By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter
The musical ``Midnight Sun'' starring Tae-yeon, a member of the K-pop group Girls' Generation will be staged from May 7 to 29 at the Sejong M Theater, downtown Seoul.
``Midnight Sun'' is based on the 2006 Japanese novel of the same name that portrays love between a girl who cannot go outside during daytime because of the rare skin disease and a boy who loves surfing under the sun.
The original story was made into a television drama and film version featuring the impressive number ``Goodbye Days'' sung by Japanese singer Yui and also remade and sung by the Korean boy band Bay here. The album ``Midnight Sun'' held onto the top spot for two consecutive weeks on the Oricon Chart.
The film was shown in Korea in 2007, drawing huge popularity among movie fans. The drama version with a humorous twist adopted from the film aired from July 14 to Sept. 15 in 2006 on TBS in Korea.
Based on the strong fan base for the novel, drama and film versions, the Korean rendition will be directed by Hwang Jae-heon and highlights the memorable numbers ``Goodbye Days,'' ``Skyline'' and `It's Happyline.''
Tae-yeon will play Kaoru who suffers xeroderma pigmentosum, a disease that makes her vulnerable to the ultraviolet radiation of sunlight.
Known for her singing ability, the audition judges said she was the ``right person'' for the role of Kaoru who doesn't want to give up her future and sticks to hope despite the rare disease and sings of joy and love.
The Seoul Musical Company said that the character of the original is associated with the image of Tae-yeon and her singing ability allowed her to land the role.
The company also auditioned 35 male contestants for other roles in the musical and has selected five new actors who have both good singing skills and dancing techniques. The actors are expected to perform as suntanned passionate surfers.
Tickets for the musical cost from 30,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 399-1772.