Why ‘Lempicka’ is a Must-See: Insights from Cast and Creators on Its Unique Storytelling

Press call for the musical Lempicka / Photo: Courtesy of TV Daily

[Sports Today reporter Song O-jung] Musical actors Kim Sun-young and Park Hye-na discussed how they worked to convey Lempicka’s themes and messages to audiences.

On the afternoon of the 26th, a press call for the musical Lempicka was held at COEX Artium’s Woori Bank Hall. After a preview of key scenes, composer Matt Gould and playwright Carson Kreitzer joined the cast for a Q&A that included Jo Hyung-kyun, Kim Sun-young, Park Hye-na, Rina, Son Seung-yeon, Kim Woo-hyung, Kim Min-chul, and Kim Hye-mi.

Lempicka grapples with weighty subjects—female agency, queer identity, and family dynamics among them. Because the show layers multiple stories and relationships, observers were curious whether that complexity might make it harder to connect with audiences, and how the production intended to communicate those themes.

Kim Sun-young said she felt the role offered an ongoing opportunity for exploration onstage. She described the piece as the story of a painter who, living in an era she never chose, carved out a life and fought to survive—her painting was both tool and refuge—and, at its core, it’s a human story. “It covers a lot and can feel overwhelming,” she said, “but it’s ultimately about how people make their way through difficult lives. With striking music, lighting, and a full theatrical palette, audiences won’t just find it unfamiliar—they’ll feel like they’re seeing something different from the typical musical.”

Park Hye-na said she had asked herself similar questions during rehearsals and sought guidance from the creative team, who told her, “The music will help you.” After working with the score, she found that to be true. While the show tackles many themes, they aren’t unfamiliar: amid a tumultuous era the protagonist paints her life with a brush, but isn’t everyone fighting to live fully? That shared resonance, she believes, will reach audiences.

“I didn’t expect to say this, but it really is a woman’s story,” she added. “I think stories like this need to be told now. I hope this fresh approach broadens perspectives. I want many viewers to leave feeling a sense of achievement and exhilaration.” She also pointed to those emotions as viewing touchstones for audiences.

Lempicka dramatizes the turbulent life of painter Tamara de Lempicka. The production runs at COEX Artium’s Woori Bank Hall through June 21.

[Sports Today reporter Song O-jung ent@stoo.com]
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