Lee Damin & Lim Yejin from the Musical Theater Writing Program Premiere Their Original Musical “Fraternité”

Lee Damin and Lim Yejin, graduates of the Musical Theater Writing Program, have premiered their original musical “Fraternité” in Daehak-ro.

Set in late 18th-century France amid the French Revolution, “Fraternité” is a collaborative work by writer Lee Damin and composer Lim Yejin, both alumni of K-Arts. As its title suggests, the musical centers on the theme of fraternity and solidarity.

“Fraternité” follows the story of Victor Jean Cortès, an intellectual from the French bourgeoisie, and Gervais, a chimney sweep representing the working class. Amid the turmoil of revolution, the two navigate both solidarity and conflict as they pursue a world founded on equality. Lee explained, “Victor, who dreams of building a Republic where equality for all can be realized, is a conflicted character torn between his ideals and his bourgeois peers who favor a constitutional monarchy. In the end, Victor sacrifices himself to realize the Republic that Gervais dreamed of. Through this work, I hoped to convey the courage that we can change the world when we raise our voices together.”

The duo first met while pursuing their MA degrees in 2021, creating a 45-minute version of the musical, which later evolved into “Fraternité.” In 2023, the work was selected as one of 25 projects in Stage Up, a creative sponsorship program for musical creators supported by the CJ Cultural Foundation.

Throughout the performance, several scenes feature Victor and Gervais singing to one another, emphasizing their complex and delicate relationship. Contrary to expectations that the musical would maintain a solemn tone throughout, the score blends lyrical and uplifting moments with the gravity of the revolution. Lim noted, “Since the story is set during the French Revolution, one might expect the music to be heavy and solemn. But beyond portraying the revolution as mere chaos, I wanted to explore each individual’s fragile sincerity and conviction within it.”

“Fraternité” runs through January 18, 2026, at Dream 3, Link Arts Center Dream in Daehak-ro, Seoul.