July 2025
The original Korean musical “Maybe Happy Ending” has been honored with a Tony Award, the most prestigious accolade in musical theater, marking a significant milestone that affirms the global potential of Korean musicals.
Writer. Kim Da Un
On June 9, the 78th Annual Tony Awards, widely regarded as the Academy Awards of the theater world, took place in New York. At the prestigious event, the Korean original musical “Maybe Happy Ending” earned top honors, with writer Park Chun-hue winning Best Book of a Musical and composer Will Aronson receiving Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics). In total, the production swept six categories, including Best Direction, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role and Best Scenic Design, making it the most awarded show of the year.
Park Chun-hue remarked, “We tried to fuse Korean indie pop, American jazz, contemporary classical music and traditional Broadway. ‘Maybe Happy Ending’ is a true melting pot of these diverse sensibilities.”
Set in near-future Seoul, “Maybe Happy Ending” tells the story of Oliver and Claire, service robots long discarded by humans, who meet by chance and fall in love. Since its premiere in Korea in 2016, the musical has captivated audiences with its inventive narrative and refined direction.
After its successful debut in Korea, the show was licensed for performances in Japan, China and other international markets. An English-language version was later developed, premiering in previews in New York in 2023 before officially opening at Manhattan’s Belasco Theatre in November 2024.
President Lee Jae Myung celebrated the news on social media, calling the award “the culmination of years of dedication, passion and creative pursuit by Korean artists.” He added, “We will continue to fully support the cultural and artistic sectors so that more Korean creators can thrive on the world stage and share the power of Korean culture with all of humanity.”
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yu In Chon also praised the win, stating, “I sincerely hope that writer Park Chun-hue continues to illuminate the global stage with his creative journey and that ‘Maybe Happy Ending’ will be cherished by audiences around the world.”
Park Chun-hue (left) and Will Aronson (right) attend the 78th Tony Awards ceremony. 
Helen J Shen and Darren Criss. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
The Boryeong Mud Festival, Korea’s iconic summer celebration where visitors immerse themselves in mud-based fun, is set to run from Jul. 25 to Aug. 10. Various mud-based activities can be enjoyed by the beach, the heat can be cooled off with refreshing water, and various cultural performances are planned.
Boryeong is a region located on Korea’s west coast, known for its abundance of mud. This event, which makes use of the region’s specialty product, began in 1998 and marks its 28th edition this year. It is one of Korea’s representative festivals and a global event highlighted by many media outlets and publishers around the world.
This year’s festival promises an even broader range of activities for all ages. The most popular attractions are the mud pools, filled with inflatable structures and equipped with mud or water spray systems, where visitors can splash, slide, and slather themselves in therapeutic mud. The pools are divided into zones: a general zone for teens and adults, and a family-friendly zone for younger children, ensuring safety for all participants.
Beyond the mud pools, guests can enjoy solo mud mask experiences or try colorful body painting using tinted mud. Designated photo zones offer perfect backdrops for muddy selfies, ideal for sharing on social media.
But the mud isn’t the only attraction—the festival also boasts a packed lineup of live entertainment. From EDM and hip-hop to rock and dance, a wide range of performances will take the stage. Highlights include the “World DJ Festival,” the “K-Hip-Hop Festival,” the “K-pop Super Live” and a special recording of the popular music program “M Countdown,” filmed live on-site.
There are also citizen participation programs open to everyone. The “Open Square” program invites visitors to join in on busking performances, and a nationwide singing contest will also take place. Adding to the excitement, the Air Force will present an air show, and in the evening, a dazzling drone show is set to light up the night sky.
Visitors can also shop for skincare products made with beneficial mud, and browse booths featuring unique items themed around Boryeong, created by local youth. With a wide range of mud-related experiences and the chance to enjoy the beach at the same time, there’s no better way to celebrate summer.
© Boryeong Festival & Tourism Foundation.
