Korean musical “Caffeine” marked the grand opening of Amuse Musical Theatre, a performance hall dedicated to musicals in Tokyo, on Thursday.

Eight to nine Korean musicals will be presented each year there, paving the way for Korean performance arts to advance into the Japanese market.

“Caffeine” is a romantic comedy from Daehagno, the cradle of small-stage theaters in Seoul, that has been widely popular among people in their 20s and 30s. It tells the love story of an ordinary couple who accidentally bump into each other at a coffee shop and start a relationship. 

The opening performance starred Korean actress Yoon Gong-ju and actor Kim Do-hyun. Local media reported that the show received thunderous applause from the audience, who laughed all the way through.

Amuse, one the largest multi-entertainment companies in Japan and operator of the theater, said it was inspired by theaters in Daehagno, or “Off-Broadway of Asia,” which is a cluster of more than 130 theatres staging hundreds of musicals and plays, attracting about 3.2 million spectators every year.

“Daehagno is overwhelmed by a lot of young creators and talented artists. Amuse Musical Theatre wants to present those high quality musicals to Japanese audiences. We hope this will raise Japan’s appreciation of musicals and create an active musical market here,” the company announced in a press release.

Amuse chairman Osato Yokichi was quoted as saying to local media: “I believe introducing K-musicals will boost the Japanese musical industry. Even if it may suffer billions of won in losses in the beginning, I will put this project through.”

“Caffeine” will be featured until May 19, followed by other musicals, “Singles,” “Poongwallju,” “Interest Me” and “Oh! Dangsini Jamdeunsai (While you were sleeping).”

By Suh Hye-rim (sheren6735@heraldcorp.com)