Some might say that JYJ member Kim Jun-su’s voice does not lend itself well to the musical “Dracula,” but Kim begs to differ. He spoke out against criticism about his voice in the musical performance at a press conference on Tuesday.

Kim’s voice is different from those commonly heard in musical roles. His throaty vibratos, sharp tone and breathy voice is expressive. However, the unique nature of his voice has sometimes drawn criticism that it lacks clarity, making it uncomfortable for listeners.

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In a press promotion of “Dracula” in Sejong Center in Seoul on Tuesday, the 29-year-old musician Kim, who plays “Count Dracula” shared thoughts about such comments.

“That was my foremost concern,” Kim said. “Initially I tried to pursue a classical voice or opera tone. At one point I got lost.”
However, advice from a senior actor helped him get over this problem and gave him confidence about what kind of voice to use in musicals.

“I was advised not to shift my voice, since (the senior) was concerned that it might get rid of my originality,” Kim said. “(The senior) stressed that it is unnecessary to emulate other performers’ voice. Then it coursed through my mind that keeping my voice unique could become an attraction to the show one day.”

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It was demanding for Kim to strike a balance between the voice of a musical performer and a member of JYJ, but he managed to achieve this.

Shin Chun-soo, co-producer of “Dracula,” praised Kim’s voice.

“His voice perfectly suits the role. Each of the four musical actors playing ‘Dracula’ have their own style and interpretations of their roles,” he said.

The “Dracula” performance, which began last Saturday will end on Feb. 9. It is the second run of the musical in Korea. The first run in 2014 also featured Kim as the protagonist.

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Kim’s first performance in a musical was in “Mozart,” a year after he nullified his contract with his former agency SM Entertainment.
Since then, Kim has acted in “Jun” in “Tears in Heaven,” (2011), “Death” in “Elisabeth” (2012), “Yoon Ji-wook” in “December” (2013, 2014), “Count Dracula” in “Dracula” (2014) and “L” in “Death Note” (2015).

By Son Ji-hyoung (json@heraldcorp.com)