2025, Canada. An ice hockey rink.

A commemorative ceremony unfolds to honor Canadian soldiers who fell in the Battle of Gapyeong.

Soon, an elderly 토토사이트 btsn war veteran named Seok-gu begins to sing Arirang, and his voice transports the scene back to Gapyeong in 1951.

(Excerpt from the synopsis of the 토토사이트 bts R;Link)

The original musical R;Link, co-hosted by Hanyang University and the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange, premiered on July 26 and 27 at CKL Stage in Seoul. The debut performance stirred powerful emotions among the audience, who responded with tears and cheers. R;Link is a joint Korea–Canada production created to commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations and celebrate the 2024–2025 Year of Mutual Cultural Exchange between Korea and Canada. Leading the project was the Department of Theater and Film at Hanyang University, working in collaboration with the Department of Theatre at Capilano University, the Department of Indigenous Arts at First Nations University, and the Department of Drama at the University of Saskatchewan.

Set during the Korean War, the musical centers on Korean and Canadian soldiers assigned to Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) during the 1951 Battle of Gapyeong. The story follows Seok-gu and other Korean soldiers who experience conflict and miscommunication with their Canadian counterparts, which culminates in a tense ice hockey match. On the frozen Imjin River, the soldiers—despite their language barrier—connect through sport. Bonding over shared values of “freedom” and “youth,” the soldiers become “one team,” reviving dreams once lost to war through the game of hockey.

During the Korean War, approximately 27,000 Canadian troops were deployed to Korea. Many were just barely in their twenties, yet they devoted their youth and passion to defending the country. Remarkably, Canadian soldiers brought ice hockey gear with them and played games with Korean troops, forging bonds of friendship. Their sweat on the ice turned into fellowship and hope—and that enduring friendship between Korea and Canada continues strong to this day.

Musical R;Link was inspired by the true story of Canadian troops playing ice hockey during the 토토사이트 btsn War. By blending the theme of sport with the trauma of war, the musical offers a dynamic portrayal of wartime experiences while focusing on young people who refused to abandon their dreams.

Director Kim Ga-ram, professor in the Department of Theater and Film, was initially approached to create a musical based on the Battle of Gapyeong. “There are already many stories about the Korean War,” he recalled, “so I was looking for a way to make ours unique. While researching, I came across a historical record that Canadian soldiers had played ice hockey on Korea’s frozen rivers. I knew right away this would be the perfect metaphor for youth and dreams amid war.”

R;Link weaves together elements of Korean and Canadian culture throughout the script. The musical’s central motif—ice hockey—is Canada’s national sport, and the Canadian writers faithfully reproduced the look and feel of a 1951-era game. On stage, the Canadian-proposed symbol of the poppy flower also appears. In First Nations culture, poppies are a powerful symbol of death, used here to poetically represent loss in wartime.

The performance features four languages: Korean, English, Cree (an Indigenous Canadian language), and French. Initially, the production team worried that switching between so many languages might disrupt the emotional flow. However, as rehearsals progressed, the cast learned to communicate as one, and their sincerity was transmitted directly to the audience. “In the end, we learned that true connection transcends language and culture,” said Kim.

Many characters in R;토토사이트 bts were inspired by real individuals. Chris and Kevin represent seasoned Canadian soldiers who had previously served in World War II. Tom was modeled after Ted Zuber, a Canadian soldier who sketched scenes from the war and later became a renowned artist. Charles represents Indigenous Canadian soldiers in the PPCLI, known for their extraordinary bravery and skill on the battlefield.

The process of creating a unified performance with actors and crew from different cultural backgrounds was meaningful in itself. “There’s a moment when a Korean actor sings in English, and a Canadian actor—speaking Korean with a thick accent—delivers heartfelt lyrics,” Kim noted. “These scenes offer a uniquely powerful experience only possible in a collaborative international production.”

He continued, “Just as the young characters in our musical sing together, so did real youth during the war—dreaming of a better future. I hope the audience walks away feeling the same connection.”

“One day, we sang the same song in the same language, and we became friends.”

This is Director Kim’s favorite line from the show. In the musical, characters hold a memorial service where they sing both a First Nations song and Korea’s Arirang in multiple languages. Formerly divided by cultural and linguistic differences, they share sorrow and understanding by singing each other’s songs. As they lock eyes and harmonize, they become true friends. “This moment,” Kim explained, “is the essence of R;Link—where people become connected, like a link on the rink.”

The Korean War lasted over three years and included many major and minor battles, but the Battle of Gapyeong remains relatively unknown. Director Kim admitted that he, too, had only learned of its significance during this project. “This battle was critical to preserving Korea’s freedom,” he said. “Through this musical, many audience members have come to understand the sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers.”

R;Link doesn’t simply revisit history—it speaks to today. “The stories of youth in wartime transcend eras and national boundaries,” Kim noted. In a world still rife with conflict, the solidarity and friendship depicted in this musical remind us of the enduring value of peace.

Moreover, the young people who refused to give up on their dreams even amid the extremity of war offer powerful resonance for today’s youth navigating an uncertain future. Through the characters on stage, the audience witnesses how the power of unity and cross-cultural, cross-linguistic understanding can truly come to life.

“We often learn history through cold documents,” said Kim, “but these were real people—alive, breathing, and dreaming.” He concluded, “I hope R;Link helps more Koreans remember the Battle of Gapyeong, the Korean veterans, and the Canadian soldiers who fought for us. May this musical not only revisit the past but also inspire us to reflect on the choices and alliances we must make today.”

※ This article is a follow-up to the July feature “Young Artists Cross Borders... 'R;Link’ Showcase Concludes Successfully,” and covers the premiere and post-show reflections from the director.