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"Winter Sonata The Musical" to be Staged Again in Japan

The musical version of the hit drama "Winter Sonata", which served as a catalyst for the Korean Wave in Japan, will be re-staged in Japan after it was first performed during the snow festival in Sapporo in January. Korean producer Yoon's Color and Japanese sponsor Amuse Entertainment on Monday announced the production of "Winter Sonata The Musical" in Tokyo.

Popera singer Im Tae-kyeong will play the leading role (Lee Min-hyung), played by Bae Yong-joon in the original drama, and musical actress Park Hong-joo will play the opposite role (Chung Yoo-jin), which Choi Ji-woo played. Musical actor Lee Phil-seung and singer Jini have been cast for the roles of Kim Sang-hyuck and Oh Chae-rin, who loved the hero and heroine one-sidedly. The four performed three songs from the musical for a preview at the production announcement.

"I am a little bit worried about what response the musical will receive since the original drama was such a big hit at home and abroad, and I am especially concerned about how Japanese fans will like it since it will be performed in the Korean language", Im said. "But I am happy to be part of the musical. I hope everyone likes it".

The musical will be staged at Koma Theater in Tokyo from Oct. 4 through 29 in a total of 36 showings and at Umeda Art Theater in Osaka from Nov. 23 until 27 in eight performances.

Director Yoon Seok-ho, who produced the drama, produced the musical targeting a Japanese audience from the beginning.

The Japanese press has shown keen interest in the musical because the original drama was hugely popular when it was aired there. There is the expectation that the musical will receive a good response not only for its story but also for its music.

To maintain the mood and sentiment of the original drama, the musical will be performed in Korean with Japanese subtitles.

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