Singer-actor Kim Jun-su, also known as Xia Jun-su, will star in the Korean production of musical “Death Note” in June, alongside acclaimed musical actor Hong Kwang-ho.
Kim, a member of JYJ and crowd magnet in the local musical scene, will take up the role of genius private detective L in the upcoming musical.
Hong, who made his musical debut at London’s West End in 2014, will play Light Yagami, a high school student who discovers a deadly notebook that kills anyone whose name is written inside.
Kim Jun-su (C-Jes Entertainment)
Based on the Japanese cartoon and film series of the same title, the musical is produced by major Japanese entertainment agency HoriPro and directed by Tamiya Kuriyama, a master of Japanese theater.
Also on the stellar production crew are composer Frank Wildhorn (“Jekyll & Hyde”) and scriptwriter Ivan Menchell (“Bonnie & Clyde”). Jack Murphy (“Monte Cristo”) wrote the lyrics.
In addition to Kim and Hong, the Korean production will feature actresses Jung Sun-ah and Park Hye-na, known for their recent roles in the local rendition of musical “Wicked,” as Light’s girlfriend Amane Misa and female Shinigami (“death god,” or ghost-like being who survives by killing humans) Rem, respectively.
Actor Kang Hong-seok, who recently played drag queen Lola in the local production of “Kinky Boots,” will play male Shinigami Ryuk.
“Death Note” premieres on April 6 in Japan. In Korea, it will run from June 20-Aug. 9 at the Seongnam Arts Center Opera House. For inquiries, call (02) 1577-3363.
By Rumy Doo (bigbird@heraldcorp.com)