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The four young South Koreans who will alternate in the title role of 'Billy Elliot: the Musical' (a handout picture released by the Megistella) (Megistella/AFP)
Eventually they selected four young Koreans to alternate in the role of Billy. Kim Se-Yong, 13, said he wants his portrayal to be better than his Australian or British counterparts.
Producer Moon Mi-Ho said the Korean version would be the same as elsewhere except for the show's Geordie slang and strong language, which would be paraphrased.
"Billy Elliot" is set in County Durham at the time of Britain's 1984/85 miners' strike, when pickets clashed violently with police.
"A coal town in northern Britain as the background may seem distant for Koreans, but Korea had similar coal towns a few decades ago," said Moon.
"Considering the similar history, I think audiences will easily identify with the show."
The 2000 movie was nominated for an Oscar. The musical produced in 2005 has attracted a total international audience of 4.2 million at more than 2,000 performances.
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Producer Moon Mi-Ho said the Korean version would be the same as elsewhere except for the show's Geordie slang and strong language, which would be paraphrased.
"Billy Elliot" is set in County Durham at the time of Britain's 1984/85 miners' strike, when pickets clashed violently with police.
"A coal town in northern Britain as the background may seem distant for Koreans, but Korea had similar coal towns a few decades ago," said Moon.
"Considering the similar history, I think audiences will easily identify with the show."
The 2000 movie was nominated for an Oscar. The musical produced in 2005 has attracted a total international audience of 4.2 million at more than 2,000 performances.
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