"I take the stage with maximum energy and an 'I don't care what you think' attitude. When I hear the audience laughing, I feel my energy as an actor rising," said Kim Junsu.
The musical actor, who has been thriving in "Beetlejuice," shared his thoughts at a press conference held at a cafe in Gangnam on January 23. The musical, which opened in December last year, has completed more than two-thirds of its scheduled run.
The production has sold out every performance, though it diverges from the typical success formula of Korean musicals. While works that stir emotions through solid narratives and powerful vocals have traditionally dominated the market, "Beetlejuice," based on Tim Burton's original work, is fundamentally a show musical rooted in black comedy. The box office success owes much to the outstanding performances of Kim and his fellow cast members.
Kim has earned the title of "non-human character specialist" for his excellence in portraying unconventional roles. Following Tod (Death) in "Elisabeth" and the title role in "Dracula," he now plays Beetlejuice, a ten-billion-year-old ghost.
"Since the character isn't human anyway, I thought I could create my own style," Kim said. "Instead of a grotesquely aged man, I portrayed him like a 'golden child'—ill-mannered and quick-tempered, yet lovable and pitiful. Fortunately, the director agreed and added more ideas."
He noted that younger actors have begun showing interest in the Beetlejuice role, previously considered territory for middle-aged performers.
The role presented a significant challenge even for Kim, a widely trusted performer. It requires delivering rapid-fire dialogue while maintaining its flavor, simultaneously executing comedic expressions and slapstick.
"The moment I feel embarrassed, everything falls apart," Kim said. "So I raise my energy to a level where people wonder, 'Is that really Kim Junsu?'"
Kim, who describes himself as "having a knack for comedy," fully unleashed his comedic instincts in this production. He naturally incorporates adult jokes and colorful language on stage.
"I wanted to really make people laugh on stage," he said. "As performances continue, I think more about how to make things funnier through ad-libs."
Kim also revealed his desire to be properly recognized as a musical actor through this work.
"I've always had the courage to take on new challenges," he said. "When results turn out well, people say I made 'a smart choice that suits me well.'" He expressed frustration that his successful outcomes are often attributed to strategy rather than hard work.
"I thought if I did well in 'Beetlejuice,' such assessments would stop, so I worked even harder," Kim said. "This work became a turning point."
Kim himself has fallen deeply in love with the production. He revealed that he initially declined the role when "Beetlejuice" first premiered in Korea.
"I didn't know it was such a well-made work," he said. "The balance between Acts 1 and 2 is perfect, and the characters and stage devices fit together seamlessly. It contains not only humor but also messages about family love and the preciousness of life viewed through death."
"Beetlejuice" runs at LG Arts Center through March 22, featuring Jung Sung-hwa, Jung Won-young, Kim Junsu, Hong Na-hyun, Jang Min-je, Park Hye-mi, Na Ha-na, Lee Yul, Jung Wook-jin, Kim Yong-su, Kim Dae-ryung, Jeon Su-mi, and Yoon Gong-ju.
