A Stage Debut Full of Pressure
Kim Minseok of the emotional pop duo MeloMance is trading piano melodies for spotlight drama. He’s taking on the role of Light Yagami in the Korean adaptation of the iconic musical Death Note, opening on October 14. But just ahead of the premiere, the artist shared a refreshingly honest update on social media.
Facing the Music—And the Critics
Posting to his Instagram on the 22nd, Kim admitted, “As expected, I was really disappointed in myself after monitoring my performance.” Some early buzz around his singing on a recent appearance on KBS2TV’s THE SEASONS – 10CM’s Hug Me was less than glowing, especially for the musical numbers. But instead of sulking, he took it as fuel. “I’m grateful for the feedback offered with love,” he wrote, promising to improve: “I’ll do my best to raise the performance level by the opening night.”
From Romantic Ballads to Dark Drama
Known for tearjerking ballads like ‘Gift’ and ‘You,’ Kim Minseok is no stranger to emotional delivery. But Death Note is a major pivot—a high-stakes thriller with a morally gray protagonist. Taking on Light Yagami, the brilliant student who discovers a notebook that can kill, is a big leap even for a seasoned singer.
Still, Kim seems determined. “I’ll continue to push myself forward,” he said. “I want to make sure the audience is satisfied.” That type of humility—and hustle—might just be exactly what sets the tone for a performance nobody saw coming.
Expectations Are High
The Korean production of Death Note is making waves already, with major casting choices like INFINITE’s Sunggyu and B1A4’s Sandeul playing L. Now, all eyes are on Kim Minseok to see whether his transformation from soft-hearted crooner to conflicted antihero can win over both diehard musical fans and skeptical netizens.
Can He Prove the Doubters Wrong?
One thing is clear—he’s not pretending the road is easy. But Kim Minseok’s open-hearted approach might just be the right note to hit before curtain call. And if early criticism has lit the fire, this Fall’s Death Note might just mark a new career high.
