From Musicals to Dramas and TTRPGs: K-pop Expanding Beyond Music into Storytelling

K-pop is moving beyond music to expand into various storytelling mediums such as musicals, dramas, and tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). K-pop idols are taking center stage as protagonists in historical dramas and being used as sources for K-dramas, thereby strengthening their position as cultural content.

The musical “The Mission: K” premiered at the Seoul Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in February. It featured four K-pop idols portraying missionaries and medical workers who operated on the Korean Peninsula at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. MJ of ASTRO played Horace Allen (1858–1932), who established the first Western medical clinic in Joseon Dynasty times. Jaeun of SF9 portrayed Horace Underwood (1859–1916), the founder of the Joseon Christian University that later evolved into Yonsei University. Kim Dong-jun of ZE:A played Oliver Abbison (1860–1956), a Canadian doctor who directed quarantine measures during cholera outbreaks and spearheaded the opening of Severance Hospital and the Severance Medical School. Ricky of Teen Top portrayed Lewis Sevarance (1838–1913), an American entrepreneur who funded the construction of the hospital. Comprising 110 minutes of songs and dances, this musical was structured as a “talk-show format” that conveyed historical facts while maintaining entertainment value.

K-dramas featuring K-pop idols continue to emerge. “I’m Sorry, I Love You,” which aired in 2009, was a influential work that first combined K-pop and K-drama. More recently, “By Chance I Met You,” released in 2024, offered a modern interpretation by merging K-pop fandoms with the fantasy element of time travel. There is also a growing trend where actors portray real-life K-pop idols to add authenticity to these productions.

K-pop’s influence is spreading even into the realm of tabletop RPGs. The new RPG game “Idols of the Neon Dark,” compatible with Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition, introduces a new class inspired by K-pop stars called “Idol.” This class transforms performance and presence into combat power, reflecting a design philosophy that emphasizes strengthening teammates and cooperative gameplay. Developer Dan Tut explained, “We incorporated the emphasis on cooperation and harmony central to K-pop culture into the game, which is why works like K-pop Demon Hunters resonate so deeply with fans.” The game is set to launch officially on Kickstarter in March.

K-pop’s expansion into storytelling serves as a platform to introduce Korean culture to audiences around the world by going beyond the limitations of music alone. By reinterpreting K-pop’s appeal through various mediums such as musicals, dramas, and games, it further solidifies its status as a global cultural phenomenon beyond being merely a music genre.