Kim Junsu: The Unchanging Face of 'Death Note' Musical

The musical 'Death Note' consistently features a familiar name in its cast lineup: Kim Junsu as 'L'. Although he was absent from the first and second cast announcements last year, Kim Junsu has recently been added to the third cast list. His association with 'Death Note' is so strong that he is often seen as synonymous with the musical, yet the lack of variation in casting has also drawn some criticism.

Since October 10th, Kim Junsu has been performing in 'Death Note'. He is the only actor to have participated in every season of the musical, from its premiere in 2015, through its revivals in 2017, 2022, and 2023, to the current encore performance.

Why does 'Death Note' repeatedly choose Kim Junsu? The primary reason is his perfect synchronization with the character. 'L' is a genius with an unpredictable and sensitive nature, requiring a unique presence. Kim Junsu captures 'L's unstable energy with precision, earning praise for his portrayal.

Another reason is his vocal prowess. The musical numbers in 'Death Note' are challenging, with wide emotional ranges and high notes. 'L's solo numbers demand both strong vocal power and delicate emotional expression. Kim Junsu's distinctive voice and 17 years of experience allow him to master these songs, aligning perfectly with the musical's style.

His box office appeal is also a significant factor. Kim Junsu is known for his strong ticket-selling power in the musical market. When the first cast of the current season was entirely new, the initial sales did not meet expectations compared to the previous season, which sold out. For large-scale licensed productions, proven casting is crucial, making Kim Junsu a reliable choice for producers.

An interesting aspect of the repeated casting is that Kim Junsu has only played the role of 'L'. The character's portrayal can vary greatly depending on the actor's interpretation, unlike the more narrative-driven character of Light. Kim Junsu enhances 'L's tension with his sharp gaze and cautious demeanor towards Light, earning him the nickname 'Sha-L' (Xiah Junsu + L) among fans.

Kim Junsu's consistent evolution in the role also plays a part. Each season, he has introduced external changes to his character. His heavy eye makeup from the premiere has gradually softened, and his hair color has varied from mint to red and lavender. By infusing his unique style into 'L's emotional arc and acting tone, he has been praised for bringing freshness to each season.

Since his debut in the role, Kim Junsu has become synonymous with 'Death Note's identity. The repeated casting is not merely habitual but a result of the close connection between the actor and the character, coupled with his box office draw. As long as Kim Junsu continues to meet audience expectations, his name is likely to appear in future seasons.

However, the attempt to introduce an entirely new cast in the first lineup of this season has sparked criticism of fixed casting in the theater industry. There is a call for fresh actors to expand the work's scope, highlighting the need for new interpretations.

By Dayeon Jeong, TenAsia Reporter light@tenasia.co.kr