‘Maybe Happy Ending’ returns to Seoul in October after Broadway triumph
Cast of the 10th anniversary production of "Maybe Happy Ending" / Courtesy of NHN Link
Following a historic run on Broadway where it won six Tony Awards — including Best Musical, Best Book and Best Original Score — the Korean original musical “Maybe Happy Ending” is returning to Seoul for a 10th anniversary production. The new season will run from Oct. 30, 2025, to Jan. 25, 2026, at Doosan Art Center’s Yonkang Hall.
Created by writers Will Aronson and Hue Park, “Maybe Happy Ending” tells a tale of two outdated Helperbots, Oliver and Claire, who discover what it means to love and be loved, in near-future Seoul.
This anniversary production not only marks a major milestone for the show but also celebrates its unprecedented journey from a Korean original to global success. As the first Korean musical co-written by a Korean writer to premiere in Korea and go on to dominate American theater’s most prestigious awards, the show occupies a singular place in Korean theater history.
“To have this story continue for 10 years feels like a small miracle. We’re especially grateful to the audiences who have joined us on this journey. We hope the upcoming performances will continue to knock on hearts and open doors, offering comfort and connection,” Aronson and Park said in a statement.
The 10th anniversary cast brings together beloved original stars and exciting new additions. Returning from the 2016 premiere are Kim Jae-bum as Oliver, Jeon Mi-do and Choi Soo-jin as Claire, and Ko Hoon-jeong as James.
Jeon, who was part of the musical since its early development stages and even made a cameo in the Broadway production’s projections, said, “There’s nothing more joyful than returning to a work you love. These 10 years with ‘Maybe Happy Ending’ have been a gift. I hope to end it with a truly happy ending.”
Joining them are notable alumni from past seasons, including Jeon Seong-woo and Park Ji-yeon from the 2018 cast, Shin Sung-min from 2021 and Park Jin-joo from 2024. Lee Si-an, who has portrayed James across multiple seasons, will once again reprise the role.
Adding new energy to the production are first-time cast members — Jung Hwi steps in as Oliver, former Girl’s Day member Bang Min-ah as Claire and Park Se-hoon as James.
One of the most notable updates in this anniversary production is the expanded scale. With the move to Yonkang Hall, which seats over 550, the production reimagined its staging to suit the larger venue. New set, lighting, costume and projection designs will enhance the storytelling while maintaining the emotional intimacy that defines “Maybe Happy Ending.”
“The expanded space allows us to portray Oliver and Claire’s world with greater detail. We are aiming to draw out deeper empathy and emotional resonance from the audience,” director Son Ji-eun explained.
Aronson and Park also hinted at a Korean staging of the Broadway version, which includes new songs, expanded character arcs and subtle reinterpretations tailored for international audiences.
“We’re preparing to bring the Broadway version to Korea. Our goal is to create a show that resonates equally with Korean and international audiences,” they said.