Park Chunhyu, the writer of the Korean original musical "Maybe Happy Ending," which won six awards including Best Musical at the 78th Tony Awards, stated on his Instagram on the 10th that while the heightened expectations are overwhelming, he will continue to write with sincerity as he always has.
Park Chunhyu wrote, "Since the awards ceremony yesterday, I have received so many messages. It is both surprising and a little frightening. (Omitted) Now, expectations will be much higher... I wonder what I should do. But what can I do? I just have to do what I have always done. If there is a story I want to tell, I shouldn't try to make it look fancy for no reason, but rather write it down sincerely and carefully. And hopefully, that story will resonate with someone and offer comfort."
He also described the process of creating a musical as something that takes a very long time, akin to waiting for the rare alignment of planets.
"To create a musical, as a writer, you spend a very long time alone?although fortunately, I have Will, a truly wonderful partner?building a world on paper in solitude. And after finishing that arduous work, you go through another long production process, as if waiting for the rare chance when planets align."
He continued, explaining that what sustains him through that long period is not the prospect of awards that he "might receive someday," but rather "the impulse to write this story and music, the determination to bring it to the stage?those kinds of things." He added, "I have never aimed for an award."
Park Chunhyu, the writer of the original musical "Maybe Happy Ending," is taking a commemorative photo holding the trophies for Best Book and Best Original Score 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
Immediately after winning the Tony Award the previous day, Park Chunhyu also shared his acceptance remarks through NHN Link, the investment company for "Maybe Happy Ending."
He said, "I am excited, and there are so many people who have worked hard together for a very long time. Seeing how happy they are makes me feel so proud." Regarding the secret to the success of "Maybe Happy Ending," he said, "I can confidently say that so many people gave their all and did their best to create it. There is no other secret."
He also said, "Ten years ago, we had a trial performance of 'Maybe Happy Ending.' Without the full support and encouragement of Korean audiences, we would not have been able to prepare for a New York run for such a long time," expressing his sincere gratitude to Korean audiences.
Regarding his future plans, Park Chunhyu said, "I will work hard to present a new production of the musical 'Il Tenore' as soon as possible, and I will refine 'Ghost Bakery' further so that it can be performed in English-speaking countries as well." He added, "I am also preparing new stories."
"Maybe Happy Ending" swept the major categories at the 78th Tony Awards held at Radio City Music Hall in New York on the 9th, winning six awards?the most of any show?including Best Musical, Best Book, Best Original Score, Best Direction, Best Leading Actor, and Best Scenic Design.
"Maybe Happy Ending" is a purely original musical that premiered in Daehangno in December 2016. At the end of last year, it made its Broadway debut at the Belasco Theatre. After its Broadway opening, it received rave reviews locally and ultimately became the main winner at this year's Tony Awards.
In Korea, a 10th anniversary performance is scheduled to be held at the Doosan Art Center YeonGang Hall in Seoul from October 30 this year to January 25 next year.
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