A high-energy performance unlike conventional stage productions is unfolding in Seoul. The musical "FLY HIGH, TAEKWON" delivers an 80-minute spectacle that merges acting, live vocals, taekwondo, traditional Korean music, and pop into a single, cohesive production.
A press call was held on April 15 at the Theater Yong of the National Museum of Korea, where the full run-through was presented alongside a media briefing.
From the opening sequence, the production establishes its tone with relentless taekwondo choreography. Both lead performers and ensemble members sustain a level of physical intensity that anchors the entire show.
The highlight arrives in the latter half during the "Taekwondo Ultimate Festival" segment. Um Ji-min, a black-belt performer who previously earned a standing ovation on "America’s Got Talent," commands attention with a solo freestyle poomsae performance.
This is followed by a multi-directional board-breaking sequence and the climactic “Super Taekwondo Dance,” where crossover music amplifies the visual scale of the performance.
Between sequences, the production integrates audience interaction, with a host stepping into the crowd to create spontaneous engagement. This participatory element distinguishes the show from traditional musical formats.
Set in a Korean sports high school, the narrative follows young taekwondo athletes pursuing victory, friendship, and personal growth. While the storyline remains straightforward, it is effectively reinforced by the scale of performance and music.
A total of 14 professional taekwondo demonstrators and 12 musical actors share the stage, maintaining a balance between athletic performance and theatrical storytelling.
From spinning kicks and aerial strikes to board breaking and formal poomsae sequences, the choreography sustains visual tension throughout.
Since its 2022 premiere, the production has demonstrated strong audience appeal, selling out within three days of opening. Its revival expanded to a larger theater and drew approximately 6,000 international participants from the World Scout Jamboree, signaling global potential.
The show has also been recognized by Kukkiwon, the World Taekwondo Headquarters, for its contribution to promoting taekwondo worldwide.
This third season reunites key creators, including director Kim Myung-hoon, writer Kim Jung-min, and composer Sung Chan-kyung, alongside producers Kang Byung-won and Jin Young-seop.
Um Ji-min noted that balancing acting and singing remains a challenge, adding that this production focuses on expanding emotional expression beyond physical performance.
The production team emphasized that the musical was conceived with international expansion in mind, incorporating subtitles in multiple languages to accommodate foreign audiences.
They also expressed hope that broader recognition, including from national leadership, could further elevate the production’s visibility.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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