Many K-pop singers branch into different fields during or after their careers as idols. Some go to acting, some do businesses, while some do creative managing. Then, there are those who go to the theater and become musical actors. Most of the time, it is the vocalists who do so as singing is a big requirement for it.
Many 1st generation K-pop idols have tried and succeeded in making a career out of it, like Fin K.L.'s Ock Juhyun and JYJ Junsu.
In this article, we listed 7 popular idols who successfully made their mark on the theater scene in South Korea.
Girls' Generation Seohyun
First on the list is Girls' Generation's youngest member, Seohyun. Her debut musical was in 2014 with the musical version of the television series "Moon Embracing the Sun."
In 2015, she starred in the Korean version of the French musical "Gone with the Wind."
Then, from February to June 2016, Seohyun was cast in the Korean version of the musical Mamma Mia.
After leaving SM Entertainment, she has yet to go back into acting in musicals as she is focused on the small screen.
VIXX Leo
The main vocalist of VIXX started his musical career in 2014 in the musical version of the famous television series "Full House." He then was cast in one of the most famous musicals in Korea, "Mata Hari," as the lead Armand and performed from March 25 to June 12.
After that, Leo was cast in "Monte Cristo" in a supporting role. But he went back to being lead in the musical "The Last Kiss," "Elisabeth," and "Marie Antoinette."
In 2021, he was in the "Frankenstein" musical as Henri Dupre. And this year, he will star in the musical "Bungee Jumping of Their Own" as Seo Inwoo.
There are rumors that Leo was also cast in the Korean version of "West Side Story" but it is still not confirmed. We will soon find out!
Super Junior Kyuhyun
Another K-pop main vocalist that delved into the world of musicals is Super Junior's Kyuhyun. He debuted in the musical "The Three Musketeers" in 2010.
He followed that one with "Catch Me If You Can" in 2012 and he was also in "Moon Embracing the Sun" with Seohyun back in 2014.
Cho Kyuhyun has more musicals in his discography as he debuted earlier than the rest. He was in "Singing in the Rain," "The Days," "Robin Hood," "Werther," "Mozart!," "The Man Who Laughs," "Phantom," and "Frankenstein."
f(x) Luna
Just like his former labelmate Kyuhyun, Luna started her musical career in 2010. She was the lead role in the musical "Legally Blonde."
The former idol was also in "Gone With The Wind," "Mama Mia!," and "The Days." Her other works include "Cayote Ugly," "High School Musical On Stage!," "School of OZ," "In The Heights," "Rebecca," and "Rudolf."
MAMAMOO Solar
MAMAMOO's Solar made her debut this year with "Mata Hari." She starred as Mata Hari together with Ock Juhyun.
Many critics applauded Solar's acting and her explosive singing skills. They also said that after MAMAMOO Solar showed her colorful dance performances and delicate emotions, it's unbelievable it was her first musical.
SEVENTEEN DK
Another beginner in the musical scene is SEVENTEEN's main vocal. He only acted in the musical "Xcalibur" as King Arthur in 2019 and 2021.
Just like many other musical idols, he was praised for his singing skills and voice tone which is perfect for musicals.
EXO Suho
Last on our list is EXO's leader, Suho. he began his musical career in 2015 with the production of "School of OZ." Then, in 2017 he starred in the musical "The Last Kiss" as Crown Prince Rudolf, which was also the lead role.
And for two seasons, 2018 and 2020 he was in "The Man Who Laughs" as Gwynplaine, another lead role.
Do you know other K-pop idols who are also musical actors? Let us know in the replies/comments!
KpopStarz owns this article.
Written by Jaswin Singh
