Original Musical "Simwoo" about Manhae Han Yongun to Be Staged at Simwoojang in Seongbuk-gu on June 6-7

Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, in collaboration with the Seongbuk Cultural Center and the theater company The Neum, will stage the original musical "Simwoo" about Manhae Han Yongun at Simwoojang (24, Seongbuk-ro 29-gil, Seongbuk-gu), where Han Yongun lived. The performances will be held three times: at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on June 6, and at 1:00 p.m. on June 7.

Musical Simwoo Poster. Provided by Seongbuk-gu.

The musical "Simwoo" is named after "Simwoojang," the residence of Han Yongun. "Simwoo (尋牛)" refers to the first stage in the Zen Buddhist "Simwoo-do (Ten Oxherding Pictures)," which uses the search for an ox as a metaphor for the pursuit of one's true nature. The work reflects Han Yongun's return to his original intentions and his contemplation and dedication to the future of his country and people.

The original musical "Simwoo" is based on the funeral of Ilsong Kim Dongsam. After being arrested in Harbin and dying in prison at Gyeongseong Prison, Ilsong Kim Dongsam's body was recovered by Manhae Han Yongun, who held the funeral at Simwoojang. A district official particularly noted the significance of holding the performance at Simwoojang in Seongbuk-dong, which is not only where Manhae Han Yongun spent his later years but is also designated as a National Heritage Site of Korea.

The 81st Memorial Creative Musical "Simwoo" commemorating Manhae Han Yongun can be viewed free of charge by anyone visiting Simwoojang in Seongbuk-dong. In June, the Month of Patriots and Veterans, it is hoped that the original musical at Simwoojang in Seongbuk-dong will provide an opportunity to reflect on the life of Manhae Han Yongun, who lived with dignity and resilience under Japanese colonial rule.

Lee Seungro, Mayor of Seongbuk-gu, stated, "The musical 'Simwoo' is a meaningful performance that sheds new light on historical spaces and figures through art," adding, "In the year marking the 80th anniversary of liberation, it will serve as an occasion to remember the independence activists who fought for our nation's freedom."