Three of South Korea's most celebrated vocalists delivered a breathtaking evening of musical theater at Lotte Concert Hall in Seoul's Songpa District on Monday night. The Korea Times commemorated its 75th anniversary with a spectacular gala concert titled "The Musical," featuring soprano Kang Hye-jung alongside musical theater stars Michael K. Lee and Choi Jae-rim. Under the expert direction of veteran music director and conductor Kolleen Park, the evening transformed into a sweeping celebration of theatrical artistry and the newspaper's enduring legacy.
Anticipation filled the air hours before the performance began, as concertgoers crowded the venue gates well ahead of showtime. The audience included both individuals affiliated with the English-language daily newspaper and music enthusiasts drawn by the promise of exceptional performances. The atmosphere was electric as guests eagerly awaited what would prove to be an unforgettable night of musical excellence.
The evening opened with remarkable theatrical flair as the High Tone Symphony Orchestra performed the "Titanic Suite." Soprano Kang Hye-jung made her entrance wearing an elegant green gown, symbolically representing the newspaper's signature color. Her crystalline voice filled the grand hall as she delivered a stunning rendition of "My Heart Will Go On," setting the tone for what organizers described as a journey through the history of modern musicals, where Broadway passion seamlessly merged with orchestral splendor.
Michael K. Lee took command of the stage with his powerful performance of "Out There" from "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." His bright, impassioned voice soared through the hall, showcasing the vocal control and confidence that comes from decades of Broadway experience. The audience responded with enthusiastic applause as his final note resonated throughout the venue. "It's an honor to be part of this special celebration marking The Korea Times' 75th anniversary," Lee said following his performance. "I truly hope that this new chapter beyond the 75-year mark will open the way to even greater dreams and momentum."
Choi Jae-rim brought intense passion and fire to his performances, delivering each line of "Into the Fire" from "The Scarlet Pimpernel" like a rallying cry. His deep, commanding voice was powerfully supported by the orchestra's driving rhythm, creating an electrifying atmosphere in the hall. Later in the evening, he channeled that same intensity in a more introspective direction with "Bring Me Giants" from Frank Wildhorn's "Cyrano de Bergerac." Reflecting on his song choice, Choi explained, "I'm both thrilled and grateful to be performing in such a traditional acoustic hall again. I chose 'Into the Fire' thinking about how The Korea Times, throughout its 75-year journey, has always advanced with the same fearless spirit, stepping into the flames to move forward."
One of the evening's most emotionally moving moments came when Kang and Choi performed a duet featuring "Before and After You" and "One Second and a Million Miles" from "The Bridges of Madison County." Their on-stage chemistry felt almost cinematic, with their harmonious voices blurring the line between theatrical performance and personal confession. The audience was visibly moved by the intimate and powerful delivery of these romantic ballads.
As the concert continued, Kang returned to the stage for a solo performance of "Oh My Love" from the musical "Anna Karenina." Her voice traced the contours of heartbreak with exquisite control and emotional depth, causing the entire hall to fall into reverent silence as her final note lingered in the air. Despite the evening's nonstop pace, the concert never lost its emotional force, with each musical number meeting the next with equal power and conviction.
The second half of the program featured equally compelling performances. Choi reappeared with "Remember" from the film "Troy," drawing the audience in as his voice swelled with the orchestral accompaniment. Lee followed with "You Must Love Me" from Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Evita," a musical in which he is currently starring. His delivery emphasized understated sorrow rather than theatrical grandeur, demonstrating his versatility as a performer.
The collaboration between Lee and Choi reached new heights during their duet of "Lily's Eyes" from "The Secret Garden." Their voices intertwined beautifully, conveying themes of grief and longing through sheer vocal prowess. The emotional communication between the two performers was palpable, creating one of the evening's most memorable musical moments.
The concert reached its triumphant climax with the finale performance of "Barcelona" by Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé. Kang's operatic brightness and Choi's thunderous resonance created a spectacular vocal collision that soared and ultimately fused into a joyful and triumphant conclusion. When the final chord landed, the hall erupted into enthusiastic cheers, whistles, and a prolonged standing ovation from the appreciative audience.
Throughout the entire evening, conductor Kolleen Park served as the quiet architect behind the performances, expertly shaping tempo and cueing entrances with remarkable precision. Her masterful command made the transitions between sweeping symphonic grandeur and intimate, chamber-like focus appear effortless and seamless.
As the crowd departed into the cold November night, traces of the evening's melodies followed them. One concertgoer was heard softly humming the "Titanic Suite" while another laughingly remarked that it was "the first concert I've stayed awake through from start to finish." A woman in her forties named Lee expressed her delight after the show, saying, "It was such a delight. I can't believe it's a Monday. My ears feel blessed. I'm grateful to The Korea Times for bringing together these amazing artists."
