SAVE KPOP: Broadway Show To Close Shortly After Its Opening
Broadway show KPOP‘s run is ending earlier than expected.
KPOP is an original musical about the trials one must overcome to become a K-Pop idol. The musical previously started as an off-Broadway show in 2017. Previews began on October 13, 2022, and the show’s official opening was on November 20, 2022.
It features an all-star cast including real K-Pop idols such as f(x)‘s Luna, Miss A‘s Min, SPICA‘s Bohyung, and former U-KISS member Kevin Woo.
While KPOP had its official opening a couple of weeks ago, it has already been announced that its final performance will be this weekend.
Some of its cast have already taken their final bow.
It was @patricktjpark’s final performance on @KPOPBroadway earlier today and “proud” does not even begin to describe how I feel about this man’s talent, his heart and his love for craft and others. Everyone, let’s give Patrick a round of applause 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 #KPOPBroadway pic.twitter.com/d41BZFD8LA
— Abraham Lim (@realabrahamlim) December 8, 2022
Cast members Abraham Lim and Kevin Woo have openly expressed their disappointment over the news regarding KPOP‘s end.
I’m sad to say that this is true. I’m heartbroken, I’m proud, I’m feeling a lot of things. I’m leaving it all on that stage every night this week. Let’s fill these seats. Hope to have you all with us to celebrate history 💜 https://t.co/RxveUKTueC
— Abraham Lim (@realabrahamlim) December 6, 2022
Still processing the news about #KPOPBroadway closing. Last night’s show may have been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my professional career, but the love from all of you and the audience members is so unreal. Thank you. Come party with us 💜
— Abraham Lim (@realabrahamlim) December 7, 2022
Woo shared a video on his social media. He recognized the cast and crew’s achievements, making history with its AAPI-led show.
Additionally, he and many of his co-stars broke down in tears at the end of their recent show.
I DON’T WANT @KPOPBroadway TO CLOSE. pic.twitter.com/ruo2oOtdic
— Quincy Brown (@qubrown) December 8, 2022
Actors and fans are still holding onto hope that somehow KPOP can be saved. So, many are trending #SaveKPOPBroadway on social media.
Can there be a miracle? It’s up to you guys 💜 #SaveKPOPBroadway
— Abraham Lim (@realabrahamlim) December 6, 2022
If there are any donors or investors who want to save our show, please save our show. Look at all these beautiful faces. @KPOPBroadway #KPOPBroadway pic.twitter.com/PlAvqftJg5
— Abraham Lim (@realabrahamlim) December 7, 2022
Our show is SO IMPORTANT to stay on Broadway! It brings more diverse, newer, and younger audiences to live theatre. We NEED this to continue to open doors for so many more talented AAPI artists to come. This show needs to be seen by many more audiences💜 https://t.co/VZc0efNQwC
— Kevin Woo (@kevinwoo91) December 8, 2022
KPOP is an impactful show for the AAPI community. So, it’s incredibly devastating that its run is being cut so short.
KPOP inviting community members in for its final performance is the sort of spirit Broadway needs. pic.twitter.com/jfzoU7P6Z7
— Naveen Kumar (@Mr_NaveenKumar) December 7, 2022
Something that’s not being said enough about this show… Do you see how young and diverse this audience is? Tell me where you’ve ever seen that on Broadway. It’s like this every day. It’s astounding and what the future of Broadway should be. #KPOPBroadway https://t.co/uuF2SNOzYu
— Brandon Powers (@bpowtweets) December 8, 2022
One can’t help but search for answers as to why it is ending almost as soon as it began. Some might point to poor marketing or negative reviews from “reputable” publications.
This entire thread pretty much sums it up and even mentions KPOP as an example. Thank you, @jeremyoharris 💜 https://t.co/HeAh9dvV7H
— Abraham Lim (@realabrahamlim) December 8, 2022
Sad about K-POP closing. I don’t come into NY often, hoping to see it later in the run. Many shows are struggling: a tone deaf biased review from NYT doesn’t help. Stop throwing away talent from artists of color&women.KPOP: feel pride—you stirred the stale air of the G White Way.
— Paula Vogel (@VogelPaula) December 7, 2022
KPOP‘s associate director Seonjae Kim posted her own response to the show’s end. She said it “isn’t any one person’s fault, not even Jesse Green’s.”
Recently, KPOP cast and crew called out The New York Times‘ critic Jesse Green for his review of the show, saying that the language he used was racially insensitive. Read more below.
The New York Times Defends Critic’s Review Of “KPOP” After Being Called Out For “Racism”
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