INTERVIEW Kim Jun-su reflects on decade of 'Dracula'

Kim Jun-su celebrates his 10th year in the musical "Dracula." Courtesy of OD Company

For a decade, Kim Jun-su's striking red hair has been a symbol of his transformative journey as the titular character in the musical "Dracula."

As he reflects on the 10th anniversary of the show as well as the role that redefined his career, Kim revealed the thoughts behind the decision to adopt this dramatic look, a choice that was initially intended to add a visually impactful element to a key scene that has since become a benchmark for Dracula portrayals worldwide.

"When I first tried red hair for Dracula, it was 10 years ago and I was much younger. During rehearsals for the 'Fresh Blood' scene, where Dracula drinks Jonathan's blood, I realized the scene needed something more visually compelling," Kim said of his "youthful ambition" during an interview at a cafe in southern Seoul, Monday.

"The direction of the scene doesn't explicitly show Dracula sucking blood. He simply bends over Jonathan and when he rises, he reveals a rejuvenated face from below his hood, transforming from a hunched-over old man to standing upright. I proposed the idea of red hair to signify this transformation more strikingly as if the change had even reached his hair."

Kim Jun-su poses during an interview at a cafe in southern Seoul, Monday. Courtesy of OD Company

Yet, Kim also shared the personal challenges that come with maintaining this iconic appearance.

"Daily life becomes a bit complex," Kim admitted. "I have to dye my hair at least once a week and I rarely step out without a hat. There was this one time when some young kids were quite startled seeing me with red hair in an elevator. The dye also stains my sheets and pillowcases. At times, I question why I started this in the first place. I am officially announcing that this 10th anniversary will be the last red-haired Dracula for me.”

At the same time, Kim appreciates the positive response his distinctive look has garnered, particularly in how it has helped him visually embody the character of Dracula.

"Thankfully it was very well-received and I have been donning the red hair for 10 years now. The show's composer (Frank) Wildhorn told me that he now uses my red-haired Dracula as a reference for productions in other countries," he said.

Kim Jun-su portrays Dracula with eternal life in the musical "Dracula." Courtesy of OD Company

Journey of ‘Dracula’

The musical "Dracula," now staged at the Charlotte Theater in southern Seoul through March 3, 2024, brings to life Bram Stoker's iconic novel, depicting the tale of Count Dracula, who has remained devoted to one woman throughout his 400-year-long, eternal existence. Enhanced by the enthralling music of Korea's favorite musical theater composer, Wildhorn, this rendition of "Dracula" first hit Korean stages in 2014 with three original songs — "She," "Last Man Standing" and "Nosferatu Recit."

Kim said he feels proud to have been part of the journey since its Korean premiere, emphasizing the show's appeal to audiences and the evolution of its staging over the years.

"I think it's a significant achievement in the Korean theater industry to have a show running for 10 years. This means that the show has been staged approximately 4-5 times every two years, which is quite remarkable in Korea. It is evidence of the audience's love and appreciation for the production,” he said.

"Watching the stage rehearsals, I was reminded once more of how great this show is. The sight of four turntables moving simultaneously on stage is truly astonishing. 'Dracula' holds up impressively even against the latest musical productions. It's superbly staged and I consider myself not just an actor in it but also a fan of 'Dracula.'"

Playing Dracula, according to Kim, is unlike any other role he has played. He noted the physical and emotional demands of the role, from the detailed attention to non-human gestures to the complex makeup and quick changes required.

"Portraying human characters allows for natural movements and expressions, but the role of Dracula demands a different approach. I must persuade the audience that I am a vampire, not a human, which means focusing meticulously on every aspect of my gait, way of speaking and even hand gestures. This elevates the challenge considerably," Kim explained.

"Moreover, 'Dracula' is a tale of love that transcends the boundaries of reality. Four centuries ago, I, as Dracula, left behind Elizabeth, the woman I loved, and now, 400 years later, I encounter Mina, who I believe to be the reincarnation of Elizabeth. It's crucial to not only convey this complex story convincingly to Mina but also make the audience believe and understand the depth of this timeless love story."

Kim showed extra affection toward "She," a song added to the Korean production of the show.

"In the original version, Dracula's love for Mina was expressed through spoken lines, but this has been transformed into the song 'She.' In musical theater, the impact of music is immense. The song is presented from a third-person perspective, almost like a fairy tale, yet it's actually Dracula narrating his and Elizabeth's story to Mina," he said.

"The inclusion of stirring music enhances the storytelling, making it more compelling and appropriate for the genre. This musical number has become so integral that I can't imagine Dracula conveying his feelings without it."

Kim Jun-su poses during an interview at a cafe in southern Seoul, Monday. Courtesy of OD Company

His growth

His journey with "Dracula" mirrors his own personal and professional growth. Reflecting on his time in the musical theater, Kim said how he found beauty in the live nature of theater, where every show offers a chance to deliver different nuances.

"Each performance is unique. There are moments when something previously unclear suddenly makes sense, and at other times, I find myself questioning aspects I believed I had understood," he said.

"This is what makes live theater so magical. Unlike movies, where expressions and emotions are fixed once filmed, musical theater allows for a dynamic range of nuances. Even a brief pause of two or three seconds can convey so much, so differently. This variability is what I adore about musicals — the joy is in aligning the audience's emotions with what I'm expressing on stage."

Although Kim has a string of accomplishments to his name, he tries to focus on the present rather than the future.

"I don't believe in chasing a grandiose vision of the future or setting a specific goal for myself. I've learned how disheartening it can be when things don't go as planned, so I've shifted my perspective to avoid unnecessary disappointment. This approach actually serves me well, as it helps me stay focused on the present," he said.

"My philosophy is to flow with life, avoid complacency and remain resilient. My aim is to continuously evolve both as an actor and a singer."