The Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province and Culture and Tourism Foundation, led by CEO Lee Kyung-yoon, is taking a significant step toward expanding the reach of locally crafted performing arts content beyond provincial borders.

In 2026, the Foundation introduced a brand-new initiative under the Performing Arts Resident Organization Support Project known as the Inter-Regional Tour Program. Designed to facilitate the distribution and circulation of creative performances nurtured within the region, this program selects one standout resident organization each year. It provides up to thirty million won in additional funding specifically allocated for out-of-province performance expenses, enabling local artistic achievements to connect with wider audiences nationwide.

As the inaugural beneficiary of this initiative, the sound art creative group Shin, headed by Representative Park Shin, will stage its original musical "Sweet Consolation: Choco Pie" on September 18 at 7:30 PM at the Seongsu Art Hall in Seoul.

The Foundation highly evaluated "Sweet Consolation: Choco Pie" for its ability to embody the distinct cultural identity and heritage of Jeonju while maintaining a universally resonant emotional core. By introducing Seoul audiences to the historic alleys, lifestyle, and food culture of Jeonju, the production serves as a cultural tourism bridge, with audience interest naturally expected to translate into actual visits to Jeonju.

Set against the backdrop of Jeonju's Paldalro and Jeondong Cathedral areas in the 1980s, the musical portrays the lives and memories of ordinary people living around local bakeries, soup restaurants, and factories. The narrative explores universal themes of human connection, portraying the complex relationship between a father suffering from dementia and his son, the dreams and romances of passionate youth, neighborly affection, and mutual healing through shared scars.

Rather than simply romanticizing the nostalgic scenery of past Jeonju, the production breathes life back into vanishing urban alleys and the stories of those who inhabited them, documenting regional memories through performing arts. By grounding its narrative in the specific physical spaces and daily life of Jeonju while weaving in relatable themes of family, love, and comfort, the piece successfully expands a localized story into a universally engaging experience.

"Sweet Consolation: Choco Pie" is a refined regional repertory piece that has undergone continuous revisions and secondary performances since its premiere in 2021. Last year, it was selected for the Arts Council Korea's Regional Arts Leap Support Project for Performing Arts, staging a total of six successful runs at the Jeonju Hanbyeok Cultural Center.

This upcoming performance in Seoul marks a historic milestone as the very first inter-regional advancement for a locally grown production. Building on this momentum, the Foundation aims to establish a robust distribution framework that transforms local creative achievements from simple initial runs into sustainable, long-running repertoires that circulate nationwide.

The creative and performance team features General Artistic Director Park Shin and Director Jung Kwang-ik, leading a talented cast including Oh Yo-hwan, Choi Wook-ro, Im I-rang, Gong Seon-min, Jeon Tae-kyung, Song Young-wook, Bang Ji-won, Choi Na-sol, Kim Yeon-jae, and Yoo Dong-bum. Together, they bring to life the vibrant struggles and warmth of characters navigating 1980s Jeonju.

Representative Park Shin stated that the performance at Seongsu Art Hall will serve as a crucial test to gauge marketability and audience response in the Seoul metropolitan area, while simultaneously expanding networks with performance industry stakeholders and cultural institutions. He emphasized that this milestone will pave the way for invitations to major arts centers and nationwide tours, allowing the musical to meet a broader audience.

CEO Lee Kyung-yoon remarked that creating excellent local art is only half the battle; establishing a viable distribution infrastructure to ensure that these works are continuously performed and seen by more people is equally vital. He added that the Foundation will continue to expand its support so that outstanding content created in Jeonju can transcend regional boundaries and grow into sustainable national repertoires.

The Performing Arts Resident Organization Support Project aims to foster stable creative environments for artistic groups, support the development of premiere works, and showcase excellence in regional arts. By promoting symbiosis between public performance venues and artistic troupes, the initiative successfully revitalizes local performing arts and expands cultural enjoyment opportunities for local residents.

Tickets are priced at fifty-five thousand won for R seats and thirty-three thousand won for S seats, and can be reserved via NOL Ticket on Interpark. For further inquiries regarding the performance, contact the sound art creative group Shin directly.

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