Protective fans put musical in spotlight : Controversy over ownership of singer’s music creates confusion
The police investigating the case said Monday that it will announce the result of their probe within the week.
In light of the issue, a musical that premiered three years ago has come into the spotlight only recently.
As Kim’s wife - whom Kim’s fans call a “wicked and fishy woman” - owns many of the singer’s songs, fans have decided not to listen to them or support the musical.
But according to the producer of the musical, the show does not use a single song that is owned by Seoh.
“There’s been a movement among Kim’s fans that they should not listen to any of Kim’s songs until the case involving Seoh is settled,” said Park Ki-young, the music director of the musical.
“But, I can assure them that the musical only uses Kim’s songs that were written while he was in the band. Seoh doesn’t hold the copyright of those songs, so she won’t be taking a penny from this show.”
“As soon as Kim died, all of his friends wanted nothing to do with [his wife],” Park said. “We didn’t want to meet her in any way or even talk to her, so naturally, the musical has been created so that it will not involve her in any way.”
Singer Hong Kyung-min, who is one of the three actors alternating in the role of “That Friend,” said, “Although the protagonist in this musical is Kim, it is about him and his friends while they worked together in the band, using songs that were written as a band.”
The story revolves around the character of Kim and the good and bad times he had with the members of the band. The singer’s songs that appear in the musical include “Hyewha-dong,” “At City Hall Station” and “On the Street,” among many others that are still beloved and covered by many young singers today.
BY YIM SEUNG-HYE [sharon@joongang.co.kr]
The musical “That Summer, Dongmulwon - The Zoo,” kicks off today at the Hanjeon Art Center in southern Seoul. The show starts at 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Wednesdays; at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturdays and at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sundays and public holidays. It runs until Jan. 7, 2018. Tickets range from 66,000 won to 99,000 won ($59.38 to $89.07).
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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