"If a Cirque du Soleil show is created with Korean culture and K-culture, it will be a great opportunity"

[Financial News] Yonggwan Kim, CEO of MAST International, expressed his hope that a Cirque du Soleil production based on Korean culture and K-culture would be created.
He is leading the Asia tour of 'Kooza', one of Cirque du Soleil’s signature works. After a successful opening in Hong Kong, the tour began its first Korean leg in Busan and officially launched its Seoul performances on the 11th.
At the 'Kooza' press conference held at the Big Top in Jamsil Sports Complex, Seoul, on the 15th, CEO Kim shared this aspiration and cited another Cirque du Soleil series, 'Luzia', as a successful example.
He explained, "'Luzia' was created at the request and with the support of the Mexican government. It toured the world successfully and contributed to enhancing Mexico's image. This is certainly possible with K-culture as well. It will be another opportunity for Korean creators to expand overseas."
'Luzia' premiered in April 2016 in Montreal, Canada. The show depicts a dreamlike vision of Mexico, inspired by its culture, traditions, nature, and mythology. The name 'Luzia' is a Spanish portmanteau of 'light' and 'rain.'
Meanwhile, 'Kooza' attracted 205,000 spectators during its 2018 Seoul run. Globally, it is one of the most successful touring productions by Cirque du Soleil. Performances such as high wire, Teeterboard, and Wheel of Death deliver extreme tension and excitement.
Jamieson Lindenberg, Artistic Director, remarked, "The essence of 'Kooza' is resilience, strength, and love." He added, "Even those unfamiliar with circus can relate if they enjoy live performances like theater, music, or sports. Korean audiences, in particular, are sensitive to emotion and storytelling, so they will be deeply moved by Kooza’s expressive style."
Regarding the secret behind 'Kooza’s' popularity, he explained, "Since its premiere in 2007, the show has reinterpreted the spirit of traditional circus in a modern way. It pushes the limits of emotional, dangerous, yet beautiful human physicality."
jashin@fnnews.com Shin Jin-a Reporter