Korean musicals have evolved significantly over the years, blending traditional theater with modern storytelling. From their early roots in the 19th century to the vibrant scene we see today, musicals in Korea have undergone a dramatic transformation.
As the country embraced Western influences in the 20th century, the musical genre took shape, and since the early 2000s, it has flourished into a thriving industry. Today, Korean musicals are recognized internationally for their impressive performances, powerful music, and complex narratives.
The fusion of K-pop elements with traditional musical formats has attracted a wide range of audiences, both locally and abroad. Renowned productions such as Mamma Mia!, Les Misérables, and The Phantom of the Opera have been adapted to suit Korean tastes, often receiving rave reviews.
As the K-pop industry continues to rise in global popularity, more idols and actors are branching out into musical theatre. These performers bring their vocal talent, charisma, and stage presence to the theatre, enriching the musical scene.
The growing popularity of Korean musicals continues to solidify its place in the global entertainment industry. This evolution showcases the versatile talent of Korean performers and their expanding influence on both the stage and screen.
1. Park Hyung Sik (4 Musical Productions)
Famous K-Drama: Strong Woman Do Bong Soon
Notable Musical: Bonnie and Clyde (as Clyde)
Park Hyung Sik initially showcased his vocal and acting abilities in musicals such as Bonnie and Clyde and Temptation of Wolves, where he brought intensity and charm to the lead roles. These performances helped him gain recognition and paved the way for his successful transition to dramas, where he became known for his charismatic on-screen presence.
DK (Dokyeom) (2 Musical Productions)
Famous Reality Show: SEVENTEEN’s Going Seventeen
Notable Musical: Xcalibur (as King Arthur)
DK from SEVENTEEN made his musical theater debut in 2019 with Xcalibur, where he took on the role of King Arthur. His performance in the musical was widely praised for its emotional depth and powerful vocals, marking a turning point in his career beyond K-pop. DK continued to showcase his musical theater skills in the 2021 production Side by Side, gaining even more recognition for his ability to shine on stage in a different medium.
3. Kyuhyun (Super Junior) (10+ Musical Productions)
Famous K-Drama: The Best Hit
Notable Musical: Mozart! (as Mozart)
Kyuhyun of Super Junior gained immense respect in the theater world through roles in musicals like Mozart! and The Three Musketeers. Known for his powerful vocals and emotive expressions, Kyuhyun’s stage work allowed him to refine the skills that would make him one of the most beloved musical idols.
4. Do Kyung Soo (D.O.) (1 Musical Production)
Famous K-Drama: 100 Days My Prince
Notable Musical: Return: The Promise of the Day (as Soldier Seung Ho)
D.O. of EXO made his theatrical debut in Return: The Promise of the Day, where he played a patriotic soldier in a story about the Korean War. His stage performance impressed audiences and critics, showcasing the depth and emotional range he later displayed in popular dramas like 100 Days My Prince.
5. Ji Chang Wook (5+ Musical Productions)
Famous K-Drama: Healer
Notable Musical: The Days (as Moo-young)
Ji Chang Wook’s career began in musicals before he hit it big in dramas. Known for his role in The Days, a production filled with action and heart, he delivered intense stage performances that mirrored the energetic roles he later took on in action-packed dramas like Healer.
6. Jo Jung Suk (25+ Musical Productions)
Famous K-Drama: Hospital Playlist
Notable Musical: Hedwig and the Angry Inch (as Hedwig)
Jo Jung Suk is a celebrated figure in the musical world, with over 25 productions under his belt, including Hedwig and the Angry Inch. His role as the eccentric and passionate Hedwig demonstrated his remarkable versatility, laying the groundwork for the depth he brings to roles in K-dramas like Hospital Playlist.
7. Yoo Yeon Seok (3 Musical Productions)
Famous K-Drama: Reply 1994
Notable Musical: Hedwig and the Angry Inch (as Hedwig)
Though Yoo Yeon Seok entered the musical scene later in his career, he quickly gained praise for his work in Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Known for bringing depth to his characters, Yoo Yeon Seok used his theatre experience to enhance his emotional expressions in roles like Chilbong in Reply 1994.
8. Im Si Wan (3 Musical Productions)
Famous K-Drama: Hell is Other People
Notable Musical: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (as Joseph)
Im Si Wan began in the theatre world with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, where he brought the role of Joseph to life with sensitivity and warmth. His stage experience translated seamlessly to the screen, helping him convey the depth of his character in the hit drama Misaeng.
9. Kang Ha Neul (13 Musical Productions)
Famous K-Drama: When the Camellia Blooms
Notable Musical: Thrill Me (as Richard)
Kang Ha Neul is one of the most accomplished stage actors on this list, with over 13 musical productions to his name. His role in Thrill Me displayed his impressive range, laying a solid foundation for his dramatic success in When the Camellia Blooms, where he won the Best Actor award at the Baeksang Arts Awards.
10. Park Jin Joo (4+ Musical Productions)
Famous K-Drama: It’s Okay Not to Be Okay
Notable Musical: May be Happy Ending (as Claire)
Park Jin Joo, known for her versatile acting, shines in dramas like Don’t Dare to Dream and My Sassy Girl. Her vocal and acting talents have also made her a standout in musicals like The Days. A familiar face on Hangout with Yoo, she’s beloved for her charm across stage and screen.
11. Jeon Mi Do (5 Musical Productions)
Famous K-Drama: Hospital Playlist
Notable Musical: Maybe Happy Ending (as Claire till 2018)
Jeon Mi Do is widely respected in the theatre world for her roles in musicals like Maybe Happy Ending, where her moving portrayal captivated audiences. Her extensive musical background allowed her to bring a unique depth to her role as Chae Song Hwa in Hospital Playlist, capturing fans’ hearts with her sincere acting and vocal skills
The theater's intense training, live performances, and creative freedom gave these idols and actors a unique edge in the entertainment industry. Their journeys remind us of the importance of hard work and growth — proof that behind every success story is a stage where it all began.
Let us know who your favorite K-drama actor/actress or K-pop idol is your favorite in the comments below!
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