Julian Kim’s Phantom: A Commanding Debut in Musical Theater
(Review based on Newspaper articles and interviews)

Julian Kim’s portrayal of the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera marks a remarkable stage musical debut, seamlessly blending his operatic prowess with the intricate demands of musical theater. Known for his extensive experience in the European opera scene, Kim brings a unique depth to the role, showcasing both raw power and delicate nuance in his vocal and dramatic expression.

Kim’s journey to embodying the Phantom began with a nerve-wracking audition conducted via video call due to pandemic restrictions. His rendition of All I Ask of You (Reprise) initially left him uncertain, yet his ability to tap into the character’s emotions impressed director Rainer Fried, who asked him to perform it again with an even deeper emotional focus. This attention to character psychology is evident in his performance, as he masterfully navigates the Phantom’s torment, possessiveness, and vulnerability. (Interview | [COVER STORY] Sing for My Music <The Phantom of the Opera> Julian Kim [No.222], The Musical, APR 2023)

One of the defining aspects of Kim’s portrayal is his vocal interpretation. His warm, resonant baritone complements Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sweeping melodies, capturing the haunting beauty of the score with an extraordinary sense of phrasing. Particularly in The Point of No Return, his Phantom exudes both seduction and menace, sending chills down the audience’s spine. His voice, rich and commanding, effortlessly conveys the Phantom’s power, yet it also allows for moments of fragility, highlighting the character’s desperate longing for Christine. (A World-Class Baritone and 150 Enchanting Minutes: Julian Kim’s ‘Phantom’ [Cook Review], Kukinews, SEP 2023)

Transitioning from opera to musical theater, Kim acknowledges the heightened level of vocal subtlety required. Unlike in opera, where sheer vocal projection reigns supreme, musical theater relies on microphones to capture every breath and whisper, allowing for a more intricate portrayal. Kim embraces this, demonstrating remarkable control over dynamics and emotional shading. Fans who primarily know him for his robust vocal power from Phantom Singer 2 might be surprised by his ability to weave tenderness into his performance. (Interview | [COVER STORY] Sing for My Music <The Phantom of the Opera> Julian Kim [No.222], The Musical, APR 2023)

Beyond his vocal prowess, Kim’s acting has also garnered praise. Despite this being his first foray into musicals, he has received guidance from seasoned theater veterans, including Cho Seung-woo and Dong Suk Jeon, who alternated in the role of the Phantom in Busan. Their advice, along with mentorship from Yoon Young-seok—who played the original Korean Phantom—helped Kim refine his interpretation, ensuring a balance between grandeur and vulnerability. ([Viva100] Musical The Phantom of the Opera – Julian Kim: 'The Honorable Weight of the Mask, Now a New Beginning', Bridgenews, JUL 2023)

Critics and audiences alike have lauded his Phantom as a perfect fusion of operatic grandeur and theatrical sensitivity. His presence on stage is commanding yet never overpowering, allowing for moments of raw emotion to shine through. From his spine-chilling whispers in the darkness to the thunderous cries of heartbreak, he delivers a multifaceted portrayal that is both haunting and deeply moving. ([Epilogue] The Phantom of the Opera – Julian Kim & Jisoo Sohn, A Successful Musical Challenge (Ex:Spedia), Xports News, AUG 2023)

Overall, Julian Kim’s debut in The Phantom of the Opera is a testament to his versatility as an artist. His ability to merge operatic technique with the nuanced demands of musical theater results in a Phantom that is both vocally impeccable and emotionally gripping. His performance stands as a memorable addition to the legacy of the role, marking an impressive transition into the world of musical theater.


Julian Kim’s Phantom: A Year of Growth and Transformation
(Review by Homepage Webmaster)

From the whispered “Bravi, bravi, bravissimi” to the final breath of “It’s over now, the music of the night” followed by Phantom’s disappearance, let’s follow his journey over 2 hours and 30 minutes on stage. From the first performance in Busan to the final curtain call in Daegu, let’s trace Julian Kim’s portrayal of the Phantom—how it evolved and how the nuances in his acting and singing transformed over time.

Julian Kim makes a thunderous first impression in The Mirror, emerging from behind the half-transparent reflecting glass with a voice that booms with anger toward Raoul. His face appears within the mirror, commanding attention, before he shifts his vocal tone to seduce Christine, luring her into his world. As the scene transitions into the labyrinth beneath the opera house, The Phantom of the Opera plays in a pre-recorded sequence, yet his voice remains as powerful as ever. When he steps off the boat, he theatrically tosses his cape aside and slicks back his hair, leading seamlessly into The Music of the Night. Here, his voice undergoes constant and delicate variations, painting a mesmerizing musical landscape. The resolute and forceful ending of “Let your soul take you where you long to be” reverberates as if one hears it in the opera house, reminding the audience of his operatic vocal strength, while the long and thinly resonant head voice mixed with falsetto in “Help me make the music of the night” seems to mark his definitive transition into the world of musical theater.

His performance in Stranger Than You Dreamt It is a study in contrasts, delivering near-staccato articulation and a raw, almost sobbing vocalization that vividly expresses his anguish and the devastation of being unmasked. The act closes with All I Ask of You (Reprise), a chilling display of madness conveyed through voice alone. Kim’s portrayal of the Phantom in Act 1 is striking in its emotional detachment—rather than love, he conveys obsession and possessiveness, treating Christine as a mere vessel for his music rather than a person.

In Act 2, Why So Silent…? is performed with a subtle, creeping malevolence, expertly adjusting tempo between pre-recorded and live segments to ensure seamless transitions. In Wandering Child, his voice shifts from sly manipulation to an almost hypnotic incantation, luring Christine toward the graveyard with an Iago-like villainy. His diction remains sharp, and he skillfully balances his spoken and sung lines, maintaining a steady vocal flow.

As the show progressed over a year-long run, Kim’s interpretation evolved significantly. Initially, his Don Juan Triumphant, The Point of No Return, and All I Ask of You (Reprise) were performed with a dry, self-absorbed intensity. However, as time went on, his portrayal deepened—his Phantom became more complex, revealing layers of possessiveness, desperation, and a glimmer of genuine love toward Christine.

His Down Once More… is delivered with an almost rock-infused vocal explosion, embodying the Phantom’s frenzied instability. His physical performance is equally measured, enhancing the intensity of the moment without overshadowing the music. The Final Lair scene only grew richer with time; the way he expressed the Phantom’s reaction to Christine’s kiss evolved with each performance, subtly shifting from sheer shock to a dawning realization of love and empathy. This transformation culminates in his final decision to release Christine and Raoul, solidifying his presence as a tragic yet formidable figure on stage.

As the show reaches its end, Kim delivers the final “It’s over now, the music of the night” with a hauntingly beautiful resonance, his face etched with regret as he vanishes into the shadows, seated on his throne and gazing at the monkey music box. Over the course of a year, Julian Kim’s Phantom grew in depth and complexity, ultimately earning him the Best New Actor Award at the 8th Korea Musical Awards, a testament to his triumphant transition into the world of musical theater.