‘Mother of Him’ Returns to Korean Stage with Fresh Lead and Enhanced Narrative

The National Theater Company of Korea is set to restage the critically acclaimed play Mother of Him at the Myeongdong Arts Theater from April 16th to May 17th. The production, originally performed at the National Theater’s Daoreum Theater in 2025, delves into the psychological and social repercussions faced by a mother whose son is accused of a heinous crime.

A Story Rooted in Reality

Written by British playwright Evan Placey, Mother of Him is inspired by a true story and explores the complex emotions of Brenda, a mother grappling with the accusation that her son committed a horrific act. The play garnered significant attention for its unflinching portrayal of a mother’s internal struggle and the societal judgment she faces. According to the National Theater Company of Korea, the play achieved the highest overall recommendation score (NPS), viewing satisfaction and paid audience share among its 2025 new works, leading to its selection as a “2026 Audience Pick” performance.

Creative Enhancements for the Restaging

This year’s production incorporates the expertise of dramaturg Cho Man-soo, adding depth to the narrative. Director Ryu Joo-yeon, who helmed the original production, emphasizes a continued focus on Brenda’s psychology, stating her intention to present “the shattered daily life of the perpetrator’s family and the weight of the crime without any addition or subtraction.”

A New Brenda Takes the Stage

Jin Seo-yeon joins the cast as Brenda, succeeding Kim Sun-young, who portrayed the role in the premiere. While Kim Sun-young’s interpretation emphasized a sacrificial and traditionally Korean image of motherhood, Jin Seo-yeon will offer a more nuanced portrayal, embodying Brenda’s selfishness and vulnerability with a Western sensibility. Jin Seo-yeon expressed her fascination with the play’s challenging questions and her ambition to depict Brenda’s descent into devastation in a suspenseful manner.

Exploring the Boundaries of Motherhood

Mother of Him confronts audiences with the raw reality of human experience when the societal construct of “motherhood” is challenged. Set against the backdrop of a snowy Toronto, Canada, the play prompts viewers to question their own judgments and consider the complexities of a mother’s position in such a crisis. The play asks the audience: “Can we really throw stones at this mother?”

Author Engagement and Accessibility Initiatives

Playwright Evan Placey will visit Korea during the performance period to engage with Korean audiences. Placey, whose work has been recognized with the Canadian Playwright Award and the British King’s Cross Award, expressed his excitement about seeing his play come to life on the Korean stage and his anticipation for the audience’s reception.

The National Theater Company of Korea is committed to accessibility, offering a range of initiatives from May 2nd to 4th, including Korean sign language interpretation, Korean subtitles, audio commentary, a stage model touch tour, and mobility support.

Artist Conversations

Following the performance on April 26th, Evan Placey, Ryu Ju-yeon, and Jin Seo-yeon will participate in an “Artist Talk.” Ryu Ju-yeon and the entire cast will host another “Artist Talk” after the performance on May 3rd.