Theater

“The Moon Embracing the Sun”: Many fell in love with Hwon, the cynical but attractive fictional Joseon king in MBC’s enormously successful TV drama series “The Moon Embracing the Sun” last year. Its fans now have the opportunity to revisit the series, this time onstage. The TV series’ theater adaptation is currently being staged at Seoul Arts Center, featuring local musical star Kim Da-hyeon in the lead. Based on the novel of the same title by author Jung Eun-gwol, the TV series and the musical tell the moving love story between Hwon and a beautiful female shaman ― who a daughter from a noble family ― while also dealing with the court intrigues and vying for political power in the royal household. “The Moon Embracing the Sun” runs until July 31 at Seoul Arts Center’s CJ Towol Theater. Tickets range in price from 60,000 won to 100,000 won. For more information, call 1588-5212. 

“The Scarlet Pimpernel”: Broadway musical “The Scarlet Pimpernel” is being staged in Seoul featuring local musical stars including Han Ji-sang and Park Gun-hyung. Set in England and France during the Reign of Terror of the French Revolution, the musical is based on the adventure novel of the same title by Hungarian-born British novelist Emma Orczy (1865-1947), and tells the story of Sir Percy Blakeney, a wealthy and often silly man in London who in fact is the elusive “Scarlet Pimpernel,” a hero who rescues French aristocrats from death in Revolutionary France. Musical actress Kim Sun-young and former girl group S.E.S member Bada share the role of Percy’s love interest. The musical runs from July 2 to Sept. 8 at LG Arts Center in Seoul. Tickets range from 50,000 won to 130,000 won. For more information, call 1577-3363.

“Avenue Q”: American adult puppet musical “Avenue Q” has its Seoul premiere this summer. The show is a coming-of-age tale featuring the anxieties and struggles associated with entering adulthood. The show, which also features “Sesame Street”-inspired puppets along with the actors and actresses, is famous for its adult-themed subject matter, such as pornography, racism and homosexuality. “Avenue Q” runs from Aug. 23 to Oct. 16 at Charlotte Theater in Seoul. Tickets range from 50,000 won to 130,000 won. For more information, call 1577-3363.

“A Tale of Two Cities”: “A Tale of Two Cities,” a musical based on the novel of the same title by Charles Dickens, is being restaged in Seoul after its first run in the city last year. The piece is set against the conflicts between the rebels and aristocracy during the French revolution and its parallel world in 18th-century London. It tells the story of Sydney Carton, a shrewd young English lawyer who develops a strong, unrequited love for Lucie Manette, a young, loving French woman who grew up in England. The show runs from June 18 to Aug. 11 at Charlotte Theater in Seoul. Tickets range from 60,000 won to 130,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.

“American Idiot”: Broadway musical “American Idiot,” an adaptation of punk rock band Green Day’s seventh studio album of the same title, will be staged for the first time in Korea. Green Day’s 2004 studio album enjoyed enormous popularity worldwide, selling over 15 million copies with more than 6 million sold in the U.S. alone. The rock musical album tells the story of three young men and their struggles to make sense of the world and find meaning in their lives post-9/11. The musical follows the album’s plot; its script was co-written by Billie Joe Armstrong and director Michael Mayer. “American Idiot” will be performed from Sept. 5 to 22 at Blue Square’s Samsung Electronics Hall in Hannam-dong, Seoul. Tickets range from 60,000 won to 150,000 won. For more information, call 1588-5212.

“Les Miserables”: The all-Korean production of Cameron Mackintosh’s legendary musical “Les Miserables” is being performed in Seoul. Based on 19th-century French writer Victor Hugo’s novel of the same title, the musical tells the story of Jean Valjean ― a hapless French peasant who serves 19 years in prison for stealing a piece of bread for his starving family in turbulent 19th-century France. After being released, he manages to assume a new identity and becomes mayor of a town. While trying to avoid being recaptured by Javert, a police inspector, he agrees to take care of Cosette, the illegitimate daughter of Fantine ― a sick, abused prostitute who had to sell her hair and teeth to make a living. “Les Miserables” is currently on an open run at Blue Square’s Samsung Electronics Hall in Hannam-dong, Seoul. Tickets range from 90,000 won to 130,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555 or visit www.lesmis.co.kr.

Dance

“Skirt, Skin”: Inspired by American playwright Eve Ensler’s feminist play “The Vagina Monologues,” three dancers have come up with a dance piece that features explorations of women’s body, sexuality and sense of identity. The piece uses women’s skirts as props, and explores one’s inner self that is often in conflict with outer appearance. Local dancers Park So-jung, Jeong Jeong-ah, and transgender woman dancer Christine Fletcher will give the performance, which includes a story of a transgender woman as well as the life of a mail-order bride living in a foreign country. The show runs from Aug. 5 to 6 at Gangdong Arts Center in Seoul. All tickets cost 20,000 won. For more information, call (02) 440- 0500.

“This is Modern”: Korea’ s Universal Ballet Company is staging its contemporary dance repertoire “This is Modern” this October. The piece is a collection of three contemporary ballets ― “Petit Mort,” “Six Dances” by Czech choreographer Jiri Kylian and “This is your life” by Korean choreographer Huh Yong-soon. Compared to classical ballets, the show is said to be spotlight different dancing styles and flair of each dancers. “This is Modern” runs from Oct. 24 to Oct. 27 at Seoul Arts Center’s CJ Towol Theater. Tickets range from 30,000 won to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.

Classical Music

“BACH for SOLO” and “Code Name: BACH”: Ensemble Ditto will be holding two additional performances, on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, in response to the popularity of last month’s seventh “Ditto Festival.” “BACH for SOLO” on Aug. 31 will feature solo pieces by Bach, including “Partita for Violin No. 3 in E Major, BWV 1006” and “Partita No. 1 in B Flat Major, BWV825. The program for the next day’s “Code Name: BACH” includes works that are thought to have continued Bach’s musical style such as Mozart’s Violin Sonata No. 22 in A Minor, K. 305, and Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 66. Ensemble Ditto is a project chamber ensemble that started performing in 2007, with Richard Yongjae O’Neill on the viola, Stefan P. Jackiw and Daniel Jung on the violin, Michael Nicolas on the cello, and Ji-yong on the piano. It will be the last performances for Ji-yong. Ticket prices range from 30,000 won to 80,000 won and can be purchased at www.clubbalcony.com. For more information, call 1577-5266. 

“Great Mountains Music Festival and School 2013”: The Great Mountains Music Festival and School 2013 will introduce works of Nordic composers and musicians as well as commissioned works for the festival and operatic highlights from July 14-Aug. 6 in Pyeongchang, Cheorwon, Wonju and other parts of Gangwon Province under the theme “Northern Lights.” Noted musicians from around the world including pianists Paik Hae-sun, Robert McDonald and Kevin Kenner; violinists Chung Kyung-wha, Kim Nam-yun, Koichiro Harada, Christel Lee and Clara-Jumi Kang; cellists Chung Myung-wha, David Geringas, Gary Hoffman and Jian Wang; violists Roberto Diaz and Hun-Wei Huang; bassist Michinori Bunya; as well as ensembles such as Fantasia Quintet; Novus String Quartet and St. Michel Strings will perform at the remote mountainside resort. They will play pieces by Grieg, Britten, Mozart, Schumann, Paganini, Dvorak, Verdi, Beethoven, Shostakovich and Faure as well as relatively unfamiliar northern European composers including Einojuhani Rautavaara and Dag Wiren. Ticket reservations are open at www.interpark.com. For more information, visit www.gmmfs.com.

“Jazzholic”: Jazzholic will feature performances by key artists in the world of modern creative jazz from July 18 to Aug. 10 in LIG Art Hall’s Seoul Hapjeong and Busan branches. Some of the Korean artists included in the program are the K-Jazz Trio, Lee Won-sul Jazz Chamber Ensemble, and Seoul Meeting Free Music Orchestra. Foreign artists include the legendary Billy Hart Quartet, who will perform in Korea for the first time on Aug. 2 at the Hapjeong branch and Aug. 3 at the Busan branch. Performances during the week will start at 8 p.m. while weekend performances will begin at 5 p.m. Tickets prices range from 30,000 won to 50,000 won. Tickets can be purchased at www.interpark.com, and inquiries can be made at www.ligarthall.com.

“Beautiful Thursday Baroque and Beyond-7”: The 7th installment in the “Beautiful Thursday Baroque and Beyond” series hosted by the Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation will feature Kwon Min-seok on the recorder and Cristian Gutierrez on the lute. Kwon is a leading recorder player, winning top titles in numerous international recorder competitions, and Gutierrez is also an expert in his field, specializing in various string instruments. Kwon and Gutierrez will showcase their skills through a series of seven pieces, including classic Baroque pieces from different countries by J.S. Bach, G. Finger, and J.M. Hotteterre. They will also perform unique pieces that have been arranged to feature a mix of classical Baroque instruments and 21st century electronic sounds by using a computer and loop station. The performance will take place at 8 p.m., July 25, at Kumho Art Hall. The ticket price is 30,000 won for adults and 8,000 won for youths, and can be purchased at www.kumhoarthall.com or www.interpark.com.

Pop music

“2013 Ansan Valley Rock Festival”: As Korea’s biggest event in rock, the Valley Rock Festival presents one of the best lineups of big musicians from Korea and abroad. This year’s headliners include The Cure, NiN, Skrillex, the Foals, the XX, My Bloody Valentine, Idiotape, Peppertones and many others. The festival this year has moved from Jisan Resort to the Daebu Sea Breeze Theme Park. The three-day festival will be held July 26-28. Ticket prices are 120,000 won for a one-day pass, 230,000 won for a three-day pass and 245,000 won for three-day pass plus admission to the camping ground. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“2013 Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival”: The Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival is an annual three-day music festival that features some of the hottest acts in the international and local music scene. Since its inauguration in 2006, the festival has been responsible for bringing in top acts such as Muse, The Black Eyed Peas, The Strokes, Korn, Hoobastank and many others. This year’s festival will be held at the Incheon Songdo 23 Geunrin Park from Aug. 2-4 and will feature headlining acts including Fall Out Boy, Suede, Deul Guk Hwa, Porno Graffitti, Glasvegas and Mamas Gun. Ticket prices are 89,100 won for a one-day pass, 128,700 won for a two-day pass and 148,500 won for a full three-day pass. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“2013 Shinhwa Grand Finale: The Classic”: Korea’s longest-running idol group Shinhwa will celebrate its 15-year anniversary with a special two-day concert performance in Seoul as part of the group’s Asia tour. The six members recently released their 11th album, “The Classic,” on May 16 and the album’s lead track “This Love” landed them the Triple Crown on “M! Countdown” as well as eight other first-place titles on various TV music programs. Shinhwa will hold its upcoming concert at Seoul Olympic Gymnastics Stadium on Aug. 3 and 4. Tickets to the show range from 66,000 won to 143,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“Hyundai Card Super Concert 19 City Break”: This year’s Hyundai Card Super Concert 19 City Break two-day music fest is bringing some of the hottest bands in rock to Korea. The lineup includes Metallica, Muse, Iggy and the Stooges, Limp Bizkit and Rise Against, as well as popular local acts Jang Ki-ha and the Faces, Kwon Soon-kwan and many more. The festival takes place on Aug. 17 and 18 at Jamsil Sports Complex. Tickets are 250,000 won for a two-day pass and 165,000 won for a one-day pass. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

Exhibitions

“A Dream I Dreamed”: Daegu Art Museum presents 118 works of Yayoi Kusama, including 30 new works, at the biggest-ever Kusama exhibition held in Asia outside Japan. The exhibition welcomes visitors to the fun, strange world of Kusama with large red balloons covered in white polka dots hanging in the museum lobby. Other signature installations and new painting series are on exhibit. The exhibition runs through Nov. 3 at Daegu Art Museum, which opens from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and closes on Mondays. Admission is 5,000 won for adults, 3,000 won for teenagers and 2,000 won for children. Guided tours are offered twice a day at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.daeguartmuseum.org, or call (053) 790-3000.

“Alphonse Mucha: Art Mouveau and Utopia”: The lavish and decorative paintings of Alphonse Mucha, a master of Art Nouveau, are on exhibit in Seoul for the first time, shedding light on the first era of modern art and its development in the late 19th century. The exhibition at Seoul Arts Center introduces 235 works of Mucha, one of the most celebrated artists in the Czech Republic, that are leading examples of the Art Nouveau style. It features posters, paintings, drawings, photographs and jewelry by Mucha on loan from the Mucha Foundation. The exhibition runs until Sept. 22. Admission is 12,000 won for adults, 10,000 won for teenagers and 8,000 won for children. For more information, visit www.mucha2013.com, or call 1666-2775.

“Takashi in Superflat Wonderland”: PLATEAU, Samsung Museum of Art presents a solo exhibition of pop artist Takashi Murakami from July 4 to Dec. 8. As the first retrospective of Takashi Murakami held in Korea, this exhibition allows one to experience and examine the artist’s oeuvre by featuring a broad panorama of his creative endeavors including his anime-inspired figures and paintings that reflect his theory of “Superflat” ― a combination of elements of Japanese traditional painting, manga culture, fine arts and commercialism.

“Gauguin and After: Voyage into the Myth”: Masterpieces of the French post-Impressionist artist Paul Gauguin are on exhibition in Seoul. The exhibition, which runs from Friday to Sept. 29 at the Seoul Museum of Art, is the first-ever comprehensive survey of Gauguin’s artistic career presented to a Korean audience. It showcases about 60 artworks on loan from 30 major museums around the world, created during the two major periods of the artist ― Brittany, France (1873-1891) and Polynesia (1893-1903) ― that include well-known masterpieces “Vision of the Sermon,” “The Yellow Christ,” “Where Do We Come From, What Are We, Where Are We Going,” and some sculptures and paper works. Admission is 13,000 won for adults, 10,000 won for teenagers and 8,000 won for children. The exhibition is closed on Mondays. For more information, call 1588-2618.

Festivals

“Busan International Magic Festival”: World-renowned magicians will gather in the port city of Busan in August for Asia’s biggest magic event. More than 100 magicians from 12 countries will participate in the five-day event, including David Stone, Nagisa Haruhiko, Netcheporenko and Juliana Chen. A huge outdoor magic show will celebrate the opening of the festival, followed by a magic contest, an event that offers a close look at magicians and a glamorous night magic show. The festival will be held from Aug. 2-5 at the outdoor stage on the Haeundae Beach on Aug. 2 and at the Busan Cultural Center throughout the festival. For more information, visit www.hibimf.org (English available).

“Pohang International Fireworks Festival”: Colorful fireworks will illuminate the sky over Pohang on the east coast every evening from July 26 to Aug. 4. Fireworks companies from China, France and Canada will display their products in the summer sky for an hour starting at 9 p.m. on July 27. Visitors can also attend performances of music and dance, a singing competition and movie screenings. For more information, call (054) 270-2253 or visit festival.ipohang.org.

“Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival”: The 2013 Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival (PiFan 2013) will enchant film maniacs with science fiction, thriller, fantasy, mystery and horror movies from around the world. About 229 films from 44 countries will be screened from July 18-28 at the festival in Bucheon, just west of Seoul, well known in South Korea as a center for the film and animation industries. For more information, call (032) 327-6313 or visit www.pifan.com.