Around Town 1
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‘Do You Like Brahms?’
Olympus Hall
Through April 21
Following the success from Olympus Lecture Concert Season 1, a second season is being performed with the music of Brahms. The Musikamia ensemble will lead all the performances until the last one on April, featuring its vocalists and piano section. The ensemble aims to express the sense of purity in their performance, which Brahms always pursued within his music.
Brahms composed a number of pieces for piano, chamber ensembles, symphony orchestra, and for vocal and chorus ― many of his works have become staples of modern repertoires. Though his music is firmly rooted in the structures of the Baroque and classical masters, Brahms created a new approach to harmony.
The ‘Do You Like Brahms’ concert will alternate themes each week, presenting a wide variety of his works.
Admission is 33,000 won. For more information, call (02) 6255-3270.
‘SAC 11am Concert’
Seoul Arts Center*
Through Dec. 8
The “SAC 11 a.m .Concert” will be held once a month throughout 2016 at the Seoul Arts Center. / Courtesy of Seoul Arts Center
On every 2nd Thursdays of each month, an “11am Concert” will be staged at Seoul Arts Center. Chong Park will host performances with commentaries. Coffee will be provided for free. With distinct soloists for each concert, the Korean Symphony Orchestra will be performing in all concerts.
Tickets cost 20,000 to 25,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300 or visit
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‘Rebecca’
Seoul Arts Center
Through March 6
“Rebecca” is a musical based on the classic Daphne du Maurier novel and Alfred Hitchcock’s Oscar-winning film of love and obsession.
In this romantic thriller, the story revolves around “I.” Maxim de Winter brings his new wife “I” home in Manderley and introduces her to the manipulative housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers. Thinking that the new woman is an unworthy replacement for Maxim’s first wife Rebecca, she constantly harasses “I.” It soon becomes apparent that Manderley is a house of devastating secrets, and the mystery of Rebecca may be the greatest of them all.
Casts from previous productions, Um Ki-joon, Shin Young-sook and Kim Bo-kyung, perform in the 2016 “Rebecca,” along with new faces, Song Chang-eui, Song Sang-eun and Cha Ji-yeon.
Tickets cost 60,000 to 140,000 won. For more information, call 1577-6478 or visit musicalrebecca.co.kr.
‘MATA HARI’
Blue Square Samsung Electronics Hall
March 25-June 12
The musical ‘Mata Hari at the Moulin Rouge’ will premiere in March at Blue Square Samsung Electronics Hall from March 25 to June 12.
This 25-billion-won production includes some of the biggest names in the musical business, including composer Frank Wildhorn and Broadway director and choreographer Jeff Calhoun. Ok Joo-hyun and Kim So-hyang will perform the title role of Mata Hari and Um Ki-joon, Song Chang-eui and Leo from VIXX will play Armand, the man who Mata Hari only loved.
The musical will let the Korean audience have the first chance to explore the life of Mata Hari ― a femme fatale of the early 20th century, an exotic and tragic beauty, a romantic heroine and a mysterious spy.
Tickets cost 60,000 to 140,000 won. For more information, call 1577-6478 or visit
Turbo
Olympic Park SK Handball Stadium
March 5-6
The reunited K-
pop trio will hold two concerts in March, celebrating the 20th anniversary of their debut. Turbo was one of the pop stars of the 1990s, and recently reunited after 15 years apart.
Turbo was first introduced as a duo with Kim Jong-kook and Kim Jung-nam; however, when the latter left the group, Mickey replaced the spot. For the concerts in March, all three are performing together under the name Turbo. The concerts will be filled with their famous dance music along with brand new songs from their sixth album “Again,” released last December.
Tickets cost 99,000 to 143,000 won. For more information, call 1544- 1555 or visit
Shin Hye-sung
Blue Square Samsung Card Hall
Until Mar. 13
While being a part of famous boy band Sinhwa, Shin successfully debuted as a solo vocalist in 2005. This year, he will release a 10th anniversary album, “Delight” on Jan. 12, and will hold concerts titled “Weekly Delight” for a month on weekends, starting on Feb. 20.
Admission is 121,000 won. For more information, call (02) 371-8380 or visit
Kim Bum-soo
Olympic Park Olympic Hall
March 12-13
Kim Bum-soo will hold a two-day concert in March to celebrate the 17th anniversary of his debut at Olympic Hall of Olympic Park Stadium. The program will feature a number of his popular songs, including “I Miss You,” “Promise,” and “Last Love.”
Tickets cost 99,000 to 121,000 won. For more information, call (02) 515-0314 or visit
‘Next to Normal’
Doosan Art Center
Through March 13
The musical ‘Next to Normal’ is being staged at Doosan Art Center’s Yonkang Hall until March. 13. Kolleen Park and Jung Young-ju play the main role of the struggling mother Diana, revealing the stories of her mental illness and its effects on her family.
Tickets are priced at 66,000 won and 88,000 won. For more information, call (02) 744-4033 or visit
‘Frankenstein’
Chungmu Art Hall
Through March 20
The 2016 version of ‘Frankenstein’ will be held at Chungmu Art Hall until March. It is one of the world’s most recognized horror musical productions, following the tale of Victor Frankenstein. The show is designed dark and grim as it depicts Victor’s tragedies of being destroyed and reborn as a monstrous creature.
Yu Jun-sang who played Victor Frankenstein in the original Korean premiere is back on the role this year. Park Gun-hyung, Han Ji-sang, and Park Eun-tae also star.
‘Frankenstein’ is to be performed daily except on Mondays. Tickets cost 60,000 won to 140,000 won. For more information, call 1666-8662 or visit
Mamma Mia
Charlotte Theater
Until June 4
MAMMA MIA is one of only five current musicals to have run for more than ten years on Broadway, and the eighth-longest-running show in Broadway history. Since its Korean premiere in 2004, it has been one of the most successful musicals here.
Shin Young-sook and Choi Jung-won will play Donna, and Kim Geum-nah, Park Ji-yeon and Seohyun will play Sophie. Jeon Su-kyung, Hong Ji-min and Nam Kyung-ju also star.
Tickets cost 60,000 to 140,000 won. For more information, call (02)577-1977 or visit
‘Hedwig’
Hongik Daehangno Art Center
March 1-May 29
The musical “Hegwig and the Angry Inch: New Make-up” will be staged at Hongik Daehangno Art Center through May 29. / Courtesy of Soundcat
The musical ‘Hegwig and the Angry Inch: New Make-up’ will be staged at Hongik Daehangno Art Center for three months starting on March 1.
‘Hedwig’ is about a rock band led by a transgender singer named Hedwig. The 2016 version of the musical is presented with a subtitle of “New Make-up,” starring Jo Seung-woo, Jo Jung-suk, Byun Yo-han and Yoon Do-hyun from YB.
Tickets cost 55,000 to 99,000 won. For more information, call (02) 749-9039 or visit
‘Death of a Salesman’
April 14-May 8
“Death of a Salesman,” will be staged at the Seoul Arts Center CJ Towol Theater from April 14 to May 8. / Courtesy of Seoul Arts Center
‘Death of a Salesman,’ will be staged at the Seoul Arts Center CJ Towol Theater from April 14 to May 8.
‘Death of a Salesman’ is a 1949 play written by American playwright Arthur Miller. Since its Broadway premiere in 1949, it has gained great success and been considered as one of the greatest plays of the 20th century. Son Jin-whan will play the main character Willy Loman, and Ye Su-jung, Lee Seung-ju and Park Yong-woo will each play Linda, Biff and Happy Loman.
Tickets cost 30,000 to 60,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300 or visit
‘The Train Came from the Past’
Seoul Arts Center (Jayu Theater)
March 22-April 17
‘The Train Came from the Past’ directed by Jang Woo-jae will be staged at Seoul Arts Center Jayu Theater from March 22 to April 14.
The play lays out a time-slip story of a woman, the only passenger of the train came straight from 1953 to the present. Professional actors Kim Jung-min, Yoon sang-hwa, Lee Ju-won, and Kim Yong-jun will play the main roles.
Tickets cost 10,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300 or visit
‘Already Not Yet’
April 1-2
The Korea National Contemporary Dance Company (KNCDC) will perform ‘Already Not Yet’ on April 1 and 2 at CJ Towol Theater, Seoul Arts Center.
The performance focuses on the flashing moment of time where ‘already’ and ‘yet’ collapse ― illustrating the process of two different dimensions of time coming across each other.
Tickets cost 10,000 to 15,000 won. For more information, call (02) 6196-1616 or visit
Club Octagon
Nonhyeon
Near the New Hilltop Hotel in Nonhyeon, this club is notable for its stylish interior and elite clientele. The club offers a stage, lounge bar and dining area to satisfy any night out after work or on the weekend. It is near exit 4 of Hakdong Station on subway line 7. For more information, call (02) 516-8847.
Club Globe Lounge
Itaewon
Club Globe Lounge is famous among women looking for a place to throw birthday parties or enjoy a light dinner. From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., it serves as a bar, changing into a club after 10 p.m. Every Thursday, Club Globe Lounge has a Happy Hour buffet for guests. Club Globe Lounge is located near the Hamilton Hotel by exit 2 of Itaewon Station, subway line 6. For more information, call (02) 792-1127 or visit globeloungekr.com.
Club Evans
Hongik University
Club Evans is a live jazz club that has served as a platform for emerging jazz artists for a decade. It operates jazz recording studios and a jazz academy as well, producing albums for many local jazz artists. Club Evans provides jazz concerts and leads music sessions every Monday and Tuesday. Club Evans is located near exit 1 of Sangsu Station, subway line 6. It opens at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call (02) 337-8361 or visit
Once in a Blue Moon
Apgujeong
Once in a Blue Moon is one of the best-known and well-established jazz clubs in the city. It features live jazz sets from two different bands every night, usually starting at 7:30 p.m. It is located between the Hakdong Intersection and Galleria Department Store in the posh district of Apgujeong. For more information, call (02) 549-5490 or visitwww.onceinabluemoon.co.kr.
Club Answer
Cheongdam
Club Answer, chosen as one of the five hottest clubs in Seoul by CNN, provides a spacious interior and brilliant lighting system with entertaining DJs on stage nightly. Club Answer is in the classy area of Cheongdam, a district known to lead the party culture of Seoul. It is located near exit 13 of Cheongdam Station on subway line 7. For more information, call (02) 514-4311 or visit
Club Double Eight
Sinsa
Opened in 2010, Club Double Eight takes clubbing to its heights. Located in Gangnam, it provides diverse hotel promotions and features weekend lineups with exuberant DJs. It is located near exit 1 of Sinsa Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 543-8803 or visit cafe.naver.com/doubleeight.