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Actor Eom Ki-joon appears in the musical “Mata Hari,” which tells the story of a famous exotic dancer and spy. / Courtesy of EMK Musical
Classical Concerts
‘Murakami Haruki Meets Miyazaki Hayao'
Seoul Arts Center
June 24
Japan's representative novelist Haruki Murakami and animation director Hayao Miyazaki have numerous characteristics in common. Both portray intricate human emotions and use music to emphasize the emotions and atmosphere of their works. In the first part of this concert, pieces of classical music that appear in Murakami's novels will be performed. In the second part, songs from Miyazaki's film soundtracks will be played, including the famous main theme of "Howl's Moving Castle" and "My Neighbor Totoro."
Tickets cost 45,000 to 65,000 won. For more information, visit sac.or.kr or call (02) 2658_3546.
‘Philippe Herreweghe ＆ The Orchestre des Champs-Elysees’
June 17
The Orchestre des Champs-Elysees led by Belgian conductor Philippe Herreweghe, will have a concert at the Seoul Arts Center on June 17.
The Orchestre des Champs-Elysees was founded in 1991. The orchestra is famous for playing music from the late 18th century to early 20th century, with original instruments from the period in which each musical piece is written. The orchestra’s founder and artistic director, Philippe Herreweghe, is a well-known specialist of early music. He received international acclaim for his historically appropriate and authentic interpretations of early music. His passion and endeavor were honored with many European awards. Celebrating the 190th anniversary of the death of Beethoven, Herreweghe and the orchestra will perform Beethoven’s 5th and 7th symphonies.
Tickets cost 40000 to 180,000 won. For more information, visit sac.or.kr or call 1577_5266.
Big Tickets
‘Britney Live in Seoul 2017'
Gocheok Sky Dome
June 10
For the first time in Korea, American legendary pop star Britney Spears will have a live concert on June 10 at Gocheok Sky Dome.
Britney Spears, also known as the "Queen of Pop," debuted in 1997 at age 17, and instantly gained global success. Her contributions to pop music in the late 1990s and early 2000s was appreciated with diverse awards including Grammy Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards. In 2009, she was ranked the eighth overall Artist of the Decade by Billboard. She will perform her numerous worldwide hit songs at this concert.
Tickets cost 66,000 to 220,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 02_338_9141.
Byeon Jin-seop 30th Anniversary Concert: Timeless
Kyung Hee University Grand Peace Palace
July 1
Celebrating the 30th anniversary of his debut, the “Emperor of Ballad,” Byeon Jin-seop will have a concert on July 1 at Kyung Hee University Grand Peace Palace.
Byeon Jin-seop is one of the legendary Korean pop-ballad singers from the late 1980’s. After his debut in 1988, he instantly rose to stardom with the success of his first studio album, “What it means to become alone.” With this album, he became the first million-selling artist in Korea’s music history. His second album “Return to You Again” (1989) also received great approval from the public, and some of the hit songs included in the album are still loved today. This concert will be an opportunity to look back on thirty years of his musical career, and share precious memories with his fans.
Tickets cost 77,000 to 110,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1522_2061.
Pop & Jazz
‘Sweet Sorrow Concert: Harmony'
Ewha Womans University Samsung Hall
June 23 to July 9
Sweet Sorrow, a Korean musical group famous for their perfect harmony, will have concerts at Ewha Womans University Samsung Hall from June 23 to July 9.
Sweet Sorrow writes and performs various genres of music including pop, R&B and a cappella. Since their 2002 debut, they've released six studio albums, and many of their songs received broad acclaim from Korean audiences. Through the concerts, they aim to offer audiences beautiful harmonies and unforgettable experiences.
Tickets cost 88,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544_1555.
Plays & Musicals
‘The Bridges of Madison County'
Chungmu Arts Center
Through June 18
"The Bridges of Madison County," a musical based on Robert James Waller's best-selling novel of the same name, will be staged at Chungmu Arts Center through June 18.
In Madison County, Iowa, lives an Italian-American woman, Francesca. She is married to a farmer and has two children, but feels lonely. One day, a photographer, Robert, visits her town to take pictures of the bridges in the area. As Francesca guides him to the bridges, they become irresistibly attracted to each other.
Actor Ok Joo-hyun plays Francesca, and Park Eun-tae plays Robert.
Tickets cost 50,000 to 140,000 won. For more information, visit caci.or.kr or call 1588_5212.
‘Dreamgirls'
Charlotte Theater
Through June 25
The musical "Dreamgirls" will be performed by its original Broadway cast at the Charlotte Theater through June 25.
Aspiring to stardom, three African-American girls _ Deena, Lorrell, and Effie _ form a girl group, the Dreamettes. With the help of their ambitious manager, Curtis, the Dreamettes become backup singers of James Thunder Early, a famous R&B singer. While the Dreamettes gradually gain public attention, Curtis comes up with another plan that could bring huge trouble to the group.
Actors Bre Jackson and Brit West play Effie, Candice Marie Woods plays Deena, and Michelle Moris plays Lorrell.
Tickets cost 60,000 to 140,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1588_5212.
‘Chicago'
Blue Square
Through July 23
Broadway's all-time hit musical "Chicago" will be performed by its original cast at Blue Square through July 23.
1920s Chicago is full of jazz, alcohol, violence and crime. Velma Kelly, a vaudevillian, gets arrested for murdering her husband and sister and goes to the Cook County Jail. There, she draws the attention of the media with the help of prison guard "Mama" Morton, and becomes the most famous prisoner there. However, a new prisoner, former chorus girl Roxie Hart, takes Velma's place and becomes the new center of attention.
Actor Terra MacLeod plays Velma, and Dylis Croman plays Roxie.
Tickets cost 40,000 to 140,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 577_1987.
‘Special Liar'
Dongsoong Art Center
Through July 30
The play "Liar" will be staged at Dongsoong Art Center through July 30.
Cab driver John Smith is leading a double life having two homes and two wives. When he gets embroiled in a robbery, inspectors visit both of his homes. To cover up his double life from his wives and suspicious inspectors, he comes up with lie after lie, getting himself deeper into trouble.
As this year marks the 20th anniversary of the premiere of "Liar," the cast includes many star actors who participated in past productions of the play in the earlier days, including Lee Jong-hyeuk, An Nae-sang, and Hong Seok-cheon.
Tickets cost 44,000 to 77,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1588_5212.
‘Mata Hari'
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
June 16 to Aug. 6
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts runs the musical "Mata Hari" from June 16 to Aug. 6.
During WWI, the beautiful exotic dancer Mata Hari becomes famous all over Europe. Knowing she can visit different parts of Europe without suspicion, French intelligence officer Ladoux forces her to become a spy. One day, Mata Hari falls in love with a brave soldier Armand. However, Ladoux and his plan interferes with their love.
Actors Ok Joo-hyeon and Cha Ji-yeon plays Mata Hari.
Tickets cost 50,000 to 140,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1577_6478.
Dance
‘Ballet Gala'
June 17 and 18
Ballet Gala will be performed by the Korean National Ballet on June 17 and 18 at the Seoul Arts Center.
In this event, the Korean National Ballet will perform diverse pieces including "Don Quixote," "Serenade," and "Troy Game.” "Serenade" was choreographed by George Balanchine to Tchaikovsky's 1880 work, "Serenade for Strings. Presenting intrinsic beauty of human beings, the piece is considered one of the masterpieces of neo-classicism. "Troy Game" presents dance moves that combine ballet and martial arts, and criticizes male chauvinism.
Tickets cost 5,000 to 20,000 won. For more information, visit sac.or.kr or call (02) 587-6181.
Clubs
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 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, and turns 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 on Line 6. For more information, call (02) 792_1127.
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 on Line 6. It opens at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit clubevans.com or call (02) 337_8361.
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 district of Apgujeong. For more information, visit onceinabluemoon.co.kr or call (02) 549-5490.
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 Line 7. For more information, call (02) 514-4311.
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 Line 3. For more information, call (02) 543-8803.