Popular Korean drama 'Itaewon Class' to be remade into a Japanese musical

The highly popular Korean drama 'Itaewon Class,' which surpassed 16% viewership ratings and ranked as the most talked-about series of 2020, is set to be adapted into a Japanese musical.

On January 22, Kakao Entertainment announced that the musical 'Itaewon Class' will premiere at Tokyo’s Brillia Hall in June. The production will be a collaborative effort between creators from South Korea, Japan, and the United States, ensuring a high-quality adaptation.

The role of the protagonist, Park Sae Ro Yi, will be played by Kotaki Nozomu, a member of the Japanese idol group WEST and a seasoned performer known for his work in musicals such as 'The Beautiful Game.'

'Itaewon Class' originated as a webtoon by author Gwang Jin, serialized on Kakao Webtoon from 2016 to 2020. It follows the story of Park Sae Ro Yi, a man who stays true to his convictions and principles. The webtoon recorded over 430 million views in Korea and inspired a hit Korean drama that gained immense popularity domestically and internationally. The drama was remade into 'Roppongi Class,' airing in Japan, and was adapted as an HBO Original in Taiwan.

The musical will feature lyrics and structure by Lee Hee Joon, known for works like 'The Origin of Darwin Young’s Evil,' and a script by Riko Sakaguchi, writer of plays and films including 'The Tale of the Princess Kaguya' and 'The Father of the Milkyway Railroad.' Music will be composed by Helen Park, a Korean-American composer based in New York and the first Asian woman nominated for a Tony Award for Best Score. Direction will be handled by Yuna Koyama, a recipient of the Yomiuri Theater Award for Excellence in Directing.

Gwang Jin, the original webtoon’s creator, expressed excitement about the adaptation, stating, “Hearing that 'Itaewon Class' is being made into a musical brings me great joy. This is the first time a project of mine has gone from a drama to a musical, so my expectations are high.” He added that Kotaki Nozomu fits the role of Park Sae Ro Yi well, describing the character as someone who combines a strong sense of justice with adaptability and warmth.

Kakao Entertainment emphasized the significance of adapting 'Itaewon Class' into a musical, calling it a testament to the value of intellectual property (IP). A representative shared that the company aims to discover competitive IPs and expand readers’ entertainment experiences through such projects.

Fans have expressed excitement and curiosity, with many wondering how Kotaki Nozomu will portray Park Sae Ro Yi and who will take on the role of Jo Yi Seo. Others shared their enthusiasm, with one fan saying, “I’m thrilled—it’s great news for a fan who starts the year by listening to Itaewon Class OSTs.” Some also expressed concerns, noting that music is crucial in a musical and hoping the production will deliver on this aspect.