Musical theater performer Kim Soo-ha is set to make a triumphant return to London's West End this September, bringing the Korean musical "Swag Age" to the prestigious Gillian Lynne Theatre. The 31-year-old actress will perform in traditional Korean hanbok and speak in Korean, marking a significant milestone in her career exactly 10 years after her international debut.
Kim has achieved remarkable success in the musical theater world, having played iconic roles including Mimi in "Rent," Eurydice in "Hadestown," Aida in "Aida," and Eponine in "Les Miserables." Her exceptional performances have earned her two best actress awards at the Korean Musical Awards - one for her role as Mimi in 2021 and another for Eurydice in 2024. She also received the best new female talent award in 2021 for her portrayal of Jin in "Swag Age" in 2020, which marked her Korean debut.
Kim's international journey began in 2014 when she auditioned for the Japanese production of "Miss Saigon." Her audition recording caught the attention of a UK producer, leading to her landing the position of second cover for the lead role in London's production, along with a place in the ensemble. The opportunity came quickly for the college student, who found herself in London just two weeks after getting the role, despite not speaking fluent English.
During her time with "Miss Saigon," Kim faced the challenge of being ready to step into the lead role at any moment. About a month into the run, that moment arrived when both the lead actress and her understudy were unavailable. "I got the phone call at about 10 a.m. and I don't remember how I did that day. I was so nervous," Kim told reporters during a recent interview. What began as one performance turned into more than 30 appearances in the title role over the next 10 months, alongside her regular ensemble duties.
Reflecting on her early experience, Kim recalled the extensive support she received. "At first, I couldn't speak English at all. There was an interpreter with me and a pronunciation coach to help with my diction, as well as a vocal coach. I made my debut in such an incredibly supportive environment that, honestly, I almost felt embarrassed to be paid for performing," she said.
Kim spent a total of four years abroad, including three years in the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, plus several months in Japan. She described the four years overseas, including two years of touring, as transformative. "Touring taught her how to adapt quickly. Even though we used the same microphones and sound director, every theater's conditions were different, especially in smaller towns. I learned to adjust fast, and unlike in Korea, I never knew until the day of the show whether I'd be performing or who my scene partner would be. That adaptability became one of my strengths," she explained.
After four years abroad, Kim returned to Korea and made her local debut with "Swag Age" in 2019. The musical is an award-winning production that began in 2017 as a student-created project at the Seoul Institute of the Arts. Unusually for a school production, it went on to have multiple successful runs. The show uniquely blends history, hip-hop, and Korean traditional music, creating a distinctive theatrical experience.
"Swag Age" will be presented as a concert-style performance on September 8 at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in London's West End. The production will feature traditional Korean elements, including the "gat," the traditional Korean men's hat that has recently gained global recognition through Sony's animated film "KPop Demon Hunters." Kim expressed excitement about showcasing these cultural elements to international audiences.
"It's amazing to be going back exactly 10 years later. And the production I'm going with this time is one where I wear a hanbok and speak in Korean. I'm really looking forward to showcasing that," Kim said. She noted the growing global awareness of Korean culture, saying, "It's fascinating that foreigners know what a 'gat' is. We'll be able to present a uniquely Korean silhouette alongside rhythms and music that feel both exotic and familiar to them."
For Kim, the upcoming performance represents not only a personal homecoming but also a broader milestone in the growing presence of Korean original musicals on one of the world's most prestigious stages. She believes that just as Korean audiences connect with foreign productions like "Aida" or "Hadestown," overseas audiences will find their own points of connection with "Swag Age." "We're telling a story of Joseon, but I'm sure there will be elements they can relate to as if it were their own story. That's the hope I'm taking with me," she concluded.
