Directed by Kim Sung-su in a fresh reinterpretation

Show explores life after achieving one's dreams and the courage to try again

Choreography by Choi Young-jun; movement direction by Seo Byung-gu

Runs through Oct. 18

[Provided by Art One Company]
[Provided by Art One Company]

"Dream High," the story of young people chasing their dreams, has returned to the stage — this time set a decade later.

Art One Company announced Friday that the musical "Dream High Season 3: Reboot" opened Tuesday at the BBCH Hall of Gwanglim Arts Center in Seoul. The production continues the world of its predecessors while centering on the realities and new challenges the characters face after 10 years have passed.

Where Seasons 1 and 2 focused on the growth and rivalry of young dreamers striving toward their goals, Season 3 begins with two questions: What remains after a dream is achieved? Can a stalled dream be started again? At the heart of the story are characters who have experienced failure in an environment where success and defeat are judged quickly, and who must choose whether to find their own path once more.

Director Kim Sung-su has preserved the emotional core of the earlier works — music, dance, competition and friendship — while reshaping the narrative for contemporary audiences. The production weaves together memories of the past and the realities of the present, offering longtime fans a sense of familiar change while giving first-time viewers a self-contained coming-of-age story.

What sets this reboot apart is its use of the passage of time itself as the engine of the story, rather than simply recreating a beloved property. While targeting both returning fans and new audiences, the production foregrounds universal themes — anxiety after success and the choice to begin again — rather than leaning on nostalgia alone. In doing so, it broadens "Dream High" beyond its origins as a youth story, making it one that adult audiences can claim as their own.

Music and dance play a larger role than ever on stage. Choreographer Choi Young-jun handled the principal choreography, while Movement Director Seo Byung-gu shaped the actors' physical expression and stage movement. Large-scale ensemble numbers visualize the pressure and desire felt by individuals amid competition, and the process of coming together again.

[Provided by Art One Company]
[Provided by Art One Company]

Actor Seven returns to the role of Song Sam-dong, reprising the character from Season 2 and portraying the emotional arc of a man transformed by a decade of life. After the opening performance, Seven said, "I am so happy to be able to show you all a newly reimagined 'Dream High.' I hope you will continue to show it your love and support."

Yukhyeon also takes on a key role in the production, with an emphasis not only on performance but on conveying the character's inner emotional shifts. At the opening night curtain call, Yukhyeon said, "A great deal happened before we could bring this show to the stage, but everyone found the strength to push through together, and here we are."

Chanho, making his musical stage debut with this production, personally called out the name of each ensemble cast member during the curtain call. The production is led by Art One Company General Producer Kim Eun-ha, and a new producer who graduated from the Korea National University of Arts has joined as co-producer starting this season.

"Dream High Season 3: Reboot" runs through Oct. 18 at the BBCH Hall of Gwanglim Arts Center. The cast includes Seven, Yukhyeon, Jang Dong-woo, Yoo Young-jae, Sun Ye, Lee Ji-hoon, Yeji, Yeo Won and Lim Se-jun.


realbighead@heraldcorp.com