KPOP Cast Album Gets New Release Date
We're starting to feel like a "Wind Up Doll." After initially planning for a February 23 release, KPOP – Original Broadway Cast Recording will now drop May 12 from Sony Masterworks Broadway, according to the show's official Twitter account.
The Broadway musical opened November 27 at Circle in the Square Theatre and closed December 11, having played 44 preview performances and 17 regular performances. Despite its short run, the show found many fans in those who saw it, thanks to the catchy music and concert vibes.
KPOP follows three music acts under the same label: solo artist MwE, the girl group RTMIS, and the boy band F8. Together, they prepare for a live concert showcase with superstardom hanging in the balance. The show made history by being the first production to feature Korean stories written by Korean American creatives, along with 18 cast members, all of AAPI descent, making their Broadway debuts.
The musical starred several actual Kpop stars, including Luna as MwE; Kevin Woo as F8’s de facto band leader, Jun Hyuk; and Min as RTMIS scene-stealer Riya. Rounding out the cast are Julia Abueva, Major Curda, Jinwoo Jung, Jiho Kang, Amy Keum, James Kho, Marina Kondo, Eddy Lee, Joshua Lee, Jully Lee, Lina Rose Lee, Timothy H. Lee, Abraham Lim, Kate Mina Lin, Aubie Merrylees, Patrick Park, Zachary Noah Piser, and John Yi.
Featuring music, lyrics, music production, and arrangements by Helen Park, and music and lyrics by Max Vernon, KPOP was the first-ever Broadway musical to celebrate Korean culture with Korean, Korean-American, and API representation on and off-stage. Directed by Teddy Bergman, the musical has a book by Jason Kim and choreography by Jennifer Weber.
The single “This is My Korea” was released last year and is available to listen on all streaming platforms. KPOP–Original Broadway Cast Recording is available for preorder now here.