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A Multimodal Analysis of the Localization of Korean Original Musical Marie Curie and Its Reception in the English-Speaking Market

  • The Journal of Translation Studies
  • Abbr : JTS
  • 2026, 27(2), pp.109~144
  • DOI : 10.15749/jts.2026.27.2.004
  • Publisher : The Korean Association for Translation Studies
  • Research Area : Humanities > Interpretation and Translation Studies
  • Received : May 11, 2026
  • Accepted : June 14, 2026
  • Published : June 30, 2026

Hong, Seungyeon 1,  Hong Jung Min 2

1한국외국어대학교
2동국대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

This study analyzes the localization strategies adopted in the British production of the South Korean original musical Marie Curie, the country’s first musical show staged in London’s West End. Using a multimodal framework that considers both linguistic elements, including dialogue and lyrics, and non-linguistic elements, including stage design, choreography, and music, the study compares the Korean and British productions to assess how multimodal changes reshaped meaning for local audiences. The analysis identifies three key areas of localization. First, the British production shortened the running time by about 35 minutes, emphasizing Marie Curie’s individual achievements over the Korean version’s complex interpersonal relations and emotional tensions. Second, the stage design was simplified for a smaller venue: whereas the Korean production used a rotating stage, the British production used a rotating staircase, together with movement and music, to effectively mark scene transitions and the passage of time. Third, the British version diluted the representation of gender discrimination and Marie Curie's agency while placing greater emphasis on her scientific legacy. Reviews and audience responses praised the production values, staging, and effective use of limited space, but they also criticized the reduction in character development, emotional depth, and narrative coherence, possibly due to the compressed structure. The findings indicate that although adjustments in duration, subject matter, and narrative focus can assist cross-cultural localization, maintaining emotional nuance and dramatic plausibility is crucial for engaging the target audience. The study offers practical insights into how Korean original musicals can be adapted for successful reception in English-speaking markets.

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This paper was written with support from the National Research Foundation of Korea.
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