"Five years in development, a different charm from the drama"… ‘Yumi’s Cells’ evolves into a musical

'Yumi's Cells' is evolving once again through a musical adaptation. Expanding from webtoon to animation, drama, and now the stage, the beloved franchise is set to deliver a new form of emotional storytelling.

After roughly five years of development, the production reinterprets the original work through the unique language of musical theater while preserving its identity. The musical also introduces an original character called “Cell 109,” adding a fresh narrative layer.

Director Yang Jung Woong shared, “We focused on capturing the analog charm and artistic energy that only live performances can convey. I’m confident it will resonate with both longtime fans of the original and audiences experiencing it for the first time.”

The production team for the musical 'Yumi's Cells' held a press conference on June 10 at Ticketlink 1975 Theater in Seoul. Director Yang Jung Woong, Tiffany Young, Kim Ye Won, Choi Jae Rim, Jung Taek Woon, and Kim So Hyang attended the event.

Originally serialized on Naver Webtoon, 'Yumi's Cells' has accumulated 3.5 billion global views and already proved its popularity through drama and animation adaptations.

The musical adaptation is a collaboration between Sam Company, known for productions such as 'Mrs. Doubtfire' and 'Macbeth,' and Studio N, the company behind multiple Naver Webtoon screen adaptations. The teams have been developing the musical since 2021.

The production portrays the cells inside Yumi’s mind as lively, distinct personalities directing her emotions through vibrant performances and addictive musical numbers.

Tiffany Young and Kim Ye Won will alternate in the lead role of Yumi. Tiffany Young explained, “The story begins with the line, ‘I’m an ordinary 32-year-old office worker.’ I think it’s an actor’s challenge to find brilliance within ordinary moments. I saw something special in Yumi’s simple everyday experiences.”

Kim Ye Won added, “I was already a fan of the original work, so it was a huge honor just to be offered this role. Building the foundation for the premiere feels like a heavy responsibility, but I’m also excited and nervous. I really wanted to portray the first-ever stage version of Yumi in a way that differs from both the writing and the drama.”

Above all, she said she deeply related to Yumi. “I thought she was very similar to me. Anyone who has experienced love, regardless of gender, will be able to relate to Yumi’s feelings. I approached the role while rooting for Yumi as she grows.”

The actresses also explained how the musical version of Yumi differs from previous adaptations. Tiffany Young said, “I viewed the webtoon and drama versions of Yumi as great source material and one blueprint for the character. More than anything, I focused heavily on the music and lyrics while building my interpretation.”

Kim Ye Won noted, “The Yumi from the original and the drama feels very grounded and realistic. But expressing her only in that way wouldn’t fully match the energy of the stage. So I amplified the emotional expression and energy. The musical will highlight a much more fantastical side.”

The production condenses the webtoon’s massive 512-episode storyline into a 150-minute performance. The musical features 25 songs, including signature themes and even a “Zombie Cell” number, showcasing the perspectives of various cells.

Director Yang Jung Woong admitted, “Because the original work is so outstanding, it was not an easy challenge. Still, I wanted to show the unique charm that only live theater can provide.”

He also participated in the script development process. “I hope this production receives as much public love as the original. We went through story development, showcases, and revisions throughout the process. I hope it becomes a musical that represents Korea.”

He continued, “We worked carefully to preserve the original while using techniques only possible in the theater. There’s also a spinoff-style protagonist. We prepared it in a fun way that highlights the musical’s own identity.”

“We structured scenes around the romance with Woong. Yumi’s story itself is entertaining, but the cells reacting to Yumi’s situations are what make the stage version unique. We also put a lot of thought into making the cells’ ensemble performances fun,” he added.

One major addition exclusive to the musical is the original character “Cell 109,” also known as the apprentice cell. The musical follows the character’s journey toward becoming a true main cell while preserving the spirit of the original work.

Choi Jae Rim and Jung Taek Woon will share the role of Cell 109. Choi Jae Rim described the character as “positive, energetic, and recklessly fearless.” He added, “Every cell’s name reflects its role, but 109 is the only one without one. The character goes on a journey to discover both a name and a purpose.”

Jung Taek Woon explained, “Cell 109 isn’t a character who grows alone. The character receives help from other cells and sometimes helps them in return, growing together with them. At the same time, audiences also get to see Yumi herself grow, which is part of the charm.”

Cell 109 also carries an important narrative role alongside Yumi. Choi Jae Rim hinted, “The character contains a major spoiler. I’m exploring how the process of discovering their role can positively affect the audience.”

The production also plans to win over fans of the original while emphasizing its own theatrical identity. Director Yang Jung Woong revealed, “We couldn’t dress the actors in blue tights exactly like the webtoon cells, so we created our own costumes. At the same time, we included small details from the original, like Easter eggs.”

He concluded, “Both the webtoon and drama were successful. I hope audiences also enjoy the analog charm unique to live performances. We created the appealing character of 109 and connected it to Yumi’s story. I hope people experience the kind of magic only theater can deliver.”

Meanwhile, the musical 'Yumi's Cells' will run from June 30 through August 23 at CJ Towol Theater inside the Seoul Arts Center.