Kim Jun-su to star in musical ‘Death Note’

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. 

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)