Musical Theatre Association Issues Statement Welcoming "Maybe Happy Ending" Tony Award Win

"First Case of a Small-Theater Musical Succeeding on Broadway"

On June 9, the Korea Musical Theatre Association issued a statement regarding the Tony Award win of the original musical "Maybe Happy Ending," emphasizing that this marks the first time a Korean small-theater musical, recognized for both its artistic merit and commercial success, has expanded to a large Broadway theater in the United States and achieved success. The association also expressed gratitude and congratulations not only to the creators, Park Chunhyu and Will Aronson, but also to everyone in the musical industry who fulfilled their respective roles over the ten years from the premiere to the Broadway production.

The association noted that "Maybe Happy Ending" swept six awards at the 2nd Korea Musical Awards held after its 2016 premiere in Korea, including Best Musical, Best Book, Best Score, Best Direction, Best Producer, and Best Leading Actress. The association evaluated the Tony Award win as an exemplary case that embodies the ideal model pursued by the musical ecosystem, from initial creation and development to commercialization and overseas expansion.

Creators of the original musical "Maybe Happy Ending," Park Chunhyu (left) and Will Aronson, are taking a commemorative photo at Radio City Music Hall in New York, USA, where the 78th Tony Awards ceremony was held on April 8 (local time).
[Photo by Reuters Yonhap News]

"Maybe Happy Ending" swept major categories such as Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Score at the 78th Tony Awards ceremony held at Radio City Music Hall in New York on the morning of June 9, winning six awards in total. This is the first time a Korean original musical has received a Tony Award.

The association specifically highlighted that writer Park Chunhyu of "Maybe Happy Ending" became the first Korean to win both Best Book and Best Score at the Tony Awards.

The association stated, "We believe that this achievement will serve as a catalyst for further development of Korean original musicals and broader opportunities for overseas expansion, positioning them as a next-generation driving force in the K-content industry. The association, together with industry professionals and all audiences, joyfully welcomes today’s remarkable accomplishment."