I Live Alone: SHINee’s Role in a Tony Award-Winning Hit

The October 31, 2025, episode of MBC’s popular variety show “I Live Alone” offered a surprising look into the world of musical theater, revealing an unexpected connection between a Tony Award-winning composer and K-Pop superstars SHINee. The segment featured the daily life of musical writer Park CheonHyu, whose collaborator, Will Aronson, shared the unique way he mastered the Korean language, leaving the show’s panelists, including SHINee’s Key, in astonishment.

A Day in the Life of a Tony Award Winner

The episode provided an intimate glimpse into the new life of Park CheonHyu, who recently moved into a new home in Seoul in October 2025. This move was made possible after he finally received a partial payment for his prestigious Tony Award win for the musical “Perhaps Happy Ending.” Viewers may recall his previous appearance on “The Manager,” where he had mentioned the payment was still pending. Park CheonHyu’s day was a blend of intellectual pursuit and humble routine; he was seen reading in the morning, taking the subway to Kyung Hee University to deliver a successful lecture to students, and later visiting a used bookstore. He also mentioned that during his college days, he used to transcribe scripts by the renowned writer Noh HeeKyung to hone his skills.

A Housewarming Party with a K-Pop Surprise

The highlight of the episode was Park CheonHyu’s first housewarming party. The guests of honor were his creative partner, composer Will Aronson, and actress Park JinJoo, who is currently starring in their hit musical, “Perhaps Happy Ending.”

Will Aronson’s Unique Korean Study Method

During the party, Will Aronson stunned everyone by revealing the secret to his fluent Korean. The American composer shared that he learned the language primarily by listening to the SHINee song “Aside” on repeat. He explained that the song’s lyrics and melody were his main study materials. To prove his dedication, Aronson performed a snippet of “Aside” for the guests, singing with perfect pitch and accurate pronunciation, demonstrating his deep appreciation for the track.

SHINee’s Key Reacts to the Unexpected Homage

The revelation caused a stir in the “I Live Alone” studio, particularly for panelist Key, a member of SHINee. As he watched the clip, Key was visibly shocked and delighted. He expressed his amazement that a song his group released had played such a significant role in the journey of a Tony Award-winning composer. Fellow panelist Park NaRae and others shared in the surprise, celebrating the heartwarming cultural crossover. This moment highlighted the global reach and unexpected influence of Korean entertainment, bridging the worlds of K-Pop and international musical theater in a truly memorable way.

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