K-Musical 'Maybe Happy Ending' Wins Six Tony Awards

The K-musical 'Maybe Happy Ending' has made waves by winning six Tony Awards, including the prestigious Best Musical, at the Tony Awards ceremony held on June 8 in New York City. This production, which began in a small theater in Seoul's Daehakro and made its way to Broadway, was created by the talented duo of writer Park Chun-hyu (박천휴) and composer Will Aronson. In a written response to questions from Korean media, Park shared insights about the musical's success and his collaboration with Aronson.

When asked about the musical's popularity, Park noted, "'Maybe Happy Ending' holds significant meaning as it is the first original story created by Will and me. Crafting a world and characters from scratch was both exhilarating and daunting. I can't pinpoint exactly why it resonated with audiences, but since we started writing in 2014 until the Broadway opening last fall, we continuously refined it to enhance its quality. I believe that dedication played a role in its success."

Park also elaborated on his collaborative process with Aronson, stating, "In Korea, we refer to Will as a 'composer,' but he has always worked alongside me as a playwright. In the U.S., we are both called 'writers.' We have been writing together for years, whether it be notes or words. Even if I initially conceive an idea, we collaboratively develop the story, emotional tone, and texture of the music, engaging in daily discussions. Our long-standing friendship of 17 years has fostered a mutual respect for each other's artistic vision, allowing us to work closely and organically without rigidly defining our roles."

Regarding the differences between the Broadway and Korean productions, Park explained, "The scale of the Broadway production necessitated significant changes in direction and staging. Unlike the Korean version, which has minimal scene transitions, the Broadway show features numerous transitions and effects. The cast and orchestra sizes are slightly larger, and some scenes that were only implied in the Korean version were explicitly shown on Broadway. Conversely, some lines and numbers were condensed or omitted. These adjustments were made after extensive revisions to maximize the production's quality."

One memorable audience reaction came from an American viewer who traveled alone to New York and booked ten shows, with 'Maybe Happy Ending' being the fifth. He expressed a deep longing for his wife during the performance, ultimately selling his remaining tickets and changing his flight to return home early to see her. He later shared plans to return to New York with her for Valentine's Day to watch the show together, which Park described as one of the greatest compliments he could receive.

Reflecting on the Tony Awards experience, Park remarked, "I learned that there is an 'awards season' in the theater world, similar to the film industry. As an unknown writer on Broadway, I focused on making my presence known, shaking hands and meeting people despite my introverted nature. By the time the Tony Awards approached, I felt like I was crossing the finish line of a marathon. The ceremony itself lasted seven hours, and while I don't expect my life as a creator to change drastically after this, I feel a sense of pride in completing the long journey of 'Maybe Happy Ending' over the past decade."

Park also discussed why many of his works, like 'Maybe Happy Ending' and 'Ghost Bakery,' are set in Korea. He explained, "It's a natural inclination for me to create stories that reflect the world and emotions I am most familiar with. Having studied in the U.S. since I was 25, I often find myself speaking English with a Korean accent. Living in New York has prompted me to reflect more on my identity as a Korean. Through our works, I aim to present worlds that are both familiar yet intriguingly foreign to Korean audiences, while offering international viewers a relatable yet unique experience."

Looking ahead, Park mentioned plans to revise the scripts and lyrics of 'Il Tenore' and 'Ghost Bakery' for American productions, as well as a short film about a Korean couple set in New York that he hopes to produce soon. In Korea, he aims to revive 'Il Tenore' and 'Ghost Bakery' and is working on an undisclosed TV drama project. He expressed a desire to continue translating and directing meaningful works for Korean audiences, even if they are lesser-known.

As for his goals as a creator, Park stated, "I want to remain a dedicated and serious creator as long as I feel the urge to tell stories and share music. Having spent nearly equal time in Seoul and New York, I aspire to create stories that resonate with many, offering different perspectives while bridging both cultures."

Finally, Park offered advice to young creators in Korea aspiring for success: "Creating a production typically takes over five years, which is longer than in film or television. Unfortunately, the treatment of creators in theater is often less favorable compared to those in film or TV. It’s not an ideal profession for those seeking quick success. The Korean musical industry is still developing, and there aren’t many established guidelines to follow. It’s crucial for creators to stay true to their stories and music, and for dedicated producers to approach their work with a sense of mission. I will continue to support them."

With 'Maybe Happy Ending' set to return to Korea in October, Park shared that the production will undergo visual changes due to a larger theater space. He emphasized that the move was planned years ago and is unrelated to the recent Tony win. As the show celebrates its tenth anniversary since its 2015 tryout, Park hopes to reflect on the journey and create a performance that brings joy to everyone involved, including the audience who has supported the show over the years.