The creative partnership behind the critically acclaimed musical "Maybe Happy Ending" has been selected as recipients of the Asia Society's prestigious 2025 Asia Game Changer Awards. South Korean writer Park Chun-hue, professionally known as Hue Park, and American composer Will Aronson will be recognized for their groundbreaking theatrical collaboration that has garnered international acclaim.
The musical created by this cross-cultural duo achieved remarkable success at the 78th annual Tony Awards in June, taking home the coveted Best Musical award along with five additional Tony honors. Their innovative production has been praised for its unique storytelling approach and its ability to resonate with audiences across different continents and cultures.
The Asia Society described the honored pair as "an award-winning creative duo whose innovative musical storytelling has captivated audiences across continents" in their official announcement regarding this year's recipients. The recognition ceremony is scheduled to take place in New York City on October 15, where Park and Aronson will be formally honored alongside other distinguished awardees.
Joining Park and Aronson in this year's class of honorees are several other notable figures who have made significant contributions to various fields. The list includes philanthropists Elaine Chao and James Chao, who have distinguished themselves through their charitable work and former public service roles. Additionally, former U.S. Ambassador Jon Huntsman Jr., who served diplomatic roles in China, Russia, and Singapore, will be recognized for his contributions to international relations. World-renowned pianist Yuja Wang rounds out this year's recipients, being honored for her exceptional contributions to the arts.
The Asia Game Changer Awards program was established by the Asia Society in 2014 with the mission of recognizing individuals and organizations whose work significantly advances the organization's objectives across multiple sectors. According to the Asia Society, the awards specifically focus on achievements in policy development, business innovation, arts and culture, and educational advancement.
The awards program has previously honored an impressive roster of influential figures from across Asia and beyond. Past recipients include the globally successful Korean boy band BTS, who were recognized for their cultural impact and international outreach. Pakistani education activist and Nobel Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai was also honored for her advocacy work, as was Chinese entrepreneur and philanthropist Jack Ma for his contributions to business and social causes.
The recognition of Park and Aronson represents a significant acknowledgment of the growing influence of Asian artists and cross-cultural collaborations in the global entertainment industry. Their success with "Maybe Happy Ending" demonstrates how creative partnerships that bridge different cultural backgrounds can produce works that achieve both critical acclaim and popular success on the international stage.
