Minister Yoo Inchon Sends Congratulatory Message to Park Chunhyu: "Korean Musicals' Artistry Recognized Worldwide"

On June 8 (local time), Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yoo Inchon sent a congratulatory message to author Park Chunhyu, who received the Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score awards for the musical "Maybe Happy Ending" at the 78th Tony Awards ceremony held at Radio City Music Hall in New York, USA, conveying his congratulations and encouragement.

Author Park Chunhyu is taking a commemorative photo after receiving the Best Book and Best Music awards at the 78th Tony Awards ceremony held at Radio City Music Hall in New York, USA, on the 8th (local time).
Photo by AFP Yonhap News

Minister Yoo stated, "This award is an achievement that encompasses universal human emotions through a narrative crafted in both Korean and English, showcasing the outstanding artistry and popular appeal of Korean musicals to the world." He added, "This will be recorded as a proud moment in history that has demonstrated the strength of Korean performing arts to the world, and it will serve as an excellent foundation for the future overseas expansion of Korean performing arts." He further encouraged, "I sincerely hope that Park Chunhyu will continue his brilliant creative journey, sharing the charm of Korean musical works with the world and gaining the love of global audiences."

Park Chunhyu's "Maybe Happy Ending" premiered in Seoul in 2016 and has since continued to captivate audiences worldwide with licensed performances in cities such as New York and Tokyo. The Broadway production of "Maybe Happy Ending" was co-produced by Jeffrey Richards and Hunter Arnold, with preview performances beginning at the Belasco Theatre on Broadway on October 16 last year, and the official opening taking place on November 12, about a month later.

Established in 1947, the Tony Awards is a globally prestigious ceremony that annually reviews and honors plays and musicals on Broadway in the United States. In addition to Best Book and Best Original Score, "Maybe Happy Ending" won awards in a total of six categories, including Best Musical, Best Direction, Best Leading Actor, and Best Scenic Design, demonstrating the global potential of Korean original musicals.