Seventeen's Dokyeom makes musical debut in 'Xcalibur'

Dokyeom, or DK of K-pop group Seventeen, plays King Arthur in the new musical "Xcalibur" at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul. Courtesy of EMK Musical Company

By Kwon Mee-yoo

Dokyeom, or DK of K-pop group Seventeen, will make his musical acting debut as King Arthur in the new musical "Xcalibur" at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul, Wednesday.

"Xcalibur," produced by EMK Musical Company, is one of the highly anticipated blockbuster theatrical productions of the year here.

The musical, directed by Stephen Rayne, is the latest collaboration between composer Frank Wildhorn and playwright Ivan Menchell, who are the brains behind many hit musicals including "Bonnie and Clyde," "Death Note" and "Mata Hari."

The musical reinterprets the British legend of King Arthur, centering on his leadership and charisma, and his path from being an ordinary man to becoming the legendary king after pulling the sword Excalibur from a sacred stone. The music composed by Wildhorn, one of Koreans' favorite theater composers, is in the Celtic style.

Dokyeom plays the lead role along with Kim Jun-su of JYJ, who has proven his talents on stage, and Kai, a popera singer and musical actor.

Wildhorn said Dokyeom is readily absorbing the new world of theatrical acting and singing in his first stage attempt. "He is young, but successful in the K-pop scene. When he comes to rehearsal, he is ready to learn new things here," Wildhorn said.

Menchell also posted a photo of him and Dokyeom on his Instagram, introducing Dokyeom as "the boy who would be king."

Dokyeom, or DK of K-pop group Seventeen, plays King Arthur in the new musical "Xcalibur" at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul. Courtesy of EMK Musical Company

Dokyeom is the lead singer of the 13-member boy group Seventeen. Since his debut in 2015, the band has released two studio albums and six mini albums.

Upon his debut on stage, Dokyeom said he has been dreaming of participating in a musical and took vocal lessons for over a year in preparation.

"I like musicals and am impressed by the energy of actors on stage and how they convey emotions in songs," Dokyeom said. "It's my first work and I'm very excited to be with the world's best staff and great seniors' It's not an easy challenge but it's a great honor to have a great opportunity to do Xcalibur."

The Korean version of "Xcalibur" runs through Aug. 4.

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