The internationally acclaimed musical Wicked is set to arrive in Busan this November, marking its first-ever original production performance in the city.

Since its Broadway debut in 2003, Wicked has captivated over 70 million people around the world, sparking a global phenomenon often referred to as “Wicked fever.”

In December of last year, it made history as the first Broadway show to surpass $5 million in weekly box office sales.

Its recent live-action film adaptation, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, brought in a record-breaking $700 million worldwide and drew 2.2 million viewers in Korea alone.

This upcoming run is especially notable as it marks the first original international staging of Wicked in Korea in 13 years, following its Korean premiere in 2012.

While Busan did host a Korean production of the musical in 2021, this will be the first time the full-scale original version graces a Busan stage.

Wicked tells the untold story of the witches of Oz, focusing on the unlikely friendship and growth of Elphaba, the misunderstood green-skinned witch, and Glinda, the popular and glamorous blonde witch. With a compelling narrative, iconic characters, and visually stunning production elements, the show is beloved for its emotional depth and theatrical spectacle.

Memorable numbers like “The Wizard and I” and “Popular,” along with the magical moment Glinda arrives in her bubble machine surrounded by a thousand soap bubbles, and the towering 12.4-meter time dragon, all contribute to a dazzling experience.

The Korean tour will begin at Seoul’s Blue Square Shinhan Card Hall on July 12, followed by performances in Busan at the Dream Theater in November, and in Daegu at the Keimyung Art Center in January next year. Specific dates and ticket details for the Busan performances will be released soon on the Dream Theater’s official website.

Fleet Chinhae

USAG Daegu