K-Pop idols receive extensive training to stand on stage and debut as singers. Then, once they debut, their schedule becomes jam-packed with various activities, such as music shows, variety programs, and radio appearances. All this just to promote themselves and become known to the general public.

In the process, some idols become known for different things: hard hitting dance moves, swoonworthy vocals, or even hilarious commentary on variety shows. Then there are idols who venture off and become musical stars.

So here is a list of K-Pop idols known for their musical roles.

 

1. SUPER JUNIOR’s RyeoWook

Starting off the list we have SUPER JUNIOR’s RyeoWook. He made his musical debut in the production “Temptation of Wolves” in 2011. Seven musicals later, he continues to show the audience his steady vocals and topnotch acting, proving his worth as a musical actor.

 

2. f(x)’s Luna

Luna is no stranger to musicals as she started in 2011 with the production “Legally Blonde”, just a little over a year after her debut. In an interview she says that her life has changed since playing the character Elle Woods from “Legally Blonde”. She’s continued to impress since and will make her Broadway debut in “KPOP The Musical”, which will showcase Korean culture and the K-Pop phenomenon. With her voice and accomplishments, Luna is the perfect person to bring K-Pop to Broadway.

 

3. 2AM’s Jo Kwon

If you look up the word ‘versatile’ you’ll see a picture of Jo Kwon. Okay, that might not be entirely true, but if you look at his skills, he should! From ballad singer to variety superstar to musical performer, Jo Kwon can do it all. He even made a stunning transformation for his role of a boy becoming a drag queen in “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie”. No matter how he’s dressed, Jo Kwon can entertain anyone.

 

4. BTOB’s ChangSub

ChangSub burst onto the musical scene in 2017, taking on multiple roles for the productions of “Boys Over Flowers”, “Napoleon”, and “Edgar Allen Poe”. In a previous interview, he expressed that although he has not acted in a drama or movie, he loves vividly delivering live moments on stage. There are many times where we see ChangSub being silly and joking around with his members, but on stage he becomes a totally different person. Isn’t he just oozing with charisma?

 

5. FTISLAND’s Lee HongKi

Lee HongKi has a long tenure in the entertainment industry. Before becoming a singer, he made his debut as a child actor in the popular TV series “Magic Kid Masuri” in 2002. Moving past his child actor days, he became known for many things: being the lead singer for FTISLAND, an actor for various dramas, a radio show host, and as a variety show guest.

Combine all these together and it seems only natural that HongKi would also arrive on the musical stage. He’s greeted the audience through multiple productions like “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, “Jack the Ripper”, and most recently “Mata Hari”. It seems that HongKi was born to be a top star in multiple fields. Seriously, what can this man not do?

 

6. B1A4’s SanDeul

SanDeul is an ace of all trades: he is a main vocalist, an OST king, and a beloved musical star. He has starred in “Cinderella”, “Iron Mask”, and “Sherlock Holmes” and continually impresses the audience with his solid acting and strong vocals. With such an impressive skillset he’s worthy of being called a king.

 

7. INFINITE’s Kim SungKyu

Kim SungKyu debuted as a musical actor in 2012 through the production “Gwanghwamun Sonata". Since then, he’s gone on to participate in multiple productions, even making returns to “Amadeus”, “Kinky Boots”, and “Gwanghwamun Sonata”, which he's taken on a different role for every run.

During his third run with “Gwanghwamun Sonata” in 2021, SungKyu was praised by his fellow actors for his unique portrayal of WolHa, as well as his standout vocals. SungKyu also had the opportunity to act as King Arthur in the musical “Xcalibur” earlier this year and will reprise his role as Charlie in “Kinky Boots” this summer. Considering the well-deserved praise he’s received, there’s no doubt as to why he continues to be casted again and again.

 

8. SUPER JUNIOR’s KyuHyun

Within SUPER JUNIOR, KyuHyun is the designated maknae. However, he’s a maknae with many talents. From OSTs to musical productions, KyuHyun showcases his remarkable voice on any stage he stands on. Who wouldn’t want to be swooned by KyuHyun?

 

9. Highlight’s Yang YoSeop

Yang YoSeob made his musical debut in 2011 with “Gwanghwamun Sonata”. He continues to star in musicals to this day, with his most recent work being “Something Rotten”. YoSeob continually impresses the audience with his amazing acting and vocals. He shows that even though he might be small in size, he makes up for it with his explosive voice.

 

10. JYJ’s JunSu

This list would not be complete without mentioning JunSu. He made his musical debut with the production “Mozart!”, playing Mozart himself. He even reprised the role for the tenth anniversary, wowing the audience with his portrayal of Mozart once more. On stage, JunSu continues to be as passionate as ever, whether it's through delivering his lines, reaching the climax of a song, or even throwing in an ad-lib to bring joy to the viewers. When it comes to idols in the musical scene, JunSu is surely a legend.

 

Performing in a musical is no easy task—you have to sing, act, and dance, sometimes all at once. But with their training and continuous hard work, these idols are able to showcase their talents and skills to a completely different audience. Now, they have gained admiration and respect for their musical roles.

Isn’t it cool how these idols challenged themselves? Who do you want to see in a musical next? Let us know in the comments.