Disabled-Led Theatre Wins Top Awards in South Korea's Arts Revolution
Two groundbreaking plays by disabled theatre companies have won major awards in South Korea. Jellyfish, directed by Kim Myung-hwa, took home both the Baeksang Arts Award and the Dong-A Theater Award in 2025. The recognition signals a shift for disability-led performances in the country’s arts scene.
The productions relied on long-term collaboration, patience, and the talents of disabled actors—challenging traditional expectations of theatre. Jellyfish stood out for its deliberate pacing, stretching everyday movements and conversations to redefine theatrical tension. The play’s success came from a mix of disabled performers, nondisabled crew, financial backing, and the writing of British playwright Ben Weatherill. Its awards marked a milestone for Korean disability theatre.
Another acclaimed work, Birotdoeda, was written by Kim Ji-su and directed by Kang Ye-seul. Performed entirely by disabled actors, the play unfolded in a guesthouse run by disabled people for disabled guests. Both productions emerged from Aein, a disabled theatre company built over 19 years through shared endurance and companionship.
This article was originally written in Korean by a bilingual reporter. The translation used generative AI tools, followed by review and refinement from a native English-speaking editor. The awards for Jellyfish and Birotdoeda highlight the growing impact of disabled-led theatre in South Korea. The plays’ unconventional approaches and collaborative processes have reshaped perceptions of performance. Their success reflects years of dedication by companies like Aein and the broader disability arts community.
