The beloved Korean folk hero Hong Gil-dong is making a triumphant return to the stage in a spectacular new production that puts a fresh twist on the classic tale. The National Theater of Korea's year-end madangnori series will feature "Madangnori Hong Gildong," a vibrant theatrical celebration designed to help audiences bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one with traditional Korean flair.
The production brings together the original creative dream team that helped define madangnori's golden era in the 1980s. Director Sohn Jin-chaek leads the project, working alongside composer Park Bum-hoon, choreographer Guk Su-ho, and traditional performance director Kim Seong-nyeo. Their collaboration promises to reimagine the legendary folk hero for modern audiences in 2025. The show will run from November 28 through January 31 at the Haneul Round Theater, performed by the renowned theater company Michoo.
Since its successful revival in 2014 with "Madangnori Simcheong," the National Theater's madangnori series has emerged as one of the institution's most popular and successful brands. The series has attracted more than 230,000 theatergoers over the years with memorable productions including "Chunhyang" in 2015, "Nolbo" in 2016, "Chunpung" from 2018 to 2020, and last year's special 10th anniversary production titled "Assorted Madangnori." These productions have successfully brought to life some of Korea's most cherished characters from traditional folktales, ranging from the devoted daughter Sim Cheong and the romantic heroine Chunhyang to Nolbo, the infamous antagonist and brother of Heungbo.
Madangnori itself represents a unique and vibrant form of outdoor theater that Director Sohn Jin-chaek conceptualized in 1981. The term combines two Korean words: "madang," meaning yard, and "nori," meaning play. This theatrical form thrives on active audience participation and brings traditional Korean classics to life through clever satire and humor. Sohn's theater company Michoo has an impressive track record, having staged more than 3,000 performances over the past three decades while touring throughout the country.
The latest production revives Michoo's acclaimed "Hong Gildong" from 2000 and draws its inspiration from the classic 17th-century novel "The Story of Hong Gildong," written in 1612. The tale follows a legendary folk hero who boldly defies Korea's rigid class hierarchies of the time. Hong Gil-dong is portrayed as the illegitimate son of a nobleman and his concubine, who uses his extraordinary intelligence and supernatural powers to fight against injustice and steal from corrupt aristocrats who exploit the common people.
"We decided to revisit Hong Gildong because so many realities in Korea today feel stifling," explained Director Sohn during a press conference held on Wednesday. "In the past, Hong broke through the barriers of social class. Today, he represents those who challenge the walls of inequality, ideology and wealth." This contemporary relevance makes the centuries-old story particularly resonant for modern Korean audiences facing their own societal challenges.
Audiences attending the production can expect a truly dynamic and visually spectacular experience. The hero's adventures with his band of righteous bandits will unfold through breathtaking aerial performances, impressive acrobatics, magical elements, and dance movements that draw inspiration from traditional Korean martial arts including taekwondo and takgyeon. These performance elements combine to create an immersive theatrical experience that honors both traditional Korean culture and contemporary entertainment values.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this production is its gender-swapping approach to the title character. Two accomplished female pansori singers will alternate in playing the traditionally male role of Hong Gil-dong: Lee So-yeon from the National Changgeuk Company and Kim Yul-hee from the traditional music group Baraji. This casting choice represents a bold artistic decision that adds new dimensions to the familiar story.
Director Sohn explained that having women take on this traditionally male role adds significant depth to the character and makes Hong Gil-dong feel more relatable to contemporary audiences. He noted that this approach has precedent in madangnori history, pointing out that actor Kim Seong-nyeo had famously portrayed Hong in earlier madangnori productions, demonstrating that gender flexibility has long been part of this theatrical tradition.
Audience participation remains a defining hallmark of the madangnori experience, and this production will offer multiple opportunities for spectators to become part of the celebration. The interactive elements range from pre-show rituals that include offering traditional Korean taffy called "yeot" to special New Year's blessings and post-show dancing sessions. These activities invite audience members to join the fun and celebrate together, creating a communal experience that extends beyond passive theater viewing to active cultural participation.
