Tony-winning 'Maybe Happy Ending' born of loss, lifted by fans: writer Hue Park

▲ Hue Park, writer of "Maybe Happy Ending," poses for photos at a press conference marking the musical's groundbreaking achievement of six Tony awards, including Best Musical, in Seoul on June 24, 2025. (Yonhap)

▲ Hue Park, writer of "Maybe Happy Ending," talks during a press conference marking the musical's groundbreaking achievement of six Tony awards, including Best Musical, in Seoul on June 24, 2025. (Yonhap)

▲ A scene from "Maybe Happy Ending" is seen in this photo provided by NHN Link. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Korean musical-press conference

Tony-winning 'Maybe Happy Ending' born of loss, lifted by fans: writer Hue Park

By Woo Jae-yeon

SEOUL, June 24 (Yonhap) -- The award-winning original musical "Maybe Happy Ending" began as a deeply personal story about loss and love, according to its writer Hue Park.

At a press conference in Seoul on Tuesday, Park shared he was navigating a difficult period of profound personal loss just before he began writing.

"Just before the idea was formed, I had broken up with a longtime partner, and one of my close friends had died eight months after being diagnosed with cancer," he said at the press event aimed at celebrating the musical's groundbreaking achievement of six Tony awards, including Best Musical, a first for a Korean original.

Reflecting on his mindset at the time, he added, "I wondered if I could still get hurt if I didn't fall for someone in the first place."

Sitting in a cafe and observing strangers, he also noticed a common sight: people absorbed in their screens, whether smartphones or laptops, not communicating with the person right across from them.

"I discussed my observations with Will, and we decided to write about it together," he said, referring to his artistic collaborator, Will Aronson.

Earlier this month, "Maybe Happy Ending," a story about two retired helper bots forging an unlikely bond while questioning their existence, won six of its 10 nominations at the Tony Awards: Best Musical, Best Direction, Best Book, Best Original Score, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role and Best Scenic Design.

First conceived through a local cultural foundation's program in 2014, it premiered in 2016 at a 300-seat theater located in Daehangno, Seoul. Upon its release, the musical was lauded for its innovative setting, fresh concept and subtle emotional depth.

Devoted Korean fans took to social media to bolster the show's promotion and ticket sales. Some went as far as purchasing tickets with their own funds and distributing them, hoping the show would be seen more widely.

Last November, the show opened on Broadway at the 1,000-seat Belasco Theatre in Manhattan, New York. It overcame an initial slump in ticket sales to achieve an open run, fueled by rave reviews and positive word-of-mouth.

Park attributed the show's success to such devotion displayed by passionate supporters, especially from his home country.

"I wouldn't have been able to stick to the original's concept and setting without the avid support Korean fans showed us," he said. "The strong connection I felt with them gave me the conviction to stay true to that vision."

Although it is true that the show's Tony victory defied all odds, he suggested those very odds might have been key factors behind its success.

"To be honest, I don't know for sure what made the show such a success. But looking back, all the elements that initially seemed like obstacles actually contributed to its appeal."

"For example, it didn't have a famous original work. The main actor, though widely known, is young with relatively unproven ticket power," he said, adding that "The Korean setting and robot characters were initially viewed as disadvantages."

Looking ahead, he said his goal is to become a writer who enjoys the storytelling process without being too emotionally invested.

"Sometimes writing stories makes me feel lonely or sad. I hope to improve my skills so that I can write a sad story without feeling sad myself," he said, adding that he now has a better understanding of who he really is.

"I explore loneliness. I want to create stories that offer comfort to those experiencing it. At the same time, it is important that I don't let that sadness consume me."

"Maybe Happy Ending" will be staged in Seoul from Oct. 30 to Jan. 25 next year to commemorate its 10th anniversary.

(END)

(C) Yonhap News Agency. All Rights Reserved