The story explores the healing journeys of four characters from different backgrounds.
The author is also developing a musical adaptation titled 'Caminante.'
Na Sang-cheon, a K-pop planner and playwright, is stepping into the literary world with his debut novel 'A Beautiful Escape.' The novel is set to be officially released on April 22, 2026, under KT Millie's publishing brand, Originals. In a bid to connect with readers, Na is launching a preview series on Millie's creative platform, Milliroad, starting from April 6.
'A Beautiful Escape' is set against the backdrop of the 800km Santiago pilgrimage in Spain, portraying the journeys of four characters, each carrying their own stories. Chef Kims, a middle-aged man rebuilding his life after losing his wife, Dorothy, a hopeful singer-songwriter facing rejection, Roger, a YouTuber tackling an almost impossible mission of reaching 330,000 subscribers, and Jun-sang, a 21-year-old harboring heavy secrets, form the central cast. Over the course of 33 days, they walk the same path, confronting and healing their respective scars.
This work draws from Na's own experiences during two pilgrimages in 2023 and 2024, infusing the narrative with authenticity. The insights gained from encounters along the way and introspections on his emotions are expected to resonate deeply with readers, offering them solace and empathy. Additionally, Na is concurrently developing a musical adaptation named 'Caminante,' aimed for a formal debut in August 2027, generating heightened anticipation across various platforms.
The novel 'A Beautiful Escape' unveils a new dimension of Na Sang-cheon, best known as a K-pop planner. His background as a playwright has likely contributed to the vivid characterizations and emotional depth found within the narrative. Particularly, the elements derived from Na's own experiences along the Santiago pilgrimage enrich the story, promising readers a more immersive experience.
Through the journey of characters from disparate backgrounds, the book vividly portrays struggles and healing processes in life. This theme tends to resonate particularly well with younger generations, as readers may find themselves reflected in the characters. Moreover, the confrontation and healing of wounds serve as a crucial topic that many in contemporary society are grappling with.
Na's unique strategy of developing OSMU (One Source Multi Use) content is also noteworthy. The upcoming musical adaptation suggests that his story will not be confined to textual storytelling but will be able to expand into various formats. This aligns with the K-pop industry's tradition of embracing diverse forms of content, thereby heightening anticipation for Na's future endeavors.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: 꿈의엔진
