‘Hong Gil-dong’ and ‘Lee Nalchi’ Take the Stage... National Theater of Korea Heats Up Year-End Performances with Korean Narratives

Provided by the National Theater of Korea. [Financial News] As late autumn arrives, the National Theater of Korea presents two performances that revive the roots of tradition with a modern sensibility. 'Hong Gildong Is Coming,' which reimagines the legendary hero Hong Gil-dong with the vibrant energy unique to Madangnori, and the changgeuk 'The Story of Lee Nal-chi,' which unfolds the life of the renowned late Joseon pansori singer Lee Nalchi through a lively narrative, will be staged consecutively.
These productions are set to once again showcase the power of Korean performing arts—its narrative, sound, and playfulness. Madangnori 'Hong Gil-dong-jeon' Returns After 25 Years The planned Madangnori performance 'Hong Gildong Is Coming' will be held at the Haneul Theater of the National Theater of Korea in Jung-gu, Seoul, from the 28th until January 31, 2026. Since 2014, when the National Theater of Korea launched its Madangnori series with 'Simcheong Is Coming,' followed by 'Chunhyang Is Coming' (2015), 'Nolbo Is Coming' (2016), 'Chunpoong Is Coming' (2018–2020), and the 10th anniversary special 'Madangnori Modeumjeon' (2024), the series has attracted a cumulative audience of over 230,000, establishing itself as the theater’s signature box office brand.
Provided by the National Theater of Korea. [Financial News] As late autumn arrives, the National Theater of Korea presents two performances that revive the roots of tradition with a modern sensibility. 'Hong Gildong Is Coming,' which reimagines the legendary hero Hong Gil-dong with the vibrant energy unique to Madangnori, and the changgeuk 'The Story of Lee Nal-chi,' which unfolds the life of the renowned late Joseon pansori singer Lee Nalchi through a lively narrative, will be staged consecutively.Provided by the National Theater of Korea. [Financial News] As late autumn arrives, the National Theater of Korea presents two performances that revive the roots of tradition with a modern sensibility. 'Hong Gildong Is Coming,' which reimagines the legendary hero Hong Gil-dong with the vibrant energy unique to Madangnori, and the changgeuk 'The Story of Lee Nal-chi,' which unfolds the life of the renowned late Joseon pansori singer Lee Nalchi through a lively narrative, will be staged consecutively.
Both performers, celebrated female vocalists, portray a 'gender-free' Hong Gil-dong, offering a fresh perspective on the traditional hero. Additionally, a new female Hwalbindang member, 'Samchung,' who admires Hong Gil-dong, makes her debut in this adaptation, with Jo Yoo-ah and Hong Seung-hee double-cast in the role, adding a delightful charm. Kim Hak-yong, who has been active in the National Changgeuk Company of Korea for over 30 years, and Choo Hyun-jong, head of the creative group 'Kkakdugi,' appear as Hong Gil-dong’s companion 'Jabari,' while Jeong Jun-tae takes on the role of 'Kkokdu-soe,' filling the stage with captivating performances and songs.
The exploits of the 'Korean-style hero' Hong Gil-dong and the Hwalbindang come to life through dynamic stage effects such as aerial flying, magic, and acrobatics. Magic scenes, which allow the audience to experience Hong Gil-dong’s mystical abilities up close, and flying sequences depicting his battles with enemies, heighten the excitement. More than 50 actors, dancers, and musicians fill the stage, creating a spectacular display that combines singing, acting, acrobatics, and roller-skate performances, ensuring a visually stunning experience from start to finish.
The original Madangnori creative team has reunited for this production. Director Son Jin-chaek, composer Park Beom-hun, choreographer Guk Su-ho, and performance director Kim Sung-Nyo, all members of the inaugural team, are preparing to reinvent 'Hong Gil-dong-jeon. ' This time, traditional music composer Kim Sung-guk joins the team, promising music of the highest quality.
'Living Like a Nalchi': The Greatest Singer of Joseon The resident National Changgeuk Company of Korea will present the changgeuk 'The Story of Lee Nal-chi' at Daloreum Theater from the 21st to the 29th. This original changgeuk is based on the life of Lee Gyeong-suk (1820–1892), one of the eight great singers of late Joseon, nicknamed 'Nalchi' for his agility on the tightrope.
When it premiered in early 2024, the production received acclaim for its lively blend of traditional performance and pansori, achieving a 99% seat occupancy rate. 'The Story of Lee Nal-chi' traces the journey of Lee Nalchi, who was born a servant in a noble household, became a tightrope performer, and later entered the world of master singers as a bukjaebi (drum assistant), enduring countless hardships and learning to sing by listening in secret.
Provided by the National Theater of Korea. [Financial News] As late autumn arrives, the National Theater of Korea presents two performances that revive the roots of tradition with a modern sensibility. 'Hong Gildong Is Coming,' which reimagines the legendary hero Hong Gil-dong with the vibrant energy unique to Madangnori, and the changgeuk 'The Story of Lee Nal-chi,' which unfolds the life of the renowned late Joseon pansori singer Lee Nalchi through a lively narrative, will be staged consecutively.Provided by the National Theater of Korea. [Financial News] As late autumn arrives, the National Theater of Korea presents two performances that revive the roots of tradition with a modern sensibility. 'Hong Gildong Is Coming,' which reimagines the legendary hero Hong Gil-dong with the vibrant energy unique to Madangnori, and the changgeuk 'The Story of Lee Nal-chi,' which unfolds the life of the renowned late Joseon pansori singer Lee Nalchi through a lively narrative, will be staged consecutively.
Director Jung Jong-im once again delivers an exhilarating showcase of traditional Korean performing arts. The production features not only pansori but also Namsadangpae pungmulnori (folk percussion), jaedam (comic storytelling), tightrope walking, gobup (traditional drumming), and talchum (mask dance), offering a diverse array of traditional performances.
Even audiences unfamiliar with pansori can easily enjoy this changgeuk. In particular, the breathtaking tightrope act performed live on stage is considered a highlight of the show.Provided by the National Theater of Korea. [Financial News] As late autumn arrives, the National Theater of Korea presents two performances that revive the roots of tradition with a modern sensibility. 'Hong Gildong Is Coming,' which reimagines the legendary hero Hong Gil-dong with the vibrant energy unique to Madangnori, and the changgeuk 'The Story of Lee Nal-chi,' which unfolds the life of the renowned late Joseon pansori singer Lee Nalchi through a lively narrative, will be staged consecutively.
The 'Tongincheong Daesaseupnori' scene, where the eight great singers of late Joseon—Park Man-soon, Song Woo-ryong, Kim Se-jong, Park Yu-jeon, and others—compete in vocal prowess, is structured with the dynamic energy and speed of a music audition program or a hip-hop rap battle. In the 'Simcheong Falls into the Water' scene from 'Simcheongga,' Lee Nalchi must risk his life to sing before Yi Choeung, delivering a desperate and poignant performance that deeply moves the audience.
Composer Son Da-hye has elevated the immersion of the production by blending traditional Korean instruments such as the Gayageum, Geomungo, Daegeum, Haegeum, Piri, Ajaeng, and Modeum-buk with Western instruments like synthesizers and acoustic guitars. The stage visually embodies the concept of a 'sound stage.
' The 10-meter-diameter circular floor draws the audience’s focus, and its patterns, reminiscent of tree rings or human fingerprints, evoke the passage of time. This design symbolically reflects the twists, turns, and ever-changing journey of Lee Nalchi’s life.
The lead role of 'Lee Nalchi' is double-cast with the young National Changgeuk Company of Korea singers Lee Gwang-bok and Kim Soo-in, both of whom excelled in the premiere. Choi Yong-seok plays 'Gaedari,' Lee Nalchi’s sworn brother and supporter, while Seo Jeong-geum portrays the witty clown who guides the narrative.
In addition, over 40 performers—including members of the National Changgeuk Company of Korea, tightrope walkers, and traditional artists—come together to create a vibrant and exhilarating performance.
jashin@fnnews.com Shin Jin-a Reporter