In February 2016, Julian Kim performed the title role of Figaro in Il barbiere di Siviglia at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, becoming the first Korean baritone to take on the role at this historic venue. The production, directed by Davide Livermore, stood out for its visually arresting design — a bold black-and-white aesthetic resembling hand-drawn illustrations, giving the entire performance the feel of a two-dimensional animated world. Occasional splashes of high-saturation color heightened the surreal atmosphere, creating a striking contrast. Within this imaginative setting, Kim’s Figaro emerged as a lively, circus-like figure, both vocally and theatrically compelling. His splendid baritone and finely tuned musicality were praised for enhancing the stylized tone of the staging, while his charismatic presence fully embodied the director’s vision of Figaro as a central, animated force within the production.