Starting in January, six productions will kick off performances for the 17th edition of Arts Council Korea’s annual performing arts support project, ARKO Selection, featuring 31 new works this year around the Daehangno area.

The project, set up to foster creative expression, supports performing arts from theater to musicals, dance, music, opera and traditional Korean arts.

“Dolls Reimagined: The Text of Puppets” (Arts Council Korea)
“Dolls Reimagined: The Text of Puppets” (Arts Council Korea)

Leading the lineup is the musical “Unsung Hero” (Jan. 3–12 at Seokyeong Square), a martial arts fantasy set during the Imjin War. Reimagining history, the production envisions an alternate timeline where Korea’s king falls to invading Japanese forces. After its initial run, the show will move to CKL Stage in central Seoul for additional performances Feb. 4–19.

In the dance category, “Delivery You,” (Jan. 4–5) draws inspiration from choreographer Baek Joo-hee’s experiences working as a delivery worker during the COVID-19 pandemic. Baek said she centered the piece around several memorable moments from that period to shed light on the struggles of delivery workers facing tight deadlines and to encourage the audience to reflect on their struggles.

The musical “Othello’s Retrial” (Jan. 8–26 at SA Hall) offers a fresh take on Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, exploring themes of justice and redemption. Othello, deceived by his subordinate, Iago, and driven to murder his wife, Desdemona, is brought before a court presided over by vengeful goddesses.

“Dolls Reimagined: The Text of Puppets” (Jan. 10–19) presents a trilogy of short plays inspired by the creations of puppet designer Lee Ji-hyeong. Since 2018, Lee has collaborated with directors and choreographers to push the boundaries of puppetry. In each play, puppets are portrayed as fully realized characters, with Lee also serving as director.

“Delivery You” (Arts Council Korea)
“Delivery You” (Arts Council Korea)

Amid renewed interest in female "gukgeuk" -- a form of traditional Korean opera performed by an all-female cast -- sparked by hit tvN drama “Jeongnyeon,” the play, “The Man Who Became a Pillow,” (Jan. 11–19 at Arko Arts Theater) offers a bold exploration of gender roles. The story follows a boy who dreams of becoming a star actor in a gukgeuk troupe.

“Magnolia Balloon” (Jan. 18–26 at Daehakro Arts Theater) delves into themes of alienation and reconciliation. Set in an isolated home near a chemical factory, the play examines fractured family relations and the journey toward healing.