In a groundbreaking achievement for Korean theater and Broadway alike, the musical Maybe Happy Ending made history at this year’s Tony Awards by winning six major honors, including the coveted Best Musical title. This soft yet powerful sci-fi romance, set in a futuristic version of Seoul, tells the story of two outdated androids navigating love and loneliness after being abandoned by their human owners.
The journey of Maybe Happy Ending began back in 2014 when it was first developed with the support of Korea’s Wooran Foundation. Its official premiere took place in 2016 in Seoul’s Daehangno theater district—a small, intimate setting that allowed the show to build a strong emotional connection with local audiences. Over five successful seasons, the musical earned a loyal following in South Korea for its heartfelt storytelling and imaginative setting.
Fast forward nearly a decade, and Maybe Happy Ending has now captured international attention through its English-language adaptation, which debuted on Broadway at the Belasco Theatre in November 2024. Its smooth transition from Seoul’s local stage to Broadway’s grand spotlight is being celebrated as a major moment in cross-cultural storytelling and global theater.
At the heart of the show are Oliver and Claire, two HelperBot androids who unexpectedly find each other after being left behind by their owners. Despite being machines, they begin to explore very human emotions—curiosity, love, fear, and the pain of knowing nothing lasts forever. Darren Criss brings life to the soft-spoken and reflective Oliver, while Helen J. Shen plays Claire, a spirited and emotionally open android full of wonder.
Set against a sleek, near-future Seoul, the musical uses its sci-fi backdrop to touch on deeply human themes: what it means to be seen, how it feels to be forgotten, and whether love can exist even when you’re made of wires and code. Its success not only highlights the universal appeal of heartfelt storytelling but also marks a new era where Korean theater is increasingly being recognized on the global stage.
