Dancing Queen Set to Become a Musical

The film 'Dancing Queen' is being transformed into a musical. CJ ENM, a global powerhouse in intellectual property, is collaborating with top-tier creators from both domestic and international backgrounds to produce this original musical aimed at global audiences. Since launching its performance business in 2003, CJ ENM has introduced a variety of works, including original musicals like <Finding Kim Jong-wook>, <Werther>, and <Gwanghwamun Sonata>, as well as licensed productions such as <Broadway's 42nd Street>, <Beetlejuice>, and <Cyrano>. The company has also co-produced major shows like <Moulin Rouge!>, <Kinky Boots>, <The Bodyguard>, <Big Fish>, <Back to the Future>, and <The Little Big Things> on Broadway and in the West End, steadily expanding its global reach.

CJ ENM is the first Korean company to have won a Tony Award and has participated in the Tony Awards judging process as a full member of the Broadway League. The upcoming musical 'Dancing Queen' (working title) is expected to draw significant attention, featuring a creative team that includes Broadway director Jerry Mitchell, composer Helen Park, playwright Jo Min-hyung, and music director Won Mi-sol. This project marks the first step in CJ ENM's original IP global musical initiative.

Jerry Mitchell, known for directing the Tony Award-winning musical <Kinky Boots> and other iconic productions like <Hairspray> and <The Devil Wears Prada>, will helm the musical. Helen Park, a rising star in the global music scene and the first Asian woman nominated for a Tony Award for Best Score for the musical <KPOP>, will compose the music. The script will be penned by Jo Min-hyung, who is recognized for his warm and delightful storytelling in works like <Let Me Fly>, <Chami>, and <Myeongdong Romance>.

The original film 'Dancing Queen', released in South Korea in 2012, tells the story of Jung-hwa (played by Uhm Jung-hwa), who escapes the confines of family and society to pursue her dreams. The film, which follows the dual life of a woman who is both the wife of a mayoral candidate (played by Hwang Jung-min) and the leader of a dance group, received critical acclaim and was a box office success. The musical adaptation will explore the theme that "dreams have no expiration date," focusing on the stories of those who dare to dream again. It aims to inspire courage and hope in anyone who has forgotten their dreams, transcending time, culture, gender, and age.

CJ ENM's performance division head, Ye Ju-yeol, expressed the company's commitment to leading the diversity of Korean musicals and creating original works that can compete on both domestic and global stages. He stated, "The musical 'Dancing Queen' will mark the beginning of our serious global expansion in the musical business." Jerry Mitchell added, "The theme that 'dreams have no expiration date' is universally relatable, and I believe this work has the potential to resonate deeply with audiences not just in Korea but around the world."

CJ ENM's first original IP global musical 'Dancing Queen' (working title) aims to premiere in Korea in 2027, with plans to complete the script and music by 2026 and conduct workshops.

Additionally, CJ ENM has been a pioneer in the Korean musical scene, exporting the original musical <Finding Kim Jong-wook> to China and Japan, and has played a significant role in connecting the Asian market. The company has also produced the domestic performances of the Tony Award-winning musical <Maybe Happy Ending>, which won six Tony Awards from 2020 to 2024, further expanding its audience reach. CJ ENM continues to solidify its position as a global content platform by co-producing works on Broadway and in the West End.