The Movie 'Dancing Queen' Set to Become a Musical

The beloved film '댄싱퀸' (Dancing Queen) is being transformed into a musical. CJ ENM, a global powerhouse in intellectual property, is collaborating with top-tier creative talents both domestically and internationally 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 <김종욱 찾기> (Finding Kim Jong-wook), <베르테르> (Werther), and <광화문 연가> (Gwanghwamun Sonata), as well as licensed productions such as <브로드웨이 42번가> (42nd Street), <비틀쥬스> (Beetlejuice), and <시라노> (Cyrano). The company has also co-produced major shows like <물랑루즈!> (Moulin Rouge!), <킹키부츠> (Kinky Boots), <보디가드> (The Bodyguard), <빅피쉬> (Big Fish), <백투더퓨처> (Back to the Future), and <더리틀빅띵스> (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 '댄싱퀸' (working title) is expected to draw significant attention, featuring a talented 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 journey to create original IP musicals that resonate on a global scale.

Jerry Mitchell, known for directing the Tony Award-winning musical <킹키부츠> (Kinky Boots), as well as <헤어스프레이> (Hairspray) and <악마는 프라다를 입는다> (The Devil Wears Prada), will helm the production. Helen Park, a rising star in the musical world and the first Asian woman nominated for a Tony Award for Best Score for her work on <케이팝> (KPOP), will provide the music. The script will be penned by Jo Min-hyung, who is known for his warm and delightful storytelling in musicals like <렛미플라이> (Let Me Fly), <차미> (Chami), and <명동로망스> (Myeongdong Romance).

The original film '댄싱퀸', released in 2012, tells the story of Jung-hwa (played by Uhm Jung-hwa), who, while living a double life as the wife of a mayoral candidate (played by Hwang Jung-min) and the leader of a group of dancers, finds a way to break free from societal constraints and pursue her dreams. The musical will explore the theme that "dreams have no expiration date," focusing on the journeys 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 '댄싱퀸' 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 '댄싱퀸' is set to premiere in Korea in 2027, with plans to complete the script and music by 2026 and conduct workshops in preparation.

Additionally, CJ ENM has been a pioneer in the Korean musical scene, having simultaneously exported the original musical <김종욱 찾기> (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 run of the Tony Award-winning musical <어쩌면 해피엔딩> (Maybe Happy Ending), which won six Tony Awards, further solidifying its position as a key player in the global content landscape.