Choi Jae-rim and Leo to play 109 in the musical Yumi's Cells

Lee Dong-gun's webtoon 'Yumi's Cells' has been reborn as a fantasy musical on stage. This production is set against two backdrops: the 'real world,' where Yumi's daily life and her romance with Woong unfold, and the 'Cell Village,' where the cells that control Yumi's thoughts and actions reside. While the drama focused heavily on the real world, the musical centers on the Cell Village to bring its fantasy universe to life.

The emergence of '109,' an apprentice cell known by a number instead of a name

The musical adaptation of 'Yumi's Cells' introduces a brand-new character not found in the original webtoon: the apprentice cell '109.' Referred to by a number rather than a name, 109 is an entity overlooked within the hierarchical structure of the Cell Village. The village is divided into 'Major Cells,' which aid in positive decision-making, and 'Minor Cells,' which are perceived as negative or irrational.

At the top of the hierarchy sits the 'Love Cell,' a prime cell. The actions of subordinate cells are driven by the decisions of the Love Cell, ultimately influencing Yumi's behavior. However, the play shifts its focus away from the Major Cells to the movements of the Minor Cells. This is because as Yumi's love for Woong grows, her own sense of self diminishes. The story depicts a situation where Yumi loses her identity as the protagonist while being preoccupied with the pursuit of the male lead.

This is where the apprentice cell 109 steps in. 109 sets out to find the things Yumi has forgotten while being overwhelmed by daily life, or the cells that have gone into hiding by becoming Minor Cells. The process of reviving Yumi's lost dreams and senses, allowing her to stand tall as the protagonist once again, leads to a 'rebellion of the minors.' As Yumi grows, 109 also eventually earns a name of its own.

Distinctive cell characters and a show musical structure

The characters in the Cell Village each perform unique roles. The stage will feature the 'Detective Cell' who investigates, the charming 'Flirty Cell,' the intuitive 'Instinct Cell,' the perpetually hungry 'Hungry Cell,' as well as the 'Reason' and 'Emotion' cells. In particular, solo songs assigned to the Detective Cell and the Flirty Cell highlight the production's character as a show musical by shifting the atmosphere.

The cast has also been finalized. Tiffany Young and Kim Ye-won will take on the lead role of Yumi. Choi Jae-rim and Leo have been cast as 109, while Kim So-hyang and Yuria will portray the prime Love Cell.

Performing at the Seoul Arts Center CJ Towol Theater until August 23

The musical 'Yumi's Cells' will meet audiences at the Seoul Arts Center CJ Towol Theater until August 23. The production captures the rebellion occurring within the hierarchical structure of the Cell Village and Yumi's journey of growth.