Trot singers Kim Hee-jae and Na Sang-do are expanding their artistic careers by transitioning into musical theater performances in South Korea [1, 2].
This shift represents a strategic effort to move trot music fandoms into the theater, diversifying the audience for stage productions while broadening the artistic range of the performers [1, 2].
Kim Hee-jae is currently appearing in the musical "Romeo and Juliet" [1, 2]. He first debuted as a musical actor three years ago [1]. Lee Kwang-yeon, a reporter for YTN, said Kim had previously proven his skills in "Mozart" and is now returning to Korean audiences through the "Romeo and Juliet" stage [1].
The production of "Romeo and Juliet" is a prominent French musical that premiered in Paris in 2001 [1, 2]. Since that debut, the show has drawn more than five million spectators across Europe [1]. The current South Korean production of the show has seen its first performance completely sold out [1].
Na Sang-do is also pursuing a new challenge in the musical theater genre [1, 2]. Na first entered the public eye after debuting in 2017 and gaining fame through trot-themed entertainment programs, Lee said [1].
By integrating popular music stars into theater, producers aim to capture a wider demographic of viewers. This cross-genre movement allows performers to transition from the constraints of the trot genre into more complex narrative roles on stage [1, 2].
“Kim Hee-jae is currently appearing in the musical 'Romeo and Juliet'.”
The movement of trot stars into musical theater reflects a broader trend in the South Korean entertainment industry where established celebrity fandoms are used to revitalize traditional stage arts. By leveraging the high loyalty of trot fans, theater producers can ensure commercial success—as seen with the sold-out premiere of 'Romeo and Juliet'—while the artists evolve their public images from niche genre singers to versatile performers.
