The highly anticipated Hollywood musical film Wicked is heading to South Korea with a twist that’s sure to thrill Korean audiences. Universal Pictures recently announced that Wicked will be dubbed in Korean with an all-star voice cast, allowing viewers to experience the magic of Oz in their native language for the first time. This bold move reflects the film industry’s growing commitment to making blockbuster movies more accessible and culturally resonant in global markets.
This isn’t just a basic translation; the Korean cast has carefully adapted both the dialogue and the songs, capturing the complex emotions and charm of the beloved characters. From Elphaba’s rebellious edge to Glinda’s bubbly personality, each character is thoughtfully voiced by some of Korea’s top actors and vocalists, all while staying true to the essence of the film.
The film’s director, Jon M. Chu, praised the Korean adaptation, saying that the goal was to create an experience that feels completely unique while honoring the spirit of Wicked. “We want every audience to feel like this story speaks to them personally,” Chu said in a recent press release.
For Korean fans of musicals, this is a dream come true. Wicked has long been a hit on stage in Korea, with multiple sold-out performances of the Broadway show touring in Seoul and Busan over the years. Now, with the film version getting this level of localization, it’s expected to be a massive box-office hit in South Korea.
Industry insiders believe that more Hollywood studios may follow in Universal’s footsteps if the Korean adaptation of Wicked succeeds. As audiences continue to crave entertainment that feels culturally close to home, Hollywood could increasingly look toward local adaptations and castings to win over international markets. With Wicked leading the way, the future of Hollywood in Asia looks more inclusive than ever.