'Boheoja' traditional opera looks at aftermath of Joseon coup
Published: 25 Mar. 2026, 14:52
Updated: 27 Mar. 2026, 14:07
![A still from ″Boheoja,″ a changgeuk (traditional Korean opera) production on the Gyeyujeongnan, one of the Joseon Dynasty’s (1392-1910) bloodiest coups [NATIONAL THEATER OF KOREA]](https://koreaseafood.online/data/photo/2026/03/27/741e8938-0068-43ca-9c05-da618647bca7.jpg)
A still from ″Boheoja,″ a changgeuk (traditional Korean opera) production on the Gyeyujeongnan, one of the Joseon Dynasty’s (1392-1910) bloodiest coups [NATIONAL THEATER OF KOREA]
The box-office success of “The King’s Warden,” which recently surpassed 14 million ticket sales, is casting a fresh spotlight on one of the Joseon Dynasty’s (1392-1910) bloodiest coups — now returning to the stage with a changgeuk (traditional Korean opera) production.
The movie depicts the aftermath of Gyeyujeongnan, the 1453 coup in which Prince Suyang (1417-1468) eliminated the political faction supporting his nephew, King Danjong (1441-1457), and seized power. Two years later, Suyang ascended the throne.
A traditional opera centered on the same historical event has now taken the stage. “Boheoja” opened last Thursday at the Daloreum Theater of the National Theater of Korea in Jung District, central Seoul.
Changgeuk is a form of court music introduced to Korea’s Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) from China’s Song Dynasty (960-1279) and performed through the Joseon Dynasty. Rooted in Taoist ideals, it conveys a wish for immortality, likening it to a Taoist hermit walking through the air.
Unlike the film, the story centers on Prince Anpyeong (1418-1453), the third son of King Sejong the Great (1397-1450) and the younger brother of Prince Suyang. Known as a gifted artist and patron, he reportedly gained substantial backing. Several figures who opposed Suyang’s rise were also close to Anpyeong. After the Gyeyujeongnan, however, Anpyeong was executed along with his two sons.
![A still from ″Boheoja,″ a changgeuk (traditional Korean opera) production on the Gyeyujeongnan, one of the Joseon Dynasty’s (1392-1910) bloodiest coups [NATIONAL THEATER OF KOREA]](https://koreaseafood.online/data/photo/2026/03/27/4aa88a2a-eae8-482f-8e06-87175458e2ed.jpg)
A still from ″Boheoja,″ a changgeuk (traditional Korean opera) production on the Gyeyujeongnan, one of the Joseon Dynasty’s (1392-1910) bloodiest coups [NATIONAL THEATER OF KOREA]
“Boheoja” unfolds 27 years after Anpyeong’s death. It follows his daughter, Moosim, on a journey to find the famous 15th-century painting “Mongyudowondo,” or “Dream Journey to the Peach Blossom Land,” a painting embodying her father’s vision. At Anpyeong’s house, now in ruins, she encounters the painter An Gyeon, whom Anpyeong cherished, and Dae-Eohyang, his beloved concubine. The characters all bear deep physical and emotional scars from the coup. They are later joined by a mysterious traveler.
The production adds a fictional twist: Anpyeong survived and wanders as the traveler — an idea that stems from the absence of definitive records confirming his death.
The piece explores the grief of those left behind after tragedy, the fleeting nature of power and the possibility of reconciliation. The story suggests that Suyang — who tried to erase all traces of his brother — secretly kept “Mongyudowondo” in a temple, acting as a symbolic link between the two estranged brothers. Unlike his ambitious and ruthless image in the 2013 film “The Face Reader,” Suyang is portrayed here as a weak and aging man.
True to changgeuk form, the music stands out, evoking the painting through sound. A lyrical atmosphere is heightened by melodic instruments such as the geomungo (six-string zither), the 25-string gayageum (plucked zither) and the saenghwang (traditional Korean wind instrument). The performers’ plaintive vocals further resonate with the audience.
![A still from ″Boheoja,″ a changgeuk (traditional Korean opera) production on the Gyeyujeongnan, one of the Joseon Dynasty’s (1392-1910) bloodiest coups [NATIONAL THEATER OF KOREA]](https://koreaseafood.online/data/photo/2026/03/27/b20c2ce3-0ce2-463b-be9d-4d43ab644cca.jpg)
A still from ″Boheoja,″ a changgeuk (traditional Korean opera) production on the Gyeyujeongnan, one of the Joseon Dynasty’s (1392-1910) bloodiest coups [NATIONAL THEATER OF KOREA]
Kim Jun-su and Yu Taepyungyang, both former leading members of the National Changgeuk Company of Korea who returned as guest performers, deliver mature performances as the traveler and An Gyeon, respectively.
“Boheoja” sold out during its premiere run last year. This revival maintains the overall framework while strengthening Moosim’s presence.
Tickets for the current run are again in high demand. During curtain calls, audience members were even seen using large telephoto cameras — a sight more common at K-pop concerts or certain musicals. The performance runs through Sunday.
This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
BY HA NAM-HYUN [[email protected]]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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