This image provided by Les Miserables Korea shows a scene from the Korean licensed production of the musical “Les Miserables.” (Yonhap)
SEOUL, April 30 (Korea Bizwire) – In the first quarter of this year, South Korea’s performing arts sector witnessed its highest ticket sales since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, as revealed by data on Tuesday.
According to statistics released by the Korea Performing Arts Box Office Information System, the collective box-office revenue from musicals, theatrical plays, classical concerts, and other performances reached 290.4 billion won (US$210 million) between January and March, marking a significant increase of 32.5 percent compared to the same period last year.
This achievement represents the most substantial first-quarter figure in four years. In contrast to the challenging circumstances of the pandemic-stricken first quarter of 2020, the current sales figure has more than tripled.
Musicals emerged as the frontrunner in this surge, constituting 42.1 percent of the total ticket sales, amounting to 122.3 billion won. Following closely behind were K-pop concerts, representing 40.2 percent of the revenue with 116.7 billion won.
Among the various genres, circus and magic shows witnessed the most remarkable growth, with sales skyrocketing by 480.4 percent to 15 billion won compared to the same period last year. The success of Cirque du Soleil’s touring “Luzia” show in Korea in January is believed to have played a significant role in this increase.
Musicals maintained their dominance in the performing arts ticket sales, occupying half of the top 20 best-selling shows. K-pop concerts followed with nine entries, while a single circus-magic show also made it to the list.
Leading the chart was the Korean rendition of the musical “Les Miserables,” with popular trot singer Lim Young-woong’s “Im Hero” touring concerts in two provincial cities also making it into the top 20.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
