Performer Joomin Hwang
Broadway has come back to life after the pandemic, once again filled with energy and excitement. Among its many stars is the rare sight of an Asian performer taking the stage in one of the world’s most dazzling theaters. Today we speak with Joomin Hwang, a South Korean-born performer whose path began as a breakdancer before he set his sights on America. Through hard work and determination, he reached the pinnacle of theater: Broadway. Here, he shares the story of that journey.
Discovering musicals as a breakdancer and finding a new dream
A scene from “& Juliet” (Photo credit Playbill)
──How did you become a Broadway performer? What did you study, and how did you land your first role?
“My background may be a little different. I started out in Korea as a breakdancer. When I was 23, I traveled to London for two weeks to perform in a Korean comedy production. While there, I saw the musical Billy Elliot, and it changed my life. At the time, I only knew how to dance, but watching a young boy perform with such depth with singing, dancing, acting, and moving an audience overall, shocked me. That made me realize I wanted to be on a stage like that. That moment was the spark that set me on this path.
Back in Korea around 2008 to 2009, I began voice lessons. I struggled at first because singing and acting didn’t come easily to me, though I was confident in dance. Still, I kept at it. In 2011, I entered a music school in Korea and majored in classical music. One of my professors suggested, ‘Why not try America? Why not Broadway?’ Through a sister school, I learned I could study music and English in the U.S. So I took the leap and enrolled at the University of Wisconsin to study vocal performance. I was 28 years old.”
──You made the bold decision to pursue Broadway at 28.
“Yes. I couldn’t speak English, and the cost of studying in the U.S. was high, so many people told me not to go. But I felt strongly that if there was even a chance to challenge myself on Broadway, I had to take it. My life was my responsibility to change. So I went.
I studied English and music at Wisconsin for two years, spending most of the first year and a half in language classes. Alongside my studies, I trained relentlessly in singing. I would practice until 2 a.m. in the school buildings, often being told by security that it was time to go home. Those were grueling days of lessons and self-training, but I refused to give up.
After graduation, I moved to New York. Of course, I didn’t immediately land on Broadway. I worked in restaurants to support myself while auditioning. It was exhausting, but I never stopped pursuing the dream.
My first break came with the Off-Broadway show KPOP. That was followed by The Prom, and now I’m performing in & Juliet, living my dream on Broadway.”
For Asian performers, Broadway is still rare and worth pioneering
On stage in “& Juliet” (Photo by Joomin Hwang)
──What made you set your sights on Broadway first?
“Broadway felt like such a high goal that I wasn’t sure I could reach it. But I believed if you’re going to dream, you should dream big. So from the start, I made it my goal to become a Broadway performer.
A few years ago, foreign performers were even rarer on Broadway, partly because of visa restrictions. That made me want to be one of the first Asian performers to carve out a new space and open doors for others.”
──Can anyone audition for Broadway?
“Before the pandemic, only U.S. citizens and green card holders could perform on Broadway. But after the pandemic, the rules changed. Now, most visa holders, except student visas, can perform on Broadway.”
──Which visa did you have?
“At first, I had an OPT visa, which allows graduates to work for a year. Later, I applied for an artist visa. But after marrying my wife, who is a U.S. citizen, I was able to obtain a green card.”
──What is your next dream?
“I want to land a named role with lines. Right now, I’m the understudy for Francois in & Juliet, and I’ve had the chance to step in a few times, which was a huge challenge. Next, I’d like to expand into TV dramas and eventually Hollywood. My motto is: dream big.”
The magic of Broadway lies in freshness and energy of original cast
At the Stephen Sondheim Theatre
──Do you have a favorite Broadway show?
“That’s a tough question! Maybe Bandstand, The Color Purple, In the Heights, The Prom… I could go on. I love musicals too much to choose just one. Each show has its own message, and the impression you take depends on your mood, age, or what you know at the time.”
──Do you have a favorite Broadway theater?
“I’ve never thought much about it, but maybe the Stephen Sondheim Theatre. Even from the back row, you feel close to the performers, that intimacy is special.”
──What makes seeing a show in New York, on Broadway, special compared to elsewhere?
“One big reason is that Broadway casts are unique. National tours often have different casts, but many Broadway actors stay here. So to see them, you have to come to New York. And especially the original cast, the ones chosen by directors for new productions, bring unmatched energy and quality. Watching an original cast perform is one of the most exciting things about Broadway. The intensity, the expectation, the urge of the audience, it’s all different when a new show launches.
Also, Broadway shows don’t have fixed runs. If a show succeeds, it can run for years. If not, it may close in just weeks. That makes every performance a matter of survival for the cast and crew. That urgency and passion are part of the magic.”
──Any other reasons to come all the way to Broadway?
“Yes. The casts are truly international and diverse, with top talent from different countries and disciplines. To win a role, you often compete against hundreds of others. In my case, more than 250 people auditioned for a single role. Watching performers who have beaten those odds, that’s the thrill of Broadway.”
New York is full of opportunity: if you dream of Broadway, take the first step
A scene from “& Juliet” (Photo credit Playbill)
──Lastly, what message would you like to share with performers who aspire to work in Broadway?
“Performing in America is not easy. Place yourself in a high-level environment and learn as much as you can. Study the language, learn the craft, see as many Broadway shows as possible, and keep going no matter how tough it gets. It’s a narrow gate, but if you don’t give up, one day you’ll realize just how far you’ve grown. You’ll see you’ve become someone new.
New York is full of great teachers and schools. Opportunities to learn are everywhere, so go knock on doors and see what opens. It won’t be easy, but keep trying and the path will reveal itself. From my experience, you can become someone you never imagined.
And if you have a dream, you must pursue it, especially if it’s something you love. Along the way, there will be things you don’t want to do but must do. But if it’s for what you love, you’ll find joy even in the hard parts. I never imagined I’d stand on a Broadway stage when I was back in Korea. I didn’t come from a wealthy family, and I wasn’t strong in singing or acting at first. But with perseverance, Broadway went from an impossible dream to a reachable goal. I’ll never forget how it felt to finally arrive. Remember: it’s you who can change your life. Don’t give up. Hold on to what moves your heart.”
──And as a musical fan yourself, what message would you like to share with international musical fans who are interested in Broadway?
“For audiences, the language barrier can be real. If you’re comfortable with English, I recommend seeing new productions you’ll feel the unique energy of a fresh show. If English is challenging, classics like The Lion King or Wicked are also perfect choices. Either way, you’ll experience the exceptional talent that defines Broadway.”
Editor’s note
We spoke with Joomin after a performance of & Juliet, hearing his story firsthand. For anyone wondering how performers without agency backing can reach Broadway, his story offers invaluable insight.
Though his demeanor is calm and approachable, his words carried passion and strength. They reflect the extraordinary perseverance that brought him to Broadway. His message of resilience and chasing dreams surely resonates with anyone striving for the stage.
Written by Sayaka Imada
See all Journeys to Broadway articles
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