South Korean musical "Turandot" will finally begin its Seoul tour next month after receiving the Chinese stamp of approval four years ago, its producers said Thursday.

The musical was jointly created by the South Korean city of Daegu and the Daegu International Musical Festival in 2010.

Set in the fictional underwater world of Okakeomare, "Turandot" takes the classic opera of the same name by Giacomo Puccini and gives it a fairy tale twist.

The South Korean production debuted at the 5th DIMF in 2011 and was simultaneously licensed to a Chinese musical production company. Since Daegu, it has toured Shanghai and Dongguan in southeastern China.

"After Daegu and China, we became confident that it was time to bring the musical to Seoul," DIMF executive director Bae Sung-hyuk told reporters at a press conference in Seoul. "The revamped 'Turandot' will debut in Seoul as sustainable commercial content."

Bae also warned people against underestimating "Turandot" for its provincial origins.

"Consider it an original South Korean production, and I hope you'll all watch it," he said.

Producers said a duet between Princess Turandot and Prince Calaf has been added to the renewed version.

Lee Chang-min of the South Korean boy band 2AM has been cast for the role of Calaf. Singer Ali will play Turandot along with two other musical actresses.

Bae said a Shanghai art center has recently asked to include "Turandot" as its first performance next year, with producers considering the deal.

"Turandot" opens on Feb. 17 at Seoul's D-Cube Art Center and will run until March 13. (Yonhap)