will see a moderate drop to attract more theater goers.
More affordable tickets~ that is something to look forward to! Now before you leave us do tell us a bit about the music industry. [Reporter : ] Korea's album industry also coped with the sales slump rather well with mega stars like Seo Taiji, Rain and popular idol groups such as TVSQ and Big Bang selling more than 100-thousand albums. And thanks to marketing efforts linked to other media Lee Sangmin from Warner Music Korea says the company has seen a 10 percent in jump in sales of pop and classical music albums.
Here's more on what he said:
[Interview : Lee Sangmin, Senior manager Warner Music Korea] "The music industry in 2008 was rescued by intervention from other media such as television and movies, owing to Paul Potts from the UK who has emerged as a star in a British TV show. And the TV drama "Beethoven Virus" which has created a classical music sensation, called the "Beethoven Syndrome" boosted Beethoven album sales and soundtracks from that TV drama. The film "Mama Mia" also played a big part".
Stressing the fact that more people tend to listen to music during hard times Lee projected a rosier outlook for the music industry in 2009 citing more albums by local artists and joint efforts in marketing with other media.
What a year it has been! Thank you Jihae for the recap and the prospects for 2009.
[Reporter] Right!
We'll see you again next week.
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