National Jeongdong Theater celebrates 30 years with ambitious lineup

New works by two of Korea’s most successful directors in the performing arts scene -- Jung Ku-ho and Koh Sun-woong -- are among the lineup for the National Jeongdong Theater of Korea’s ambitious 2025 season, which marks its 30th anniversary.

The season's program includes 444 performances across 21 productions, including two premieres and three repertory productions.

The Jeongdong Theater opened in June 1995 to continue the artistic spirit of Korea’s first modern theater, Wongaksa, which had operated from 1902-09.

"Pure Heart" (National Jeongdong Theater of Korea)

‘Pure Heart’ (May 8-June 28)

Fashion designer-turned-creative director Jung Ku-ho, known for visually striking productions of Korean traditional dance performances such as “The Banquet,” “Scent of Ink” and “One Dance” -- that achieved rare sold-out success in the Korean dance scene will present “Pure Heart” with choreographer Jung Hye-jin, a former artistic director for the Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theater.

This reinterpretation of the Simcheong-ga pansori folktale will bring light to the classic story through Sim Cheong’s inner psychological conflict rather than the traditional narrative of a devoted daughter who sacrifices herself for her blind father’s sight.

“You may have seen Simcheong-ga interpreted in various genres, but this time, rather than being confined to the original storyline, we are focusing on the character herself -- her thoughts and internal struggles,” Jung said at a press conference Tuesday at Jeongdong Theater in Seoul. “That’s why we changed the title to 'Pure Heart.'”

This will be the second installment of Jeongdong Theater’s K-Culture Series, following “Gwangdae,” which was created as a performance brand showcasing Korean traditions and culture, targeting both international and foreign audiences.

"Seopyeonje; The Original" (National Jeongdong Theater of Korea)

‘Seopyeonje; The Original’ (Oct. 17-Nov. 9)

The second major production of the season is “Seopyeonje; The Original,” adapted and directed by Koh Sun-woong.

The story is based on Yi Chong-jun’s classic 1976 short story, which follows the tragic fate of two sibling singers. “Seopyeonje” has previously been adapted into an award-winning film in 1993 by director Im Kwon-taek as well as a successful musical, making this latest production a highly anticipated reinterpretation.

Koh will collaborate with pansori composer Han Seung-seok for the second time, following their work on the National Changgeuk Company of Korea’s long-running hit “Madam Ong.”

Directors of the creative teams for the Jeongdong Theater's 2025 season and Jeongdong Theater CEO Choung Soung-sook (fifth from left) pose for a group photo after a press conference in Seoul on Tuesday. (National Jeongdong Theater of Korea)
Directors of the creative teams for the Jeongdong Theater's 2025 season and Jeongdong Theater CEO Choung Soung-sook (fifth from left) pose for a group photo after a press conference in Seoul on Tuesday. (National Jeongdong Theater of Korea)

As part of its 30th-anniversary celebrations, the Jeongdong Theater will also present three specially curated repertory productions, including “Gwangdae,” which is currently running until Feb. 16.

“Gwangdae” is set for a tour in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, coinciding with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in November.

Also in the lineup are pansori musical “Red Cliff” (March 13-April 20), based on Jeokbyeok-ga, one of the five surviving traditional pansori works, and musical “Showman: A Dictator’s Fourth Understudy” (July 11-Aug. 31).

For more details on the 2025 season lineup, visit the Jeongdong Theater’s official website.