Xcalibur
Introduction
Xcalibur is a grand-scale musical produced by EMK Musical Company, inspired by the legendary tale of King Arthur. The production reimagines Arthur’s journey from an uncertain young man to a destined ruler, weaving together themes of fate, sacrifice, and self-discovery. With a powerful score composed by Frank Wildhorn, breathtaking stage design, and emotionally charged storytelling, Xcalibur quickly became one of Korea’s most anticipated musicals.
The Journey of a King:
Dokyeom as Arthur
Before Xcalibur, Dokyeom had never formally stepped into the world of musicals, though his admiration for the art form ran deep. Dreaming of one day performing in a musical, he dedicated over a year to intensive vocal training, refining techniques specific to the genre in preparation for a potential debut.
In 2019, he finally seized the opportunity, auditioning for the lead role of Arthur in Xcalibur. For his audition piece, he chose This Is the Moment—the very song that had once secured his place as a trainee at Pledis Entertainment. Though he initially approached the audition as a personal challenge rather than with grand expectations, his commanding vocals, raw emotion, and natural stage presence left a lasting impression on the casting team.
Recognizing his potential, the production team entrusted him with the lead role alongside renowned musical actors Kim Junsu and Kai. EMK CEO Eom Hong Hyun later shared that Dokyeom’s tall stature and striking visuals made him a perfect fit for the role, while his exceptional singing and acting abilities further solidified their decision. He also emphasized that Arthur is portrayed as an 18-year-old young man in the musical, and among the three actors cast, Dokyeom was the closest in age and spirit. With this in mind, he expressed confidence that Dokyeom would deliver the most vivid and authentic portrayal of the young Arthur.
"I was drawn to his outstanding vocal ability. He had been practicing for a year to develop the skills and techniques required as a musical actor. In the musical, Arthur is depicted as an 18-year-old young man, and among the three actors cast for the role, Dokyeom is the closest in age. Because of this, I expect him to bring the original Arthur to life in a vivid and authentic way."
- Eom Hong-hyun, CEO of EMK
What began as a leap of faith quickly turned into a defining moment in Dokyeom’s career, marking his official debut in musical theater. His portrayal of King Arthur was widely praised, proving that his dedication and passion had paid off. The experience not only solidified his love for musicals but also showcased his versatility as a performer, leading him to reprise the role in Xcalibur’s 2021 production and inspiring him to continue pursuing opportunities in the field.
Beyond his acting, Xcalibur became a defining moment for Dokyeom as a vocalist. The musical’s demanding score required him to push his vocal abilities further than ever before, blending classical musical theater techniques with his signature emotional delivery. One of the most striking examples of this was his performance of "난 나의 것 (My Flesh, My Blood, My Skin, My Bones)" during the Xcalibur Listening Party in 2019.
난 나의 것 (My Flesh, My Blood, My Skin, My Bones)
Dokyeom’s return to Xcalibur in 2021 was met with high anticipation, and his performance exceeded expectations. With two years of experience and growth, he delivered an even more refined and emotionally resonant portrayal of Arthur.
While many memorable moments unfolded on stage, the only full-stage performance shared by EMK on their official YouTube channel was "찬란한 햇살 (Rich at Heart),” performed alongside fellow casts Kang Tai-eul (Lancelot) and Lee Jong-moon (Ector).
찬란한 햇살 (Rich at Heart)
The impact of Dokyeom’s journey as Arthur was so profound that in September 2022, EMK Musical Company produced a documentary titled Xcalibur The Musical Documentary: Dokyeom’s Brilliant Journey.
The decision to create a documentary stemmed from the immense attention his casting had garnered, as well as his inspiring growth from a K-pop idol stepping into the world of musical theater to a performer recognized for his depth and dedication. The film delves into his personal experiences, the rigorous training process, and the emotional weight of portraying Arthur over multiple seasons.
What made his journey even more remarkable was his ability to balance two demanding careers simultaneously. As SEVENTEEN’s main vocalist, Dokyeom was already committed to an intense schedule of world tours, album recordings, and live performances. Yet, amid these responsibilities, he undertook the lead role in Xcalibur, dedicating himself to grueling rehearsals, refining his acting skills, and mastering the complexities of musical theater. His unwavering determination and resilience not only allowed him to thrive in both fields but also earned him praise from seasoned professionals and fans alike, solidifying his reputation as a truly versatile artist.
Years later, the documentary continued to gain recognition internationally. In January 2023 and September 2023, it was screened in Japan, allowing overseas fans to witness Dokyeom’s journey on the big screen. The documentary was later brought to Indonesia in February 2024, further cementing Xcalibur as a defining chapter in his career.
For a glimpse into this journey, you can watch the official trailer below:
TRAILER: Xcalibur The Musical Documentary: Dokyeom’s Brilliant Journey
Dokyeom’s journey in Xcalibur marked a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his talent beyond the idol stage. His powerful portrayal of Arthur earned him critical recognition, leading to nominations for two prestigious musical theater awards. In 2019, he was nominated for the Stagetalk Audience Choice Awards in the Musical Male Rookie category, reflecting the overwhelming support from audiences who were captivated by his performance. The following year, his talent was further acknowledged when he was nominated for the Male Rookie Award at the Korea Musical Awards, a testament to the respect he had garnered within the industry.
Beyond the stage and the documentary, Dokyeom’s journey in Xcalibur was not just about his growth as a musical actor—it was also about the friendships he built along the way. His time in both the 2019 and 2021 productions fostered deep connections with his fellow cast members and vocal teacher, relationships that extended far beyond the theater. Many of them have continued to support and praise him long after the curtains closed, reflecting the genuine bonds he formed during the production.
The depth of his bond with Xcalibur was especially evident during his final performance in 2019, when the overwhelming emotions of his journey led him to tear up just before stepping onto the stage for his curtain call. It was a poignant moment that reflected not only his dedication but also how much the role of Arthur had meant to him.
Echoes of Xcalibur:
The Performance That Lives On
"It's my favorite musical of all times. Since it's the first musical I challenged, so my love and fondness towards it is incomparable to the others. I will think of these precious moments and memories. It is very precious to me."
- Lee Dokyeom, Xcalibur The Musical Documentary: Dokyeom’s Brilliant Journey
translation credit: pepizzaboy
Dokyeom’s journey in Xcalibur was more than just a role—it was a transformative experience that showcased his talent, resilience, and deep emotional connection to the stage. From the initial challenges of stepping into musical theater to the standing ovations and heartfelt farewells, his portrayal of Arthur left a lasting impact on both audiences and those who shared the stage with him.
Beyond the theater, his performance continues to resonate deeply with fans, who still reminisce about his time as Arthur, sharing memories, rewatching clips, and celebrating the passion he poured into the role. Though the final curtain has fallen on his time in Xcalibur, the legacy of his performance, the friendships he forged, and the admiration he earned continue to shine, solidifying Xcalibur as a defining chapter in his artistic journey.
Until then, we look forward to the next curtain raise, KyeomArthur.
Video credit: LINK