SLL’s acclaimed Korean drama "Thirty-Nine" is set to be adapted into a Japanese stage production titled "39 Years Old", with performances scheduled to premiere this September in Tokyo and Osaka. The stage version will reinterpret the original story through live music and theatrical performance, marking another step in SLL’s expansion into live entertainment formats in Japan.
Originally written by Yu Young-ah and directed by Kim Sang-ho, "Thirty-Nine" is a slice-of-life drama that follows the friendship, love and everyday struggles of three women approaching their forties. Produced by SLL and Lotte Cultureworks, the series resonated strongly with audiences for its grounded emotional storytelling, with its final episode achieving a series-high viewership rating of 8.1%.
The stage adaptation will translate the emotional arcs and character-driven narrative of the original series into a live performance setting, blending music and theatrical expression to offer a new perspective on the story.
The project brings together a high-profile creative team from Korea and Japan. The script is written by Riko Sakaguchi ("Climbing for Life"), with music composed by Kim Hyo-eun, known for the successful Korean musical "HOPE". The creative lineup also includes lyricist Ikue Nagata (Robot in the Garden) and director Yuna Koyama (Roses’ Dilemma).
The cast features prominent performers from the Takarazuka Revue, one of Japan’s most prestigious and long-standing theater institutions. Manato Asaka will play Cha Mi-jo (originally portrayed by Son Ye-jin), Hiroki Nanami takes on the role of Jeong Chan-young (Jeon Mi-do), and Nene Yumesaki portrays Jang Joo-hee (Kim Ji-hyun). Additional cast members include Yuki Aiba as Kim Seon-u, Isse Maeda as Kim Jin-seok and Kensuke Takahashi as Park Hyun-joon.
“'Thirty-Nine' demonstrated the power of storytelling centered on character relationships and emotions,” said Charles Park, SVP, Content Business at SLL. “This stage adaptation will highlight how our IP can cross both cultural and media boundaries through creative reinvention.”
"39 Years Old" will premiere in September at the IMM Theater in Tokyo and at the Theater Drama City of the Umeda Arts Theater in Osaka.
SLL Brings Korean Hit Thirty-Nine To the Japanese Stage
